Machu Picchu voted South America's leading green destination

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru has been voted as South America's Leading Green Destination 2010 at the recent 17th Annual World Travel Awards Ceremony in Jamaica.
Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the “Travel Industry’s equivalent to the Oscars”, the World Travel Awards is the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program of today’s global travel industry and involves a voting campaign of about 185,000 travel professionals worldwide.

Machu Picchu was chosen over other eight nominees that included Argentina's Patagonia; Guyana's Georgetown; Venezuela's Caracas; and Brazil's Abrolhos, Amazonas Tur, Fernando de Noronha, Manaus, and Pantanal.

"This award shows that Peru's tourism sector has a great impact on the economic, social and environmental development of the country," said Promperu's Tourism director Rocio Merino.

The ancient citadel, one of the new seven wonders of the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site, is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of scenic architecture in the world.

The city of Machu Picchu itself was built at the top of a granite mountain. The Incas, using ingenious engineering techniques, were able to transport heavy stone blocks up the mountain side, and once there, they used their excellent masonry skills to produce amazingly polished stones that fit together perfectly.

New species discovered every three days in the Amazon

A bald parrot, a pink river dolphin, a new species of anaconda and a tiny blind catfish that lives in waters deep underground are just some of more than 1,200 new species discovered in the Amazon over the last decade.
On average, scientists have found a new plant or animal species every three days for the last 10 years – and that’s not including insects, where the discoveries are almost too many to count.

The Amazon Alive! report confirms the Amazon as one of the most diverse places on Earth, and is a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect it. World governments are discussing new ways to protect species and habitats in the Amazon and elsewhere at the UN biodiversity summit in Nagoya, Japan, this week.

The new species described in the report are made up of 637 plants, 257 fish, 216 amphibians, 55 reptiles, 16 birds and 39 mammals. Click here to watch a slideshow of some of the new species.

They include a 4m-long anaconda, an extraordinary fire-and-water frog, a parrot with a bald head and an astonishing spectrum of feather colours, a tiger-striped tarantula, a new species of pink river dolphin, and a blind, bright red catfish that lives mainly in underground waters.

“This report clearly shows the incredible diversity of life in the Amazon, and what we could lose if we don’t act now,” says Francisco Ruiz, who leads our Living Amazon initiative.

During the last 50 years, nearly a fifth of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed. And it’s still being cleared rapidly to meet growing global demand for meat and other products such as biofuels.

“Urgent action is required to help shift to a sustainable model of development in the Amazon,” says Sarah Hutchison, who leads our work on forests in the region. “Even from here in the UK there are things we can do to help promote a sustainable forest economy in the Amazon.”

One way you can help is by supporting Sky Rainforest Rescue. The project aims to save a billion trees in the Amazon by helping local people earn a better living looking after the forest than they would from chopping it down.

Recent findings at Caral became accessible to the public

Barranca

Ancient mysteries, customs and the architectural complexity held within the 5000-year-old Sacred City of Caral -situated on a dry desert terrace overlooking the green valley of the Supe river- were featured to locals and foreign tourists upon completion of 16 years of research conducted by PEACS. Along the 1.6 kilometer route, visitors explored more than 30 architectural buildings between la Plazuela de la Confluencia or Tinkuy Runa Kancha, situated in the middle of the complex.
According to Pedro Silva, archaeologist at Caral-Supe Special Archaeological Project (PEACS), the Tinkuy Runa's existence demonstrates that Caral was an urban centre with great architectural complexity.
In addition, tourists appreciated the most recent discovery made in the citadel: ornamental designs in the shape of “V” featured in the pyramid La Galeria, located in the section H between La Huanca and minor piramidal buildings.
Visitors also explored the amphitheatre and the major pyramidal building, used to hold government meetings and public activities in high and low zones of Caral.

On the eve of October 30, visitors were able to appreciate the stunning night lighting in buildings and the Rite to the Pacha Mama or Mother Earth, offered in appreciation of 16 years of successful research conducted by PEACS.

According to PEACS director Dr. Ruth Shady, Caral is perceived as a civilization, because its people participated in different activities within a government organization that lasted more than 1000 years.

The Sacred Citadel of Caral is located in the Supe Valley on the central northern coast of Peru and is the oldest city of the Americas.

Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum attracts more European visitors

The Royal Tomb of Sipan Museum, located in the northern Peruvian region of Lambayeque, saw an increase of foreign visitors, especially from Europe (Spain and Germany), according to the museum director and discoverer of the Lord of Sipan, Walter Alva.

In statements to Andina news agency, the Peruvian archaeologist underlined that the museum “is reporting an increase of foreign tourism, especially from Europe”.

The influx of Spanish visitors has a lot to do with the promotion of a documentary about the Lord of Sipan in Spain, which has been seen by millions.

“The impact of this promotion translates into more tourists visiting the country,” he emphasized.

According to Alva, Royal Tomb of Sipan Museum expects to attract more than 140,000 local and foreign tourists this year.

On the other hand, archaeological investigations are still being conducted in the archaeological complex of Huaca Rajada-Sipan.

“We are excavating tomb Nº 16, which belongs to a Mochica`s elite priest. Archaeologists continue their research in Vetarron, dated to around 4,000 years-old, and findings revealed many animal bones on the Peruvian coast,” he stated.

President Garcia opens Huaca El Sol and La Luna On-site Museum

Peru’s President Alan Garcia launched Huaca El Sol and La Luna On-site Museum in Trujillo saying that Peru's heritage and history should be showcased to the world. The museum has diverse rooms, a research center and an amphitheater with an approximate area of 62,000 square meters.

Early on Thursday, Garcia participated in the inauguration of construction works for the National Museum of the Gran Chimu - Chan Chan, which will need a 10 million sol investment.

Garcia was accompanied by Second Vice-President and Congresswoman Lourdes Mendoza, Peruvian Prime Minister Javier Velásquez and Peruvian Congress President Luis Alva Castro, among other authorities.

