Peru, a country in South America, is known for its diverse culture, rich history and breathtaking landscapes. It is often associated with the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world and a popular tourist destination. However, there is much more to Peru than just Machu Picchu. The country boasts of numerous other archaeological sites that are equally captivating and worth exploring.
These hidden gems offer a glimpse into Peru’s impressive past and showcase the remarkable engineering and architectural skills of ancient civilizations. From towering pyramids to intricate stone carvings, each site has its unique story to tell. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the 5 must-visit archaeological sites in Peru beyond Machu Picchu.
1. Chan Chan – The Largest Adobe City in the World
Located in the northern coast of Peru, Chan Chan is an ancient city built entirely out of adobe bricks. It was the capital of the Chimu civilization, which dominated the Peruvian coast from 850 AD until it was conquered by the Incas in the late 15th century. Chan Chan means “Sun Sun” in the local language and is believed to be the largest adobe city in the world.
History
The construction of Chan Chan began around 850 AD when the Chimu people migrated to the area. The city grew rapidly and reached its peak around 1200 AD with a population estimated to be between 30,000 to 60,000 people. It was a prosperous city due to its strategic location near the coast, which allowed the Chimu people to engage in fishing and trade.
However, in the late 15th century, the Inca Empire, led by Emperor Pachacuti, conquered the Chimu civilization and took over Chan Chan. The Inca rulers added their own architectural elements to the city, such as stone foundations and walls. But the city was eventually abandoned in the 16th century after the Spanish conquest.
Architecture
Chan Chan covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometers and is divided into nine citadels, each surrounded by high walls. The city was designed to withstand natural disasters and attacks, with a complex system of water canals and reservoirs that provided irrigation and drinking water for its inhabitants.
The walls of Chan Chan are adorned with intricate reliefs of marine creatures, birds, and geometric patterns, reflecting the importance of fishing in the Chimu culture. These carvings are still visible today, despite being exposed to the elements for centuries.
How to Get There
Chan Chan is located just 5 km from the city of Trujillo, making it easily accessible by bus or taxi. It is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with an entrance fee of 15 soles for adults and 5 soles for students. Guided tours are also available, providing a deeper insight into the history and significance of this ancient city.
2. Kuelap – The Cloud City of the Chachapoyas
Located in the Amazonas region of Peru, Kuelap is another impressive archaeological site that often gets overshadowed by Machu Picchu. It is believed to have been built by the Chachapoyas culture, also known as the “Cloud People,” who inhabited the northern part of Peru from 800 AD until their defeat by the Inca Empire in the late 15th century.
History
Kuelap was first discovered in 1843 by Juan Crisostomo Nieto, a Peruvian historian and politician. However, it was not until the 1940s when the site was properly excavated and studied. It is estimated that Kuelap was inhabited for over a thousand years before being abandoned due to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
Architecture
The most striking feature of Kuelap is its impressive walls, which reach heights of up to 19 meters and span over 600 meters in length. These walls were built using stone blocks without any mortar, a remarkable feat considering the site’s location on top of a mountain. Inside the walls, there are over 400 structures, including houses, temples, and ceremonial plazas, which provide insight into the daily lives of the Chachapoyas people.
One of the most intriguing structures in Kuelap is the “Torreón,” a circular tower located at the highest point of the city. It is believed to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes, with evidence of human sacrifices discovered within its walls.
How to Get There
Kuelap can be reached from the town of Chachapoyas, which is approximately 72 km away. The journey takes around two and a half hours by road, with the last section requiring a bumpy ride on a dirt road. The entrance fee to Kuelap is 20 soles for adults and 10 soles for students, and the site is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
3. Sipan – The Tomb of the Lord of Sipan
Considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in South America, the tomb of the Lord of Sipan is a must-visit site for history buffs. It was unearthed in 1987 in the northern Lambayeque region of Peru and contained the remains of an ancient Mochica ruler along with a treasure trove of gold, silver, and precious objects.
