Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
As importantant as the discovery of the lost city of Machu Picchu...
An important discovery
I want to share this important archaeological discovery we found out about last week. An incredible nine ancient Wari tombs have been found in Cuzcu, the jungle-covered eastern slope of the Andes in Peru, near Machu Picchu. These findings are the first evidence of the Wari inhabiting Peru's jungles and may indicate that the Incas inherited much of their culture. How fascinating.
As important as the unearthing of Machu Picchu
The unearthing of these ancient tombs is said to be as important as the discovery of the lost city of Machu Picchu and Juan Garcia, cultural director for the Cuzo region, has said that this opens up a new chapter for archaeological research and forces a re-write in history.
Stepping back in time
The Wari dominated coastal Peru and part of the highlands from around 600-1200AD, but until now it was not known that they settled so far southeast. The Waris, a pre-Inca civilization, had an enormous cultural impact in the Andean region between 600 and 1200 with the Inca empire (around 1400 to 1532) being the largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas.
362 artifacts and nine tombs
Around 362 artifacts have been found, including a y-shaped silver chest plate, a silver mask, two golden bracelets with feline figures and two wooden walking sticks laminated with silver in the tomb of a high ranking personality dubbed the Lord of Wari. The tombs lie 680 miles southeast of Lima and were discovered in 2010, but was not announced until Irina Bokova, general director of UNESCO, came to inspect the site. This year sees the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Machu Picchu's discovery and this breakthrough allows us to further understand the Inca's heritage.
Contact Original Travel
Leave tour buses and jostling crowds behind on a tailor-made adventure to Peru. Whether exclusive access to art collections or walks with local Andean farmers (and their llamas) in the Sacred Valley sound more up your street, every detail of your holiday is designed for you. We’ve got your accommodation covered, too, be it listening to the sounds of the jungle from a remote eco-lodge or chatting with locals in a homestay on Lake Titicaca’s shores. And thanks to our experienced in-country team and passionate Concierges (who are just a WhatsApp message away), your trip will run like clockwork from start to finish.
Enquire nowPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
From luxurious sleeper trains to high-altitude railways, Peru’s rail network is a thing of beauty. Whether you want to marvel at ancient ruins in Machu Picchu, navigate Lake Titicaca by boat, or traverse one of the world’s deepest canyons in Arequipa, travelling by train is the way to go. One of our Latin America specialists, Charlie, has travelled extensively around Peru and experienced some of the country’s popular rail routes.
10th August 2026 - Peru Travel Tips
Peru is a country of incredible contrasts. Landscapes range from the sprawling Amazon Rainforest and cavernous canyons, to the soaring Andes Mountains punctuated by ancient Incan citadels. Similarly striking juxtapositions can be found within Peru’s culinary culture. Traditional food in Peru features a balance between hot and cold, sour and starchy, bold and delicate. And with a wealth of influences also coming from other countries, Peruvian dishes stand out among the gastronomic crowd.
14th December 2023 - Peru Food & Drink
From the dramatic peaks of the Andes to the lush vastness of the Amazon rainforest, Peru’s scenery makes a holiday here truly special. Natural beauty is something this South American destination does incredibly well, so it’s no wonder that it regularly appears on travellers’ wish lists. Multicoloured mountains, mysterious ruins and (of course) the majestic Machu Picchu are just a few of our favourite unmissable landscapes in Peru.
4th September 2023 - Peru The Natural World
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
