Huacachina is a village in the Ica Region, in southwestern Peru. The oasis attracts many tourists as well as Peru’s rich families. The area around the lake is known for dune buggy trips and sandboarding. It is a tiny location, although it does have a few restaurants, bars and clubs.

In this quiet place, at a height of over 600 meters above sea level, ancient whales’ skeleton fossils were exposed by a slow process of wind and rain.  Huacachina is a very special place as.  In the middle of a massive sandy desert, surrounded by huge sand dunes was a gorgeous oasis with palm trees and a lagoon which is said to contain therapeutic properties. Particularly effective for the cure of skin and rheumatic illnesses.

Legend holds that the lagoon was created when a beautiful native princess was apprehended at her bath by a young hunter. She fled, leaving the pool of water she had been bathing in to become the lagoon.

This tiny little oasis in the desert is surrounded by the highest sand dunes in the world.

Alpamayo is one of the most conspicuous peaks in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range of the Peruvian Andes in the Ancash region, Peru, South America. Elevation 19,511 ft (5,947 meters). Has a 60 degree almost symmetrical pyramid shape.It is the most beautiful and conspicuous peak ever and has two sharp summits South and North.

Alpamayo mountain peak was climbed for the first time by a German expedition through the N ridge. It was voted “the most beautiful mountain in the world” in a worldwide survey of scenic beauty at Munich in 1966.

The most common climbing route, known as the Ferrari route, is situated on the southwest face of the mountain. It is considered a difficult climb, demanding good crampon and ice-climbing technique. ( Best months are the May to September dry season).

Alpamayo should not be underestimated!

It is a trail full of turquoise lagoons, mountains of more than 6000 masl, beautiful valleys and many high passes with magnificent views. The campsites are expansive and tranquill.

]]> http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/10/15/alpamayo-peru/feed/ 2 http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/30/colca-canyon/ http://www.wayfaring.info/2009/06/30/colca-canyon/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:09:07 +0000 Asya http://www.wayfaring.info/?p=10838

Colca Canyon is located in the Andes Mountain, in southern Peru. The Canyon has a depth of 3,400 m and is the second deepest canyon in the world. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA, though the walls aren’t as sheer.

The most popular reason for a visit to the Colca Canyon is to see the majestic Andean Condors – the largest flying land bird. They are the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere, the Condors wingspan can measure up to 2.9m and they can weigh up to 10.4 kg.

The Colca Canyon also is perfect for Adventure Sports including mountain biking, trekking, and rafting. Its rapids are widely respected for their degree of difficulty, specially down the stretch between Cabanaconde and Tapay. The Colca can be rafted from May to October and features Class II-IV rapids. Tours set out from Chivay.

Lima – where – in Peru! Lima’s culturally rich past gives a solid foundation for its design future. Lima is one of the world’s driest cities and very often is shrouded in fog. Due to chronic drought, people there have been building huge structures for thousand of years. The architecture in Peru abound in Pre-Incan ruins, but today design scenes are especially vibrant. Thanks to the richness of minerals in the Andes, Peru’s economy has been developing very fast for the past six years. A new wealth and stability have mixed to give young Peruvians a chance to focus on building.

Lima has arid climate as its seismic volatility. Eartquakes have repeatedly caused severe damage to Lima. Even though Peru is a country of earthquakes, people in poor areas don’t have the resources to build in responsible ways, making whole district of the city susceptible to sudden demolition.

Lima has never been downtown. Lima has always been Miraflores and San Isidro. They are both to the south of downtown, near the ocean and are filled with wonderful parks. Parque Redondo is a hidden jewel in San Isidro, an area with many examples of modern architecture. Miraflores itself has always been more chilled and stuffy, because it started out as a beach resort. So the modern architecture there is more bright. Miraflores is the best district in Lima, because everything is close by and you can walk, which for me is very important.

Many designers fled Peru during the political chaos of the 1980s and developed a greater appreciation of their own culture. So that they’re trying to keep the past by mixing traditional materials with contemporary designs. But Peru still not managed to create a national architecture like Mexico. They are exceptions, of course. Overall, things are changing for the better in Lima.

Another of the city’s many parks, Parque Union Europea makes use of a number of levels.

From outdoors to in, Restaurante La Mar specializes in seafood, particularly the Peruvian classic, ceviche.

The Plaza San Martin.

