Ancient Ruins of the Inca

Rivaling the size of the Eurasian empire, the Inca Empire was the largest pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas, occupying land from modern-day Ecuador to northern Chile and Argentina, with their political and military center located in Cusco, what is now Peru. The Spanish conquered the last of their empire in 1572, leaving behind hundreds of ancient sites, many of which are uncharted. Here are five Incan ruins charted and packed with history.

Kuelap

The northern sibling of Machu Picchu rivals the famous Inca site in size, containing more than 400 buildings, fortress walls more than 60 feet high and more stones than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Kuelap was built between 900 and 1100 AD by the Chachapoyan people, of which little is known. The site was largely unknown to the world until Peru’s Minster of Tourism announced plans to re-launch the area as a “second Machu Picchu.”

Moray Inca Site © Brizardh | Dreamstime

Moray

The more unusual of the bunch, Moray is an archaeological site consisting of several terraced depressions, the deepest of which is 98 feet deep. The intention of this site is unknown, though it is speculated it was used for agricultural and domestication experiments. There is a temperature difference between the top and bottom that can measure up to 27 degrees Fahrenheit, with each terrace containing its own microclimatic conditions. It is believed the Inca used this site to study the effect of climate conditions on crops and adapt wildlife for human consumption.

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytatambo was built by Emperor Pachacuti, serving as a town and ceremonial center. The archeological site is a starting point on the Inca Trail, and features the original walls and streets of the Inca Empire. Manco Inca Yupanqui led the Inca resistance from his stronghold here, where the massive terraces helped them achieve their biggest victory against the Spanish.

The Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu © Dan Breckwoldt | Dreamstime

Machu Picchu

One of the most famous sites of ancient civilization in the world, the “Lost City of the Incas” lies 7,970 feet above sea level in the Cusco region of Peru. Machu Picchu is believed to have been the estate for Emperor Pachacuti, who built the site around 1450. It was abandoned at the onset of the Spanish invasion, and forgotten by the world until historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered it. Today it is Peru’s most popular attraction, though crowds have forced the site to only accept 400 visitors a day.

Huayna Picchu

The mountain that overlooks Machu Picchu reaches a height of 8,920 feet above sea level, serving as the residence for the High Priest. The journey up is an hour-long hike on a narrow set of stairs and is not for the faint of heart. There are barely any handrails to protect you from the quarter-mile drop on either side, but once on top you get an amazing view of Machu Picchu.

To learn more about visiting these sites, visit the official website for tourism in Peru.