When it comes to archaeological and historical sites, there is no better place than Peru’s Inca civilization. It is believed to be over 300 years old. It holds one of the most beautiful Inca ruins, ancient temples, and trails. If you’re a traveler interested in archaeological sites, Peru should be a must-visit destination for you.
In this blog, we will look at 10 of the most iconic Inca ruins and archaeological sites to visit in Peru. If you are visiting Peru, then you should definitely visit these.
Inca ruins are the most famous in Peru. You will find that there is much more to Peru than just the Inca. Each of these archaeological and historical sites offers a different experience. There are also the ancient temples in Pisac and the beautiful elliptical terraces in Moray.
These sites serve as a lens, allowing you to take a peek at the infrastructure and living methods of the Inca people. They were spiritual people who held their belief in deities and natural gods. So much so, they built the ancient Temple of the Sun, for the sole purpose of praying to the sun god ‘Inti’. You can see how their beliefs are reflected heavily in their architecture. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the mere remains of these buildings.
We have compiled a list of the top 10 most beautiful Inca Peru ruins and archaeological sites to visit in Peru:
UNESCO has made this site a part of the Seven Wonders of the World. And for good reasons, as the location of this site and the way it is built is more than just fascinating. This wonder is located in the heart of the Inca civilization. It was even called the famed lost Citadel of the Incas, as it was an important part of the area. Many areas and ruins served as worship altars for various gods, including the sun god. It is also home to the Intihuatana stone, believed to ‘tie’ the sun in Inca cosmology.
Pisac is located at the eastern end of the Sacred Valley. This will serve as a beautiful second site after Machu Picchu. The renowned Inca temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, are located here. You will find different royal baths, military complexes, and sites dedicated to the study of astronomy. Pisac may seem like a small town now. But it was once an important place for the Inca people. There are far too many sites to visit here, so take your time enjoying them.
This place was treated as an administrative retreat for the Inca people. Located at the far end of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is a must-visit site. There are numerous traditional sites to visit in this area. There are also local markets and artisans to check out. Grab a souvenir or two from your trip.
When you enter Moray, the first thing to greet you will be the elliptical terraces of this place. The Inca people used this beautiful method. They heavily utilized this agricultural practice to grow crops at various altitudes on the mountain. The agricultural wonder of this place is enough to entice you into exploring.
After all, the most important site of the Inca ruins is the Inca Trail. The trail is often described as a breathtaking passage. But it will require you to have a good amount of physical fitness. This trail can only be visited by trekking. However, the views along the way and the ruins you see will make it all worthwhile. It is full of agricultural and archaeological sites. At the end of this trail, you can visit other major sites as well.
Now we can depart from the sacred valley and visit the former capital of the civilization, Cusco. It was built as a show of power and is filled with gracefully designed structures. The annual Inti Rayami festival takes place here as well.
This beautiful place is located in the heart of Cusco. There are many beautiful Spanish churches and mansions. It was initially built as a gilded temple for the Sun god Inti. It is a sacred land, and many religious processions begin from here. You can find various shrines here that throw light on the pre-existing religious and sacred beliefs of the Inca people.
This place is extremely underrated when it comes to Inca ruins and archaeological sites. It has a lower number of buildings and ruins to visit. Nearby are the Red Fort of Puca Pucara and the Puma-shaped stone in Qenko. You can also try an unusual but famous delicacy of Peru, which is guinea pig meat.
This place is a few miles south of Cusco. Raqochi is mostly visited by those en route to Lake Titicaca. But this place also has Peru ruins and historical sites. There is a temple here that was used to worship the all-powerful god, Viracocha.
The final destination on our list is interestingly on the border of Peru and Bolivia. This enormous and beautiful lake can be a one-time stop, but it is worth every second you’ll spend here. It is believed to be the place where Viracocha created the sun and the moon and where Inti created Manco Capaca and Mamo Occlo. These were the first Inca people, according to beliefs. You can take part in boating or enjoy visiting the temples.
All of these sites are the reason why so many travelers decide to visit Peru. Some sites are widely known, while others are hidden gems. You should decide which of these to visit. You can also start visiting them one by one. These Inca ruins and archaeological sites are your ticket to better understand the life of the Inca people.
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Which is the most famous archaeological site in Peru?
Machu Picchu is a site that is preferred by visitors. It has numerous temples and altars, including the Intihuatana stone.
How many sites are there in the Sacred Valley?
You can find about 200 sites and ruins in this valley.
Where is the Temple of the Sun?
The Temple of the Sun in Pisac. It is one of the ancient Inca temples built to worship the Sun god ‘Inti’.
How old are the Inca ruins?
Inca ruins were once the remains of buildings from the Inca civilization. As the civilization itself is more than 300 years old, the buildings are just as old.
Which site of Peru is one of the seven wonders?
Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world. It was made due to its beauty and ancient architecture.