History
The Mochica civilization flourished in Peru’s northern coast from around 100 AD to 700 AD and is known for its advanced metalworking techniques and elaborate ceramics. The discovery of the tomb of the Lord of Sipan has shed light on the Mochica culture, which was previously little known.
Archaeological Site
The site of Sipan consists of several pyramids and tombs, with the most significant being the Tomb of the Lord of Sipan. The tomb is located in Huaca Rajada, a large pyramid structure that was used as a burial place for high-ranking members of the Mochica society.
As visitors enter the site, they can explore a replica of the tomb chamber, which showcases the original objects found within the tomb, including the remains of the Lord of Sipan and his entourage. These objects are now housed in museums, such as the Royal Tombs Museum in Lambayeque and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History in Lima.
How to Get There
Sipan is located 35 km from the city of Chiclayo and can be reached by bus, taxi, or organized tour. The entrance fee is 10 soles for adults and 1 sol for students, and the site is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.
4. Pachacamac – The Sacred City of the Inca God
Pachacamac is an ancient city located 40 km southeast of Lima, Peru’s capital. It was considered a holy site by both the indigenous people and the Inca Empire, who believed it was the birthplace of the god Pachacamac. Today, the site is a popular tourist destination and a pilgrimage site for the locals.
History
The history of Pachacamac dates back to around 200 AD when it was a minor settlement inhabited by the Ichma people. It was later conquered by the Wari civilization in the 6th century and then by the Incas in the late 15th century. The Inca rulers expanded the city and made it an important religious center, with temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
Archaeological Site
Pachacamac consists of several ruins, including pyramids, palaces, and temples, spread over an area of approximately 500 hectares. The most notable structure is the Temple of the Sun, a massive adobe structure that was used for religious ceremonies and sacrifices. It is estimated that over 80,000 people visited Pachacamac every year during the Inca Empire’s peak.
Aside from the main temple, visitors can also explore the Temple of the Moon, the Temple of the Old God, and the Palace of the Chosen Women. The site also has a museum where you can learn more about the history and significance of Pachacamac.
How to Get There
Pachacamac can be easily reached from Lima by bus or taxi. The entrance fee is 15 soles for adults and 5 soles for students, and the site is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
5. Sacsayhuaman – The Impressive Fortress of Cusco
Located just 2 km from the famous city of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is an impressive Inca fortress built on top of a hill overlooking the city. It is believed to have been constructed as a defensive structure, protecting the capital of the Inca Empire from invasions.
History
The construction of Sacsayhuaman began in the 15th century under the rule of Inca Emperor Pachacuti and took over seven decades to complete. It is said that around 20,000 workers were involved in its construction, using massive stones weighing up to 200 tons each. However, it was not long-lived as the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish conquistadors in 1533, and Sacsayhuaman was abandoned.
Architecture
What makes Sacsayhuaman remarkable is its massive limestone walls, some reaching heights of up to 9 meters and spanning over 300 meters. The stones used to build these walls are skillfully carved and fit together so precisely that not even a blade of grass can slip between them.
The site also features various structures, including temples, towers, and underground tunnels. One of the most interesting parts of Sacsayhuaman is the “Hall of Justice,” a stone structure with 33 trapezoidal niches that are believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes.
How to Get There
Sacsayhuaman can be reached from Cusco by walking (about 45 minutes) or taking a taxi. The entrance fee is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which costs 130 soles for adults and 70 soles for students. The site is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.
Conclusion
Peru is a country rich in history and culture, and these five archaeological sites beyond Machu Picchu are a testament to that. Each site offers a unique experience and provides valuable insights into Peru’s fascinating past. From the ancient adobe city of Chan Chan to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, these hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking to delve deeper into Peru’s vibrant heritage. So, if you are planning a trip to Peru, don’t miss out on these must-visit archaeological sites that go beyond Machu Picchu.