Tag: Andes Mountains

Peru
Latin America

Your Ultimate Guide to a Week in Peru

on December 16, 2021

The majesty of the Amazon, the mystery of cloud forests, the beauty of Pacific shorelines. Peru is a land of intricate ecosystems and archeological marvels. Planning a Peruvian adventure is quite a feat, and embarking with a lay of the land can help you make the most of your travels. In this guide, we’ll journey through the destinations, history, and flavors that form the tapestry of Peru.

Discovering Peru’s Flora and Fauna

Pack a field guide, hiking shoes, and a pair of binoculars! Peru is home to vast landscapes and incredible opportunities to observe wildlife. Rainforests, deserts, coastlines, glaciers: no matter where your journey takes you, there’s much to discover.

Along with its Pacific shorelines and the mountainous peaks of the Andes, the Amazon rainforest forms nearly 60% of Peru. You’ll find an abundance of wildlife throughout Peru’s various ecosystems, including jaguars, spectacled bears, and humpback whales. And if you’re a birding enthusiast, you’ve come to the right place! From quetzals and macaws to the Andean condor, keep your eyes peeled! Peru is home to 1,800 species of birds, and over 100 species are endemic.

Peru also celebrates an array of beautiful plant life, from tropical ferns to cacti. The orchid specifically draws visitors from around the world: in fact, Peru is home to about 10% of all the world’s orchid species. In the land surrounding Machu Picchu alone, it’s estimated that over 300 species of orchids bloom. Their gorgeous foliage and colors truly add an enchanting air to the historic site.

There are so many ways to explore Peru, from boat excursions and train voyages to canopy tours and kayaking adventures. Remember that wherever you set off to, you’ll likely encounter challenging terrain, mist, and heavy rainfall (also, remember that in Peru, spring and summer run from September to March, and autumn and winter from March till September!). Among your travel essentials, be sure to pack sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and layers that include weather-friendly garments.

And we must of course highlight the smiling faces you are undoubtedly looking forward to during your trip to Peru: the camelids! Camelids refer to a family of several species, and in Peru you’ll find llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Over the centuries, Peru’s camelids have held an integral role in both commerce and everyday life, providing transportation and fibers for textiles. In addition to many a photo opportunity, you’re sure to find many a souvenir themed around these local cuties.

Peru Dazzles with Design and Innovation

Throughout your travels in Peru, you’re sure to be amazed by Peru’s natural beauty, as well as its architectural jewels and handcrafted artistry. From archeological sites to traditional textiles, you’ll find exquisite design woven into every detail.

The Inca fortress Ollantaytambo, for example, is an archaeological marvel. Located in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is believed to have once been a sanctuary for Inca royalty. You’ll find stones carved with great precision, agricultural terraces and storehouses, and an aqueduct system that still works to this day. Considering the site’s altitude and terrain, the building of this Inca refuge is quite a feat, indeed. Visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo on our 10 Day Classic Peru

Then of course, there’s Machu Picchu. This awe-inspiring destination, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflects the architectural ingenuity of the Inca empire. Machu Picchu’s temples, terraces, and irrigation systems have astounded travelers from all over the globe. With remarkable design, great mystery surrounding the site’s origins, and magnificent scenery, it’s no wonder this wonder tops many a travel list.

And Peru’s design achievements are not only relics of the past. At the Uros Islands, you’ll discover an entire community built on design and creativity. Known as the floating islands, the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca are literally built out of totora, an aquatic plant found in the region. Even the island’s dwellings and fishing boats are crafted from the totora plant. Much of Peru’s historic design seems to seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape, and this fascinating locale reflects that same attention and care.

The artistry of Peru is also beautifully reflected in its textiles. From tapestries to clothing, the vibrant textiles of Peru are truly a sight to behold. At Lima’s National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, you’ll find thousands of textiles dating back to 2500 BC. And at Awana Kancha in Cusco, you can observe demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques – plus spend time with some very adorable camelids.

Exploring Peruvian Cuisine

Between its coastal locale, abundant rainforests, and rich agricultural history, you can certainly look forward to incredible cuisine in Peru! Here’s a gathering of produce you’ll find integrated throughout every menu, plus beloved local dishes to add to your foodie itinerary:

You must, of course, dive into some ceviche during your travels! Ceviche’s name comes from the Quechua word “siwichi”, which means fresh fish. Peru’s national dish is bright and refreshing, featuring fish marinated in citrus juices and combined with onions, chili peppers, and herbs. You’ll often find ceviche served alongside sweet potato, plantain chips, or corn.

If you’re a fan of the mighty potato, you’ll totally dig Peru’s culinary offerings. Peru is home to over 1,000 varieties of native potatoes in an array of beautiful colors. You’ll find them in dishes like causa – a tiered dish of mashed potatoes with layers that include other delicious ingredients like tuna or avocado. Depending on when you travel, you may also discover local festivities surrounding this acclaimed tuber: in Peru, National Potato Day is celebrated on May 30th. And if you’re all about dessert, here are a couple of iconic sweets to look out for. Suspiro a la limeña is a creamy dessert with notes of vanilla and cinnamon and topped with meringue, while picarones are sure to bring joy to any donut aficionados in your group. The fried, ring-shaped treats can be made from sweet potato, squash, or pumpkin, and are served drizzled with honey. Both of these desserts date back nearly 200 years in Peru, and are a delightful finale to any meal.