More information about Sun and Moon Temples
Program Tour: The Moche Route (3 days/2 nights)
 

Over 500 artists to perform ancient Inti Raymi festival in Cusco

More than 500 artists will perform Thursday the ancient Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun in the Andean city of Cusco in southeastern Peru. Before the colonial Spaniards banned the ceremonial events occurring each Winter Solstice in Cusco, the native residents gathered to honor the Sun God, sacrifice an animal to ensure good crops and to pay homage to the Inca, as the first born Son of the Sun.

The Inti Raymi, one of the largest and most colorful festivals in Latin America, takes place at the winter solstice, when the sun is farthest from the earth. The centerpiece of the festival is the all-day celebrations on June 24, the actual day of Inti Raymi.

On this day, the ceremonial events begin with an invocation by the Sapa Inca in the Qorikancha, also spelled Koricancha square in front of the Santo Domingo church, built over the ancient Temple of the Sun.
 

Here, the Sapa Inca calls on the blessings from the sun. Following the oration, Sapa Inca is carried on a golden throne, a replica of the original which weighed about 60 kilos, in a procession to the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán, in the hills above Cuzco.

With the Sapa Inca come the high priests, garbed in ceremonial robes, then officials of the court, nobles and others, all elaborately costumed according to their rank, with silver and gold ornaments.
 

They walk along flower-bedecked streets, to music and prayers and dancing. Women sweep the streets to clear them of evil spirits. At Sacsayhuamán , where huge crowds await the arrival of the procession, Sapa Inca climbs to the sacred altar where all can see him.
 

Once all the celebrants are in place in the grand square of the fortress, there are speeches by Sapa Inca, the priests and representatives of the Suyos: the Snake for the world below, the Puma for life on earth, and the Condor for the upper world of the gods, as chronicled by about.com.
 

A white llama is sacrificed (now in a very realistic stage act) and the high priest holds aloft the bloody heart in honor of Pachamama. This is done to ensure the fertility of the earth which in combination with light and warmth from the sun provides a bountiful crop. The priests read the blood stains to see the future for the Inca.
 

As the sun begins to set, stacks of straw are set on fire and the celebrants dance around them to honor Tawantinsuty or the Empire of the Four Wind Directions. In ancient times, no fire was allowed that day until the evening fires.
 

The ceremony of Inti Raymi ends with a procession back to Cuzco. Sapa Inca and Mama Occla are carried on their thrones, the high priests and representatives of the Supas pronounce blessings on the people. Once again, a new year has begun.

More about Machu Picchu Archaeological Sites 
Tour: The Inca Experience

Inti Raymi: How to attend Peru's Inca sun festival this June

DDPER09-6438
Source David Ducoin
Photos Flickr

The city of Cusco will dress up again to worship the Inca god as Peru's ancestors once did. The Inti Raymi ceremony brings together over 500 performers on June 24 at the center of the Sacsahuamán archaeological park esplanade. As usual, hundreds of foreigners and Peruvians are expected.

According to the Municipal Company of Festivities in Cusco (Emufec), organizer of this event, over 40 percent of tickets have been purchased by foreign tourists who come to live the most important holiday of the empire.

Tickets are priced at US $90 for adults and US $45 for children. This year a virtual system of reservations and information has been implemented. It contains data about the scenarios, schedules, and some tips for the event.

If you are interested in participating in the Inti Raymi access the web page emufec.gob.pe until June 15 and you can book your ticket.

The big celebration will begin in the morning in the temple of Coricancha. Then, the Inca and his entourage will go to the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and finally, after noon, the main ceremony will take place in Sacsahuamán.

You can enter freely to the first two venues, so be prepared to get there several hours in advance. To be part of the main ceremony, you must have tickets.

The tourism police, archaeological complex rangers and Emufec monitors will be in charge of security.

Tours recommended:

The Inca Experience - Peru Tours

Inca Odyssey

Photo Gallery Cusco

Photo Gallery Inty Raymi Celebration - David Ducoin

Qoyllur Riti

PER_8812
Source David Ducoin
Photos Flickr

Qoyllur Rit'i is a religious festival held annually in honor of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i (Spanish: Señor de Qoyllur Rit'i) at the Sinakara Valley in the Cusco Region of Peru. According to local traditions, the celebration originated in 1780, when a young native herder called Mariano Mayta befriended a mestizo boy, called Manuel on Mount Colquepunku. Thanks to Manuel, Mariano's herd prospered so his father sent him to buy clothes for the two boys in Cusco.

Mariano took a sample of Manuel's clothes but could not find anything similar because that kind of cloth was only worn by the archbishop. The latter sent a party to investigate but when they tried to grab Manuel, he became a bush with an image of Christ hanging from it. Thinking they had harmed his friend, Mariano died on the spot and was buried under a rock. An image of Christ painted over this boulder became known as the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i which means Lord of Star Snow.

The Qoyllur Rit'i festival attracts a large number of peasants from the surrounding regions divided in two moieties. Paucartambo groups Quechuas from the agricultural regions to the northwest of the sanctuary while Quispicanchis includes Aymaras from the pastoral regions to the southeast.

Both moieties make an annual pilgrimage to the feast bringing large troupes of dancers and musicians in four main styles: ch'unchu, qolla, ukuku and machula. Besides peasant pilgrims, attendants include middle class Peruvians and foreign tourists. The festival takes place in late May or early June, one week before the Christian feast of Corpus Christi. It consists of a number of processions and dances in and around the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i shrine.

The main event is carried out by ukukus who climb glaciers over Mount Colquepunku to bring back crosses and blocks of ice which are said to be medicinal.

Photo Gallery recommended
Qoyllur Rit´y pilgrimage

Peru's Chamber of Tourism prepares for Machu Picchu centennial

Peru’s National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) announced today it will lead a commission in charge of organizing the celebrations on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on July 24 2011.

