In 2007, the incredible archaeological site of Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. This was not surprising for anyone who has already experienced the wonders of this magical site, or for anyone who has long dreamed of visiting it and ticking it on their bucket list. Many visitors to Peru are unaware of the countless other incredible Inca ruins in Peru, many of which can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu and most of which are only a few hours from Cusco! Peru is full of ancient ruins that describe the life of the incredible Inca civilization that has flourished for more than a century, and it is worth visiting on your travels through Peru. I was fascinated by the Incas and since I studied art in school and we have spent a whole quarter on this ancient civilization, with the Mayan civilization. Visiting Peru and personally exploring some of these amazing sights was an experience I will never forget.
Bag SAYHUAMAN
Located just outside Cusco is the ruins of the massive fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The original city of Cusco would have been built in the shape of a jaguar, and the three large terraced walls of Sacsayhuaman would have depicted the jaguar’s teeth. This beautiful Inca fortress overlooks the city of Cusco and visitors are impressed by its beauty and the vast expanse of this Inca site. The fortress consists of several layered walls, which in its time saw many great action. Built with huge blocks of stone, Sacsayhuaman is famous for the outstanding architectural and engineering skills that would have been necessary for its creation.
INTIPATA
Intipata is another Inca ruin that you will see on the third day of the Inca Hiking Trail. Intipata is one of the newer sites discovered in the area and its name translates to “sunny slope”. The absence of buildings, fortifications and squares leads to the conclusion that Intipata was primarily an agricultural settlement. The large terraces are incredible and some of the largest we have seen in all of Peru! The grounds also offer stunning views of the Urubamba River and the valley below. Our guide told us that in addition to its archaeological use, it was likely that the site was also used for strategic reasons because of its guard position over the entire valley.
WINAY WAYNA
The Inca ruins of Winay Wayna are among the best preserved Inca ruins in Peru and can only be seen if you take the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. For those who make the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, you will be rewarded with the incredible winay Wayna at the end of the third and final full day of hiking along the way. They are only a short distance from the campsite and as tempting as it may be to rest your tired legs, it is worth visiting Winay Wayna, as they are not only some of Peru’s best preserved ruins, but also the most extensive. Winay Wayna is built on a steep hill and consists of upper and lower houses and extensive agricultural terraces overlooking the Urubamba River and the beautiful landscape of the Andes.
OLLANTAYTAMBO
Ollantaytambo is both a city and an Inca archaeological site in the Sacred Valley. The city is located at the foot of spectacular Inca ruins, which strategically protected the lower part of the Urubamba Valley and served as both a temple and a fortress. In 1536 it was the site of the greatest military victory of the Incas over the invaders Spaniards! Today it is one of the few cities in all of Peru that has preserved its original Inca walls and street grids. Ollantaytambo is one of the most incredible Inca ruins in Peru, and is a marvel of engineering and architecture. There are many questions about how the Incas could have built such a structure without modern tools, but whatever they did, it really is a wonderful place, and it is better to visit it with a guide to fully appreciate the entire site and its history.
WILLKARAKAY
One of the first Inca sights you will see on the Inca trail is Willkarakay, a beautiful place with amazing views of the mountains and valleys. Although Willkarakay seems very important, it was actually only used as a store for food! Since it was one of the first Inca ruins I saw in Peru, I always think of it when I think of Peru, the Incas and our experience on the Inca Trail.
The ” qoricancha”
The Coricancha, also known as the Golden Enclosure, was an important Inca temple in the Holy City of Cusco. It was a very important religious complex, which included The Temple of the Sun and was considered the most sacred place in the Inca world. Today, most often there are only parts of the stone walls of the temple, which allows you to imagine how large the site was. It is said that in its heyday the place was decorated with huge amounts of gold. Its location in the center of Cusco makes it an Inca place that is very easy to visit when traveling to Peru!