Recognised for its colourful textiles and traditions, friendly culture, and picture-perfect mountains, Peru is known for many dazzling sights and sounds, but most famously for "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu.
Yet, even though this celebrated site is Peru's star attraction and a must-see for first time visitors, travellers, wanting a unique glimpse of Peru's historic past, should consider one of the many alternative ancient sites located around this extraordinary country.
Kuelap, the City amongst the Clouds.
Containing more than 450 stone houses, this fortress is the largest stone structure within South America and long considered Machu Picchu's northern counterpart. Located at the peak of a mountain, higher than Machu Picchu, it's often hidden by cloud forest mist and it dates further back than the Inca Empire. Little is known about the Chachapoyan people, also known as the Cloud Forest People, who constructed this impressive site sometime between 900 and 1100 AD, and the complex remains relatively unknown in this remote zone of Peru.
Visitors to this hidden site enjoy breath-taking mountaintop vistas that few others can boast of. Discover the wonders of Kuelap on a classic five day trek, or shorter programs are also available.
Marcahuamachuco, an Unknown Wonder of the Andes
Marcahuamachuco, an enigmatic 1600-year-old archaeological complex built from stone in the northern Peruvian Andes, for long has stayed in the shadows. However, it is slowly emerging from Peru's deep and significant past attracting local and international visitors alike.
Covering more than 240 hectares on a high plateau, more than 3700 metres high in the mountains, this pre-Incan site is full of mystery and the undiscovered. Though experts say Marcahuamachuco was northern Peru's most important political, economic, and military centre, built sometime between 400 and 1000 AD, today locals live among the archaeological site and let their livestock graze inside the complex. The Global Heritage Fund, an international conservancy for endangered cultural heritage sites, has now taken this site under its guidance with the goals of restoration, preservation, and sustainable tourism. Experienced trekkers can visit the site on an organised three to five day, challenging hike.
Vilcabamba, the Last Inca City
Few know that the site of Vilcabamba actually lies behind the discovery of its more well-known counterpart, Machu Picchu. The celebrated explorer, Hiram Bingham, stumbled across the world-famous site when he was in fact on an expedition to discover the real 'lost city of the Incas' and the last refuge of the Inca Empire, also known as Vilcabamba.
The spectacular Vilcabamba trek is one of the many hidden gems of Peru. Taking approximately five days, the Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu trek takes in a wealth of flora and fauna, impressive valleys and snow-caped mountains along the way.
Choquequirao, Machu Picchu's Sacred Sister
Sitting 3000 metres above sea level, Choquequirao is also known as Machu Picchu's sacred sister due to the similarities in design, size and ceremonial format to that of its more famous equivalent.
Choquequirao's history is a matter of speculation and only 30% of the site has been uncovered, leaving the rest to the visitor's imagination. Surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks and flanked by plunging, forests, this ancient city site is a serious adventurer's alternative to the well-trodden tourist trail. Treks to Choquequirao take approximately five days and are extremely diverse, taking in the lofty mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, the Apurimac River and surrounding glaciers.
Caral, America's oldest civilisation
The oldest civilisation in the Americas, Caral is an unknown treasure of dusty temple mounds, sunken amphitheatres and the remnants of spectacular stone structures. Little is known about the culture that built this impressive 626 hectare urban centre, located just north of Lima, but unearthed evidence suggests that monumental architecture here was under construction as early as 2627 BC.
This enormous and often overlooked site is breathtaking in many respects, and being located so close to Peru's entry city of Lima should not be bypassed on a visit to this enchanting country. Full day excursions are available from Lima, or alternatively visitors can stay overnight in Caral from December 2012 in the ancient city's first hotel, Empedrada Fundo Hotel & Spa - www.hotelempedrada.com.
Getting to and from Peru's ancient sites:
A number of well-known Australian tour operators offer sensational itineraries and treks to the many of the spectacular ancient sites in both south and north Peru. Contact your nearest travel agent for more information.
For further information on Peru please visit www.peru.travel
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