Archaeology in Peru

 

The diverse landscapes of Peru are home to some of the most spectacular pre-Columbian archeological sites on earth. From Inca citadels perched atop fertile Andean peaks to sprawling desert cities forgotten in time, Peru is archaeologically blessed with exquisite examples of intricate stonework and architectural marvels.

Located almost 8,000 feet (2,430 meters) above seal level near the former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco, Machu Picchu is the most famous of the pre-Columbian ruins in all of South America.  This site was once called “the lost city of the Incas” because it was never found by the Spanish conquistadors, and after being abandoned in the 14th century, was not found again by outsiders until the 1900s.  Enveloped by stunning views of the Andes, and featuring seamless construction from large, hand-cut stones, this site is a must see for any visitor to Peru. 

In the northern coastal desert of the country, one can find countless archeological sites including the vast pre-Columbian city of Chan Chan.   Located about five kilometers west of the city of Trujillo, the city was originally constructed by the Chimor people, who were later conquered by the Inca. The largest pre-Columbian archeological site in South America, and the largest adobe city in the world, Chan Chan is truly an astonishing site.  The city’s creators smoothed the adobe and then carved the walls with intricate designs.  The impressive construction is further highlighted by the sparse desert landscape that surrounds it.  

For those who crave the feeling of discovery, there is perhaps no better place than Kuelap, a site as awe inspiring as Machu Picchu, but which attracts only a fraction of the crowds.  The fortress of Kuelap, also in the north of Peru, was once home to the Chahapoyas culture.  It contains more than 400 buildings, and overlooks the Utcumbamba valley.   Massive in scale, surrounded by lush vegetation, and sufficiently isolated enough to make travel somewhat inconvenient, Kuelap is one of the most highly regarded pre-Columbian sites for those who look beyond Machu Picchu.

Further south, one can find the Nazca lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs depicting stylized animals that span kilometers and can only be properly seen from the sky. Although the true nature of these ancient designs continue to baffle scientists, there is a consensus as to how they were made. The lines were created by digging through the red stones that form the top layer of the ground in this region, uncovering the white earth beneath. Charted plane flights take visitors around to see these lines as their original creators would have imagined the gods to see them, from the sky.

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