Peru: Incan Ruins, Breathtaking Landscapes & Local Traditions

Known for being one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, this ancient settlement draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from across the globe. This incredible complex of palaces, temples, and homes demonstrates the power and influence of the Inca Empire at its peak. Built for unknown reasons, Machu Picchu appears to have been at the center of the Incan civilization. Since the Incas had no written language, scholars and archaeologists are still trying to piece together the enigmatic history of this enchanting place. Visitors can see Machu Picchu alone or as part of a multi-day trek with a tour company. It is easily reachable from Cusco, the closest major city.

The Cusco Cathedral is the grandest feature of Plaza de Armas, Cusco's main colonial square. Construction on the stunning church began in 1560 and ended 100 years later. In 1983, the cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The key features of the building include three ornate wooden doors, an eye-catching network of ribbed arch and star-shaped ceiling beams and 14-sided chapels that house paintings, artwork, and statues of saints. Visitors enjoy seeing the Sala de la Plateria (the Silver Room), which is a small side chapel that holds a rich collection of silver artifacts. The crypts, which hold the ashes of Cusco's former archbishops, are also a popular attraction.

Home to more than one third of all the species found in the Amazon Rainforest, Pacaya-Samiria National Preserve is an excellent place for wildlife enthusiasts to watch animals in their natural habitat. Large mammals, birds, and fish are among the many unique creatures that live at Pacaya-Samiria. Puma, jaguar, deer, spider monkeys, and snakes can be found throughout the preserve, and in the streams and rivers that flow throughout the area, visitors can spot more than 250 different kinds of fish. One of the most famous creatures at the preserve is the pink river dolphin, an endangered animal known locally as the boto. Visitors can also get a glimpse of more than 1,000 plant species at Pacaya-Samiria.

Taking a tour of the Monastery of San Francisco is often considered a must do for travelers in Lima. This ornate building showcases the crucial role played by the Catholic Church throughout Peru's history and gives visitors a glimpse into the country's past. Points of interest at the monastery include the library, which holds more than 25,000 books, the beautifully designed Zurbaran Hall, the large collection of religious paintings that adorn the monastery's walls, and the secluded courtyard that surrounds the stone building. Visitors especially enjoy seeing the catacombs, which hold the bones of more than 30,000 people.

As another one of Peru's archaeological mysteries, the Incan ruins at Moray attract tourists from all around the world. The site features a bowl-like crater rimmed with wide stone terraces. Many scientists believe that the site was used as a primitive agricultural research facility: studies have shown that the temperature differences among the terraces are great enough to create microclimates, which are similar to modern day greenhouses. Even with this compelling evidence, Moray's exact purpose is unclear. Today, visitors can enjoy the remains of this well-preserved site as part of a self-guided tour.

The Museo de la Nacion (Museum of the Nation) holds a vast collection of artifacts from the Nasca, Wari, and Moche people. Ancient jewelry, Peruvian folk art, and ceramics that span the entire human history of Peru are among the unique artifacts found throughout the facility. Museo de la Nacion is also the largest museum in Lima, followed by the Peruvian National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History. As of 2017, most of the museum has been closed for renovations, but some upper level exhibits are still open to the public.

Av. Javier Prado Este 2465. San Borja, Lima, Phone: +511-476-9933

Known for being one of the most popular areas in Peru, the Sacred Valley is the cradle of the ancient Incan civilization. As the spiritual, agricultural, and political center for the ancient Incas, the Sacred Valley contains some of Peru's most iconic sites, including the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. The Sacred Valley is easy to reach from Cusco as well as Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. Visitors can easily explore the area on their own, or they can join one of the many guided tours that leave from Cusco and the surrounding towns.

Celebrated as some of the best ruins in Peru, Sacsayhuaman sits on the outskirts of Cusco. Only a quarter of the original ruins are still standing, but scientists estimate that the original complex could have held thousands of people. Walls built of tightly spaced boulders are spread throughout the area, and grass-covered paths wind through the crumbling ramparts of the ancient complex. The Spaniards looted the sacred site in the 1500s, so only the largest stones of the original buildings are standing today. Although Sacsayhuamán has traditionally been classified as a fortress, scientists are beginning to wonder if the site was actually a temple devoted to the sun.

The Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa is an excellent example of Peru's religious architecture. Founded in 1597, the monastery is still a fully functioning convent to this day. At its peak, the complex held around 150 nuns and 300 servants. Santa Catalina was damaged by two powerful earthquakes in the 1960s, but the building was quickly repaired with donations from locals and outsiders. Made completely of sillar, the unique volcanic rock found in most of Arequipa's buildings, the Santa Catalina Monastery makes for a great stop during a city tour. Visitors can see the convent as part of a self-guided tour or with help from a trained guide.

Santa Catalina 301, Arequipa, Peru, Phone: +51-54-60-82-82