Lima, Peru: The 'City of Kings' reigns again

(ANDINA). Lima or ‘The City of Kings’, once a place to leave as quickly as possible, reigns again showing off its many colonial and pre-conquistador glories, according to an article in UK online newspaper The Telegraph.
“Lima must have one of the most fabulous sunsets in the world. It helps, of course, that the city faces due west across the Pacific, so the setting sun can flood into the beaches and pick out the last surfers elegantly essaying a few lines,” the report says.

Up above on the cliffs, paragliders spiral past the smoked-black windows of the nearby hotels, many of which have infinity pools on their rooftops.

It all seems very Californian. The crowds promenading along the seafront eating ice cream and taking in the spectacle have a prosperous feel.

The article also highlights Lima's boom in recent years. "Even the taxi drivers no longer have anything to complain about," it states.

Peru, like neighboring nations Chile and Brazil, has largely missed out on the worldwide recession, helped by strong mineral exports and a surprisingly conservative banking system.

The report also recounts how the Shining Path years – when the country was terrorised by Maoist revolutionaries – seem to be a distant memory.

Richard Gere unable to climb Huayna Picchu due to bad weather

Cusco, Mar. 16 (ANDINA). For the second time in a row, Hollywood star Richard Gere visited the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular icons of the ancient world, but was unable to climb the Huayna Picchu or “Young Mountain” due to bad weather conditions, local sources reported.
He was scheduled to climb Huayna Picchu mountain (2,667 meters), which looms over Machu Picchu, after touring the citadel located within the historical sanctuary, declared World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Huayna Picchu is the eternal guardian of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The pathway to Huayna Picchu starts in the main square of Machu Picchu between the caretaker’s hut and the Sacred Rock, also known as the Funerary Rock and continues along a path built by the Incas.

The 61-year-old actor arrived in the town of Aguas Calientes aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham train at 13:00 hours on Monday and entered the Inca citadel two hours later.

Three personages depicted on recently found polychromatic murals in Peru

Lima, Mar. 14 (ANDINA). New polychromatic murals depicting three personages adorned with feathered headdresses -among them a particularly majestic individual flanked by two staffs or banners- were found at the Ucupe Palace located in Lambayeque region.
The discovery was made after a group of archaeologists resumed preservation and maintenance works at the archaeological complex located 39 kilometers (24 miles) from the city of Chiclayo.

Finds were presented to the press by the director of Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum Walter Alva after their recent discovery.

The finds are the latest in the series of discoveries over the past 28 years, adorned with feathers and a kind of false wings that remind us the image one of the Lambayeque golden jewels: The Tumi.

“It’s unique for this type of mural in ancient Peru,” Alva said, noting another mural in which personages are shown amid a festive scene.

Taca Airlines to start flights to Chiclayo, Piura in May

Lima, Mar. (ANDINA). Taca Airlines announced the expansion of local routes in Peru including new direct and daily flights from Lima to Chichayo and Piura, starting May 9.
Taca will introduce a direct flight between Lima and Chiclayo, as the capital of northern Lambayeque region has seen a significant growth in tourism and trade.

This route will start operating from May 9 with seven flights per week.

Moreover, the company will link cities of Lima and Piura with two direct and daily flights.

Taca Airlines plans to hold a 15 percent share of the country’s commercial aviation market by the end of 2011. For this purpose, it has invested some US$138 million in fleet, structure, offices, jobs and trainings, among others.

Taca also announced that the flight frequency between Trujillo and Lima will increase from seven to fourteen weekly services.

Orchid tourism in Peru has great potential, expert says

A decade from now, and with enough work and research, orchid tourism in Peru could have a privileged status in the world and generate significant income for the country, said orchid speciality Jesús Purisaca. Purisaca was the lead organizer of the first scientific Orchid Conservation Conference, which took place at Machu Picchu at the end of February.

“[Orchid tourism] is a very important niche, and it needs to be promoted and spread throughout all spheres,” he said. Purisaca, a representative of the NGO Inka Terra Association, said that a list of species needs to be compiled with the respective locations where each one can be found, in order to promote individual types as well as have specialized personnel who can explain the diversity and richness of the flowers.

He said that to guarantee the success of this kind of eco-tourism in Peru, this kind of research must be complemented with facilities for visitors, ensuring they have all the necessary comforts to make their stay in Peru an unforgettable experience.

“We have several sites where we could develop orchid tourism, and even more places yet to be discovered,” he said.

According to Purisaca, there are 40,000 people involved in the study of orchids throughout Latin America, only 500 of which are in Peru.

Peruvian ancient temple reveals secrets of human sacrifice

Lambayeque, Mar. 09 (ANDINA). Archaeologists in northern Peru have discovered hidden frescoes in a major center of human sacrifice dating back to the ancient Lambayeque culture.
“We are talking about an area that is over 600 meters squared where rituals of human sacrifice or offering have been carried out that were very important in Lambayeque society,” Bruning Museum director Carlos Wester was quoted as saying by NTDTV.