Canatur President Carlos Canales said that this commission will have the active participation of Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) and Peru’s Export and Tourism Promotion Board (Promperu).

He explained that, as part of the activities, they will begin an awareness campaign in the United States to prove how important the return of Machu Picchu’s archeological pieces is for Peru.

The pieces were temporarily taken by Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham to the US, but now this university refuses to return them.

“With this effort, we seek to build the archeological museum of Cusco. We will focus on social networks to recover these objects and make Yale graduates aware of our request and support it,” he explained.

On July 24, 1911, Professor Hiram Bingham discovered for the world the ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the most significant archaeological finds in the history of the Americas.

Suggest program, The Inca Experience

Cusco Photo Gallery

Peru’s tourist attractions to be promoted in France, US & Canada

Peru’s Trade and Tourism Ministry (Mincetur) announced Friday that Peru will promote its tourist attractions in France, USA and Canada with different “Door to Door” events.

Through a supreme decree published in El Peruano official gazette, Mincetur authorized Peru’s Export and Tourism Promotion (Promperú) to carry out the “Door to Door” event in France from May 31 to June 5 in cities such as Paris, Lille and Niza.

According to Promperu, this kind of event is an excellent way to strength Peru’s tourist image in French market, after the global financial crisis which has made European tourists hesitant to travel to any destination.

Another legal ordinance, meanwhile, authorized the trip of other Promperu’s representatives to participate in “Door to Door-North America West Coast” in cities like San Francisco, Portand, Seattle (US) and Vancuver (Canada) from June 7 to 16.

These two events are aimed at tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and specialized press as a way to directly promote updated information on Peruvian tourist attractions

Program Suggested:

Lost Cities of the Northern Peru
Treasures of the North of Peru 

Peruvian gastronomy to be featured on French Television

A 52-minute report on Peruvian gastronomy, which is attracting the world's attention, will be aired in the second half of the year on French television.

According to “I Triping” blog, French TV production company Gedeon sought the support from the Tourist Service Department at the Peruvian Consulate General in Paris.

Likewise, some reporters of this program are already in Peru visiting cities such as Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Iquitos and Tumbes.

Its broadcast will air during the second half of 2010 on a program called Le Globe Cooker, world's cuisine explorer TV show hosted by Frederic Chesneau.

“It is rewarding to observe the increasing interest in Peru and our cuisine in France. By supporting these kinds of initiatives of some production companies, we have encouraged others to discover our gastronomy and traditions,” tourism attache of Peruvian Consulate-General in Paris Maria Elena Corvest pointed out.

The Best Peru Tour: Taste of Peru
Interested in Filming Wildlife, Archaeology or Culture in Peru ?

Dolphins in Peru: A local NGO sees tourism as the way to conservation

How many times have we watched the marvelous leaps between waves by dolphins in Peru's ocean? Something that seems so natural to us is very rare in foreign seas. The German biologist Stefan Austermühle has studied these marine mammals the past four years in Peru, which gave him the idea of an activity to promote the conservation of dolphins and improve the fishermen’s lives: dolphin watching.

Few know that Peru is a privileged country in regards to dolphin watching: while at other latitudes, the possibilities of seeing a dolphin after traveling one kilometer of coast are slim, a few miles off the beaches from Chorrillos to Paracas, you can easily find three or six dolphins. Stefan Austermühle has counted them. Not only that: As if he were managing a personal register system, he constantly photographs their fins and identifies them by their cuts or scratches.

Ever since he began counting, Austermühle has accumulated over 70 thousand pictures of fins of bottlenose dolphins, or tursiops truncates, the official name. “There are 1,512 dolphins that can be seen in this part of the coast,”  he says. “Six hundred of them live here permanently. The problem is that there is a black market for dolphin meat.”

A love for animals
Stefan Austermühle is not new to the issue. When he was 18 and a student in Germany, he joined the Greenpeace. He participated in other organizations and in 1998 ended up exchanging emails with Nina Pardo, who back then was the administrator of a group dedicated to animal protection in Peru. From topics of work, they moved on to more personal ones, and after several months, Stefan decided to come to Peru to marry her.

Together, they founded the NGO Mundo Azul, with which they work on environmental education and animal rescue, in addition to carrying out scientific studies that include the evaluation of our marine and sub-marine biodiversity and the types of habitats there are in our coasts.

In 1996, the NGO with which Nina worked had promoted the adoption of Law 26585 that banned dolphin hunting in Peru's ocean to sell the meat. However, shortly after initiating is operations, Austermühle found alarming evidence that suggested that this law was not being respected nor enforced. While poaching of dolphins near the coast had stopped, the biologist started to find slices of dolphin further from the coast (specifically, the Dusky Dolphin, or delfin oscuro in Spanish), where the crime is less evident.

Dolphin meat at four soles per kilo
While before 1996 it was possible to find muchame (dolphin meat) at high prices in the local supermarkets, after the ban the business migrated to a different sector. “Now, fishermen don’t touch the bottlenose dolphin; they hunt the darker dolphins instead,” says Austermühle. “Once offshore, they cut out the meat in the ship’s hold and throw the bodies back in the sea to get rid of the evidence.” This mild meat is sold at S/. 4 per kilo. Guanays, sea lions and sea turtles face the same fate.

The director of Mundo Azul estimates that, due to the lack of control and difficulty to catch the poachers red-handed, it could well be three thousand dark dolphins a year that end up filleted and illegally sold at a fish market. In the fishing town of Salaverry in Trujillo, the biologist identifies a family of fishermen that sold muchame. He reported them and three members of the family were captured but they claimed that it was the "first time" they had done it and were released shortly.

If there are so many dolphin bodies floating in the ocean or washed up on the shore, how many live dolphins are there left and what can be done to protect them? That is why Austermühle has counted over 1,500 dolphins between Chorrillos and Paracas. They are not merely decorative in the sea, they are crucial for their environment. Due their long lives (from 30 to 80 years depending on the specie), dolphins and whales are excellent indicators of the marine ecosystem’s health for their sensitivity to changes in their life conditions. Their deaths or sicknesses clearly say that something is wrong. Additionally, they are at the top of the food chain so they are in charge of eliminating sick or weak fish and cooperating in avoiding the propagation of sicknesses among other species.

