Peru is home to numerous remarkable landmarks. One such structure is Caral, known as the first city in Americas. Dating back 5,000 years, this 5,000 year-old site contains various shapes that resemble animals or humans.
Peru offers some wonderful archaeological sites to see, such as Moche Lord of Sipan Tomb Museum in Peru. Here visitors will discover Senora de Cao and all of her precious finds that were unearthed alongside her by archeologists.
Chan Chan
The Chan Chan archaeological complex in Peru is an invaluable cultural monument and one of the main tourist attractions. Comprising ten walled citadels from Chimu civilization and once considered to be one of the largest adobe cities in North America at that time.
Trujillo in northern Peru lies approximately 20 km2 and serves as an outstanding example of how architecture from the former Chimu kingdom blended symbolic and sacred aspects with technological knowledge, adapting it to fit its environment.
Chimu people were accomplished builders and engineers. They created a complex society with houses and urban spaces designed for communal living, were skilled metallurgists and masters of caballitos de totora (reed-woven canoes), controlled a vast coastal empire extending from today’s Ecuador border in the north to Chancay in the south until they were defeated by Incas in 1470.
Kuelap
Kuelap, Peru’s impressive jungle fortress located in the remote Northern Highlands near Peru’s Amazon rainforest is an imposing presence. Its towering walls tower above Utcubamba valley and reach over 3,000 meters (9,842 feet).
Kuelap is an incredible feat of stonemasonry that stands as a testament to an ancient culture that flourished long before the Incas.
A judge first discovered the site in 1843; however, after being abandoned for hundreds of years until explorations in the 1980s. Now known as an archaeological reserve and candidate UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. If possible, visit Kuelap out of peak season when crowds are less dense so you can better appreciate what this historical gem has to offer; also remembering this will ensure tourism provides steady income to local families throughout the year.
Chavin de Huantar
Chavin de Huantar was once touted by archaeologist Julio C. Tello as being home to an ancient mother culture; although that opinion may have since changed, the site should still be visited for its unique historical and archaeological value.
Chavin people, living from 900 BCE to 200 CE, constructed this complex. Their notable contributions included two temples – Old and New Temples as well as various obelisks and stone carvings from this period; including Antonio Raimondi’s discovery of a granite slab featuring depictions of gods holding staffs; this famous find can now be seen at Lima’s National Museum of Archaeology Anthropology and History.
Chavin de Huantar complex boasts more than just obelisks and temples; there are numerous other intricately crafted treasures as well. One such relic is Lanzon – an impressive spear sculpture made out of granite which measures more than four meters high, accessible via narrow tunnels – adding further intrigue.
Temple of Cerro Sechin
How did ancient Peruvians communicate their messages without Internet and printing presses? One way was through stone carvings, as evidenced by the Temple of Cerro Sechin. This archaeological complex — including one of America’s earliest urban sites — is famous for the 300 or so carved slabs that decorate its walls and interior spaces, depicting warriors with axes wielding weapons as well as body parts mutilated, which reflect Casma/Sechin society’s bloody nature.
Peru offers many off-the-beaten-path gems that shouldn’t be missed, like Choquequirao – another “lost city,” so remote it only sees about 20 travelers per day! A two-day hike from Cachora leads you there. Don’t miss it for anything!
