The total prehistoric sequence in Peru spans 15,000 years, starting at about 13,000 BC when the first gatherer-hunter societies left their traces in the Ayacucho and Ancash highlands.

Traces of these early groups have been found in rock caves of Lauricocha, Pacaicasa and Guitarrero.

It contained human remains, the oldest found in Peru, which can be dated back to the last glacial period, c. 9,500 years ago.

The early Peruvian groups of gatherers and hunters traversed between the rugged highlands and the coastal areas, following the movement of the wild animal herds and the climatic change of the seasons.

The art of working stone to arrow points and fine blades was sophisticated, and the people made cave paintings of animals, hunting scenes and dances.