Seven Archaeological Wonders to Explore in Peru

At these archaeological centers lie ancient settlements of Andean civilizations, from the oldest in the Americas to the most powerful empire in the southern part of the continent.

With over 5,000 years of history, Caral-Supe is considered by archaeologists to be the oldest civilization on the American continent. It was contemporary with other civilizations in Egypt, India, and Mesopotamia, and was named a sacred city due to the religious remains found within it. Its settlement, located in the Supe Valley, north of Lima, consists of six pyramids, various circular plazas, the remains of an amphitheater, and several residences that may have also been used as workshops. Among the ruins, several instruments related to fishing and agriculture have been found, in addition to the oldest quipu in the world - a device made with woollen strings used for tallying censuses, harvests, etc. - and 32 flutes made from condor and pelican bones. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located south of the city of Trujillo, on the northern coast of the country, the sanctuary of Huacas del Sol and de la Luna was the ancient capital of the Moche culture from the 1st century BC to the 9th century. Here stands the 43-meter high stepped pyramid corresponding to Huacas del Sol, believed to have had administrative purposes; and Huaca de la Luna, which consists of several superimposed temples dating from different periods. The latter served as an important religious center, as a ceremonial altar with several sacrificed warrior bodies, patios, ceremonial plazas, and murals depicting deities such as Aiapaec, the punishing god of the Moche culture, were discovered. Between the two temples lay the urban center with large avenues, shops, and residences.

Dedicated to Pachacámac, the god of fire and son of the sun, the site was the most important oracle on the Peruvian coast during the pre-Inca era. The complex was composed of majestic pyramids, palaces, temples, and plazas dedicated to political, cultural, and religious life. The earliest centers built were Urpiwachak and Adobitos, characterized by their complex architecture. They were part of the Ichma culture, who erected a large ceremonial center before the arrival of the Incas. With the Incas, the Temple of the Sun, Acllahuasi, and several palaces were constructed. Today, Pachacámac has a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the site and the eras dominated by different cultures, as well as view various pieces and collections of pottery, wood, or textiles.

Known as Huaca Rajada, this is where the tomb of the Lord of Sipán was discovered in 1987, one of the most important Moche rulers of Ancient Peru, whose civilization dominated the northern coast of the country between 100 and 800 AD. With him were found pieces of gold and silver, as well as remains of women, children, and animals sacrificed to accompany him to the afterlife. This significant discovery is currently displayed in the museum of the Sipán Archaeological Center, one of the most important of its time for its global significance. In the city of Lambayeque, there is also the Royal Tombs of Sipán museum, which houses some of the treasures located in the area.

This archaeological zone located 5 kilometers from Trujillo is considered the largest adobe construction in the Americas. In total, Chan Chan comprises ten walled citadels where some engravings featuring geometric shapes and figures of animals like birds or fish can be viewed, alongside other symbols. The site, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, was the ancient capital of the Chimor kingdom between the 12th and 15th centuries and belonged to the ancient Chimu culture.

Situated on a rocky promontory connecting the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, this ancient Inca sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World. It was the capital of the Inca Empire, who built a complex of temples in this sacred valley in the mid-15th century, during the reign of Pachacuti Yupanqui. It is divided into two sectors: the agricultural sector, comprised of terraces; and the urban sector, with administrative functions. Machu Picchu was connected to other settlements via Qhapaq Ñan, the network of Inca roads.

Located in the Chicama River valley, El Brujo is regarded as one of the most important archaeological complexes in northern Peru. It consists of three huacas: Prieta, Cao Viejo, and Cortada, and was an important religious and political center of the Moche culture. Here, the tomb and mummy of the Lady of Cao were discovered, an ancient ruler of the Moche culture who was considered almost divine, and whose story is told in the museum of the same name in Cao Viejo. The El Brujo complex is an ancient ceremonial center whose remains date back to different eras and cultures including Moche, Cupisnique, Lambayeque, Chimú, and Inca, among others.