Tourism for conservation
Mundo Azul makes an effort to protect dolphins while studying them and promoting them among the population giving them the possibility of sustainable development off our coasts: touristic watching of these wonderful animals playing and jumping in the waves. After working on the registering of these mammals for three years thanks to foreign donations (expeditions are expensive; an offshore 25 day investigation can cost up to 10 thousand dollars), Mundo Azul raises money for further research by guiding tourist expeditions to watch dolphins and night-time scuba diving in Pucusana.

There is no better way to maintain them in their habitat than with tourism. Stefan is sure of that. Both artisanal fishermen and dolphins alike can take advantage of this.

Program: The Best Peru Tour Peru Explorer 
Pisco - Nazca Map

Peru; Machu Picchu received more than 38,400 tourists in April

More than 38,400 tourists visited Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one month after its official reopening to tourism, reports the National Institute of Culture, or INC.

The citadel remain closed for almost two months, due to the severe damage that last January's rainfalls and floods caused to the railways, which is the only access.

According to Andina news agency, more than 33,000 of those visitors were foreigners, which indicates that the place still draws lots of attention.

Machu Picchu was officially reopened on April 1, with a special ceremony with the presence of the American actress Susan Sarandon; that day the citadel had 1,688 visitors.

The average number of daily visitors was higher than 1,000 during all April.

More photos about Machu Picchu
Best Peru Tour: Luxury Inca Trail Private service

Peru: Chachapoyas airport to restart operations on May 17

Several years after the awful accident of TANS fligh company, Amazonas local airport will restart operating on May 17, with a daily flight served by LC Busre airline company, which will cover the Chiclayo-Chachapoyas route.

Airports of Perú (AdP) informs that this has required an investment of S/. 6.5 million (some US $3.25 million).

Rosa Jaico, Commercial Manager of LC Busre, said they had detected an interesting bussiness oportunity at the zone, since many foreign and Peruvian tourists want to come visit Kuélap and the Gocta Falls, which ranks third among the tallest waterfalls worlwide.

Amazonas airport requires a radar to operate safely, but Corpac has not consider installing one in Chachapoyas yet; instead, Corpac has purchased eight radars, one of them to be located in Cajamarca, to cover Amazonas from there, report TNews and El Comercio.

The Interior: Chachapoyas, Kuelap and Cajamarca
Chiclayo, Trujillo, Cajamarca, Kuelap and Chachapoyas Tours

Peru, special guest at International Trade Fair of Nancy in France

Peru will be the guest of honor at the International Trade Fair of Nancy in eastern France, one of the most visited, important, cultural, trade and culinary exhibitions in Europe, which gathers some 200000 attendees, and will introduce the world to the richness of Peruvian history and cuisine.

This event will be held from May 28 to June 7 and bring together some 700 exhibitors from 40 countries, who will be showcasing products related to different categories.

Those categories are furniture, appliances, home remodeling and decorating, gardening, wine shop, gastronomy, media, entertainment, crafts, banking, and insurance.
The star will be Peru, which is why a 3000-square-meter pavilion will be decorated with Peruvian motifs, including a Machu Picchu replica and a cultural exhibition entitled "The Sacred gold of the Incas."

According to organizers, the purpose is to showcase the cultural economic diversity of the country guest of honor, in this case Peru.

Organizers will also include a restaurant offering the best of the national cuisine as well as a Peruvian traditional and contemporary crafts exhibition.

Previous guests of honor were Brazil, Indonesia, Himalayas, Thailand, Russia, China, Madagascar and Egypt.

The Best Peru Tour
Tour: Taste of Peru
 

Spanish deputies willing to promote Cusco as tourist destination

A delegation of Spanish deputies visited the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu, getting a good impression about the safety of these places after the rainy season, Cusco’s governor Hugo Gonzales Sayan reported Tuesday.

"They were greatly impressed by the work undertaken after the emergency situtation caused by heavy rains and amazed at how tourism develops in Cusco," he told Andina news agency.

The regional authority was confident that some members of the Spanish parliament will emphasize the positive aspects of the Imperial City, and indirectly help increase foreign visits.

This delegation arrived as part of the Peru-Spain Parliamentary Friendship League.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Lima, Peru to have its first historic hotel-museum in 2011

Real Estate company Arte Express announces that they will invest some US $5 million to build  the first hotel-museum in Lima, located in the heart of the historic downtown.

Arte Express is planning to build this hotel using two historic buildings, according to the present norms for such cases, since some of these constructions were originally built 400 years ago.

One of these historic buildings is at the first block of Miro Quesada street, and the other on the neighboring Carabaya street, and both are connected.

According to Fernando Palazuelo, from Arte Express, they are currently finishing the project, aiming to start the works as soon as possible so they can open doors in Sept. 2011.

He told the press that this hotel will be a low-cost, thus a shared room may cost some US $8 per night, and that there will be a piece of Peruvian art in each one.

The Best Peru Tour: Lima/Cusco/Inca trail Classic/Cusco/Lima

Peru: "Incan Empires" cruise includes Lima and Salaverry ports

Holland America Line is offering a luxury cruise: “Incan Empires,” that follows the path of the ancient Incas, reports TNews.

With two overnights in Callao (Lima), this cruise offers time to explore Lima and even to take a domestic flight and visit Cusco.

“Incan Empires” is a 30-day round-trip cruise that starts at San Diego (US) and goes to Lima, and then back to San Diego, visiting seven countries; stops at Puerto Vallarta, Zihuatanejo (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal, Fuerte Armador (Panama) and Salaverry on its way to Callao, and at Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Caldera (Costa Rica), Puerto Chiapas, Acapulco and San Lucas Cape on the way back to San Diego.

