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Peru - A Country With 10,000 Years Of History
Peru was once the center of the Inca Empire and its ancient
cities, discovered in coastal deserts and Andean mountain
valleys, as well as in the jungles of the Amazon, are the
four-star attractions that make it one of the most interesting
countries in South America.
Lima, the capital, with its historic mansions and magnificent
churches, displays a legacy of art and architecture, and
its museums overflow with artifacts from the country’s pre-Hispanic
civilizations. One that should not be missed is the Gold
Museum. The gold collection there, as well as ancient and
modern arms, is magnificent.
Some of the best and most varied cuisine in South America
is to be found in Lima. Delicious surprises are papas a
la huancaina (potatoes in spicy cheese sauce) and aji de
gallina (a creamed chicken and chili dish). Often meals
begin with a Pisco Sour; made with Pisco brandy, lime juice,
sugar, and frothy egg whites. In Lima, as well as in Cusco,
travelers will want to shop ‘till they drop.’ Best buys
are silver and gold jewelry, soft alpaca sweaters and ponchos,
finely woven textiles, folkloric paintings and tapestries.
Cusco, an hour’s flight from Lima, is considered to be the
oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere.
In the 16th century, this Inca capital was partially destroyed
by the Spanish conquistadors who then built churches and homes
on the foundations … and sometimes within the walls … of Inca
temples and palaces. An example of this is the Santo Domingo
Convent (Korikancha or Sun Temple). According to chroniclers
its interior walls were covered in gold leaf.
Outside of town is the incredible Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman,
strategically placed on a hill. The enormous carved stones
fit together with absolute precision, and some weigh well
over a ton.
An absolute MUST on everyone’s list is to visit Machu Picchu,
the spectacular UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the
“Lost City of the Incas.” It is considered one of the world’s
greatest architectural and archaeological monuments. Doors
and windows are encased in trapezoidal shapes, as are the
niches in the walls where idols and other objects were placed.
The stone construction is incredibly impressive, since no
cement or adhesive was used whatsoever. The real attraction
lies in Machu Picchu’s squares, aqueducts and watchtowers,
its observatories and its sun clock, evidence of the wisdom
and skill of the ancient Andean builders.
In my opinion, most tourists see Machu Picchu the wrong
way, which is to take a day tour. This requires about 7
hours (3-1/2 in each direction) travel on a narrow gauge
train and then a bus. After having lunch upon arrival, only
2 – 2-1/2 hours remain to visit the magnificent city before
it is time to return to Cusco. Some 95% of all visitors
roam the city during that limited time. The lucky 5% who
opt to spend the night (there are accommodations from 5-star
plus to very modest … even camping) have the place to themselves
for the following day until the next trainload of tourists
arrives. By overnighting there is plenty of time to stroll
these extraordinary Incan remains or hike up the Huayna
Picchu (the mountain peak that is generally depicted as
Machu Picchu). The real bonus is being on site for the sunset
and sunrise over the fortress sanctuary of more than 200
structures. This is truly a magical experience … a retreat
into the past.
From its perch some 2,000 feet above the Urubamba River,
Machu Picchu is the Holy Grail for hikers at the end of
the Inca Trail. The river also draws white water rafters.
The scenic and sacred Urubamba Valley, dotted with fascinating
little Indian villages also boasts the massive Ollantaytambo
fortress, which to this day makes use of the water and canal
system constructed by Incas. Due to the valley’s fertile
soil, it continues to flourish and today produces the finest
corn in all of Perú. Other crops include peaches, strawberries,
apples, beans and over 100 varieties of potatoes (the “Irish”
potato originated in Peru). Located at the entrance to the
Sacred Valley is the town of Pisac, renowned for its handicraft
market held every Sunday.
From Cusco, you can take a spectacular all-day train ride
across the altiplano to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca,
the highest navigable lake in the world. Puno is noted for
its traditional crafts, dances and fiestas and displays
mysterious circular stone burial chambers of the Aymara
Indians, while off shore are the floating islands of the
Uros Indians.
Tourists often miss Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city.
It is a lovely colonial town dominated by the snow-capped
El Misti volcano. Because its elegant mansions and churches
are constructed from brilliant white volcanic stone called
sillar, Arequipa is known as the “white city.”
For a truly unforgettable trip, Perú is an outstanding
choice, encompassing striking Inca ruins, beautiful colonial
cities, jungle treks, quaint Indian villages, friendly people,
wonderful food … and a customized trip can be designed to
fit any budget.
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