Ancient Ruins of Northern Peru

Peru's cultural history is often summarized as Inca civilization, yet there are many older civilizations. You can see the remnants of these ancient cultures during a vacation to northern Peru. This fascinating region was home to advanced cultures before the Incas moved in, and unquestionably well before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. By the time of Christ, the Chavín and Cupisnique had already passed the torch to the Recuay, Moche, and Cajamarca, who were already distant memories when the Sicán, Chimú, and Chachapoyas were conquered by the Incas in the 1450s. All of these groups left their mark on Peruvian history, and their ruins can be seen throughout northern Peru.

Chavín de Huántar: One of Peru's oldest ruins, Chavín de Huántar was the center for Chavín religion. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located 160 miles north of Lima, near Huaraz. Today, Chavín relics can be seen in the Museo de la Naciónin in Lima or the Museo Nacional de Chavín in Chavin. Anthropomorphic carvings are also on display in the Ancash Archeological Museum in Huaraz. After getting your fill of history, explore the Cordillera Blanca.

Huaca de la Luna and Chan Chan: In modern day Trujillo, the Moche culture (50 AD – 800 AD) built the Huacas de la Luna y del Sol (Temples of the Moon and Sun) as a religious and administrative center. The ceremonial plaza on top of the adobe pyramid was reconstructed every few generations, leading archeologists to find layers painted with warriors, spiders, snakes, and the Moche's god. Just a few miles up the coast, the Chimú culture left their mark by building Chan Chan. The world's largest adobe city was once home to 30,000 people, but because of storms many of the ancient walls are now crumbling. There are, however, many buildings that are well preserved such as the palace of Nik An.
Cumbe Mayo: High in the Andes, the Cajamarca culture (200 AD – 800 AD) built stone roads throughout the mountains, as well as an extensive system of aqueducts known as Cumbe Mayo. Meaning Thin Rivers in Quechua, these aqueducts were used to store water in the rainy season and distribute it in the dry season. Surrounding Cumba Mayo is the stone forest named "Los Frailones" after the eroded stones that resemble hooded monks (frailes).

Laguna de los Condores: Past Cajamarca, is the homeland of the Chachapoyas people (800 AD – 1450 AD). High up in the cloud forests of the region, a group of farmers discovered a row of stone mausoleums on a cliff above Laguna de los Condores in 1996. Over 200 mummies were found entombed inside, and they can now be seen in Museo Leymebamba. Another option is to hike three days to the mausoleums and nearby ancient settlement of Llaqtacocha.

Kuelap: Chachapoya is an excellent base to explore the ruins in the area, including famous Kuelap. This ancient fortress was built on a crag so that the 20-meter limestone walls appear to be part of the cliff face. Many of the houses were demolished by the Spanish in the 16th century, but over 400 of the characteristic circular foundation platforms remain. Take a tour of the spectacular ruins dotted with colorful orchids and bromeliads.

Sipán, Túcume, and Batan Grande: The Moche, Sicán, and Chimú cultures left massive adobe pyramids and tombs in Chiclayo. Many of the sites have been looted over the years, but excavations continue to yield new splendors and new information.