If you're the type who can’t get enough of ancient history and old ruins, allow me to fuel that curiosity of yours a little bit more.
Peru isn’t just like other historical places. When I decided to visit, I was excited but had no idea what was in store. I thought I was just visiting another vibrant and beautiful country. I was quite surprised when history practically jumped out at me from every corner.
I'm not one to exaggerate, but believe me when I say nothing quite compares to the experience of standing in front of Machu Picchu for the first time. You can read about it in travel magazines, see all the pictures, but nothing compares to actually being there. The sheer scale of this ancient city, perched high in the Andes, is enough to make you forget that you’re not dreaming.
And not to mention, Cusco - I’m at a loss of words.
Walking through the streets, with Incan walls and colonial Spanish buildings blending into one big mixing pot, you’ll feel like you’ve just got out of a time machine.
Not everything went as smooth as my plane ride there, though. Cusco’s altitude hit me like a ton of bricks - I wasn’t expecting to feel so lightheaded and short of breath.
And flying over the Nazca Lines? Well, my stomach wasn’t exactly thrilled with the turbulence, but once those geoglyphs came into view, every second of queasiness was totally worth it.
There’s so many things that’ll make you feel curious about the roots and the origin of these architectures. It’s hard to believe people made them so long ago.
Here’s something cool: Cusco was once considered the centre of the world by the Incas. Knowing this while walking through the city, you’ll see why they felt that way.
Whether you’re a history nerd or just someone who loves to explore places with a deep, meaningful past and stories, these are the historical sites in Peru that I believe everyone should experience at least once.
4 Best Historical Places In Peru You Can’t Miss
Machu Picchu
Now, this place might be the first thing that pops up when you google “Peru’s must-visit historical places”. Let me tell you why Machu Picchu is in the top destinations of almost every traveller's list.
Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was truly something I’ve never expected to experience.
Walking through the Sun Gate and taking in those mountain views really hit home the history of the place. Luckily I read some on the way here. Apparently, it was a known as a sacred place they honoured their gods such as the sun, the moon, the mountains, and the earth.
Being high up in the Andes made me realise just how small I am and extravagant these ruins really are.
When I got there, the morning mist added a dramatic effect around the stones, making the experience much more unique and memorable.
Sacred Valley
If you ever dreamed of going into the wonderland, then this place is perfect for you. Exploring the Sacred Valley was like stepping into a real-life Incan wonderland.
I was genuinely amazed by the terraced fields and ancient ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Pisac has its unique ruins on top of a hill, which is one of the agricultural genius of the Incas. Not to mention, the market’s mix of local crafts and foods was too good to be true.
Ollantaytambo was another highlight. I can feel its story, some told through the details of the ancient walls’ stonework. Walking through its narrow, cobbled streets and seeing the grand terraces and temples was surreal.
The combination of the valley's natural beauty and its rich history made this part of the trip unforgettable for me.
Cusco
This former capital of the Inca Empire was another highlight of my journey.
Cusco city is like a historical novel with a great cover, of course. Wherever you walk through, you can feel a sense of past lives, where history is buried in the very fabric of its streets.
The cobblestone streets and the blend of Incan and Spanish architecture made me feel like I was in a different era, because of the mix between traditional architecture and modern high rises.
The Plaza de Armas was my favourite spot. I went back to see it 3 times because I kept thinking of its grand cathedral and how I didn’t spend nearly enough time admiring it to do justice.
The vibe of the markets and the energy of the local people brought history to life in a way that made me want to live there and learn more about the city.
Nazca Lines
Believe me when I tell you, the Nazca Lines was the most fun I've ever had.
Flying over it was a real adventure itself! And definitely not the kind I would crave for again. The bumpy ride in the smallest plane I’ve ever been had my stomach doing flips and cartwheels, but seeing those geoglyphs in real life made it all worthwhile.
Seeing those unique designs of spider and monkey engraved into the desert floor from above left me speechless. It felt surreal, as if time itself had paused for a moment.
Once we landed, I couldn’t stop wondering how the ancient people created these incredible designs and what exactly made them carve such timeless works.
From the breathtaking Machu Picchu to the one and only Nazca Lines, each destination offers its own unique story and sense of wonder.
If you’re up for an adventure that dives into the heart of ancient cultures and stunning scenery, Peru is definitely a place you won’t want to miss.
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