Designers and architects currently enjoy a heretofore-unseen prosperity in Peru. Fashion designer Sumy Kujon makes her clothes from alpaca wool, incorporating traditional craftsmanship into contemporary fashion.

Today Peru is becoming very popular place for the international surfing circuit. The country owns 1,500 miles of rugged coastline, monster waves that rival those of Hawaii’s legendary northern shores.

In northern Peru is located the small village of Máncora. This village enjoys an almost mythic reputation among surfers for its balmy water, endless sunshine and crowd-free breaks. As well as there’re a lot of fruit vendors and restaurants along the Pan-American Highway in Máncora.

There are no surf shops — boards and gear must be rented or bought in Lima — and only a handful of hotels like Luisfer’s, a no-frills hostel where surfers bunk up, five to a room. Between sessions, guests can be seen doing yoga atop their board bags in the courtyard.

Dining options are limited, too. The sidewalks are lined with cheerful stands that serve ceviche and seafood carpaccios that look amazing, but are far from stomach friendly. The enterprising and friendly locals, however, make up for the lack of infrastructure. The town’s surf museum, for example, is actually the private home of an old-school surfer, José A. Schiaffino. I stumbled upon the 1950s surf shack one afternoon while walking back from the beach.

Several airlines including Continental, American and LAN Airlines fly direct from New York area airports to Lima, starting at about $650 for travel next month, according to a recent online search. To get to Máncora in the north of Peru, fly from Lima to Piura on Aerocondor.

The Lost City of The Incas is a magical place surrounded by clouds. The city possess one of the most enigmatic and beautiful ancient ruins in the world.

The first sight of the city is breathtaking and it appears to be a natural extension of the hillside. The ruins include tombs and some artificially structures that suggest the area was an important burial site and ceremonial grounds for different rites. But there’s also the ruins of a complete city.

On the surrounding slopes of the summit, known as Cerro Victoria was found the remains of more than 100 circular buildings at elevations up to 12, 500 feet (3, 900 meters).

In 22 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of Machu Picchu lies the settlement known as Vilcabamba, which is an ancient citadel that is the most popular Inca landmark.

Vilcabamba hs been known as the last outpost of the Inca in their attempt to evade conquest by the Spanish, who arrived early in the 16^th century in search of gold.

When the Inca ruler Manco Inca and his large army failed to overthrow the Spanish invaders in 1536, the Inca fled from their imperial capital at Cusco and took refuge in the Vilcabamba wilderness. They lived there for 36 years, until the Spanish finally penetrated the area and killed the last Inca ruler, Tupac Amaru in 1572, bringing an end to the Inca empire.

Created by Felipe Assadi and Franciesca Pulido and is located in Lima, Peru. The bar is sitted in the old and semi abandoned Puericultorio Perez aranibar building, which was dated 1820, built to house an orphanage.

The space which had to be used for the construction of the bar was two rooms of the second level of one of the pavilions of the palace. Rest of the building is part of the city of Lima cultural heritage. These two programs live together within an independent and self-referring element. A tube.

The tube was drilled on the middle part of one of its walls and the middle of its ceilling generating from these holes the single blue-violet light entrance to the space. This highlights the idea that this elements floats inside the building.

Inside this tube, a long funky bar arranged the space making the concept looking like a single element. The space near by the bar was arranged with five sculptures and huge frame pictures. The furniture which is located in the ‘hot tube’ were created under the concept of a membrance that runs along its backing structure, consistent with the lightness idea. All the furniture,dishes, everything in this bar was designed following a very abstract and neutral aesthetic.

The materials which have been used were steel, plaster board, lacquered mof and shining white epoxy paint.

The Palace of Torre Tagle probably is the most significant mansion built at the beginning of the 11 centuty. Initially it belonged to Don Bernardine Jose of Tagle Portocarrero, fourth and last Marquess of Torre Tagle. The Peruvian state acquired it in 1918 and from 1919 it is the main headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru. It is made of artistic Limean architecture which describes its originality and also demonstrates the racially mixed contributions of the Viceroyalty of Peru, fitting them together harmoniously.

