16 Stunning Ancient Ruins in Peru (That Aren’t Machu Picchu)
Undoubtedly, the first place that comes to mind when anyone mentions archaeological sites in Peru is Machu Picchu. The Lost City of the Inca had been forgotten until 1911 when the explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it while on an expedition to discover a different ancient city.
Although the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu and the famed Inca Trail steal the limelight when it comes to Peruvian ruins, there are dozens of other historical sites in Peru worthy of visiting, from the Inca empire and beyond.
This article is dedicated to 16 ancient ruins in Peru, that are not Machu Picchu.
This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page.
Ancient Ruins in Peru That Aren’t Machu Picchu
Here’s a list of the 16 Peru ruins covered in this article. I’ve also added a map to help you plan your Peru itinerary.
The second section goes into more detail about each of the old ruins and temples in Peru. Discover information about which civilization the ruin belongs to, the nearest town and tips for visiting the site.
16 Alternative Ruins in Peru
- Pikillacta
- Salineras de Maras
- Huaca Pucllana
- Pinkuylluna
- Huayna Picchu
- Moray
- Chan Chan
- Ollantaytambo
- Sacsayhuaman
- Pisac Ruins
- Inca Uyo
- Kuelap
- Huacas del Sol y La Luna
- Choquequirao
- Caral
- Raqchi
Peru ruins map
Here is a map of archaeological sites in Peru which are included in this article. You’ll find that most of the ancient temples in Peru are dotted around the south. If you want to explore as many of these as possible then base yourself in Cucso.
Organised Tours to Peruvian Temples and Ruins
Getting to some of the ruins can be challenging if you don’t have your own transportation, Although Peru has a good bus service between the major towns and tourist hot spots, it can be tricky getting to a lot of these sites. The most efficient way to discover some of these ancient Peru ruins is on a guided tour.
If you’re staying in Cusco and prefer to make your own way to each of the sites, then it might be worth taking advantage of the Cusco Tourist Ticket which includes, amongst other things, entry to quite a few of the ruins covered in this article.
16 Fantastic Non-Machu Picchu Archaeological Sites in Peru
Here are 16 great Peru ancient ruins to visit. Granted, a lot of them are located around the Sacred Valley, but you’ll find other remnants of Peru temples scattered all over the country. Read on, to find out where.
1. Pikillacta Ruins
Origin: Wari and then Inca
Nearest City: Cusco
Visiting Pikillacta will be a highlight of your trip to Peru because it’s very different from lots of the other Inca ruins in this article. This archaeological site is seldom visited by tourists, which means you’ll probably have it all to yourself.
Little is known about the settlement, which sprawls someway across the hillside, and excavations are still taking place today. This mysterious city was built by the Wari civilisation in 800 AD and later commandeered by the Incas.
Pikillacta used to be a major settlement in ancient Peru, and you can still see the remains of around 700 buildings and lots of arrow-straight roads. There are also a couple of rare dinosaur skeletons in the small museum which were found here on the site.
📍 Tips for Visiting: The best way to reach Pikillacta is on a day trip from Cusco, and you can take in other sights along the way like Tipon and Huaro. Most people hire a car and driver, as this is much easier than taking public transport.
It’s also a good idea to have a guide as there is very little information on the site itself.
You’ll need to arrange this via your hotel in Cusco as there won’t be any guides hanging around at Pikillacta.
Entrance is included on a couple of the Cusco Tourist Tickets, which you can buy online or at the Tourist Office in the city.
Recommended by Heather from Conversant Traveller
Related Article: Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
2. Salineras de Maras (Maras Salt Mines)
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Ollantaytambo
The Maras Salt Mines are very unique Incan ruins, especially as they are still in use today! This place is comprised of thousands of salt pans, each collecting natural saltwater that flows from the mountains. It is then dried in the sun, leaving behind delicious salt. After being washed, it becomes the famous Peruvian pink salt.
