Peru’s Top 10 Ancient Wonders

1. Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas)

What Makes It a Wonder

Once a secluded royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu’s true purpose remains a subject of fascination. Its masterful stonework, sophisticated agricultural systems, and astronomical alignments are a testament to the Inca’s ingenuity. The city was mysteriously abandoned around the time of the Spanish conquest and remained unknown to the outside world for centuries, preserved by its stunning and inaccessible setting amidst the Andean peaks. Many travelers begin their journey to this wonder from nearby Cusco, a city steeped in Inca history and culture.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The Intihuatana stone, Temple of the Sun, Room of the Three Windows, and the agricultural terraces.
• Navigating the Site: Your ticket will specify a circuit (1, 2, 3, or 4). Stick to this one-way path. Be prepared for many stone steps.
• Estimated Time Needed: 2.5 – 4 hours for the main citadel.
• Best Photo Spot: The classic postcard view is from the Guardian’s House near the upper entrance.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

We strongly advise you to use the restroom facilities located outside the entrance before you enter the site. There are no toilets available once you are inside the main gates, and re-entry is generally not permitted on a standard ticket.

2. The Nazca Lines (Mysterious Desert Geoglyphs)

What Makes It a Wonder

Etched into the arid desert floor by the Nazca culture between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D., these enormous geoglyphs are one of archaeology’s greatest enigmas. The figures—ranging from simple lines to complex depictions of animals and humanoids—are so vast they can only be fully appreciated from the air. Their purpose, whether for astronomical, ritual, or other reasons, remains a compelling mystery. Many flights over the lines depart from the coastal town of Pisco.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Viewing Options: The most common way is a 30-minute flight from Nazca or Pisco. For those who prefer not to fly, a viewing tower on the Pan-American Highway offers a limited view of three figures.
• Key Figures to See: The hummingbird, spider, monkey, and the “astronaut.”
• Flight Preparation: Flights involve small planes making sharp turns. Eat lightly beforehand if you are prone to motion sickness.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

For the best initial photo opportunities, a seat on the right side of the aircraft can be advantageous, as pilots often begin their circuits by banking to the right. However, they are diligent in circling both ways to ensure all passengers get excellent views of the key figures.

3. Sacsayhuamán (Fortress of Cusco)

What Makes It a Wonder

The defining feature of Sacsayhuamán is its monumental, zigzagging stone walls. This Inca complex was built with a precision that defies explanation, using massive boulders—some weighing over 100 tons—that were quarried, moved, and fitted together perfectly without a drop of mortar. The sheer scale and flawless interlocking construction represent an extraordinary feat of engineering.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The three-tiered main walls, the Inca throne (Suchuna), and the rock slides (Rodaderos).
• Navigating the Site: This is a large, open-air site. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground and grassy fields.
• Estimated Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

Please be mindful that this site is at a slightly higher altitude than the main plaza of Cusco. To acclimate comfortably, we advise you to walk at a relaxed pace and ensure you stay well-hydrated throughout your visit.

4. Ollantaytambo (The Living Inca City)

What Makes It a Wonder

Ollantaytambo is remarkable for its dual identity as a massive Inca fortress and a sacred ceremonial center. It was the site of a rare Inca victory over the Spanish conquistadors. Furthermore, the town at its base is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Americas, with residents living within original Inca-era courtyards and using ancient water channels that still function today.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The steep agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun with its six giant monoliths, and the face of Viracocha on the opposing mountain.
• Navigating the Site: The main attraction is the climb up the steep terraces. Take your time, as the steps are large and the altitude is noticeable.
• Estimated Time Needed: 2 hours.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

After visiting the ruins, take some time to explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the town itself. Here you can see the original Inca water channels, a living piece of history, still providing water to the community as they have for centuries. This site is a key part of the wonders found in the Sacred Valley.

