Many times, the majestic Machu Picchu tends to overshadow some other archaeological sites in Peru. We want to let you know that this amazing Inca site is not the only one in Peru. Before the great expansion of the Inca Empire, there were numerous other cultures within the Peruvian territory. Many of these alternative cultures have left their marks in various buildings, temples, and forts that have lasted over time.
For this reason, together with the travel experts at Machu Travel Peru, we would like to tell you a little about these famous places in Peru. Unfortunately, people often underestimate them, and they have fascinating stories behind them.
The greatest ancient Peruvian ruins to explore in a parallel tour
- Kuelap
- Chan Chan
- Chavin
- Sacsayhuaman
- Pisac
- Maras & Moray
- Choquequirao
- Ollantaytambo
- Caral
- Huaca Pucllana
- Huayna Picchu
- Pachacamac
- Nazca Lines
- Pikillaqta
1. Kuelap
The Chachapoyas culture in an Amazonian region built the wonderful and incomparable fortress of Kuelap. Moreover, the cloud forests of the area covered the ruins until their discovery in 1843.
This wonderful walled city could be considered one of the most incredible points to visit on some vacations in Peru. The unsurpassed landscapes of the northern Peruvian Amazon surround and blend organically with the architecture of the place.
These ancient ruins can be comparable to the magical Machu Picchu in terms of their size and scale. More than 500 circular structures form the fortress. These were built six centuries before the arrival of the Incas.
2. Chan Chan
Considered one of the most ancient ruins in Peru, Chan Chan was one of the largest and oldest adobe cities in all of South America. This citadel can be located in the coastal region of northern Peru, very close to the no less surprising city of Trujillo.
This Adobe City covers an area of more than 20,000 square kilometers. Also, nine other walled subdivisions as warehouses, houses, and religious and administrative sectors, among others. Also, the ancient Chimú civilization built this awesome mud city between 850 AD and 1470 AD. For this reason, UNESCO declared to Chan Chan Archaeological Zone one of the many World Heritage Sites that can be found in Peru.
3. Chavin
These ancient ruins were one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations for the different Andean communities. These different cultures came to Chavín to share their ideologies, customs, and traditions, among other things.
Inside the site, you can still see different monoliths of carved heads representing different deities. Its intricate architecture and the tunnel system it houses are one of the greatest attractions of the place. Today, Sacsayhuaman is on the list of the best things to do in Peru, where to can enjoy alternative tours.
4. Sacsayhuaman
The Sacsayhuaman is one of the main attractions around the Imperial City. These ancient ruins are very easy to explore on a day trip. The fortress shows the great skill of the Inca Empire in terms of its construction of bastions and walls. It is believed that the Inca Empire, during the reign of Pachacutec in the 15th century, built this great ceremonial fortress.
Sacsayhuaman ruins are bigger than Machu Picchu. However, it was Huayna Capac who finished this architectural wonder. The ruins are located about 3,700 meters above sea level and cover a territory of more than 3,000 hectares. It is, without a doubt, one of the most surprising Inca sites to visit.
5. Pisac
The beautiful traditional town of Pisac is just an hour’s drive from the city of Cusco, and above it, you can see the amazing Pisac Ruins. You can reach it by a short but no less surprising hiking route, although certain taxis also usually drop you at the entrance of the ruins.
The amazing agricultural terraces will lead you to a ceremonial center, some irrigation canals, Inca baths, and other incredible attractions. These ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley are usually part of a tour through the Sacred Valley that explores numerous other Inca sites.
6. Maras & Moray
Both attractions are within the confines of the Sacred Valley Map. Maras is a small city that hides one of the most peculiar ancient ruins of the Inca Empire.
To the north of the town of Maras are a surprising series of Inca salt flats. And, believe it or not, the current Maras population continues to use them to this day. Moray is about 9 kilometers from the salt mines. This makes it a great place to visit during your trip.
Several unique circular terraces jutting into the land make up the ancient ruins of Moray. Researchers have used them for agricultural experimentation purposes to compare different crops. Both attractions are within the confines of the Sacred Valley map. Maras is a small city that hides of the most peculiar ancient ruins of the Inca Empire.
7. Choquequirao
This amazing fortress is about 10,010 feet above sea level. You can find it between Cusco and the Amazon jungle.
It is very similar in size and importance to Machu Picchu. Some people even call Choquequirao its brother city. Due to its difficult access, it is not usually as crowded as the Wonder of the World. But if you have the good fortune to explore this site on one of the many tours in Peru, you will not regret it.
8. Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is an awesome Inca fortress situated at the northwest end of the Sacred Valley, region of Cusco. The Incas built it in 1400 under the orders of Inca Pachacutec, as a fortress, religious and agricultural center. This was the last Inca refuge against the Spanish, who persecuted them. Ollantaytambo is an awesome Inca fortress situated in the northwest
In 1536, the Incas achieved a victory over the Europeans in this fortress. But, one year later, the Spanish counterattacked, obtaining a final victory. Of course, the Incas ended up entering the jungle. Either way, the warehouses, quarries, terraces, and important temples remain intact.
