Peru: A broad range of cultures and civilization

Perú is one of the richiest countries in terms of archeological sites ranging from the beginning of civilization in America such as CARAL (2600 BC) to the more recent INCA empire.
From the many alternatives, you may choose:

Chavin

Located in Ancash, at 3150 m above sea level and some 250 Km north of Lima This culture developed around 1500 and 400 BC, and is well known for their skill in carving stone, making pottery as well as for their religious heritage. It was a well organized society that traded goods with neighbors on the coast and extended its influence on a vast zone on the north coast of Peru.

Sipan

Sipan is located in Lambayeque, 760 Km from Lima and 35 Km east of Chiclayo , excavated in the late eighties this Moche administrative and religious site is major attraction now. A support museum in the city of Lambayeque named “The real tombs of Sipan”, holds the well documented history of this center that flourished around 200 and 800 AD.

Chan Chan

This mud city that flourished between 850 and 1400 AC and then disappeared mysteriously, is located 540 Km north of Lima very close to the city of Trujillo. The walls are carved with motifs related to the marine fauna, a large ceremonial area and a meeting area are among history telling remains and new areas are being uncovered and released to the public.

Kuelap

The fortress of Kuelap, built by the chachapoyas is located in amazonas (670 Km North and 280 Km west by road). The fortress is on a cliff at 3000 m above sea level and comprises a group of stone made structures in a 600*100 m2 area. From 800 AC to the arrival of the Spaniards, this culture was defending themselves from the wari and later on from the Incas that barely conquered them. The Chachapoyas allied with Spaniards against the Inca empire during the 15th century.

Caral

Caral is located 200 Km north of Lima and comprises a group of pyramids and structures that are 5000 years old and are considered the oldest civilization in America that flourished at the same time the Egyptian pyramids were built. The site and nearby population may have been around 20000 people. Evidence exists that “quipus” were first built by Caral inhabitants and later on adopted by the Incas as an efficient accounting system used by the Inca administration.

Pachacamac

Very close to Lima, on the south, this with a large history (200 to 1450 AC). A ceremonial complex built around 800 BC are part of the well preserved architecture of this early Peruvians influenced by Huari culture as well as Incas.

Paracas

In Ica, province of Paracas, 250 Km south of Lima, the Paracas culture developed between 750 BC and 100 AC mastering the finest cotton textiles known in ancient America, are also known for the cranial deformation as well as successful cranial surgery

Inka

The Inca empire had Cusco as the main capital and spread from actual Colombia to Chile and Argentina. The most important remains of this great empire are in Cuzco itself and Cajamarca.