5 unmissable Inca ruins

The Inca Empire rose from the highlands of Peru in the 13th century. Over the next 300 years, it developed into a massive and intricate civilisation that spread across western South America. Today, much of their monumental and innovative architecture, stonemasonry and infrastructure still stands. Here are five of Peru and Bolivia’s most fascinating Inca sites.

Inca Pisac, Peru

Inca tradition called for cities to be built in the shape of birds and animals and pisac means partridge in Quecha, so the town is partridge shaped. Thought to have been constructed to defend the southern entrance of the Sacred Valley, the site includes homes, a military citadel and religious temples. The village is only an hour from Cusco but you may as well spend the night – treat yourself to a room at the highly rated Allpawasi Pisac Lodge.

Isla del Sol, Bolivia

The Inca believed Isla del Sol to be the birthplace of the sun god, so they built sacred sites all across the island. Inca del Sol rests in the southern part of Lake Titicaca and is home to the Sacred Rock and maze-like Chicana. Spend your days hiking along the old Inca roads, or boating around the island. After a day exploring, take in the view from the cottages of Utasawa or Ecolodge de Estancia.

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Emperor Pachacuti conquered this mountainous region and built Ollantaytambo in the mid 15th century. Set alongside the Urubamba River, the town is made up of cobbled streets and adobe (dried mudbrick) buildings, with a massive Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain. During Inca resistance against the Spanish, the fortress served as a stronghold for Maca Inca, the founder of the Neo-Inca state. With such a rich history, it’s worth taking your time here – spend the night at Sauce or Tikawasi Valley–Ollantaytambo.

Wiñay Wayna, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Wiñay Wayna sits high up on the famous Inca Trail, about 5 km shy of Machu Picchu. This 15th-century complex of houses, fountains and agricultural terraces rests on the steep Peruvian hillside overlooking the Urubamba River – and well worth exploring on your way up. From Andino Hotel or Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu, you can easily catch the bus or find the trailhead up to Machu Picchu the next morning.

Machu Picchu, Peru

High on a mountainous ridge over the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu is completely self-contained and invisible from below. The citadel was most likely built for Emperor Pachacuti – which makes sense given its sweeping views and elaborate temples. The experience of completing the Inca Trail and arriving at the bright green terraces is astonishing. After an arduous journey, you may want to splurge on a room at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge or Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.