Tasty pachamancas, alpaca ponchos and flashy folk dances are not the only lingering reminders of Peru’s fascinating past. The country also boasts a number of spectacular ruins that are sure to blow any history buff’s mind and dazzle every visitor passing through. The presence of the Incan culture can be seen all around its different regions, ranging from Machu Picchu in the Andean cloud forest to the ancient city of Caral near the central coast.
Machu Picchu is probably the most famous symbol of the Incan Empire and was built in the mid 15th century. Due to its secluded location it was forgotten for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. RealTravlers Cass and Worth traveled to this marvel last February and were mesmerized by its beauty.
“With eyes still at half-mast we boarded the bus to see the sun rise behind a thick fog. For the first 30 or so minutes in the ruins, we had no idea which way to look through the fog. However, as the mist slowly parted, the timid rationing of the ruin’s appearance made its final unveiling all the more impressive. A deserving member of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is not only a marvel of architectural greatness, but also an example of a deep admiration for the natural world. The stunning temples, citadels and terracing act only to deepen the beauty of the surrounding piercing peaks.” (more…)
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, lies about 50 miles away from Machu Picchu and serves as a great base camp for visiting the ancient city or going to the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. This historic town is surrounded by six mountains and is considered one of the highest cities in the world at 10,990 ft. You can see Spanish Colonial and Incan architecture resting in perfect harmony, as well as marvel at its natural surroundings.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is beautifully laced with rivers and gorges that help make it one of the best places for maize production in Peru. The area also includes a number of towns where you can find pre-Hispanic archaeological ruins and great local markets that offer handmade goods. When visiting the valley, one can appreciate the towns of Pisaq, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
After spending so much time in the Andes you might want a change of scenery, so head towards Caral about 125 miles from Lima. This city is believed to be one of the oldest in the Americas dating back to 2,627 B.C., which puts it around the same time as ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. The people that lived in Caral pre-date the Aztecs, Mayas and Incas, and were an advanced civilization that was made up of mostly fishing and farming communities. You can find a number of stone pyramids, sunken plazas, housing complexes, as well as an amphitheatre.
Many more ancient sites mark the Peruvian countryside providing an endless amount of entertainment for travelers of all kinds. The cultural variety of city to jungle, the friendliness of the local people, and the exquisite cuisine make it hard not to fall in love with this country.
Check out the link below for some great advice from other RealTravelers and more information to plan your trip:
Peru Blogs
