Peru is not only one of the few megadiverse countries but also one that’s incredibly rich in fascinating history. Thus, there are also many impressive ruins in Peru from the time of the Incas that are worth discovering.
Without a doubt, the first place that will come to mind when talking about archaeological sites in the country of the Incas is Machu Picchu. However, there’s a lot more than that. So, let’s begin. Here are the 14 must-visit ruins in Peru!
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Ruins in Lima
Huaca Pucllana
This clay pyramid, also known as Huaca Pucllana, is located centrally in the Miraflores district. It once served as an important ceremonial and administrative center for the advancement of the Limca culture and was built in 500 AD. Nowadays, Huaca Pucllana is surrounded by modern office buildings and apartment complexes.
Pachacamac
These ancient ruins are a 24.85 miles (40 km) journey south of Lima. Once there, you’ll be impressed by the archaeological complex that covers nearly 500 hectares and has a modern onsite museum. The site, Pachacamac, was named after the god who created the Earth, Pacha Kamaq (“Earth Maker”) and contains several temples and some of the best preserved ancient mud-brick architecture in the world.
Ruins in Cusco
Machu Picchu
The impressive ruins were built on top of a mountain with an outstanding view of the surrounding jungle, the Urubamba river and the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain. Machu Picchu is made up of more than 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries. There are many interesting facts about this magical site, one being that in Quechua “Machu Picchu” means “Old Mountain” or “Old Peak”.
Qorikancha (Korichanca)
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, was called the navel of the world as it represented the center of the world of the Incas. Qorikancha is the most important temple of the Incas, where they expressed their devotion to the sun god Inti. The name, Qorikancha, means “the golden temple”, as it used to be covered with Inca gold.
However, when the Spanish conquered the city in the 16th century they demolished most of the site and melted its gold. Then they built a cathedral, the Santo Domingo Monastery on the site, maintaining the temple’s stone foundations.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is located on the northern outskirts of Cusco and was built by the Incas in the 15th century. This is a must-see archaeological complex featuring many impressive zigzagging Inca walls that took nearly 90 years to complete. Sacsayhuaman was the most important military base of the Inca empire. Nowadays, the Inti Raymi, an ancient religious Inca celebration, takes place at Sacsayhuaman each June in a theatrical setting and attracts thousands of visitors.
Ollantaytambo
Did you know that the ruins of Ollantaytambo are some of the best preserved ruins in all of Peru? The site was used as a strategic military, religious and agricultural center that leaves us speechless with its impressive stonework reaching 13 ft (4 m) in height until today. One of the most interesting facts about this site is that the stones for the wall of the six monoliths had to be carried for 3.7 miles (6 km) from a river to the top of the mountain. And all of that without a wheel – impressive, isn’t it?
Pisac
From the Pisac ruins, you get some of the most picturesque views of the Sacred Valley. It’s a combination of impressive terraces at the mountain and ruins on top of it. Its strategic location suggests that it was used to guard Cusco and the southern part of the Sacred Valley. Once there, you’ll discover numerous religious, agricultural and military structures.
Moray
The ruins of Moray were built somewhere between the 6th and 10th centuries and are nestled in the breathtaking Andes mountains. They are best known for its three groups of circular terraces. Can you imagine that these terraces have been used for agricultural experiments? In fact, this site used to be a laboratory for the Incas that made use of the extensive temperature difference of the various levels to plant different crops.
From the highest to the lowest level, the temperature differs 41°F (5°C) and the sun hits each terrace at a different angle and intensity. That’s how the Incas have been able to do agricultural research and identify the best conditions for crops to thrive.
Other Ruins
Choquequirao
Choquequirao is also known as Machu Picchu’s sacred sister, due to its impressive and remote location in the mountains as well as the numerous ruins and sectors. The ruins located at 10,010 ft (3,050 m) can be reached by doing the typical 4-8-day hiking tours. The interesting fact about Choquequirao is that only 40% is exposed and it is supposed to be 4 times bigger than Machu Picchu. At the site itself, you’ll be able to see a large archaeological complex with different buildings, such as temples, terraces and more.
Kuelap
The ancient ruins of Kuelap are near the city of Chachapoyas in the northern part of the Amazon region. As this archaeological site is located at more than 10,006 ft (3,000 m), it offers a picturesque view that combines the magnificent Amazon rainforest of Peru and ancient ruins. Kuelap was known as the political center of the Chachapoya civilization and at its height, the city had up to 300,000 inhabitants, mostly warriors, farmers, merchants and shamans.
Chan Chan
Since 1986, Chan Chan has been a UNESCO site and used to be the largest adobe city in South America. The ancient ruins are located on the desert coast near the city of Trujillo. Once visiting, you’ll be impressed by the entire complex that covers more than 20 square kilometers and served as an administrative, political and commercial center for the pre-Inca culture Chimu. It is estimated that at its peak more than 60.000 inhabitants lived in Chan Chan before the Incas captured the city.
Caral
In Caral you can find some of South America’s oldest ruins. In fact, it is considered the oldest city in the Americas and one of the oldest ones in the world. The highlights of your trip to Caral will be the six pyramids, one being almost 59 ft (18 m) high, the obelisk at the center which was used to determine the time of the day as well as a gigantic amphitheater.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a collection of more than 350 ancient geoglyphs engraved into the earth and found in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. Simple geometric patterns to detailed pictures of people, animals, and plants can all be found in the desert.
Regardless of their purpose, the Nazca Lines are an amazing sight to witness. A small plane tour over the desert is the best way to see them. Without a doubt, these ruins are a must-visit site for everyone with a passion for archeology or ancient cultures.
Embrace your incredible time at Peru’s ruins
As you can see, in Peru you’ll find outstanding ruins that not only have an interesting history, but are also located in some of the most beautiful and mysterious places of the country. We are sure that you will collect unforgettable moments at Peru’s ruins and spend an incredible time in the land of the Incas.
As you’ve read above, depending on the month in which you visit Peru, your experience might differ substantially. That’s why we recommend you inform yourself about the best time to visit Peru when planning your vacation.
Connor Daniels 9 September, 2023 at 5:44 am
I have heard about Caral in the news! Is it worth going there? Are you offering any tours for that one?
Oliver from Exploor 9 September, 2023 at 11:45 am
Hey Connor! Absolutely, if you have the time to go there and if you’re interested in ancient cultures and history, it’s definitely worth it.
I just forwarded your mail to one of our travel experts that will get in touch with you soon with more info about our tour.
Have a great weekend,
Oliver
Olivia Peters 8 September, 2023 at 9:08 pm
Great article, thank you so much! Which ruins would you recommend for a half-day tour in Cusco?
Oliver from Exploor 9 September, 2023 at 11:44 am
Hey Olivia, glad to hear that you got some value out of it! For a half-day tour, we’d recommend visiting Sacsayhuaman for sure, and if you also have the time check out Puka Pukara, Qenqo and Tambomachay. If you need any help with this feel free to email us at info@exploor.pe.
Saludos from Peru,
Oliver
Maite Carrizo 2 January, 2023 at 7:10 am
Peru is such a wonderful country and there incredible places that I would like to visit. I wasn’t aware of Huaca Pucclana and that there is also a restaurant. Thanks for creating this post.
Konsti from Exploor Peru 4 January, 2023 at 9:30 am
Hi Maite,
thanks for your feedback! Huaca Pucclana is a very beautiful place and seeing the ruins surrounded by the modern buildings is unique.
Enjoy the Peruvian food and let us know how it was.
Best,
Konsti