The salt mines were created back in Incan times, and unlike most of the ancient sites in Peru, there are still many families using these pans today. You can even wander along the pans, taking Instagram-worthy photos. Just be sure to stay out of the workers’ way!
Another thing to do is purchase salt from the mines and perhaps a chocolate and salt candy bar. You could spend hours just admiring the gorgeous salt mines tucked in between the mountains!
📍 Tips for Visiting: What is amazing about these mines is they aren’t nearly as crowded as other ancient structures in Peru. To get here, you’ll need a car, or you can take an incredible Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco.
There’s a ticket office on site. The site is open daily from 8 am-5 pm. If you have some flexibility on your Sacred Valley itinerary, for the least amount of crowds, opt to visit before 9:30 am or in the late afternoon.
Recommended by Kat from World Wide Honeymoon
3. Huaca Pucllana Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Lima
Huaca Pucllana is one of the most convenient ruins to visit in Peru because it is actually located within Lima’s city limits. In fact, it is actually located in Miraflores, Peru – the area of Lima in which most tourists stay. This means you can easily visit these ruins during your stay in Lima!
This small ruin site showcases a clay pyramid, which was said to have been used by the Incas for administrative and ceremonial purposes between the years 200 AD and 700 AD.
Although not the largest ruin site in Peru, it is never very busy and you can enjoy the site in a short amount of time for only a few Peruvian soles!
📍 Tips for Visiting: Although you can easily just get an Uber and explore Huaca Pucllana on your own, you’ll learn more on a guided tour.
For an even better experience (and view!) consider going on one of the tours that include a meal at the restaurant overlooking the ruins! There is a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal with views above the ruins. This is a super unique experience and one that can only be enjoyed in Lima.
Recommended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel
4. Pinkuylluna Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Ollantaytambo
Pinkuylluna is a series of Incan storage facilities high on the hill looking over the more well-touristed ruins of Ollantaytambo. But don’t be fooled- these ruins are a wonderful excursion! From the bottom, they look dangerously high on the hill, but the hike up to the ruins will only take about 30 minutes.
The Inca built these structures high on the hill with a specific layout to circulate the wind through the buildings to keep food from spoiling. When you reach the largest of the structures, which looks a bit like a castle, you’ll be able to walk through the different levels.
You’ll notice that the building alternates areas for storage, with open pathways for air circulation. Food remains have been found here that vary from seeds and grains to dried fish that would have been imported from the coast.
Unlike many of the ancient Peruvian ruins, one of the best features of Pinkuylluna is that it’s free! There is no charge to hike up to and enter these ruins, which is why it was one of our favourite things to do during a visit to Ollantaytambo.
📍 Tips for Visiting: To get to the ruins, head northeast from the main plaza in Ollantaytambo.
You’ll find the entrance door on Lares Calle, right next to a ceramics shop. There is a doorway at the entrance, after you climb a few steps you’ll see a visitor’s register that you must sign before you climb. The entrance is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.
The climb itself is well-marked and includes lots of handrails, but does involve scrambling over some rocks. Stay to the left and head up as you climb to visit the largest structure first, then wind through the lower structures on your way down.
Recommended by Cynthia from Sharing The Wander
5. Huayna Picchu / Wayna Picchu
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Aguas Calientes
The Huayna Picchu hike is known for being one of the most spectacular day treks in Peru. It’s also known as ‘Wayna Picchu,’ which comes from the Quechua language and means ‘young mountain,’ although it’s more commonly called Huayna Picchu, which means the same thing.
This is one of the more adventurous ancient ruins Peru offers. It features a precarious mountain trail with stone steps originally built by the Incas, and at the top of the mountain, you get to see the ruins of Inca terraces and buildings that are believed to have been inhabited by the priests of Machu Picchu.
To reach the top, you have to climb a steep stone staircase called the Huayna Picchu ‘Stairs of Death.’ Despite the name (and the dizzying heights), this trail is not known for being particularly dangerous, and you get to see amazing views of the Andes mountains along the way.
