Peru ranks as a preferred choice for practicing Archaeology. The country is full of remains of ancient cultures and constructions of stone or mud, which are witnesses of the empire grandeur.  Some of these places are Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and the nearby ruins in Cusco, Sipan in Lambayeque, Chan Chan in La Libertad, Chavin de Huantar in Ancash, Kuelap in Amazonas and Pachacamac in Lima.

The Inca Empire was a recent arrival during the process of cultural development in the Andes during pre-Hispanic era, and the history of the Incas barely accounts for a century within the 20,000 years of human occupation of the Peruvian territory.

After the Incas, the Chavin civilization (1500-400 BC) achieved numerous works in engineering, agriculture and architecture in the northern highlands. Along the coast, the Moche civilization (200 BC-700 AD) is famous for its pottery and pyramid shaped temples. This area was later controlled by the Chimu Kngdom (900-1450 AD), who built the biggest clay city in the Americas.

To the south, the Nasca civilization (200BC-900 AD) etched an impressive series of figures into the desert. These lines and figures are known as the Nasca Lines. Also to the south,  graves belonging to the Paracas culture (800- BC-600 AD) have unearthed superb weavings pointing to the magical and religious vision that governed the lives of this ancient civilization.

Centuries later, the Incas (1300-1500 AD), settled Cusco as the center of their empire, building major constructions such as Sacsayhuaman, Pisac and the Koricancha. Here myth and history merge. The many Inca roads, towns, people and traditions are a living example of the Andean spirit and strength.

Most Important Archaeological Sites in Peru:

Amazonas
Ancash
Cajamarca
Cusco
Ica
Lambayeque
Lima
La Libertad
Puno