When most travelers think of Peru, they conjure up images of majestic mountains, rainforests, dense jungles and the remains of its ancient civilization that once prevailed throughout the South American country.
21.07.2023 - 08:24 / roughguides.com
The traces of human civilisation in Peru date back some 20,000 years, to nomadic peoples who crossed into the Americas via the Bering Straight during the last Ice Age. From these beginnings to the Mochica and Nazca peoples living in the first centuries AD, to the famous Incas of Machu Picchu, today visitors can trace that history back thanks to a wealth of fascinating archeological sites in the country. While Machu Picchu deserves its place at the top of the fame table (and gets the hordes of visitors as a result) there are several other ancient sites in Peru well worth your time. Here are some of our top picks.
120 miles outside Lima, Caral offers a fascinating insight into early organised societies. The ancient pyramids here are thought to be the oldest evidence of civilisation in the Americas, some 4,000 years older than the Incas, and even older than the great pyramids of Giza. The site covers around 150 acres and features two large circular plazas sunk into the ground, plus the remains of six pyramids (along with evidence of residential structures), the largest of which is 154m tall. Archeologists have uncovered numerous musical instruments, including flutes made from animal bones, that hint at the importance of musical to this early society.
Remains of an ancient civilisation in Caral © Quismanco/Shutterstock
In Peru’s north, Trujillo is home to several important Inca sites, including some which have only been discovered in the past decade or so. Most famous are the staggeringly huge sun and moon pyramids (Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna), the former of which is the largest adobe structure in the Americas. These temples are believed to be the centre of the Moche (or Mochica) culture between 400 and 600 AD.
Huaca del Sol was used as an administrative centre – there’s evidence of dwelling as well as a large graveyard. Incredibly, what you see here is only about 30% of the total size of the pyramid in its original state.
Huaca de la Luna is thought to have served a ceremonial purpose, and is distinguished by its well-preserved friezes (some still with their original colour intact) and stylised depictions of a face thought to be the god Ai-Apaec, master of life and death. Worship of Ai-Apaec has frequently been linked with human sacrifice, and archeologists have found the dismembered remains of over 70 sacrificial victims here.
Planning your trip to Peru? Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Peru.
A frieze at Huaca de la Luna, one of the most interesting ancient sites in Peru © WatchtheWorld/Shutterstock
Inspired by our list of the top ancient sites in Peru? See them for yourself with our new tailor-made travel service .
Between Trujillo and Chiclayo – Peru’s financial centre – there
When most travelers think of Peru, they conjure up images of majestic mountains, rainforests, dense jungles and the remains of its ancient civilization that once prevailed throughout the South American country.
A travel illness can ruin a dream vacation, which is why you should be sure to get vaccinated or acquire some medication before taking certain far-off journeys. A new report from GetGoing Insurance points out the most common travel illnesses and conditions to take extra precautions for, and some of the most common places real-life travelers get them.
May is here, which means Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer–is just around the corner. Memorial Day isn’t the biggest travel holiday of the year, with many people choosing quick, local getaways (read: driving, instead of flying).
When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list was issued in June, a new entry was sitting on top at #1: Central in Lima Peru, rising from #2 the previous year, replacing perennial favorites in Denmark, Spain and Japan. But for those who admire Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant, which is described as a culinary introductory course through 15 Peruvian ecosystems categorized by altitude, the choice was no surprise, just as Peruvian cuisine itself topping the list was no surprise, given its complexity, diversity of influences and simply luscious flavors. For those in New York, another introductory course of a kind will take place on July 28th at the Lower East Side restaurant POPULAR as several chefs get together to create a special dinner to celebrate Independence Day in Peru.
There’s only one place on Earth where you can see swimming iguanas, lava lizards, and giant tortoises: the Galápagos Islands. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, the archipelago off the shore of South America is a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for fauna and flora, and their protection. 97 percent of the land was designated as a national park in 1959, and over 51,000 square miles of ocean around the islands have been a protected marine reserve since 1986, making for a destination where you’re a guaranteed to be immersed in nature and observe unique wildlife.
If you’re looking for an immersive outdoor experience in Cusco, Peru, the Mountain View Experience is pretty true to its name. These A-Frame cabins sit high in the stunning Andean mountains, offering breathtaking views and a rusting lodging experience without sacrificing comfort.
Machu Picchu is a must-see destination for any traveler. Located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, this 15th-century Inca citadel stands roughly 8,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful setting that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories. From its stunning natural beauty to its mysterious archaeological wonders, there’s something for everyone at this incredible site. These Airbnbs near Machu Picchu will help you grasp the historical importance of this sacred site.
The Waikiki Hostel in Lima, Peru is situated in the heart of Miraflores, an upscale district known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants. This hostel offers a unique experience for travelers looking for a more social atmosphere than traditional hotels. The hostel common area consists of a variety of spaces such as a lounge, bar, kitchen, and terrace, providing ample opportunity to mingle with other guests. The hostel also boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace with seating and a small swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
When my friend Rachel asked me to fly to Peru to celebrate her 30th birthday, I immediately thought of a bucket list trek to Machu Picchu or an opportunity to scale the staggering Ollantaytambo ruins. Rather, with wide eyes and a smirk, she cautiously revealed her ambition to climb the very vertical Via Ferrata to reach what every Peruvian lamented as plain loco. After all, the Skylodge Adventure Suites welcomes only those daring enough to spend the night suspended 400 meters above Cusco’s Sacred Valley.
France-based airport retail and duty-free ordering platform, Inflyter, is expanding its presence in airports having first debuted at Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport in 2018 with global duty-free operator Aer Rianta International. The latest placement of its smart lockers was in Lima’s Jorge Chávez International in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail and Lima Airport Partners in Peru.
A year out was once the preserve of 18-year-olds seeking direction in life but today things have changed. Forget spending 12 months in a haze of alcohol, harem trousers and sunburn. Travel in your late 20s and early 30s is now an acceptable, and often far more rewarding, time to explore the world.
Peruvian cuisine is rated among the best in the world and is currently experiencing a period of flourishing self-confidence and popularity overseas. Here are six classic Peruvian recipes taken from the Rough Guide to Peru, all fairly simple to prepare and found throughout the country. All quantities given will feed four people, so invite a few friends round, put on some panpipe music and prepare to impress.