If you want to extend the hike even further, you can take a detour to visit the Temple of the Moon (Huaca de la Luna), which is an ancient ceremonial temple inside of a cave that may have held mummies back in the day.
📍 Tips for Visiting: This is the iconic pointy mountain peak behind Machu Picchu, and the start of the trail is accessed from the north side of the citadel ruins.
Huayna Picchu is one of the most coveted bucket list experiences in Peru, and visitors are limited to only a few hundred per day to control foot traffic on the trail and in the Inca ruins.
Tickets sell out months in advance, so you’ll want to get your reservation locked in early. This trail is not very dangerous, but proper hiking shoes with good grip are highly recommended, plus water and snacks.
It takes approximately 1 hour of hiking to reach the top of Huayna Picchu where the Inca ruins and terraces are located, and a bit longer to reach the cave with the Temple of the Moon.
Recommended by David from The World Travel Guy
Related Article: Hikes in Peru (that aren’t the Inca Trail)
6. Moray Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Ollantaytambo
Moray is one of the most unusual of Peru’s ancient structures. And one of the must-see sights to visit in the Valle Sagrado, the sacred valley of the Inca.
Unlike other Inca ruins in the area, it doesn’t consist only of old walls and literal ruins but is also an excellent example of the extraordinary natural richness of the region.
This site is one of the most visually stunning Inca ruins in Peru. When you visit Moray, you’ll see how far advanced the Inca were for their time, not only when it comes to general living but also agriculture. While other cultures grew their food on regular fields, in Moray, the Inca created round terraced fields.
These different heights of the fields allowed the cultivated food to grow in different microclimates optimized according to the needs of each plant. Today, the fields also make for a picturesque view. Aesthetically speaking, this is one of the best ruins in Peru.
📍 Tips for Visiting: It’s highly recommended to combine your visit to the area with other amazing sights near Moray. A great day trip from Cusco or Ollantaytambo could be visiting las Salineras de Maras and Moray. You can either see these stunning sights on a hike or a guided tour.
To visit Moray, you must purchase a ticket for the Sacred Valley, or boleto turístico (tourist ticket). This ticket allows you to also visit other important sights in the area, such as the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Make sure to bring your raincoat as the weather in this area can change within minutes.
Recommended by Vicki from Vickiviaja
7. Chan Chan Ruins
Origin: Chimu
Nearest City: Trujillo
Chan Chan used to be the largest adobe city in the Americas. A UNESCO site since 1986, it remains one of the lesser visited ruins in Peru, probably due to its location further North, in a part of the country that’s outside the main tourist trail.
However, Chan Chan is one of the prettier Peruvian ancient ruins thanks to its intricate structure.
Highlights of the visit include the nearby Chan Chan Museum, where you can get a better idea of the Chimu civilization and its history; the Main Plaza; the beautifully adorned audience rooms; the Gran Hachaque Ceremonial Reservoir, a freshwater pool fed by nearby canals and that was used for ceremonial purposes; and the King’s Mausoleum, to the left you will also spot a pyramid that was used for sacrifices.
📍 Tips for Visiting: The site is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 4:00 pm. You do need a ticket to enter Chan Chan, although admission is equivalent to only a few USD.
You don’t need a guide to explore the site, but it’s recommended. You can hire one directly at the site or opt to buy an informative booklet right at the ticket office and use it for guidance around the site.
To get to Chan Chan from Trujillo hop on a colectivo (collective bus) bound for Huancacho and ask the driver to drop you off at the main gate to the site. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
Recommended by Claudia from My Adventures Across The World
8. Ollantaytambo Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Ollantaytambo
The Ollantaytambo Ruins are some of the most well-preserved archaeological ruins in Peru. It is truly a spectacular place to visit!
