Three Fascinating, Off-the-Beaten-Path Ancient Locales in Peru That Might Escape Your Radar
Unforgettable Vacation Destinations in Peru: Beyond the Tourist Trail
Peru presents an enticing blend of awe-inspiring nature and ancient mysteries, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Delve into the heart of this South American country and discover the hidden gems that lie beyond the popular Machu Picchu. It's more than just delicious cuisine; it's an adventure into the unknown. Let's delve deeper into some of the captivating ancient sites that Thailand has to offer.
1. Sacsayhuamán
Located in Cusco, Peru, Sacsayhuamán is a fortress constructed from enormous stone walls. Despite not being the grandest ancient site in Peru, it is a must-see, offering valuable insights into the ancient Inca civilization. The site boasts a series of three walls, made of gigantic, zigzagged rock blocks, weighing over 200 tons. Despite its age and high seismic activity, it continues to stand strong.
A Shrouded Mystery
Scientists speculate that ancient catacombs were used as connecting passages beneath the monument, possibly uncovering the mysterious disappearance of the Incas during the Spanish invasion. Like most Inca structures, Sacsayhuamán was built with precision, with massive stones intricately fitting together, leaving us no explanation for the ancient engineers' methods. Another mystery surfaces in the monument's shape, resembling a cougar's head, visible only from the air, when aircraft did not exist during its construction.
2. Ollantaytambo
Perched at a staggering altitude of 3,000 meters, Ollantaytambo is the remains of an Inca settlement, complete with verdant terraces scattered across the valley's slopes. It is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Peru, showcasing the ingeniousness of the Incas. The main attraction here is the temple complex nestled atop a high rock.
Natural Fortress
Unlike common perceptions, Ollantaytambo was not a fortress; instead, it served as an administrative and ceremonial center for the Incas. Its natural location on a rocky outcrop, rising above the Sacred Valley, provided ample protection. Accessible only via a narrow stone staircase, the site features a cascade of 17 agricultural terraces. In 1536, Spanish explorers attempted to seize Ollantaytambo, but were driven back by a violent storm, narrowly escaping destruction.
Temple of the Ten Niches
This attempt at conquest left a lasting impression on the Spaniards, deterring them from further attempts. However, the most intriguing aspect lies in the remnants of a colossal structure, called the Temple of the Ten Niches. These remnants consist of a well-preserved south wall, fashioned from six massive pink porphyry monoliths, comparable in hardness to granite. Ancient legends claim the structure was built by a civilization of ancient giants who once dwelled in the area.
Construction Mystery
Official records indicate that the Ollantaytambo temple complex was constructed by the Incas in the mid-15th century during the reign of Pachacuti Inca. However, the Spaniards' conquest prevented the Incas from completing construction, which is evident from the numerous scattered granite blocks on the hilltop, at its foot, and along the path to the quarry.
3. Chan Chan
Unlike other sites on this list, Chan Chan is not considered the work of the Incas. Regardless, it is one of the most significant ancient sites in Peru. Located off the Pacific coast of Peru, Chan Chan served as the capital of the ancient Chimú civilization during its existence from 850 AD to 1470 AD. Today, it is the largest city in the world built entirely of clay. Despite the looting of valuable treasures by Spanish treasure hunters in centuries past, Chan Chan boasts an impressive size, spanning over 20 square kilometers and once housing around 60,000 inhabitants.
Intricate Architecture and Urban Planning
Chan Chan features nine large rectangular buildings surrounded by clay fortress walls, each containing thousands of buildings, including homes, warehouses, tanks, and burial platforms. The walls of the buildings are adorned with intricate carvings representing abstract motifs and animals. Outside these nine rectangular buildings are craft workshops specializing in textiles, gold, silver, and other wares.
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- At Sacsayhuamán in Cusco, Peru, travelers can delve into the history of the ancient Inca civilization, marveling at the intricate stonework and the mystery surrounding possible catacombs beneath the site.
- Ollantaytambo, perched at a towering altitude, offers a glimpse into the Inca's administrative and ceremonial centers, displaying their ingeniousness in architecture and agriculture, while also raising questions about the construction of the Temple of the Ten Niches built by an ancient civilization.
- Chan Chan, off the Pacific coast of Peru, presents evidence of the Chimú civilization's urban planning and artistic skills, with complex architecture, intricate carvings, and remnants of craft workshops, despite the loss of artifacts to centuries of treasure hunting.