The main facade is made from stone in the first wing and plaster in the second. The style is Sevillian baroque with a strong Arabic influence. The materials used in its construction were brought from Spain, Panama and Central America. It has carved columns and finely worked balconies in dark wood, imitating colonial buildings. Apart from carved columns, the palace is distinguished by two finely worked balconies in dark wood. These balconies (or miradors) adapt the European architecture to vernacular Peruvian tradition. The interiors feature Sevillian tiles, plasterwork, wooden columns, lobed Moorish arches and soaring coffered ceilings. It is considered to have a true “Limeno” architectural originality, harmoniously combining Andalusian, Moorish, Criollo and Asian features.

One of the finest examples of colonial architecture to be found in Peru. Its facade features two superb carved wooden balconies and a Baroque stone doorway. The interior, decorated with Moorish arches, Sevillian tiles and soaring coffered ceilings, is particularly noteworthy. Today it is the seat of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The public cannot easily visit the inside, but some visits can be made by appointment only at the office of “Imagen Institucional del organismo público”.

Ruins, museums, churches, mansions and a wide variety of architecture, besides being the gateway to Machu Picchu, make Cusco a showcase that exhibits all the cultures and periods of our country: pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial and Republican. Cusco is a memorable destination, full of history and culture. A city with a splendid inheritance and compulsory destination for all who visit our country.

Cusco, was the biggest city and capital of the Inca Empire “Tahuantisuyo” (that reach great part of Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Chile) and then taken by the Spanish conquerors. Today it has an architecture that fuses the Inca with the Spanish style. Their town conserves with pride its customs and traditions. It is also the forced step to know the mystic and enigmatic sacred citadel of the Inca Machu Picchu that the Spaniards never knew and was discovered by the occidental culture in 1911. Cusco, as well as Machu Picchu, for its historical value, and for its beauty is considered Cultural World Heritage Sites. The Sacred Valley of the Incas and beautiful places are waiting for you!

The city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, was placed on the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 1983, and is without a doubt one of the most important destinations in Peru. There are Inca buildings waiting for you to discover them among its cobble-stoned streets, ones like the Koricancha and the palace of Inca Roca as well as Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Christ. In addition, you can visit the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas where the best artisans in the department have set up their workshops. This magical city also has an exciting nightlife with cafes, restaurants, and bars for all tastes. Just ten minutes away from the city, there are the massive walls of the Sacsayhuaman fortress, and a few kilometers from there, you find the archaeological sites of Qenko, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay, Inca buildings constructed completely with stone.

SAQSAYWAMAN – Located 2km from the city. Together with the city of Cusco, this monumental complex is considered the first of the new seven wonders of the world. This huge construction was planned and built by Andean Man. The Incas called it the House of the Sun and the Spaniards called it a fortress because of its zig-zag shape and the 1536 revolution. The construction, which is made up of three platforms one on top of the other, was one of the most important religious complexes of its time.

Cusco has it all: art, magic, mystery and all the beauty you’d expect in the legendary “belly button” of the world. The Cusco region offers breathtaking natural views: the city’s streets and squares, the magical majesty of the Inca monuments and the elegance of the colonial constructions illuminated by a blue sky with white clouds which frame the six hills surrounding the city. Cusco is very well connected and you can travel safely to the most important places of the ancient Inca Empire.

Lima’s cathedral is immense and ornate. The dominant structure on Lima’s central plaza, this is a must-see for the first-timer. Inside is the tomb of conquistador Francisco Pizarro, along with many pieces of art dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. There is an entrance fee, but the sight is well worth the 5 soles. Lima Cathedral has been affected by many earthquakes throughout its history. In 1609, its vaults were destroyed, and were rebuilt in 1615, at a lower height with a Gothic style. Again in 1746, it was almost entirely destroyed by a severe earthquake, and was rebuilt in 1758. In 1687, another earthquake destroyed the vaults of the Cathedral, followed by an earthquake in 1746, which destroyed its vaults and pillars. Almost after 200 years, another earthquake in 1940 damaged it a limited way, and restoration work was done in the same year.