Be prepared to walk, though. To see the highlights of the Ollantaytambo Ruins requires walking up 200 steps. (When packing for Peru, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots). Once you reach the top the views are worth it though! Plus, you’ll be able to see several important temples from here.
There is also a “face” on the side of the cliff you can spot once you’ve climbed these stairs. Guides say the face is not carved but formed from natural causes.
An interesting fact makes this one of the most famous ruins in Peru. The Ollantaytambo Ruins hold an especially important piece of history because it is one of the only places the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle to the Incas. The Incas used their irrigation system to flood the valley. This held back the Spaniards, who were on horseback.
Second, to Machu Picchu, the Ollantaytambo Ruins are one of the most famous archaeological sites in Peru and are certainly worth visiting.
📍 Tips for Visiting: Getting to Ollantaytambo from Cusco is quite simple – the most cost-effective way is to take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. Another option is to take a tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley.
There is an entrance fee to Ollantaytambo Ruins, you’ll have to purchase the Boleto Turistico Cusco ticket, which also includes entrance fees for Pisac, Chinchero, and Moray Ruins.
Be sure to plan at least a half-day to explore the Ollantaytambo Ruins and the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo is also a great place to stop before you head to Machu Picchu, as the train station in Ollantaytambo will take you to Aguas Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu).
Recommended by Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel
9. Sacsayhuaman Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Cusco
Sacsayhuaman is a sprawling Inca citadel built in the 15th century on a plateau overlooking Cusco. The fortress is most famous for its terraced walls which were constructed with huge stones carved to fit tightly together without the use of mortar.
Visitors to Sacsayhuaman Fortress can walk along the zigzagging stone walls, getting an up-close look at how the irregularly shaped stones fit together like pieces of a puzzle. A popular photo spot is the Intipunku, an impressive gate built with huge stone blocks.
In addition to the fortified military zone, visitors can also explore the large plaza and a hilly ceremonial area known as the Rodadero.
📍 Tips for Visiting: The fortress is open 7 days a week. To enter, visitors must purchase a Boleto Turistico, a Cusco tourist ticket that can be used for entrance to several archaeological sites in and around Cusco.
To get to Sacsayhuaman, it’s a 30+ minute uphill walk from Cusco or you can visit on horseback with a guide.
The fortress can be explored independently, but since there’s no information posted on site, a local guide will be able to share some interesting history and insights.
Recommended by Rhonda from Travel Yes Please
10. Pisac Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Pisac Town
One of the most intact Incan ruins in Peru, Pisac is a must-visit destination when exploring the Sacred Valley. Little is known for sure about the use or purpose of these ruins – theories range from a celebratory site by the Incans over local peoples or a strategic defence post over the surrounding valley.
Regardless, here you’ll be able to explore areas such as Qantus Raccay, a residential part of the Pisac ruins including Incan baths and homes while taking in the stunning views of the terraced hillside.
If your legs will carry you along the hills with the high altitude, also check out Q’alla Q’asa, the highest point in Pisac, believed to be home to the city’s guards.
📍 Tips for Visiting: To visit the ruins, you’ll need to have the Cusco tourist pass, which includes access to several ruins throughout Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However, these ruins are truly some of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru, so the ticket is well worth it.
Pisac town is also famous for its Sunday artisan market, so visit on Sunday if you can.
If you’re exploring the Sacred Valley and looking for where to stay near Cusco, but don’t want to stay in Cusco itself, Pisac is a great option. It’s about 45 minutes from Cusco, Here you’ll find everything from rustic hostels to quaint guest houses and stunning boutique hotels set among the mountains.
Recommended by Carley from Home to Havana
Read More: South America Travel Inspiration
11. Inca Uyo
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Puno
One of the most quirky ancient ruins in South America, let alone Peru, is Inca Uyo. This old Inca Ruin was believed to be called the Temple of Fertility. The archaeological site is home to different phalluses, and it is quite surprising to find out that the Incas built a temple for this.
