Discover the world's most iconic sights and landmarks. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, explore must-see attractions that define destinations across the globe. Find historical monuments, architectural masterpieces, and natural wonders that capture the essence of each place.

Humantay Lake is a glacial lake located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, near the city of Cusco. It is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by towering peaks and snow-capped mountains. The lake is fed by meltwater from the nearby Humantay Glacier, which contributes to its stunning turquoise color.

The lake is considered sacred by the local indigenous people, who believe that it holds spiritual and therapeutic powers. Many travelers come to Humantay Lake for its breathtaking beauty, and it is a popular destination for trekking, hiking, and camping. The journey to the lake involves a challenging hike through the stunning Andes landscape, but the journey is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views and the chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region.

Humantay lake

Peru

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

Abancay

Apurímac Department

Santiago

Cuzco Department

Wanchaq

Cusco

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built during the 15th century and is considered one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world.

The site is located on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley and was abandoned after the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century. It was not rediscovered until 1911, when American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it while searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba.

Machu Picchu is divided into two main sections: the agricultural and urban sectors. The agricultural sector is made up of terraced fields and irrigation canals that were used to grow crops such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa. The urban sector is made up of temples, palaces, and houses that were built from large stone blocks that were carved to fit together perfectly without the use of mortar.

Some of the most notable structures at Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana stone, which is believed to have served as a solar clock or calendar.

Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is visited by millions of tourists every year. Its remote location and the mystery surrounding its purpose and abandonment have made it a fascinating and enduring symbol of the Inca Empire.

Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo is a small town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, located about 60 kilometers northwest of Cusco. It is famous for its Incan ruins, including the Ollantaytambo fortress, which was constructed during the late 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti.

The ruins of Ollantaytambo are well-preserved and feature some impressive engineering feats, such as the terraced agricultural fields and the intricate water distribution system. The Ollantaytambo fortress served as both a military stronghold and a religious center, and its steep stone terraces, narrow staircases, and massive stone structures provide a glimpse into Incan architecture and construction.

Aside from the ruins, Ollantaytambo also serves as a gateway to the famous Inca Trail, a multi-day trek that leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The town is a popular stop for travelers exploring the Sacred Valley and is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, adobe buildings, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

Ollantaytambo

Moray is an Incan archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 50 km northwest of the city of Cusco. It is a unique and impressive complex of circular terraces, believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas.

The terraces at Moray are built into a natural depression in the earth, and they are concentric, with the largest terrace measuring about 150 meters in diameter and the smallest only 30 meters. The terraces were built to take advantage of microclimates created by the varying temperatures and exposure to the sun, with the temperature at the bottom of the terraces being about 15 degrees Celsius higher than the top terrace. It is thought that the Incas used the terraces to study the effects of different environmental conditions on crops, such as potatoes, maize and quinoa.

The site also includes a complex system of drainage channels that prevented water from accumulating on the terraces during the rainy season, which allowed the Incas to conduct experiments year-round. The terraces at Moray are a testament to the Inca's engineering prowess and their advanced understanding of agriculture.

Today, Moray is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to appreciate the Inca's impressive work and the stunning views of the surrounding Andean Mountains.

Moray (Inca ruin)

Salineras de Maras, also known as the Maras Salt Mines, is a historic salt-extraction site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco Region, Peru. The salt mines consist of a series of pools fed by a natural spring, which is believed to have been used by the Incas for salt production as early as the 13th century. Today, the site is still in use and operated by local families who extract salt using traditional methods passed down through generations. Visitors to the Salineras de Maras can observe the salt-extraction process and purchase locally-made salt products. The site is also known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by the Andes mountains, and is often included in tours of the Sacred Valley.

Salineras de Maras

Sacsayhuaman (also spelled Saksaywaman) is an Incan archaeological site located on a hill above the city of Cusco, Peru. The site is famous for its impressive stone walls that were constructed by the Inca civilization around the 15th century. The walls are made of massive stones that were carved and fitted together without the use of any mortar, a testament to the incredible engineering skills of the Inca people.

The exact purpose of Sacsayhuaman is not clear, but it is believed to have served as a military fortress, as well as a site for religious and ceremonial events. The site is known for its impressive three-tiered zigzag walls, which were designed to resemble the teeth of a puma, an important symbol in Incan culture.

In addition to its stunning stone walls, Sacsayhuaman also features a number of other interesting structures, including a massive amphitheater, a complex system of water channels, and several large stone towers.

Today, Sacsayhuaman is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the site and learn about the fascinating history of the Inca civilization. The site is also known for its spectacular views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Peru.

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