You cannot miss the huacas in Peru. They are everywhere. A Quechuan word, huaca means sacred and refers to any pre-Columbian structure. After all, this is a country that has more than 25,000 archeological sites. It is no wonder then that when you travel across this diverse and historic landscape, you can feel the past, present and future collide.
Uncover the history of Lima
As you drive through Lima, you will come across huacas sharing space with modern buildings. In the city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk down the long avenues that were built during the Guano Period. This interesting name was given to the economic boom Peru experienced in the 1850s when the country started exporting bird droppings as fertiliser. You will see classic stone buildings and beautiful mansions that were the handiwork of the rubber barons. In the 1900s, rubber was exported from the Amazon to Europe, exploiting the indigenous community and making a certain section of society fabulously wealthy.
As you explore the city, you will find that the history of Lima, Peru is reflected everywhere, from Inca times to the Republican period. And even while the Limeños look to the future, they revere their past and take every opportunity to celebrate their traditions.
Discover Callao through its art
West of Lima sits Callao. This energetic city has one of the busiest seaports in Peru, and people from all over the country come here in search of better opportunities. While the city has seen violence throughout the centuries, there is also resilience and a sense of community. Street art has played a role in bringing people together. Now, the city is fast becoming a centre for urban art in the country. From the famous Ronald Building in central Callao to the historic barrios, you’ll see the eye-catching graffiti that showcases how locals use art to express themselves.
This revival of the city through art has been supported by Fugaz, a local community-driven organisation that hosts up and coming artists in their galleries and provides arts enrichment programmes for children.
Go back in time in Cusco
From the bustling cities of Peru, we head to the ancient Sacred Valley. But first, you must stop at Cusco, a gateway to the valley, sitting high up in the Andes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Inca empire and later an important centre for the Spanish colonists.
After you have acclimated to the altitude, take a walk through Cusco and be mesmerised by its history and culture. Head to Plaza de Armas, in the city centre, a place where the Incas held many important ceremonies. The Spanish later transformed this into the main square. See the Cusco Cathedral that lies nearby, and the historic Jesuit church. The plaza, with its manicured gardens and statue of the Inca ruler Pachacuti, is lined with cafes and restaurants, and perfect for people watching.
A little away from the city centre is Sacsayhuaman, an Inca military site. This fortress-temple complex was where a major battle between Inca forces and the Spanish conquistadors took place. The stone walls of the citadel still remain and showcase the advanced building techniques used by the Inca people in the 15th century. An excellent vantage point, from Sacsayhuaman you can take in views of the city and catch a glimpse of Cristo Blanco, the massive statue of Christ.
Cusco is also where you can experience traditional foods and learn about local produce. Visit the colourful and vibrant San Pedro Market, with its stalls serving everything from local meat to freshly squeezed juices and empanada and tamale. Spot the Cusco Giant White corn, a type of corn that is only grown here, and a wide variety of potatoes, a vegetable the Inca people considered to be sacred.
An hour from the city, you’ll find Hacienda Sarapampa, an organic family farm dedicated to the production of this Giant White corn. Traditional farming techniques are still used here, with some modern improvements. After a tour of the farm, you can enjoy delicious corn dishes at the Hacienda. While in Cusco, you could also try potatoes in various ways, from colourful potato chips and sweet potato dessert to the wine made from oca, a vegetable related to the potato.
In the heart of Sacred Valley
Tucked into the rolling Andean highlands is the iconic Sacred Valley, with its Inca ruins, quaint villages, and stunning natural landscapes. Explora Sacred Valley is a great base from which to soak in everything this valley has to offer. Built in the Spanish hacienda style, the hotel has spacious rooms with vaulted ceilings that are decorated with local textiles and antique furniture. You can take in picturesque views of the surrounding mountains from your accommodation.
While staying here, find time to relax in the Pumacahua Bath House. It is located within a colonial house that has been carefully restored, and features pools and hot tubs surrounded by foliage.
However, the highlight of this hotel is the well trained and experienced guides, who are all about giving you the best experience while exploring the great outdoors. With them by your side, go on bike rides and treks through some stunning landscapes. Discover architectural wonders including Machu Picchu and archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero and Pisac.
Machu Picchu and beyond
Nestled in a tropical mountain forest is the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. With its sophisticated architecture, intriguing structures and layout, this archaeological gem draws plenty of visitors. While this is not the only site existing from Inca times, it is certainly the best preserved. It is said that it escaped being invaded by the Spanish due to its hidden location.
Thirty kilometres from Machu Picchu is Ollantaytambo, a massive Inca fortress surrounded by snow capped mountains. Then there is Pisac, with its hilltop archaeological park containing an Inca citadel of ancient temples, plazas and the Intihuatana, or sundial.
Standing in front of these ruins, you are sure to be awed by their magnificence and transported to another time. This is a feeling you become familiar with as you travel through the country. The history of Peru is everywhere and practices have trickled down through the ages, giving you a glimpse of life here during ancient times.
If you’d like to experience the culture and history of Peru first-hand, get in touch with our destination specialists, and they’ll help curate the holiday of your dreams.
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