Though this isn’t exactly as grandeur as other ruins such as Machu Picchu or Chan Chan, however, it’s one of the more fascinating megalithic sites in Peru, so it’s certainly worth visiting if you have some time on your Peru itinerary especially if you’re stopping at Puno at all.
The site is mostly a large patch of green grass with a rectangular centre that houses all the phallic symbols. On the interior perimeter of the ruin, you will find a few stalls selling local crafts, perfect for getting a Peruvian souvenir and supporting the local economy.
Rubbing the phallic structures is said to bring good fertility so don’t hesitate!
📍 Tips for Visiting: Inca Uyo is situated about 30 minutes from Puno by car. You can also take a colectivo (shared van) from Puno, but that requires navigating through Puno’s complicated public transportation system and knowing a bit of Spanish. You might find it easier to book a tour of Inca Uyo.
There is a small entrance fee to the ruins. In terms of opening hours, there isn’t an “official” schedule as far as we know. Just arrive near midday for the highest chance of getting in!
Recommended by Sean from Living Out Lau
12. Fortaleza de Kuelap (or Kuélap) Ruins
Origin: Chachapoyas
Nearest City: Chachapoyas
One of the highlights of northern Peru is to visit the Kuelap Fortress. This impressive ruin was a cultural hub for the unique Chachapoyas civilization who are also named the “cloud warriors,” as they built many of their settlements nestled high in the cloud forests of the Andes Mountains. Kuelap is no exception.
The fortress sits at an elevation of around 3,000 m. This site offers panoramic views over the entire Utcubamba Valley.
The Kuelap ruins not only offer incredible views of the river valley but also give a glimpse into a very mysterious, yet well-organized and developed Pre-Inca civilization. A walk through this impressive site includes a look at their complex society including funeral and ritualistic buildings and both public and residential dwellings.
📍 Tips for Visiting: From the city of Chachapoyas, daily tours depart to Kuelap and are offered by multiple tour agencies. Chachapoyas is also the gateway to the popular and worthwhile Gocta Waterfall hike.
Since Kuelap is so unique, it’s best to go on a guided tour to appreciate the complexity of this ancient civilization. Some may wish to ride the convenient cable car to the ruins that offer picturesque views of the entire valley. Alternatively, adventurous travellers may opt to take a trek to the Kuelap Fortress. Either way, don’t miss this unique landmark in Peru.
Recommended by Megan from Packing Up The Pieces
13. Huacas del Sol y La Luna (Temples of the Sun and the Moon)
Origin: Moche
Nearest City: Trujillo
The Huaca’s are two temples just outside Trujillo. The temples were the ceremonial and religious centres of the Moche Culture, who resided around Trujillo from 100-800 A.D. Originally the temples would have been around 50 metres in height and they were built out of adobe bricks.
They are significant as they’re a great source of information about the Moche culture, which no longer exists. The temples face each other. Today you can only see Huaca del Sol from the outside, but you can explore – with a guide, included with your entry ticket, Huaca de la Luna.
The highlight here is the painted friezes that cover some of the walls. They are enormous. This is one of the most visually stunning ruins of Peru with so much detailed intricacy. No photo does them justice. And as you walk towards them they are an absolute “Wow” moment.
📍 Tips for Visiting: The Huaca’s are open from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm every day and there is a separate museum that has an additional small entrance fee (it’s worth it).
You can get here in a taxi ride from Trujillo, or take a combi or for the most efficient way, book a tour with transportation and entrance included.
Recommended by Sarah from A Social Nomad
14. Choquequirao Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest city: Cachora, a small village 165 km from Cusco
Choquequirao ruins are spread out over a large area of the mountains. They consist of two levels; the upper ruins with the main contractions and the lower ruins with terraces that were used for agricultural purposes.
Choquequirao ruins are very elaborate and well-preserved. The ruins are situated on the top of the mountain. From the upper ruins, you can get breathtaking views of the surrounding area; mountains covered in lush jungle, deep canyons, snowy peaks of the Andes, and green valleys.
