The remains of the first Andean inhabitants, hunters and harpoon fishermen from about 1000 years ago, are to be found in the Lima region. These remains were found in Chivateros, near the Chillón River, and in various other places. These persons incorporated nets, hooks, farming, ceramics and weaving to their everyday objects. The inhabitants of the coast lived in the lomas and the valleys forming temples and dwelling complexes, that gave origin to huge ceremonial centers such as the Huacoy on the Chillón river; Garagay and La Florida on the Rímac River, Manchay on the Lurín River; and Chancay, Supe and many other valleys to the north and south. There are finely ornamented temples with figures modeled in clay. The Lima culture saw its origins in this area, specially on the central valleys from Chancay to Lurín, with painted adobe buildings.

During this time, the Huari conquest took place, thus giving rise to Huari style ceramics, together with a local style known as Nievería. The population grew and their culture changed. With the decline of Huari, whose most important center was Cajamarquilla, were born new local cultures, Chancay being the most known of them. They developed enormous urban centers and a considerable textile production as well as mass-produced ceramics. At this stage, the Incas arrived, in the fifteenth century, occupying important sites such as Pachacamac.