15-Day cruise segments from Callao, Lima, are also available, and can be sold by Peruvian tourism operators.

This may be the perfect itinerary for those who seek an affordable opportunity to visit South America without booking an international flight.

Tours Cruises facilities in North of Peru

Churches of volcanic rock in Arequipa, Peru: Travel the religious route

Touring the historic center of Arequipa, Peru, you will have a religious experience. A peaceful route full of history, stunning architecture and strange miracles.

Renowned for its stunning blue sky, its towering volcanoes and lush vegetation in the valley, the White City encourages Peruvians and foreigners alike to come and see two ancient cloisters that now function as museums.

The itinerary may take from three hours to an entire day: it all depends on your interest and available time. The trip involves two convents that will take you to the past and provide you with a perspective of the beliefs of Peruvian societies of past ages.

Foto: Cesar Moncloa

Colonial Treasure

During the day you can visit the Convent of Santa Teresa, which was built in 1700 and received women from different social strata who wanted to devote their lives to prayer.

Upon entering its five rooms open to the public, you can feel the loneliness they felt and their strength during the long years of confinement.

Even though this was a modest convent, inside, magnificent works of religious art, depicting the Nativity and the most important scenes of the life of the Lord are displayed.

Jewelery works in gold and silver are displayed in what was formerly the infirmary. Eighteenth century sculptures adorn the halls and classrooms.

In addition the site has a spectacular colonial architecture, with original vaulted ceilings, walls made of volcanic rock (sillar) and small gardens where one can only hear the birds singing.

The silence lingers in Santa Teresa, since currently, 21 nuns remain in this cloister that will soon be 300 years old.

Foto: Martin Tremblay

The mysterious convent

The monastery of Santa Catalina, known as one of the most important tourist attractions in Arequipa, is the next place on the itinerary.

To walk in the footsteps of women who dared to surrender entirely to God, leaving family and friends behind, is extremely interesting. But visiting it at night makes an entirely different experience: much more dramatic and spiritual.

We believe that that is the reason that led to its opening during the night twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday). We recommend you enter at 6 p.m. so that you can visit its 21 rooms and beautiful plazas and walkways illuminated by the moonlight.

It was August 15, 1970 when this convent opened its doors for the first time to the public and presented 400 refurbished pieces, dozens of works from the Cuzco School and an important collection of religious art.

According to the story, cells were built for the nuns due to the earthquakes, where currently equipment and utensils from that time are in exhibition.

The local guides explained that some of the nuns decided on the closure because of an impossible love, a marriage that they did not wish to realize or because they lacked maternal vocation. We know, too, that they came from wealthy families and some were interned along with their maids so that they would wait on them.

Its architectural style is colonial, but emphasizes the fusion of Spanish and Indian elements and its gardens suggest a stay of hours with a good book.

Santa Teresa Convent

Melgar 303, Historic Center of Arequipa.

Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m.-1:00pm.

Entry is 10 soles, 5 soles for students.

Santa Catalina Convent

Santa Catalina 301, Historic Center of Arequipa.

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Entry is 30 soles.

Tour Suggested:

The Best Peru Tour: Taste of Peru

The Best Peru Tour: Peru Explorer

Peru eyes to double annual cruise ship arrivals

Peru is keen to boost its tourist sector increasing the number of tourist cruise ships arrivals from 30 to 60 each year, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Martin Perez reported Thursday.

Paasengers od these cruise ships dock at Callao’s port take a tour around Lima city, but the idea is to make them visit other places such as Pisco (Ica) and Salaverry (La Libertad).
"In this way, tourists would stay longer. We will be addressing that issue in the coming months to attract tourists from around the world," he said.
Minister Perez will be heading to the United States in June to hold a meeting with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and include those routes in the list of cruise ship destinations.
Minister Perez noted that Panama has already offered its support to Peru in this area as it is one of the world leaders in cruise business.
The 30 cruise ships that annually arrive into Peru's main ports contribute with an average 40 million dollars, this number is expected to double as the number of cruise ships arrivals increases.
These ships arrive between October and April with an average of 3,000 passengers who stay 12 days.

Relax and surf: Peru offers the beaches of Pacasmayo

Growing up in Lima, on the coast, made going to the beach part of my regular life. It’s sad that the beaches in Lima aren’t that good unless you drive 40 minutes south. So the idea of going up north to look for a nice beach within walking distance of my accommodation sounded appealing.

A beach at Pacasmayo.

For most people, the best beaches are way up north in Máncora. I agree, but it’s a long drive, 16 hours. I had only the weekend and a long bus ride wasn’t my idea of fun. So I was open to new ideas.

I went to buy a bus ticket and it was right there where I made a decision. The destination would be: Pacasmayo, about 10 hours from Lima. Pacasmayo seemed to be what I was looking for: a laid back beach town, not crowded, but still lively and most importantly sunny, warm and with an endless beach. The only thing I knew for sure about it was that there’s a huge cement factory called Cementos Pacasmayo. I was thrilled of the idea of discovering somewhere new!

We left Lima at 7 p.m. It was a night bus, no options to see the landscape but no big deal since the Peruvian coast is mostly a desert. It was around 5 a.m. when we arrived to Pacasmayo. My first thought was: "This is definitely a small beach town."

A small town with colonial touches

Coming from a city with more than eight million inhabitants, a town with about 27 thousand people was tiny, but they all are very friendly. They let me check in to my lodging although it was very early, just because they assumed I would be tired.

After a nap and a quick shower I was ready to explore the area. Streets are narrow, there are few cars but a lot of mototaxis, not only because of the small size of the town but also due to the warm weather which lasts all year long. It was really quiet. I was expecting a bright sunny day, but it looked a bit gloomy. The positive side: Walking around was more comfortable.

In Pacasmayo you will find very pretty colonial houses, similar to the ones you see in Trujillo. Unfortunately they are not that well preserved, but the charm is still there.