Wester added that “it is probable they were carrying out human sacrifices here because we are very close to a site where we found more than 30 sacrificed women, a very large ceremony for these past societies and this seems to be the central atrium where these rituals were carried out."

The Lambayeque or Sican culture developed on the northern coast of Peru between about AD 700 and 1300, thriving to 900-1000, between the Moche and Chimu cultures.

Lord of Wari treasures dazzled over 5,000 domestic, foreign tourists in Cusco

Cusco, Mar. 04 (ANDINA). Treasures of the Lord of Wari, displayed at the temporary exhibition room of the Regional History Museum Casa Garcilaso in Cusco, dazzled 5,158 Peruvian and foreign visitors, according to information from reliable sources.
The Lord of Wari was recently discovered in the archaeological complex of Espiritu Pampa in Vilcabamba, Cusco.

The Wari noble, also known as the Lord of Vilcambamba, was discovered inside a tomb wearing a breastplate, bracelets, scepters, feathers, ceramics, gold, silver and textiles from the Wari culture, said Luis Fernando Bobadilla, tour guide at the aforementioned museum.

About 80 percent of visitors are locals, while the rest come from Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and the United States. They are astonished as the new find make them revise part of traditional Peruvian history. They also express their congratulations on the archaeological work carried out in the area by signing a visitor's book.

According to the discoverer and archaeologist Fonseca Santa Cruz, the Lord of Wari exhibition will run until March 9. People of Cusco may access the museum for free by showing their ID card; whereas tourists will have to buy their tickets. It opens from 08:00 to 17:00 hours.

Some 100,000 tourists go all over the Andes to enjoy carnivals

Lima, Mar. 04 (ANDINA). Nearly 100,000 tourists are travelling all over the country attracted by its carnival atmosphere, which contributes to the economic development of local communities, mainly in Ayacucho, Junín, Cajamarca, Puno and Apurimac receiving almost 20,000 tourists each.
Hotels and restaurants remain full during these weeks, in spite of the consistent tourism investment growth each year.

Investment in the hotel industry is still modest. However, inhabitants make efforts to improve the quality of accommodation services, food and other available services for tourists.

Cajamarca´s carnival is the most famous celebration in our country. It features cultural and traditional expressions, dazzles visitors with krewes, parades, mask dances, neighborhood contests and colorful parades.

The city offers 117 accommodation facilities; with a total of 2,114 rooms and 4,465 beds, but only 14 are three-to-five-star graded.

http://www.inkanatura.com/

Machu Picchu

Experts believe that Machu Picchu was one in a series of royal Inca estates built in the Urubamba Valley. To researchers, the site’s multiple observation points suggest that the Inca worshipped the sun, and its location, surrounded by rivers and mountains, indicates a reverence for nature.

Visit Peru's festivals: November and December 2011

NOVEMBER 2011


Tourist Week in Palpa

Location: Ica
Date: November 1 - 7



The town of Palpa annually celebrates Tourist Week with food contests, handicraft fairs, guided tours through local tourist sites and its popular Ms. Tourist Week Queen beauty pageant.

Tourist Week in Puno

Location: Puno
Date: November 2 - 8



The city of Puno celebrates Tourist Week with several vibrant folkloric dance exhibitions, food fairs, parades and a huge tourism and handicraft fair.

Anniversary of the City of Puno

Location: Puno
Date: November 4



The city of Puno celebrates its anniversary with several cultural activities including folkloric dance parades; a reenactment of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo emergence staged in Lake Titicaca as well as concerts by popular national music bands and food fairs.

Emergence of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo

Location: Puno
Date: November 5



The legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, who emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca to found the Inca Empire, is staged annually in the waters of Lake Titicaca as one of Puno's main anniversary celebrations. More than 200 artists take part in this production where the mythical couple arrives in Puno's port in giant reed boats, followed by more than a hundred rafters.




The mythical Inca king and queen arise from Lake Titicaca in a yearly celebration in Puno. (Photo by Nathan Paluck)

Anniversary Tourist Week in Moquegua

Location: Moquegua
Date: November 20 - 26



The city of Moquegua organizes a series of cultural events for its Anniversary Tourist Week celebration, including its famous Amacerado de Damasco brandy contest, regional dance contests and its annual craft, tourist and industrial fair.

Jubilee and Tourism Week in Pasco

Location: Pasco
Date: November 21 - 30



The city of Pasco hosts many activities during this week, there is its famous annual crafts, agriculture and tourism fair; many folkloric shows; dog expos, a coffee and maca sampling event; an archery contest, races and food contests.


Tourist Craft Fair in Tumbes

Location: Tumbes
Date: November 22 - 26



Every year, Tumbes hosts a large craft fair to help promote tourism and exportation throughout the region.

Anniversary of Tumbes
Location: Tumbes Date: November 25


On this day, the entire region of Tumbes takes the day off and participates in sport contests, concerts, food fairs and dances.






