Machu Picchu, one of the crowning achievements of Inca engineering and architecture, stands as an iconic landmark to be explored on any trip to Peru. Spend at least half a day exploring this breathtaking landmark which stands as a precious cultural and historic site.
Chan Chan offers an intriguing window into a once-prosperous civilization. Its walls are covered in intricate carvings that convey information about their culture and beliefs from Chimor people who once resided here.
Casa de Aliaga
Lima’s oldest colonial house still inhabited by descendants of its founders is an unforgettable experience, boasting 18 rooms tastefully decorated in true colonial style. Visitors may take a private guided tour or join one as part of an organized city tour to visit this impressive mansion.
Kuelap, commonly dubbed the new Machu Picchu, is an impressive citadel built by the Chachapoyan people of Chachapoya and designated a UNESCO Heritage Site. Offering visitors a glimpse into ancient Peruvian cultures’ lifestyles and civilizations alike. Not to forget its cemetery with mummified remains dating back to 200 AD!
Caral-Supe
Caral-Supe was once home to one of the earliest civilizations in North America, dating back over 5,000 years ago. Although its pyramids may not have been as grandiose as Giza’s pyramids, their existence shows evidence of advanced civilisation at that time.
Caral was both religious and secular power center, evidenced by its monumental stepped structures associated with sunken circular plazas that hint towards it being both. Furthermore, Curacas (heads of lineages) governed over many districts from low valley areas near Lima up into Andean foothills – which may account for why Caral can be visited on day trips from Lima.
Chan Chan
Chan Chan (also known as Huaca Arco Iris) boasts an extraordinary archaeological site constructed out of mud. Historians believe the Chimu civilization that constructed it may have been one of the oldest centers of civilisation in North America.
Planned hierarchically, its design included advanced industrial, agricultural and fluvial systems at its time of construction. UNESCO recognized it as World Heritage.
Ruins remain in excellent condition, though some areas require care due to erosion from El Nino rainfalls and main buildings around Tschudi Palace needing reinforcement using modern engineering techniques.
Nazca Lines
Nazca Lines are one of the country’s premier archaeological sites, consisting of over 300 geometric figures and 70 animal and plant designs known as biomorphs arranged along straight lines. Situated in an arid region near Nazca, they cover over 500 square kilometers.
UNESCO has designated them as World Heritage Sites and they have been interpreted in many different ways; some theories speculate they were created as astronomical maps; however, sacred routes connecting various religious sites also may have inspired their construction.
American historian Paul Kosok was the first scholar to study Inca civilization extensively, arriving in Peru during World War II alongside Maria Reiche (German mathematician).
Gocta Falls
Gocta Falls are one of Peru’s most captivating sights and offer visitors an opportunity to discover an entirely unique culture from Peru’s northern regions. Their way of life can be seen at funeral sites adorned with sarcophagi and in the Kuelap ruins; evidence shows they had strong independence that differed greatly from their Andean neighbours.
The two-part waterfall was only recently brought to public awareness when German explorer Stefan Ziemendorff discovered it while looking for mummies near Chachapoyas. Since then, it has become a tourist attraction as one of the world’s tallest waterfalls; local legends still describe a mermaid who curses anyone entering its waters.
Marcahuasi
Although Marcahuasi may not be as well-known as Peru’s other legendary attraction, Machu Picchu, it still holds a certain allure. This unique granite rock plateau features strange shapes resembling human faces, animals and religious symbols – adding another level of allure.
There have also been reports that energy vortexes exist at Marcahuasi; however, no one knows exactly how these work or why. Furthermore, no comprehensive archaeological surveys have taken place here.
Visit Marcahuasi in the dry season from October to March for optimal experience. From Lima, take either the bus at Paseo Colon or a colectivo to Chosica; from there the journey should take four hours before reaching Marcahuasi.