Machu Pichu
Latin America

5 Fascinating Facts About Machu Picchu

on December 13, 2021

Nestled in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, the Inca refuge of Machu Picchu has fascinated travelers from around the globe. From its cloud forests to its remarkable design, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a site woven with mystery and wonder.

If you’re embarking on an adventure to Machu Picchu, you’ll want to be well versed in the astounding destination you’re about to experience. Here, we’ll explore the history and architecture of Machu Picchu, plus current initiatives to help protect this iconic site and its surrounding ecosystems.

The Role of Machu Picchu in the Inca Empire is Still a Mystery

Though Machu Picchu was built centuries ago, its existence was made known to the world in the early 1900s. Historians date the construction of Machu Picchu to the 15th or 16th century. The site is made up of structures that would serve various purposes, including temples, dwellings, and structures that appear to function as ancient clocks or calendars.

Because of this, there are still multiple theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu’s creation and its role in Inca society. Some scholars have hypothesized Machu Picchu could have been a center of trade, or a coronation site for kings. Most modern-day archeologists now believe it was either a religious site or a royal estate.

There still remains much to be discovered, and new clues continue to piece together the story of this historic sanctuary. Just this year, researchers published new data revealing Machu Picchu may be decades older than once believed. While timelines up until recently were pieced together by historical accounts, radiocarbon dating now shows Machu Picchu’s origins may go back to 1420, or even earlier. Indeed, the mystery continues to unfold!

Machu Picchu Reflects Innovative Design

In Quechua, Machu Picchu means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.” Machu Picchu’s design seems to naturally extend from and integrate with the environment, creating an awe-inspiring sight amongst the clouds. Throughout this historic sanctuary, you’ll find terraces, monuments, and water fountains. And what is unseen is just as impressive: excavations have discovered an intricate underground drainage system that helps provide stability to the site’s foundation.

Some of the most famous sights at Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatna Stone (believed to be an astronomical tool), and the Temple of the Condor. Look closely at the stones, and you’ll be amazed at their cut and precision. The Incas used a masonry technique called ashlar to build Machu Picchu, and stones are cut to fit without mortar.

Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu was awarded this honor for both its environmental and archeological treasures. Its World Heritage designation covers over 30,000 hectares surrounding the site.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a Journey Through History

Visiting Machu Picchu is a travel dream for those fascinated by history and nature, and it also draws thousands of trekking enthusiasts each year. The Inca Trail – an ancient route navigated by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu – is considered one of the most famous hikes in South America.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is just one part of an extensive trail system that weaves throughout Peru and surrounding regions. These trails were essential to the Inca Empire in transporting goods and maintaining communication between the Inca’s various territories.

Today, the Inca Trail typically takes several days to complete. Along the way, trekkers experience an immersive journey through Peru’s jungles and great heights, capping each evening under canopies of stars. The trail courses through rugged mountain terrain, brilliant rainforest, and passes several other archeological sites before arriving at Inti Punku – Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate. For those who embark on the adventure, this 24-mile trail is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Experience the Inca Trail with our 7 Day Peru & Machu Picchu tour.

Machu Picchu is Surrounded by Abundant Ecosystems

Machu Picchu is not only a historical sanctuary, but a home for an abundance of flora and fauna. Its proximity to the mountains, rainforest, and Urubamba River provides a nourishing environment for nature to thrive.

Hundreds of species of birds and butterflies live in the region, along with spectacled bears, alpacas, and vizcachas. Many of the species in the region are endemic, meaning they can only be found in Peru. And along with verdant terrain, you’ll also find an exquisite array of orchids in the area. Peru is home to about 10% of the world’s orchid species, and over 300 species have been identified in Machu Picchu alone.

The architecture of Machu Picchu also beautifully compliments the surrounding environment. The main gate, for example, frames the peak of Huayna Picchu, while windows throughout the site offer picturesque views of the Urubamba River. And though Machu Picchu’s fountains provided the practical functions of water supply, their design also suggests an Inca appreciation for the sight and sound of flowing water.

Machu Picchu is Leading the Way in Sustainability

Machu Picchu is a pillar of design and innovation, and today, Peru is going to great lengths to preserve its beauty for future generations. A number of efforts are currently underway to ensure the longevity of the site and align with Peru’s Paris Agreement goals.

For example, entrance to Machu Picchu via hiking trails or railroad provides low-carbon transportation, while single-use plastics are forbidden. A biodiesel plant transforms cooking oil from neighboring restaurants and hotels into eco-friendly fuel (and keeps it from spilling into the Vilcanota River). Also, a reforestation project is in motion, with the goal of planting one million trees around the ancient site. Among its many accolades, Machu Picchu was recently awarded another very exciting one: the world’s first carbon neutral certified tourist destination. As Peru aims to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050, this certification reflects Machu Picchu’s climate commitments and initiatives.