Most Visited Monuments in Peru l Famous Monuments in Peru

Peru is definitely a novel place to be and a remarkable sight to see. With a trove of deep-rooted traditions and celebrated cultures, a visit to the monuments in Peru departs from the humdrum sightseeing tours to bring you an enriching experience of scenic colonial buildings. Lima is Peru’s capital city, the country’s most populous city, and the most important commercial center and continues to flourish more than ever. Surrender yourself to the infectious energy of the locals, coated in the beautiful tongue of the Peruana (Spanish and Aymara) language, as you embark on this journey. Here is one of the top 10 monuments in Peru:

List of Famous Monuments in Peru

1. Huaca de la Luna

In Northern Peru, located near the city of Trujillo at the mouth of the Moche River, the Huaca de la Luna (Temple of the Moon) together with the Huaca del Sol (Temple of the Sun) formed part of the ancient city of Huacas de Moche which used to be the capital city of the Moche people. The remnants of Huacas de Moche can still be seen between the two structures indicating a densely packed community consisting of residential, administration, workshops, cemeteries, and religious buildings. This ancient monument in Peru contained finely finished floors and walls plastered with mud and then painted. Many of the buildings contained storage areas and the remains of hearths, grinding stones, pottery, and food. Many of the remains have also been found to have dated to the 1st century BC which preceded the Moche and also to those of the Chimú and Inca which followed them.  

Address: Carretera campiña de moche, Moche 13600, Peru

2. Qurikancha (Temple of the Sun)

According to some historians, it is the most significant historical building in Peru of the Inca Empire. The Qurikancha has not lost its significance over the years. One of the most-visited monuments in the city of Cusco, the Qurikancha once had walls completely covered in solid gold. The courtyard, which lies adjacent to the temple, housed a number of solid gold statues before the Spanish decided to take it all away in exchange for the life of the Inca leader Atahualpa. The Spanish demolished the temple and instead resurrected the Church of Santo Domingo at this place.

Address: Santo Domingo s/n, Cusco 08000, Peru

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3. Machu Picchu Peak

Easily Peru’s most famous International brand, the Machu Picchu peak is the most well-known icon of Peru’s ancient Inca civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru popularity became evident in 2007 when it was voted as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ is a global online poll. The easiest way to reach here is to take a train from Cusco, which takes only a few hours; though most tourists prefer reaching here at the end of the Inca Trail.

Address: Machu Picchu, Peru.

4. Choquequirao

Choquequirao consists of a wide series of ruins of an ancient Inca city located in southern Peru and has certain similarities with Machu Picchu. Choquequirao also refers as the cradle of gold, is located in the northwest region of the city of Cusco.  This one of the oldest monuments in Peru is built on the highest point of the Salkantay mountain, at 3,085 meters, which implies a 2-day excursion to reach the ruins.  Juan Arias Díaz was the first non-Inca visitor to visit this historic Inca monument, arrived there in the year 1710. You must take the Choquequirao trek available on various tourist sites if you want to visit this incredible monument.

Address: Choquequirao Archaeological Park, Peru

5. Tambomachay

Another popular monument in Peru, the Tambomachay houses a host of waterfalls, canals, and aqueducts. The ceremonial bathing pools and beautiful sights make this place a favorite among visitors. Since the archeologists haven’t confirmed the actual application of this site, go with the stories the guides tell you and relish the history. Enjoying this place will need a good leg workout from you, so make sure you are in your best possible shape. 

Address: Cusco 08000, Peru.

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6. Chavin

Chavín de Huantar was built between 850 and 300 BC. It is an archaeological site of great historical and cultural value since it was built. According to some historians, the construction of this famous monument in Peru was carried out by a pre-Inca group called Chavin and is located 250 kilometers from Lima, the capital of Peru. Chavín de Huantar, on the other hand also has a very considerable elevation, equivalent to 3,200 meters.

Address: Chavin de Huantar 02395, Peru

7. Huaca Pucllana

Built on as many as seven elevated platforms, these monuments of Peru are a group of clay pyramids. One of the prime spots that highlight the Peruvian culture in all its prowess, the Huaca Pucllana has now been transformed into a tailor-made tourist destination for a romantic dinner and some memorable photographs. Wear comfortable shoes and apply a lot a sunscreen since the outside tour can be a bit harsh when the sun is beating down on you. If possible, avoid bringing very small children since they may not be able to put in the effort needed to go around the monument.

Address: Ca. Gral. Borgoño cuadra 8, Miraflores 15074, Peru

8. Chan Chan

The longest city of the pre-Columbian civilization in all South America, this well-known archeological site served as a thriving capital of the Chimor Empire in yesteryears. Extremely well-preserved by the national government, this whole city itself is a national monument in Peru if you wish to feel the vibes of the prehistoric era. The inscriptions on the walls are well-cleaned and draw your attention at once. There are usually a number of guides at the site, though their proficiency in English and their ability to keep you engaged may differ!  

Address: Huanchaco, Peru

9. Saksaywaman

Saksaywaman lies on the outskirts of Cusco, one of the multiple UNESCO monuments in Peru. The dry-stone walls, which were built using humongous stones, make this site an architectural marvel and an enigma. A number of theories have been presented about the possible techniques applied for the construction of the walls but none have been universally agreed. Like with most other places in Peru, you should hire a guide to unravel the local anecdotes attached to this place.

Address: Cusco 08002, Peru.

10. Kuelap

Kuelap consists of a huge wall and is associated with the Chachapoyas culture. This historical landmark in Peru, even today, shelters more than 400 ancestral buildings behind its solid and gray rocks. Kuelap is about 600 meters long and 110 meters wide and located in the north of Peru. It is estimated that the construction could have been done to protect against hostile attacks from other communities.

Address: Carretera a Kuelap, 01415, Peru

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11. Desert Oasis at Huacachina

 

A paradise in the desert is what some people call Huacachina. Built around an oasis, Huacachina village has only 100 (or even less), permanent residents, though it attracts tourists in thousands each year. A number of nearby wells have reduced the water level of the oasis, thus forcing the locals to put artificial water in the oasis. However, this cultural landmark in Peru hasn’t reduced the aesthetic value of this majestic site, located in one of the most barren lands in the world.

Address: Huacachina 197, Ica 11000, Peru

12. Islas Ballestas

The Ballestas group of islands is a perfect place to see some playful dolphins, sea lions, and penguins located in the Paracas district. A 2.5-hour boat ride is worth every penny and can be extremely relaxing for you and exciting for your kids!. A number of agencies offer guided boat tours, which usually cost around 25 USD per person. And if you are a small group of people and would like privacy, you can opt for the private yacht charters too to reach this natural landmark in Peru.

Address: Paracas 11660 Peru

13. The Sacred Valley of the Incas

According to tourists, the photos, however good they may be, don’t really do justice to the beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As a part of the famous Inca Trail, this beautiful monument in  Peru is a kind of a prelude to the peak of Machu Picchu. But rather than playing second fiddle to one of the New Wonders of the World, the Sacred Valley holds its own and stuns all those who pay a visit. Majestic views of the mountains, valley, and highlands are good enough to compensate for all the effort put in during the Inca Trail.

Address: Sacred Valley, Cusco, 08670, Peru.

So far we have discussed the best monuments in Peru, which contains the proper information regarding all the most visited monuments in Peru. I hope you might have loved reading this article and if you love to know more about Peru then kindly head to our other articles as well which will help you to get knowledge about.

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