The Nazca Lines: Mysterious Figures in the Desert

You will discover ancient geoglyphs located in the Jumana plains in the Nazca desert in Peru. Researchers note that the Nazca culture created everything from simple lines to complex zoomorphic, phytomorphic, and geometric figures.

Created between 500 BC and 500 AD by the Nazca culture, they made shallow incisions in the ground, clearing stones and sand to reveal the differently colored earth beneath.

In recent years, archaeologists have discovered about 100 new figures using drones.

Why should you visit?

• UNESCO Protection: Since UNESCO recognized it as a world heritage site, this makes it a significant and important destination.
• Unique Figures in the World: A set of lines perfectly designed to form giant figures of animals, plants, and advanced geometric shapes for their time.
• Ancient Engineering: Without modern technologies, they achieved a design of lines with great precision. When you see the lines in person, you will realize the level of ingenuity that civilization must have had.
• Exploration from the Air: Due to the large size of the figures, many of them can only be appreciated from the sky. There are small plane flights that offer a unique perspective.
• Ideal Climate: Despite having a typical arid desert climate, it does not have extreme hot temperatures. This also helps preserve the lines for centuries. You can visit it all year round, but I recommend the dry season from July to September when the skies are clear and the temperatures are moderate.
  Partially Easy Arrival: The bus journey from Lima to Nazca takes about 7 hours.
• Interest in Astronomy: According to researcher María Reiche, some Nazca lines may be aligned with astronomical events like equinoxes, stars, and solstices.

Sacsayhuaman in Cusco

Sacsayhuamán is located 20 minutes from the city of Cusco and a 40-minute walk from the main square. It is translated from Quechua to mean "Fortress of the Hawk."

Under the rule of Inca Pachacuti, they built Sacsaywaman in the 15th century. It was constructed with gigantic stones perfectly fitted together. These stone walls served as fortresses and ceremonial spaces.

• Inca Engineering: Travelers and specialists are amazed when they consider the techniques used to carve and transport enormous rocks. The walls are constructed with stones weighing between 90 and 125 tons, all perfectly fitted without mortar. This precision demonstrates a deep understanding of engineering.
• Historical Value: As a principal component of the Inca Empire, its history conceals many mysteries. Initially, it served as a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun. Later, when the Spaniards arrived, the temple became a fortress for Inca resistance, notably during the Battle of Sacsayhuamán in 1536. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the city of Cusco.
• Spirituality: Serving as a center for religious ceremonies dedicated to the Sun God (Inti), it is a sacred place where visitors can feel a connection to Andean culture and its spiritual practices.
• Buildings: The pre-Inca Killke culture constructed unparalleled architectural features such as semicircular terraces, the Muyucmarca pyramid, and the Inca throne. Another mystery is how they built the underground tunnels known as chincanas, revealing that these cultures had extensive knowledge of geology.
• Cultural Events: Sacsayhuamán hosts one of Peru's most important cultural festivals. This festival attracts thousands of visitors each year because every June 24th, the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) is celebrated. This ceremony seeks to thank and honor the Sun God through traditional dances and rituals.
• Easy Access: It is located 2 kilometers north of Cusco's Plaza de Armas, making it an accessible destination for any type of visitor or traveler.
• Best Time to Visit: You can visit Sacsayhuamán year-round, but we recommend the dry season, between April and October, as the ideal time. During this period, you won’t have to worry about rain, temperatures are moderate, and it allows for a more comfortable walk.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest in South America by water volume. It sits at an altitude of 3,812 meters above sea level (12,506 ft) and is shared between Bolivia and Peru, specifically in the Puno region of Peru.

The lake has 41 islands, some of which have been inhabited since ancient times.

The word "Titicaca" comes from the Aymara language and means "gray puma," referring to a sacred rock on the Island of the Sun.

• Aquatic Species: The lake is home to more than 530 aquatic species, including interesting species like the giant Titicaca water frog and the Titicaca grebe.
• Unique Indigenous Cultures: An example is the Uros people, who live on floating islands made of totora reeds. The Quechua and Aymara people around the lake keep their ancient customs and ways of life alive.
• Home to Ancient Civilizations: The Tiwanaku and Inca cultures established themselves both on the islands and at the bottom of the lake.
• Climate: The lake has a high-altitude mountain climate, making it attractive to visit throughout much of the year. It has cool temperatures and moderate annual precipitation. It is generally recommended to visit during the dry months from April to October.

Qoricancha

Qoricancha, also known as "The Temple of Gold," comes from the Quechua translation where "quri" means gold and "kancha" means enclosure. This temple was important for the Inca Empire and is located very close to the main square of Cusco, Peru.

The site was used to worship the god Inti. The high priest also performed sacrifices and religious rituals.

On top of the Qoricancha temple, settlers built churches and residences, including the Santo Domingo convent in the 17th century.

• Historical Significance: As a temple dedicated to the sun god, it represents the power and reverence for their deities. Qoricancha is a key location during the Inti Raymi festival.
• Architecture: You will find a construction of perfectly fitted stones. Additionally, techniques were used to withstand earthquakes.
• Cultural Fusion: You will appreciate the differences in construction, one done by the Spanish and the other by the Incas. Both symbolize conquest and Christianity.
• Legends: It is said that the walls were covered in gold. Spanish chroniclers described how the shine of Qoricancha's gold blinded the conquerors. Before being looted by invaders, the temple was extremely wealthy.
• Astronomical Connection: The Incas built the temple aligned to observe the solstices and equinoxes.
• Underground Museum: At Qoricancha, you can also visit a museum where you will find Inca artifacts, mummies, textiles, and sacred objects.

Colca Canyon

It has a height of 14,000 feet from its lowest point, making it an attractive canyon. The Andean condor, a sacred bird in Incan culture and one of the largest in the world, lives there.

It is located 3 to 4 hours by car from Arequipa, the second-largest city in Peru.

• Pure Andean Landscape: The canyon offers you spectacular views of the Peruvian Andes, such as mountains, agricultural terraces, and cultural villages from ancient times.
• Perfect Season: We recommend visiting during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is free of rain. If you want to avoid crowds, you could visit in May and September.
• Hiking: You will have various trekking options, from short walks to multi-day hikes. These are physical challenges due to the steep terrain and altitude, especially if you are not accustomed to it.

Takeaway

Now that you've seen the famous landmarks in Peru, start planning your trip from the landmarks in Lima to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. Peru is full of traditions, culture, and natural beauty. And if we add the famous Peruvian food, it becomes the perfect destination for you.