6 notable sites ranked among the world's top 100
The 'Lost City of the Incas' perched at 2,430 meters in the Andes. Abandoned during the Spanish Conquest, it was unknown to the outside world until 1911.
UNESCO World Heritage, New Seven Wonders, most iconic archaeological site in the Americas.
The Intihuatana stone at Machu Picchu served as an astronomical observatory. The Sun Temple is a masterpiece of Inca stonemasonry.
Inca astronomical observatory, precision stone cutting.
The largest adobe city in the world, capital of the Chimú Empire. Covering 20 km² with intricate adobe relief walls.
UNESCO World Heritage, largest adobe city ever built.
A major ceremonial center and oracle near modern Lima, predating the Inca Empire by 1,000 years.
Ancient pre-Inca oracle, 1,800+ years old.
A pre-Inca archaeological site with underground passages, stone heads (cabezas clavas), and the elaborately carved Lanzon.
UNESCO World Heritage, pre-Inca ceremonial center.
The oldest urban center in the Americas and one of the oldest in the world. A 5,000-year-old city with pyramids, plazas, and amphitheaters.
UNESCO World Heritage, oldest city in the Americas.