4 Things to See in Peru that Are Not Machu Picchu

The Maras Salt Terraces

One of the most famous places in the world is Machu Picchu in Peru. It’s an amazing place that every family should take the time to see and explore. Machu Picchu aside, Peru is an incredible country that is a perfect place to travel with kids. There are a lot of ancient ruins to explore, friendly locals to meet, history and mythology to learn about, and delicious food to eat. There is no shortage of hidden and unknown treasures in Peru and it is a perfect place to take a family vacation. Here are four things to see in Peru that you may not know about.

1. Maras Salt Terraces

The small town of Maras is just north of Cuzco. Maras is quaint and quiet yet has become famous for the salt terraces just outside of the town center. Saline water from a local spring bubbles into surface pools and when the sun evaporates the water, all that remains are piles of salt.  This creates salt terraces that look otherworldly and stretch for miles. The glittering white of the salt in the sun, set among the backdrop of the indigo sky is gorgeous. It is a wonderful place to go for a hike.

2. Cuzco

Cuzco was first founded in the 11th century. It was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century until the 16th century when Spanish colonizers arrived. The city’s history is alive in the ancient ruins, museums, churches, mansions, and winding city streets. Cuzco is a real life history park. It is the “Archaeological Capital of the Americas” and earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983. Some of the most fun sites to see in Cuzco are Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Haun Rumiyoq, and Barrio de San Blas.

3. Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo was once the royal estate of an Incan Emperor. Now the town is an archaeological site and full of cute little cafes, tiny shops, and open air markets. The center of the town feels like the set of a classic western film where the wind may blow a lone tumble weed across your path! It’s always fun for kids to run down the old dusty roads and pretend to be cowboys and cowgirls! This quaint mountain town is well worth a visit.

4. Sacsayhuaman

Located on hill that overlooks the city Cuzco, the ancient citadel of Sacsayhuaman is a must see. The citadel was built in the year 1100 and construction continued under the Incas through the 13th century. It’s nearly inconceivable to believe that the massive stones that were used to build the complex were dragged, by people, from a quarry several miles away. It’s even more inconceivable to believe that each stone was perfectly cut and fit together without modern technology or mortar. This is one of those places that you have to see to believe. There is a lot to learn here and it’s a fun site to explore when you travel with kids to Peru!

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