UNESCO Peru – Sites You Need to Visit

Cusco

Founded by the Inca ruler Pachacutec in the 15th Century, Cusco became the center of the Inca Empire. You can see evidence of this today. Within the city, the friendly locals will point out examples of Inca stonework; huge stones placed perfectly into thick, solid walls that have withstood centuries of rain, wind, and earthquakes. There are also Inca ruins to explore just outside Cusco at Sacsayhuaman.

After the Spanish conquered the region in the 16th Century, they built Baroque style churches amongst the Inca buildings, resulting in a unique mix of Inca and colonial architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site that begs to be explored.

Arequipa

Arequipa boasts an intriguing mixture of architecture. In Arequipa, you’ll find intricate Baroque facades and neoclassical Churches inside the sturdy city walls, with the integration of native Indian masonry throughout. But don’t think that it’s only the idiosyncratic architecture that won Arequipa its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the surroundings are also well worthy of mention and –with an extra day or two in the region – of exploration.

The residents of Peru’s second-largest city live in the shadow of El Misti, a perfectly symmetrical volcano with a snow-capped peak in winter. In fact, the name ‘Arequipa’ is said to come from the native Aymara phrase for ‘behind the peak’.

Nazca Lines

Over an area of 450 km2, the ancient peoples of the region carved figures of animals, plants, and even imaginary beings into the dry landscape, located several hours drive south of the capital, Lima. Theories about why the Nazca lines were created center around astrology and religion, but some of the giant shapes seem to have been created for the purpose of many people using the lines as a track. The best way to view the Nazca UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru is in a light aircraft. Organize a short flight to get a sense of scale and spot all the different shapes carved into the dust.

Machu Picchu

Not only is Machu Picchu one of Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but it’s also one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Just like Cusco, Machu Picchu owes its existence to the great Inca ruler, Patchacutec, who was head of the Empire in the 15th Century when the meticulously planned construction began. The stone city is found at 2,430 m (7,970 ft) above sea level amongst the spectacular forested peaks of the Andes Mountains. The UNESCO World Heritage website goes so far as to call the area “… the scenically most attractive mountainous territory of the Peruvian Andes”.