Furthermore, the aqueducts, canals, and water sources still work! Even the Andean masons had to move the 6 giant monoliths of the Temple of the Sun (located on top of the fortress) from the quarries of Cachicata (3.7 miles from Ollantaytambo, on the other side of the Urubamba River), Amazing!
9. Caral
If you are asking, What is the oldest ruin in Peru? Well, the answer could be Caral. Indeed, the Norte Chico civilization built Caral 5,000 years ago. This culture was contemporary with great primitive cultures such as China, India, and even Egypt, and it is still being studied. Wood and stone were the main materials for its construction, unlike their contemporaries made of mud. For this reason, Caral resisted time.
It is located 182 km north of Lima and is one of the most complex urban plans of its time. Proof of that is an awesome pyramid with high platforms, ceremonial rooms, altars, and a circular amphitheater. Also, in recent years, Peruvian archaeologists found 4 more pyramids surrounding a ceremonial square.
10. Huaca Pucllana
The Huaca Pucllana is an amazing mud brick pyramid situated in the middle of a current mid-class Lima neighborhood, Miraflores. According to research, the pre-Inca culture of Lima, on the central coast of Peru, built the ceremonial complex (400 – 500 A.C. After, the Huari, a central Sierra culture, invaded it around 700 A.C. and they turned it into a gigantic metropolis. Already in Inca times, they used it as a ceremonial center.
Furthermore, nowadays Peruvian archaeologists are still excavating it! Therefore, if you visit the archeological site, you will be able to see tombs embedded in the walls of the Huaca. These belonged to elite Huari women sacrificed to the gods along with their children. Also, you’ll enjoy a site museum and a 5-star restaurant there.
11. Huayna Picchu
In addition to Machu Picchu, there are the ruins of Huayna Picchu. You can find Huayna Picchu Mountain 2 km northwest of Machu Picchu, very close to Aguas Calientes town. You will find minor Inca constructions such as Tambos and surveillance enclosures.
However, what stands out on the mountain is the temple of the Moon. This temple is built by false portals and trapezoidal niches, of high quality, in a cave for the worship of Inca gods. Hiram Bingham, the Machu Picchu discoverer, also found these ruins. Some scholars even affirm that the ruins of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu could not be considered ruins, since they are 90% complete. That is why Machu Picchu and its surrounding ruins are truly intact Inca wonders.
12. Pachacamac
Pachacamac was a vital political, religious, and cultural center for many Andean civilizations. The site, situated in a desert region, is believed to have been used as a pilgrimage destination due to its prominent location and the presence of the Pachacamac oracle, a deity that controlled earthquakes and natural disasters.
The Temple of the Sun, the largest structure at Pachacamac, was constructed to honor the sun god and was believed to house a powerful idol of Pachacamac himself. The site also features many tombs, ceremonial platforms, and residential areas, revealing its dual function as a center for both governance and worship.
13. Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are one of the most remarkable feats of ancient engineering, and their sheer size and complexity continue to fascinate researchers. Some of the more famous figures, such as the hummingbird, the monkey, and the spider, can only be fully appreciated from the air, prompting speculation that the lines might have had a connection to extraterrestrial beings.
The purpose of these massive geoglyphs could range from religious rituals to marking water sources or ceremonial paths. Interestingly, the lines have survived for centuries due to the region’s dry, windless, and stable climate, preserving them for modern-day exploration and study.
14. Pikillaqta
Pikillaqta is one of the most famous pre-Inca archaeological sites. It is unique because it predates the Inca civilization, yet its advanced infrastructure influenced later Inca architecture. The Wari, who built Pikillaqta, were one of the first Andean cultures to develop an expansive urban center with large, complex structures and defensive walls. The city’s strategic position allowed it to control important trade routes, making it a key center for regional domination.
The Wari also created distinctive ceramic art, and archaeologists have discovered many of their artifacts at the site. Pikillaqta’s stone buildings are impressive because of their precision. The site’s layout was likely made to support a large population. It also had efficient water distribution and agricultural terraces.
“A RUIN SHOULD ALWAYS BE PROTECTED BUT NEVER REPAIRED – THUS MAY WE WITNESS FULL THE LINGERING LEGACIES OF THE PAST”
As you can see, there is much more to visit than Machu Picchu. The tourism in Peru is vast and marvelous. We hope that, along with the travel experts at Machu Travel Peru, you have found our help useful in your search for archaeological sites in Peru. If you are looking to satisfy your craving to feel like an explorer, don’t hesitate to consult with our qualified advisors.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact Us today to plan your dream adventure!