The combination of the stunning scenery, impressive ruins, and tranquillity of the place makes the Choquequirao ruins a unique experience. You can truly appreciate the beauty of the place without thousands of tourists far away from the modern world.
Other highlights of this ancient city in Peru include the 24 llamas terrace, the main yard and several miradors.
📍 Tips for Visiting: Choquequirao Ruins can be reached only on foot following the Choquequirao trekking route. It’s a tough hike with a total distance of 58 kilometres.
You will need at least 4 days to complete the trek. Because of its difficult access, the ruins see significantly fewer tourists than other famous Inca ruins in the region. The trek can be done independently or with a guide, no special permits are required.
The admission fee is paid at the entrance to the complex. Hikers can stay overnight at the campsite near the ruins. The complex is open for visitors from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Recommended by Alya from Stingy Nomads
15. Caral-Supe (or just Caral) Ruins
Origin: Caral
Nearest City: Caral
The ruins of Caral are located in the Supe Valley in the middle of the desert. They date back to around 3000 and 1800 B.C. making them the oldest ruins in Peru to be discovered in the Americas, there’s also the claim that this is one of the oldest civilisations in the world!
What you’ll be able to see here is pretty much the world’s earliest evidence of city planning. The ruins include six stone pyramids, situated next to ceremonial rooms, altars and gigantic amphitheatres.
If you book with a guide, they will tell you about the history of the Caral people. It is said that they were a peaceful race, as no evidence of war, weapons, or mass graves of body mutilation has ever been found at the site, which has been prevalent at other ruins in Peru.
📍 Tips for Visiting: Getting to the ruins of Caral can be a bit of a challenge. They are located nearly 200km north of Lima, which equates to about 3 or 4 hours of driving. The easiest way to see them is to book a tour with a guide – speak to your host at your accommodation to organise this.
You can visit the site independently, although it can be a bit complicated, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Catch a bus from the Fiori bus terminal in Lima to Supe. Once in Supe, take a minibus to Caral and walk to the main entrance. The journey can take up to 4 hours by using a public bus, but it is substantially cheaper than booking a tour.
There isn’t much information at the site, so if you don’t want to hire a guide, then pick up a guidebook from the small onsite shop to give you more information.
Caral is a very open site, with little in terms of shade. Take a hat and sunscreen and plenty of water. Because it’s in the desert, it can also be very dusty.
16. Raqchi Ruins
Origin: Inca
Nearest City: Cuzco
The ruins of Raqchi were once an important settlement in the Inca Empire. One of the stand-out things to see here is the peculiar architectural technique, it looks different from most other ancient Inca ruins you may have visited.
Most Peru ancient sites feature some sort of pyramid, however, Raqchi differs as it’s made up of a large court which is surrounded by eight rectangular buildings. You’ll also find the remains of an artificial lake as well as the ruins of 152 circular structures. These are thought to have been used for storage.
The most recognisable landmark here is the remains of the Viracocha temple. It was built as a tribute to the Inca god Wiracocha, who was a god representing water as the source of life.
Historically, Raqchi was a mass producer of pottery and ceramic products that were shaped from material found in nearby volcanoes. This manufacture is what helped shape the way that the town and buildings looked. The ancient town was also an important religious hub.
📍 Tips for Visiting: To get to Raqchi Raqchi it’s easiest to book a tour or hire a driver. It’s located 117 kilometres from Cusco. To get there from Cusco, if you’re driving will take around 2 hours. It’s a scenic road, so it will probably take longer if you stop at every beautiful vista along the Cusco – Sicuani – Puno road.
If you don’t have a car or want to go on a tour, you can get there by public bus. Use the Cusco to Urcos bus. The bus departs from the bus station on Huayruropata Avenue, the journey only costs a few Peruvian soles.
Once at Raqchi, there is a ticket booth, buy your entry ticket directly from here. Remember to take food and drink with you as it can be quite a long day.