5. Chan Chan (Capital of the Chimú Kingdom)

What Makes It a Wonder

As the immense capital of the pre-Inca Chimú Empire, Chan Chan stands as the largest adobe (mud-brick) city in the world. This sprawling archaeological site was once a bustling metropolis, home to an estimated 60,000 people. Its high walls enclose royal compounds, plazas, and storerooms, many decorated with intricate friezes inspired by the sea. This ancient city is located near the coastal city of Trujillo.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The Nik An Palace is the main restored area open to visitors. Look for the intricate friezes depicting fish, birds, and sea waves.
• Navigating the Site: The site is in a hot, dry desert. A hat, sunscreen, and water are essential. Walkways are clearly marked.
• Estimated Time Needed: 1.5 hours for the main complex.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

The adobe structures are extremely fragile and vulnerable to damage from touch and erosion. To help us preserve these delicate and ancient carvings, we kindly remind travelers not to touch the walls.

6. Kuelap (Fortress of the Cloud Warriors)

What Makes It a Wonder

Often called the “Machu Picchu of the North,” Kuelap is the magnificent walled citadel of the Chachapoyas people, a civilization that pre-dates the Incas. Located high on a ridge in a lush cloud forest, this massive fortress is ringed by stone walls up to 20 meters high and contains over 400 circular stone structures, creating a mystical and awe-inspiring atmosphere. While Kuelap is a wonder in the north, the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are must-see destinations in the southern Andes.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The monumental outer walls (up to 20 meters high), the circular stone houses, and the main ceremonial platform (Tintero).
• Navigating the Site: Access is via a scenic cable car ride. The site itself involves walking on uneven stone paths, often in misty or wet conditions.
• Estimated Time Needed: 2 – 3 hours at the site, plus travel and cable car time.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

The weather in the cloud forest can change in an instant, with sunny skies giving way to mist and rain. We recommend bringing a rain jacket or poncho to ensure your comfort regardless of the conditions.

7. Royal Tombs of Sipán (The Moche King)

What Makes It a Wonder

This is not a ruin but a world-class museum that houses one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The intact tomb of the “Lord of Sipán,” a high-ranking Moche warrior-priest, was found filled with an astounding collection of gold, silver, and jeweled artifacts. The find has provided invaluable insight into the rich and complex Moche culture.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The recreated tomb, the Lord of Sipán’s stunning regalia, intricate gold pectorals, and turquoise ear ornaments.
• Navigating the Site: The museum is designed as a pyramid, which you ascend from the bottom up, mirroring the excavation process. Photography is usually prohibited inside.
• Estimated Time Needed: 2 hours.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

To gain a deeper appreciation for the museum’s treasures, we suggest visiting the actual Huaca Rajada excavation site nearby. Seeing the place where the tombs were discovered provides powerful context for the artifacts you will see.

8. Caral-Supe (The Oldest City in the Americas)

What Makes It a Wonder

The Sacred City of Caral-Supe is extraordinary for its immense age. Flourishing nearly 5,000 years ago, it is a contemporary of the Egyptian pyramids and is the oldest known urban center in the Americas. Its well-preserved complex of pyramids, sunken circular plazas, and residential buildings reveals a surprisingly advanced society for its time.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The six main pyramids (especially the Pirámide Mayor), the sunken circular plazas, and the amphitheater.
• Navigating the Site: The site is in a barren desert valley. It is very exposed, so sun protection is critical. You must be accompanied by a local guide (usually included in the entrance fee).
• Estimated Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours for the guided tour.

Pro-Tip for Your Visit

Note that Caral is a more academic site compared to the more visually ornate Inca ruins. Its profound wonder lies not in intricate carvings, but in its immense age and its pivotal importance in the story of human civilization.

9. Choquequirao (The Sacred Sister)

What Makes It a Wonder

Choquequirao is often referred to as Machu Picchu’s “sacred sister” for its similar architectural style and vast, remote mountaintop location. Because it is accessible only by a demanding multi-day trek, it receives just a fraction of the visitors, offering an unparalleled sense of solitude, exploration, and connection to the Inca past. Many travelers combine a visit to Choquequirao with other iconic Inca destinations, such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Your Visit at a Glance

• Key Features to See: The main plaza, the terraced “Llamas of the Sun,” and the House of the Priests.
• Navigating the Site: Access requires a strenuous, multi-day trek. This is not a day trip. The site itself is large, with steep sections still being excavated. Trekkers often start their journey from areas near Arequipa or other southern Peruvian cities.