Long before the Incas built their Andean empire, Peru was home to sophisticated cultures whose legacies still astonish visitors. The Chavín culture (1500 BC–200 BC) created monumental temples and intricate stone carvings at Chavín de Huántar. Along the southern coast, the Paracas and Nazca peoples were masters of textile art and geoglyphs; the Nazca etched hundreds of giant figures and lines into the desert.

Moche and Wari

To the north, the Moche civilization flourished between 100 BC and 850 AD, building adobe pyramids such as Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna and crafting realistic ceramics that depict daily life. The Wari Empire (7th–9th centuries) later unified parts of the Andes with an extensive road network and constructed earthquake‑resistant cities; its architecture influenced Inca builders.

Paracas Necropolis

South of Lima, the Paracas culture carved elaborate underground burial chambers and left behind colourful textiles preserved by the desert. Their skulls show evidence of trepanation and elongated cranial shapes, evidence of complex social structures and rituals.

Legacy and Sites to Visit

  • Chavín de Huántar: A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Cordillera Blanca, featuring subterranean galleries and the Lanzón carved monolith.
  • Huaca de la Luna: Near Trujillo, this Moche temple displays polychrome murals depicting deities and sacrifices.
  • Moray and Nazca: Visit Moray’s concentric terraces and the Nazca Lines to appreciate pre‑Inca innovation.

Understanding these cultures enriches any trip to Peru by revealing the depth of human ingenuity that preceded the Incas.