DECEMBER 2011


Tocache Banana Festival

Location: San Martin
Date: December 1 - 6



The Tocache banana is one of the largest fruit crops produced in this northern town. Every, in its honor, it hosts a festival with food expos of banana based food products, various cultural activities and a Ms. Festival beauty pageant.

Lady of the Immaculate Conception Feast

Location: Loreto
Date: December 1 - 8



The town of Tocache pays homage to their patron, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, with a day of food fairs, boating contests, motorcycle races, singing contests, outdoor concerts, processions and a large mass wedding ceremony.

The Scissor Dance Festival

Location: Huancavelica
Date: December 22 - 26



The scissors dance originated and continues to be immensely popular in the deep Peruvian highland region of Huancavelica. The dance consists of two or more dancers taking turns doing intricate steps and gymnastics-like jumps to the sounds of a violin and harp orchestra while cutting the air and following the beat with a scissor in one hand. This festival consists of a series of contests to determine the best scissor dancers of the region. These include physical skill, magic and blood challenges.

Related:
Peru’s scissor dance inscribed intangible heritage by Unesco
Scissor Dance to open Chinese New Year in Hong Kong


The Lady of the Immaculate Conception Fair

Location: Tumbes
Date: December 8



Every year the city of Tumbes hosts a fair in honor of the Immaculate Virgin. There are concerts, food and craft expos, carnival rides and a regional beauty pageant.

Peru recovers 98 artifacts from U.S., Argentina

Lima, Mar। 03 (ANDINA)। Peru said on Wednesday it has recovered 98 archeological pieces dating back to the pre-Inca and colonial eras from the United States and

Among them, an exquisitely carved and painted stone in 45 pieces, which was part of a 18th century church's portico in the southern Andean region, came under the spotlight।

Also returned to Peru were 26 boulders, 12 skulls and a polychrome ceramic figure.

The United States repatriated 84 pieces and Argentina returned 14 pre-Colombian objects, Peruvian Deputy Foreign Minister Nestor Pompolizio said.

Thanks to the efforts of Peruvian diplomats abroad, more than 5,000 pieces of artifacts have been returned to Peru since 2007, Vice Culture Minister Bernardo Roca Rey said.

In January, the South American country, which is dotted with hundreds of archeological sites, had 27 objects repatriated from Chile, according to a Xinhua report.

"The illegal trafficking of cultural goods is a profitable trade which continues and makes so complex networks just like drug trafficking and money laundering," Pompolizio said. "So it is necessary to set up a smooth coordination mechanism between national and international entities."

Peru has signed more than 30 bilateral agreements to protect its cultural heritage. According to one pact signed late last year, Yale University in the United States will return to Peru 363 pieces excavated from the Machu Picchu archeological site in the coming days.

More enigmatic geoglyphs found in Peru

Lima, Feb. 28 (ANDINA). Japanese researchers have discovered 138 more hills and lines in Peru near the world-famous Nazca lines and geoglyphs. The purpose of the formations, thought to have been created more than 2,000 years ago, is unknown.

Equally enigmatic are the Nazca lines - straight as an arrow and up to 20 kilometres long - and geoglyphs of humans and animals scratched on the arid plain. The designs are so gigantic that they are recognizable only from the air.

The Japanese also found two new geoglyphs of a human head and an animal. Both are relatively small, they said, which is probably why there had previously been no aerial sighting of them, dpa reported.

The Nazca lines and geoglyphs date from 800 BC to 600 AD, when the Paracas and subsequently Nazca cultures flourished. Situated on an immense plain about 460 kilometres south of Lima, the Peruvian capital, they were discovered when the first airplanes flew over the area in the 1920s.

Peru's El Comercio newspaper quoted the head of the Japanese team, Masato Sakai of Yamagata University, and his Peruvian colleague Jorge Olano as saying that the hills, all focal points of several converging lines, may have been places of worship, direction pointers to temples or markers of subterranean streams.

The researchers found some 8,000 earthenware fragments at the Peruvian site as well. They said that discovery of the hills, aided by satellites, was of enormous significance because only 62 similar hill formations had previously been known.

Machu Picchu Inca Trail reopens after a month of maintenance work

Cusco, Mar. 02 (ANDINA). The Inca Trail leading to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Cusco was reopened yesterday after a month of preservation work, cleaning of drains and maintenance tasks carried out by authorities in charge of its management.

Rene Carbajal, person in charge of the administration of the Machu Picchu’s Archeological Park, told Andina news agency that hikers can get off the train at KM 82, 88, 104, as entrance points have reopened.

According to Carbajal, the number of trek permits issued is limited to 500 per day including tour guides and porters.

Every February since 2002 the route of the classic 4-day Inca Trail is closed to allow conservation projects to be undertaken as well as giving the vegetation a chance to recover.

Initiative is also aimed at improving security conditions for both tourists and locals.

“Our staff has cleaned the routes where torrential rains disrupted access to the famous archaeological site। Everything is perfect. Tourists are visiting Machu Pichu normally, but we are prepared for any contingency,” Carbajal added.