Visiting The Ancient Ruins in Peru – FAQs
Now you’ve discovered what ancient ruins are in Peru that aren’t Machu Pichu, now’s time to look at the practicalities of visiting the country. In this section, you’ll find frequently asked questions about visiting ancient Peru ruins.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
Peru has a multitude of different terrains, from the desert, forest and mountainous regions, and each comes with its own microclimate. However, with regards to seasons, then there are two – the wet and the dry season.
The dry season falls between May and October. So if you’re visiting anything in the Sacred Valley, this is the best time to go.
Is it easy to travel around Peru?
Travelling around Peru is reasonably straightforward from any of the larger towns and cities. The main tourist sites are well connected by tourist buses, as well as internal flights. Peru Hop is a great tourist bus service that connects all the major places of interest.
For travel between major cities, use the Omio app to compare travel options across all the main providers for air and land transport.
For smaller towns and to access some of the ruins in this article, the only ways of getting there are by colectivo (local bus/minivan) or the easiest option, hiring a driver for a whole day.
What should I pack for Peru?
Aside from the obvious packing, there are a few other essential items you should add to your Peru Packing list.
A decent pair of walking shoes is a must, especially if you’re exploring the ruins. Other essentials are sun protection. Lots of the sites are very exposed, so even in the cooler winter months, the sun can be harsh. Take sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
The weather in Peru, especially in the shoulder season, can be intermittent. It’s worth taking a wind and rainproof jacket. In the wet season, even consider a large poncho that will cover yourself and your day bag. It can rain a lot!
What currency does Peru use?
The currency in Peru is the Sol. In tourist destinations, shops, hotels and restaurants, card is readily accepted, however, Peru is still very much a cash-is-king country. If you’re visiting the smaller ruins outside of the towns and cities, make sure you have ample cash on you as ATMs are limited in the small villages.
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The ‘Boleto Turistico del Cusco’ is the most efficient way of seeing lots of the Archaeological Sites in Peru. There are various tickets available, each covering different sites in and around the Sacred Valley.
If you’re planning on visiting quite a few ancient ruins in Peru, then this could be a great way to save some money. It’s worth noting that you can only buy the tickets in Cusco from an official vendor and there are quite a few T&Cs of what is and what isn’t included. Transport isn’t included, so you have to hire a driver and a guide separately or make your own way by Colectivo.
If you only have limited time in Cusco, it might be easier (and cheaper) to book a comprehensive tour that includes transportation, a guide and the entry fee. Do your research before to find out what’s the most viable option.
What other places in Peru are worth visiting?
Aside from the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, there’s an abundance of other great places to add to your Peru travel itinerary. Make sure you add in a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines and or head to Puno to see the gigantic Lake Titicaca.
If you’re in Cusco for a few days, then the Rainbow Mountains are also worth visiting, and of course, if you have time, then spend at least a few days in the Amazon rainforest.
Before you start planning your trip to Peru, it’s a good idea to check the availability of the Inca Trail. Tickets are limited and they do sell out during peak season, it’s also closed during February. However, you can visit Machu Picchu all year round.
Which of these Peru ancient ruins is top of your list?
So I hope after reading this article you have a whole load of archaeological sites you’ll want to add to your Peru bucket list. You can download this free map and checklist here.
I’d like to thank the writers who helped make this great article possible and showcased some of the best non-Machu Picchu ruins in Peru.
If you enjoyed this best Peru ruins travel guide, you might also like…
- Hiking the Inca Trail – G Adventures Tour Review
- Bucket List Hikes in Peru (that aren’t the Inca Trail)
- South America Travel Inspiration
- FREE Trip Planning Resources
Save it for later
If you found these ruins in Peru itinerary useful, then save this post for future reference. Know someone else who will find this helpful, then why not share it with them?
Have a question about anything in this ruins of ancient Peru travel guide? then head to the Contact page and drop me a message.