The interior of Lima cathedral is attractive, with a delicate vaulted ceiling and a checkerboard floor. It is embellished with some impressive baroque furnishings, the most notable of which are the intricately carved choir stalls. The interior is remarkable for the intricate carving work of the wooden seats of the choir, the heavily ornamented “Inmaculada” chapel of Baroque style and an ivory Christ carved by Martinez Montaez, a splendid gift from King Charles V Entering the church and to the fight there is a chapel which holds the remains of the conqueror Francisco Pizarro. In the sacristy there is a museum of religious art. Inside are found colorful tiles from Seville, Spain (the largest collection in Lima), marble columns, and intricately carved cedar doors, cupolas, choir stalls, and stairways. A peaceful courtyard surrounded by arched passageways is found inside. You can see the five main rooms, the big hall and the dinning room on a guided tour. The visits are free, but it is necessary to make an arrangement two days before.
Under the nocturnal sky the cathedral beacons with much lights. Incredible is for the tourists.

more places in South America

Machu Picchu is probably the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu (which means “manly peak”) was most likely a royal estate and religious retreat. It was built between 1460 and 1470 AD by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, an Incan ruler. The site has a large palace and temples dedicated to Inca deities around a courtyard, with other buildings for support staff. It is estimated that a maximum of only about 750 people resided in Machu Picchu at any one time, and probably only a small fraction of that number lived in the town during the rainy season and when none of the nobility were visiting. After Pachacuti’s death, Machu Picchu became the property of his allus, or kinship group, which was responsible for it’s maintenance, administration, and any new construction.

According to the archaeologists, Machu Picchu was divided in three great sectors: the Sacred District, the Popular District, to the south, and the District of the Priests and the Nobility (royalty zone). Located in the twentieth zone are the primary archaeological treasures: the intihuatana (which is a column of stone rising from a block of stone the size of a grand piano, Intihuatana literally means ‘for tying the sun”, although it is usually translated as “hitching post of the sun”), the Temple of the Colors and the Room of the Three Dirt Pebbles. These were dedicated to Inti, their sun god and greatest deity.

Machu Picchu is comprised of approximately 200 buildings, most being residences, although there are temples, storage structures and other public buildings. It has polygonal masonry, characteristic of the late Inca period. About 1,200 people lived in and around Machu Picchu, most of them women, children, and priests. The buildings are thought to have been planned and built under the supervision of professional Inca architects. Most of the structures are built of granite blocks cut with bronze or stone tools, and smoothed with sand. The blocks fit together perfectly without mortar, although none of the blocks are the same size and have many faces; some have as many as 30 corners. The joints are so tight that even the thinnest of knife blades can’t be forced between the stones. Another unique thing about Machu Picchu is the integration of the architecture into the landscape. Existing stone formations were used in the construction of structures, sculptures are carved into the rock, water flows through cisterns and stone channels, and temples hang on steep precipices.

The Incas planted crops such as potatoes and maize at Machu Picchu. To get the highest yield possible, they used advanced terracing and irrigation methods to reduce erosion and increase the area available for cultivation. However, it probably did not produce a large enough surplus to export agricultural products to Cuzco, the Incan capital.

Getting to Machu Picchu
Nearly all tourists reach Machu Picchu by flying from Lima to the city of Cuzco (1 hour 15 minutes), staying overnight, then catching an early morning train to a village at the base of the ruins (several hours). They then transfer to a bus that zig-zags up a steep 2,000 foot high mountain slope to reach the Macchu Picchu site (30 minutes).You can also hike from the Cuzco area to Macchu Picchu on a network of ancient paths collectively named the Inca (or Inka) Trail. The journey takes 2 to 10 days, depending on your speed and choice of paths. Helicopter service between Cuzco and Machu Picchu is now available.

Machu Picchu travel tips

The best months for visiting are May to September. May is the prettiest month (the dense, subtropical mountain forests are exceptionally green) while August is the best all around month. The least desirable period is from October to April, the rainy season.

Most travelers take a day trip to Machu Picchu (they take the mid afternoon train back to their hotels in Cuzco). This leaves just about two hours at the site – and part of that precious time is expended by having lunch at the hotel. You’ll have more hours to enjoy and explore the ruins if you stay overnight at the hotel at the site. You will be able to explore this travel wonder in the late afternoon and early the next morning when the tourist count is low. Rooms are scarce, so book well ahead.

The huge granite stone building blocks were hewn so precisely that they fit tightly together by themselves. No mortar or other adhesive was used. You cannot even insert a thin blade between their joints.

You can climb Huayna Picchu, the sharp peak immediately behind the ruins. The reward is a spectacular view of Machu Picchu below you. However, be fit and sure footed as the ancient stone steps to the top are steep and primitive. If you do climb the peak, avoid inclement weather as the stones could be slippery. And, in 2004, a visitor was struck by lightning when he reached the summit.

The conquering Spanish did not know of Machu Picchu because its existence was known only by local insiders.

What an amazing place…