Sure, a beach town is different than small towns in highlands, just think about the houses with flat roofs. But I could also notice differences in the locals. I found people more outgoing and ready to talk to you, while in highlands they could be shy at the beginning. I think people in Pacasmayo are like the architecture of the area, a mix of lovely colonial buildings, nostalgia for a wealthy past, new buildings and high expectations for the future. Everyone seemed to know to each other here and I felt a bit like an outsider, but this feeling didn’t last very long thanks to the people’s warm welcome wherever I went.

Well, it was time to look for something to eat and I knew exactly what to get: a ceviche! I found a small and cozy place selling ceviche, which cost not even half the price of a similar dish in Lima.

Beach time

Pacasmayo is blessed with nice beaches, but there is one, El Faro, which is especially attractive for surfers. It wasn’t a big surprise seeing young people running to the beach to check the waves and then coming back carrying their boards. (One of the most popular and maybe also the biggest store was a surfshop.)

Surfing is becoming more popular in Peru, not only by Peruvians, but also foreigners looking for the perfect break. They like it here because it’s still uncrowded and there are plenty of places to discover. The best waves can be found from April to October. To entice surfers even more, the fishing village of Chicama has waves that stretch two kilometers wide, and is located 30 kilometers from Pacasmayo.

Next morning was Sunday and the sun came out very early, a perfect beach day. But first I went to the highest point in town to get a nice view. As in many other places in Peru, on top of the highest point there was a tall white Christ, arms wide open, like if he was guarding the whole town. From there I saw the pier and couldn’t help it walking along it, which is one of the longest in Peru.

The beach was getting crowded, mostly with locals who wanted to enjoy a quiet day. The only noise I heard came from the waves and children playing. After a couple of hours at the beach, sitting on the porch of the hotel with a cold drink and a book was perfect.

A tip: Pacasmayo is still a small town, so if you miss lunch time, you’d probably have to wait until dinner. Sunday evening is so quiet here. It seems to be everyone goes to bed early either to wake up early to start the work day or to look for waves.

Next morning I left Pacasmayo. There was no bus going to Lima, so I went to Trujillo and from there back to Lima. It was a great opportunity to walk around this lovely city. Pacasmayo will suit you if you want to stay away from the crowded beach areas and prefer a beach town lost in time.

Surfing information
Pacasmayo is recommended for experienced surfers. The best spot is El Faro beach.
Wave quality: World Class
Wave type: reef-rocky
Normal wave length: 300-500 meters.

How to get there

Go to Trujillo and make a connection to Pacasmayo. Buses from Lima to Pacasmayo don’t run often. (Trujillo is a lovely city and spending a few hours in this colorful city would be a wonderful idea.)

Relax and surf: Peru offers the beaches of Pacasmayo

More about beaches in the North of Peru

Peru to invite Sandra Bullock to boost tourism in Machu Picchu

As part of the campaign planned to boost tourism in Peru, authorities are assessing the possibility of inviting Oscar winner Sandra Bullock to visit Machu Picchu Inca citadel, alike US actress Susan Sarandon, Peru's Foreign Trade Minister Martin Perez said Tuesday.

“We are trying to contact her agents so she can join the group of famous people we seek to attract to Machu Picchu; our campaign continues,” he said.

Perez pointed out that the visit of famous American actress Susan Sarandon for the reopening of the Inca citadel had a huge impact overseas, which demonstrates that this type of campaigns produced positive results.

According to Peru's Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru), the visit of Susan Sarandon, had a great advertising impact of several million dollars, having international media coverage in different languages.

“The idea is that every 2 months we can attract one celebrity, and we will continue along this year,” he added.

Other future possibilities are Sting, lead singer and bassist of the rock music band The Police; American film director and film producer Steven Spielberg; and also Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra.

Tour Suggested:

The Inca Experience - Peru Tours

Machu Picchu receives some 1,500 tourists daily since reopening

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu receives some 1500 visitors a day from Thursday, when it officially reopened to domestic and foreign tourists, reported the manager of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu Marco Palomino.

Most visitors are European -mainly French and British- and Latin American -Argentine and Brazilian. Domestic tourists are mainly from Lima.
"Visitors have great expectation of seeing Machu Picchu due to its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the recent events," Palomino said adding that he noted the presence of families, young people and even seniors.

He said maintenance and restoration works were undertaken during the closure of the famous citadel, mainly in the area of mount Huayna Picchu.
According to Palomino, the Institutional Image Department of the National Institute of Culture (INC) in Cusco will soon issue a statement with further information on the subject.
Heavy rains caused the Vilcanota River to rise to its highest level in 25 years, flooding roads and destroying the railway near the famous Inca citadel, which forced the closure of this tourist attraction for the past two months.

Machu Picchu reopening celebrated with “Payment to the Earth” ceremony

The reopening of Machu Picchu Inca citadel, scheduled for Thursday, will be celebrated with a “Payment to the Earth” ceremony at the Explanade of the Koricancha Temple, located in the city of Cusco, south east of the country.

The event takes place at 20:00 hours (local time) and the organization is in charge of the Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry and the Municipality of Cusco, Peru's Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) reported.

Before these celebrations, they will screen images of the Imperial City and Machu Picchu in two big screens.

Then, the Inca and its entourage will appear accompanied by a group of musicians and dancers that will participate in the tribute to Pachamama Raymi or Mother Earth.

At the end they will exhibit fireworks and music bands will perform.

The reopening of Machu Picchu will represent a new stage in the recovery of tourism, started after the implementation of the campaign called “Cusco Pone.”

Machu Picchu, Amazon and Arequipa, best attractions of Peru, says The Telegraph

Machu Picchu, the Amazon River and Arequipa are the best attractions of Peru, according to an article published by British Telegraph and writen by Chris Moss, which offers a guide to the Andean country, ahead of this year's celebrations to mark the bicentenary of Latin America's fight for independence.

