Archaeological splendour of Peru

Peru is a nation of outstanding natural beauty, varying from the scorched plains of the Pacific coast through the tropical Amazon to the peaks of the Andes.

The country has also been home to civilisation for thousands of years; dating back to the Norte Chico civilisation in the 30th century BC, through the Inca Empire of the fifteenth century and including the later Spanish occupation.

This diverse heritage has granted a unique archaeological legacy, not least the world famous city of Machu Picchu. But while the Inca settlement was recently voted one of the new wonders of the world, Peru has a wealth of heritage just waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers.

A visit to the north of the country is essential and the city of Chachapoyas, some 7,657ft above sea level and home to some of the country's most intriguing ruins, is a good place to start.

The Kuelap Fortress is one of the most impressive sites in the region. Built by the Chachapoyas, or Cloud People, between 1000 and 1470 AD the great walls of the fortress contain more material than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Ramparts tower over the citadel, with only three narrow entrances, each guarded by only a single solider, to create a structure impregnable to all but the most hardened warriors.

Nearby are the Karajia Sarcophagi; a collection of ancient vertical coffins resting against the cliff face that have stood for 800 years, untouched by the extremes of the harsh climate. The coffins house supreme tribal leaders and are sculpted of wood and mud, cut into the sheer rock that hold them.

The neighbouring Lambayeque region is also home to a number of remarkable buildings.

Chief among them is the Tucume Archaeological Complex, a collection of 26 pyramids dating from 700AD. Known as the Valle de las Piramides locally, shaman formerly harnessed their power to perform ancient rituals and the magnificent buildings still represent an awe inspiring sight.

The Royal Tombs of Sipan National Museum is another highlight, considered by many to be one of the finest in South America. It houses a collection of artifacts discovered in the tomb of Lord Sipan of the Mochica civilisation. The modern museum is designed to mirror the tomb in which its contents were found, and the collection of jewels, emblems and ornaments is considered to be one of the most important discoveries of the previous century.

There are also many more exciting discoveries waiting to be made in the region, including the El Brujo Archeological Complex and Huaca of the Sun and of the Moon, both in the Trujillo region, and tourists looking for a rewarding archaeological trip could do no better than a visit to Peru.

There is a wealth of information available for people wishing to visit Peru. Take a look at the Come to Peru site for tourist information, or the Inka Natura Travel website for further archaeological information.

Many tour operators also offer trips to the country, including The Real Peru, Bales Worldwide and Magic Globe.