The Pacific shoreline of Latin America hosts one of Peru's best tourist attraction places. According to many people who have visited this place, Peru has unique ways of life and climate rage. Most importantly, historical sites that you can visit on your next vacation. Peru has tremendous Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites that travelers enjoy visiting. This article outlines 10 of them to enjoy your next vacation fully.
10 El Brujo
Peru's El Brujo was an early Chimu settlement known as "Moche" that existed between 100 and 700 AD. Consequently, it is currently considered an archaeological site that tourists often visit during vacation or on school trips and learn about the inhabitants of that time. El Brujo's main features include three sacred pyramid temples known as "Huacas," which make the site quite impressive. Additionally, a new museum next to the site, referred to as Museo de Cao, attracts more tourists. It contains a woman's, Señora de Cao, mummified remains and precious findings that archeologists excavated alongside her.
9 Chan Chan
Chan Chan is also among the most impressive sites in Peru, developed around 1300 AD. It attracts tourists because it is considered the largest pre-Colombian city in the Americas and the largest adobe city in the world. Due to its size, it was the capital of the ancient Chimu civilization, whose people were primarily engineers and builders. Travelers that visit the site get to see how an estimated 60,000 inhabitants lived in a city with thick earthen walls that fenced storehouses, residences, and temples. To view this historical site well, tourists are encouraged to visit sooner because torrential rains could wash away the ancient city.
8 Chauchilla Cemetery
The Chauchilla Cemetery is proof that certain desert conditions, alongside other factors, can preserve bodies. This site is in Nazca Town in Peru and is an ancient burial ground for the town's people. It is said to have been in use between the 2nd and 9th centuries AD. Although a significant amount of time has elapsed between then and now, the bodies remained in good condition, and tourists can see some skin and hair. Factors that made this possible are the Peruvian desert conditions and some Nazca burial practices.
7 Caral, Supe
Caral is considered as Americas' oldest civilization center because it dates back to 2600BC. As a result, it is the most looked over Peru archeological site. It contains six large pyramid structures that are contemporary with the Egyptian Pyramid Era. Tourists require a local community guide for tours around the Caral site, who speaks Spanish. Travelers who do not understand this language often bring translators or organize tours. Most importantly, the English-translated interpretive panels at Caral are rare in other archeological sites.
6 Kuélap
Kuélap was once home to about 3,000 people. This 9th-century fortress was once a stronghold for a tribe of the Chachapoyas people, earning the title "The Macchu Picchu of the North." The tribe inhabited the said region before the Spanish conquest. So it is an impressive site comprising of limestone walls surrounding about 450 stone houses. It looms at 3000 meters above sea level, and visitors access it through Chachapoyas. Although it appears isolated, it is a busy market that makes it easier to explore the ancient ruins.
5 Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a worldwide famous historic site because it is quite an extraordinary ancient stone city. It is big and has plenty to explore, especially when visitors take the effort to climb to Huayna Picchu. Situated along Peru's Inca Trail, it has impressive structures, including the upper cemetery and the Three Windows Temple. Other structures that travelers like to explore include the mausoleum and the semi-circular Temple of the Sun. It is also a great spot for hikers due to the numerous trails around the site.
4 Nazca Lines
Peru contains ancient earth drawings known as the Nazca Lines, a series of large "geoglyphs" embedded in the Nazca desert. These large shapes occupy about 450 square kilometers between Nazca town and Palpa, in a region known as Pampa Colorada. The origin of these lines is often debated, but rumor has it that they were created between 500BC and 500 AD by the Nazca civilization. Some tourists use planes, especially during good weather conditions, to view them since they are in the middle of the desert. In contrast, others prefer the Pan American Highway observation tower.
3 Ollantaytambo Ruins
Ollantaytambo is another interesting historical site to visit in Peru. Located 60 miles north of Cuzco city, this ancient Inca fortress and modern village contain numerous magnificent Inca ruins. According to experts, the mid-15th century emperor Pachacuti built the fortress to unite local tribes under Inca control. The fortress also served as a temple but unfortunately lasted a short time. Nevertheless, these ruins are 2800 meters above sea level at a high hill. They still have terraces and remains of the Temple of the Sun and royal chamber.
2 Royal Sipan Tombs
The Royal Sipan Tombs were discovered in the Lambayeque Valley. They produced the treasures tourists find in the Sipán Tomb Museum in Peru. These artifacts include silver and gold pieces and objects, ceramics, and jewels. The museum is structured to match the actual 4th-century tomb, which belonged to Moche Lord of Sipan, a warlord. Travelers are encouraged to visit the site on all other days except Mondays when closed and avoid carrying cameras because photography is forbidden.
1 The Moche Temples
The Moche Temples are found in northern Peru and comprise the Sun and the Moon Temples, also known as Huaca del Sol y la Luna. They have numerous colorful different ominous figures and shapes. Tourists enjoy visiting the site despite it being a work in progress. One can currently find interpretation and signage, although the majority are in Spanish. Nevertheless, one can get a translator, especially the English-speaking guides found at the ticket booth.