According to "Peru: a guide for beginners", the top six attractions are Machu Picchu (reopening in April, after recent floods), whether by train, trek or bus; Iquitos and the Upper Amazon river; and Arequipa, known as the ciudad blanca for its buildings made from pearly white volcanic material, and a Unesco World Heritage site.

Also the archaeological site of Chan Chan, including the ruins of the largest adobe city in the world; the high peaks of the Cordillera Blanca to see tropical glaciers and turquoise lakes on off-the-beaten-track hikes; and the mysterious, geometrical Nazca Lines, thought to have been etched into the stony desert as far back as 900BC.

For Chris Moss, Cusco is the best city of Peru because it has many impressive monasteries, churches and pre-Columbian buildings and is, as Che Guevara recorded in The Motorcycle Diaries, tangibly "the navel of the Inca world".

He also recommends tourists to buy a bottle of Peruvian pisco, the national firewater, and read Hugh Thomson's The White Rock, which deftly combines a history of the last days of the Incas with a gripping story about the search for lost cities buried in uncharted corners of the Sacred Valley.

Lima’s zoo: Showcasing wildlife of the coast, mountains and jungles of Peru

It’s only natural that Lima’s biggest zoo, Parque de la Leyendas or Legends Park, reflects the three geographic zones of the country: the coast, the mountainous sierra and the tropical selva, or jungle. Each region is rich in animals, birds and plants – the same spectacular variety, only on smaller scale, you’ll find on the territory of the zoo.

The entrance of the park is still partially under construction, but it is already an active business spot: souvenirs, water and snacks, soft toys, sunglasses and parasols are offered to the visitors who arrive to queue under the sun to get the tickets. Considering solid sun protection for those who plan to spend the whole day in the open air is a must: Lima’s sun touches your skin rather gently, but at the end of the day, to your surprise, you appear as red as a boiled shrimp. Once you get your adult ticket of 9 soles, you are ready to enter the Parque de la Leyendas wondering what kind of legends it may actually contain.

The park has historical treasures which you can see at the Earnest W. Middendorf Museum set within the zone of ancient settlements of the pre-Incaic Maranga culture. The large archeological complex has 52 excavations called huacas, which date back 700 years.

Yes, the Park of the Legends is a lot more than just a zoo: It is a big recreation complex with numerous museums, the Botanic Garden of 3.3 hectares displaying 1,800 varieties of plants, both native and from all over the world; well-kept gardens and lawns, ponds full of fish, and exquisite artificial waterfalls. The alleys are equipped with comfortable benches where you can take a rest and contemplate the beauty of nature. But most of all it’s a wonderful exhibition of the animal world.

Costa: Lively parrots, bats and armadillos

This zone is rich in birds representing 33 kinds of species. Families of parrots of all sizes are dressed in most wonderful combinations of red, blue, yellow, azure, green and orange. They are noisy things, fighters too – and watching them settle their conflicts as well as witnessing scenes of love and care, you have a clear picture of what their life in the nature is like.

A couple of modest brown birds attracted my special attention. Their cage had glass walls and was designed with a beautifully shaped rock covered with plants and a cascade forming a tiny pool below. The secret of these privileged conditions was revealed when I noticed a board near the cage: the lucky couple was adopted by one of the country’s major mobile operators.

Walking through the alleys of costa surrounded with typical plants of this region, you’ll see penguins diving into a pool, a deer, two kinds of armadillos with their impressive impregnable shells, a tiny bat whose main activity is eating fruit at night and hiding in the daylight (though I did manage to see the animal), a chinchilla with its big ears and a gorgeous grey fur-coat, a white rabbit, a hypnotizing sleek python and many more. And it’s just the beginning of your journey.

PromPeru proposes tourist attractions to enjoy during Holy Week

The Holy Week is a time for meditation and religious fervor, but it can also be a good reason to enjoy a long holiday visiting some attractive destinations in the 25 regions of Peru.

For this occasion, PromPeru has created its website “Semana Santa 2010” (Holy Week 2010) where one can find information about places, tourist destinations, accommodation, routes, services, among other interesting information that will help travelers.

As for Peru's Tourist Information and Assistance Service (Iperu) will offer tourist information to all national and foreign travelers through its offices located in many departments of Peru.

ABOUT EARTH HOUR

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.
Earth Hour - Chile

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

Earth Hour 2010 takes place on Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness. People across the world from all walks of life will turn off their lights and join together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet. So sign up now and let’s make 2010 the biggest Earth Hour yet!.

It’s Showtime! Show the world what can be done.
Earth Hour - Light Writing
Earth Hour by WWF

Earth Hour is organized by WWF. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries, it’s one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.
Earth Hour timeline

Turn back the clock on Earth Hour and discover why, how, where and when it all started.
Why get involved?

Put simply, because our future depends on it!
Earth Hour - Lima Group

Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness of climate change issues. But there’s more to it than switching off lights for one hour once a year. It’s all about giving people a voice on the future of our planet and working together to create a sustainable low carbon future for our planet.
The future can be bright

New economic modelling indicates the world has just five years to initiate a low carbon industrial revolution before runaway climate change becomes almost inevitable. But it can be done, and the long term benefits will be enormous.

So now's the time to take a stand and give world leaders the mandate they need to make the right climate deal.

Peru announces Machu Picchu reopening in April

PromPeru today surprised ITB in Berlin by announcing the re-opening of the vital rail link to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

The line was severely damaged in heavy rains and floods which hit the country in January and eroded railway tracks between Cuzco, Ollantaytambo and the Inca citadel.

Following the successful completion of track repairs ahead of schedule, it has been confirmed that, weather permitting, PeruRail will recommence its Vistadome train service to Aguas Calientes , the station for Machu Picchu Pueblo, on March 29.

The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu will reopen to tourists on April 1, travelmole.com reports.

Initially train services will operate between Pisacucho, a station beyond Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes, with a replacement bus service from Wanchaq Station in Cuzco bringing passengers by road to Pisacucho.

