Degradation phenomena of Templo Pintado painted plasters

•The Templo Pintado is one of the most important archaeological Sanctuary of Peru.•Weathering causes and damage observed in Templo Pintado painted plasters.•Environmental conditions significantly influence deterioration process.•Pulverisation, exfoliation and detachment are caused by wet-dry and wind erosion.•This work shows the importance of systematic investigation over long observation.