The train journey will take 1 hour 20 minutes and the drive approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

It is estimated that it will be possible to make the entire journey from Poroy station in Cuzco to Machu Picchu by rail from July 2010, subject to favourable weather conditions.

PeruRail also operates a backpacker service and the luxury Hiram Bingham train between Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

The backpacker train will resume at the end of April and the Hiram Bingham will be back in operation at the end of June.

Tourists from Chile, US, France, Spain the most loyal to Peru

Tourists from Chile, the United States, France and Spain are the most loyal to Peru, with visits increasing last year despite the international financial crisis that hit this activity worldwide, stated Tuesday Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur).

“While tourism decreased worldwide last year, the arrival of tourists from Chile, the US, France and Spain kept increasing, since they regard Peru as an unmissable destination worth visiting,” said Deputy Tourism Minister, Mara Seminario.

She highlighted that during the global financial crisis, South American tourists preferred a closer destination and visited Machu Picchu, one of the new world’s seven wonders.

Besides, Spanish and French tourists decided to continue with their plans of visiting Peruvian destinations because they praise culture value.

According to a Mincetur’s report based on the data from Peruvian General Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization (Digemin), Peru received last year 2 million 23,967 foreign tourists, a 3.9% growth.

Suggested Peru Tours

Discovery Channel launches adventure-travel tour brand

The Discovery Channel has launched a new brand of tours and trips called Discovery Adventures featuring Peru as one of the most attractive destinations.

The brand offers trips to destinations including Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, the Amazon, the Galápagos, India, Thailand, Cambodia, China, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Alaska and the U.S. Southwest.

Itineraries range from cruises and safaris to exploring the ancient civilizations of the Incas, the Egyptians and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Tour themes tie in with places featured on Discovery Channel programs such as Man vs. Wild, Out of Egypt, Discovery Atlas, Dirty Jobs and Into the Unknown With Josh Bernstein.

Participants have opportunities to explore ruins and historic sites, as well as to do volunteer work in the destinations and experience local cultures. All trips are suitable for families.

Peru among world’s most coveted destinationsPeru among world’s most coveted destinations

The US magazine Travel+Leisure published a list of dream trips in which Peru ranks among the most coveted destinations in the world.

For this list, the magazine asked its nomads and the people who set tendencies to tell which their favorite destination was.

Peru got the 12th spot in the list which is led by Italy, followed by the Antarctic in second place, then India, New Zealand, among others.

Among the ones polled were the actress Lisa Kudrow, famous for her role as Phoebe in the sitcom Friends, fashion designer Roberto Cavalli and actor Andrew McCarthy.

Lima named culinary capital of the Americas

Renowned Spanish magazine “Viajar” said that Peru's capital Lima has everything needed to be the culinary capital of the Americas.

In its latest edition, Viajar mentioned that the fabulous fish and shellfish of the Pacific, besides the endless variety of potatoes, chilies, cereals, fruits and vegetables are ingredients that Peru has had since ancient times.

The Spanish magazine pointed out that an interesting feature of food and cuisine in Peru is the fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Creole dishes.

“Certainly, it's not new the combination of so many native products with the oriental cuisine, which since the XIX century, mixed their flavors with the Andean cuisine”, the magazine says.

In addition, Viajar declared the Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio as the ambassador of the Peruvian cuisine in the world.

“He is the owner of the restaurant Astrid y Gaston, in Lima and Madrid. Likewise he has branches of this restaurants in half a dozen South American capitals.”

“Thanks to the culinary talent of Acurio, followed by a last batch of innovative chefs, Lima has become the gastronomic capital of America and the Peruvian cuisine is venerated as one of the best in the world.”

The dishes

The magazine also mentioned that the best dishes of the Peruvian gastronomy are the different kinds of cebiche, the chupes de camarones, causa a la limeña, lomito saltado, aji de gallina, anticuchos, tiradito and the desserts like the “suspiro a la limeña”.

“All of them make the trip to Peru a first class gastronomic getaway”.

Climate Change: Taking an active role in Peru to preserve the planet

All around the world, we hear about populations that are suffering consequences in changes in weather, be it patterns like El Niño, or the encroaching human-made phenomena of global warming.

Since 1990, the planet has seen its highest average temperatures ever. Peru is one of the most vulnerable countries to this because of the great amount of glaciers the territory has. And, as a response to that, various organizations are taking active roles of prevention.

International groups have created numerous approaches to counteract the effects of climate change. But to guarantee a positive result, they need to get people involved in this global matter.

So the question remains: Why isn’t everyone involved yet?

Levi Novey, a conservation professional and environmental journalist, says that “people sometimes feel that the challenge is hard because of their economic circumstances or the speed at which governments address environmental problems, (usually slowly).”

Although in Peru there are many organizations invested in promoting ways to prevent a radical climate change, Novey says the Environmental Ministry will be the primary catalyst for major efforts.

“The Minister of Environment, Antonio Brack, has already made significant efforts to secure international funding for anti-deforestation efforts that will help protect the Amazon,” said Novey.

As for nongovernmental groups, the Mountain Institute, for example, has been working on a project, since 2005, destined to provide educational tools to help tourists travel through the landscapes of Peru, in a more respectful and responsible way.

Another example of what organizations in Peru are doing is the work conducted by World Wildlife Fund in Peru.

With the campaign La Hora del Planeta (Earth Hour), WWF is organizing a worldwide event on March 27 that encourages Peruvians to turn off their lights and limit their electricity use for one hour, between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. The goal: to draw attention about the effects of global warming.

Earth Hour had its first event in the country last year, when over 8 millions of Peruvians, from 40 different cities, turned off the lights of their homes.

“With last year’s results we happily confirmed that Peru had the biggest participation throughout Latin America,” said Teddi Peñaherrera, WWF Peru’s conservation director. “One of every three Peruvians, with access to electric energy, turned off their lights at the same moment,”