Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Peru: Junin expects to welcome 70,000 tourists in Holy Week.
According to regional president of Junin, Vladimiro Huaroc Portocarrero, that region is expecting to receive 70,000 tourists during the upcoming Holy Week holidays.
The regional director of Tourism, Jose Ramos Alvarez, expressed his confidence in placing Junin as the second tourism destination, pointing out at the efforts made in Lima -with travel agencies, media, and population with relatives living in Junin- to promote Junin's attractions.
In order to protect national and foreign tourists as well as people from Junin, the Territorial Police Directorate VIII (DIRTEPOL) has developed a contingency plan to ensure optimal security -in the nine provinces of this jurisdiction- during the seven days of catholic Holy Week's festivities.
Resource: livinginperu.com
The regional director of Tourism, Jose Ramos Alvarez, expressed his confidence in placing Junin as the second tourism destination, pointing out at the efforts made in Lima -with travel agencies, media, and population with relatives living in Junin- to promote Junin's attractions.
In order to protect national and foreign tourists as well as people from Junin, the Territorial Police Directorate VIII (DIRTEPOL) has developed a contingency plan to ensure optimal security -in the nine provinces of this jurisdiction- during the seven days of catholic Holy Week's festivities.
Resource: livinginperu.com
Peru tourist attractions promoted on Facebook and Youtube
Peru's Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) has began to promote various Peruvian attractions online through Facebook, Youtube, Flickr and Twitter, besides offering the opportunity to download promotional videos for Ipods.
In the case of Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, Promperu has introduced information as well as visual content of a group of tourist destinations as a way to attract potential tourists.
"We are introducing a new version of our tourist promotion web site intended fo foreign travelers, which presents a new design and tools for users to interact with other people interested in Peru", said Mara Seminario, Director of Tourism Promotion of PromPeru.
She said PromPeru has signed an agreement with YouTube to have a Branded Channel, specially designed for the promotion of Peru, showing videos under the campaign "Peru, live the legend."
resource: andina
In the case of Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, Promperu has introduced information as well as visual content of a group of tourist destinations as a way to attract potential tourists.
"We are introducing a new version of our tourist promotion web site intended fo foreign travelers, which presents a new design and tools for users to interact with other people interested in Peru", said Mara Seminario, Director of Tourism Promotion of PromPeru.
She said PromPeru has signed an agreement with YouTube to have a Branded Channel, specially designed for the promotion of Peru, showing videos under the campaign "Peru, live the legend."
resource: andina
Auburn library photo exhibit showcasing Great Inka Trail opens today
Auburn University's Ralph B. Draughon Library will be home to "Qhapac Nan: The Great Inka Trail" an exhibit of 80 photographs showcasing South America's Great Inka Trail beginning today.
The exhibit is presented by the Office of the Consulate General of Peru in Atlanta in conjunction with the Auburn University Libraries and will be on display in the main lobby until April 14.
Constructed in the 14th and 15th Centuries, the Great Inka Trail, known as the Qhapac Nan, is a complex road system that serves as an amazing example of pre-Columbian engineering.
resource: www.ledger-enquirer.comPachatusan Mountain in Cusco declared cultural heritage
Cusco, Mar. 26 (ANDINA).- The Pachatusan Mountain located in the Andean city of Cusco has been declared national cultural heritage by Peru's National Institute of Culture (INC).
Pachatusan, a Quechua word that means “the one that holds the world”, is one of the five sacred mountains that surround Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca empire.
Local authorities said this recognition will help to preserve the site's natural and archaeological legacy as well as promote Andean religious traditions such as the land worship.
The recognition includes 3,909 hectares located between Cusco and Incas valleys, in the towns of Oropesa, Saylla, San Jeronimo and San Salvador.
Besides its impressive natural beauty, people can find important archaeological vestiges in this 4,000-meter high mountain.
Another important sacred mountain near Cusco is Apu Huanacaure, considered as the main oracle or huaca (archaeological complex) of the Inca empire that will be soon declared cultural heritage.
Ayacucho eyes US$3 million in tourism revenues during Holy Week
Ayacucho, Mar. 26 (ANDINA).- Holy Week celebrations in the Andean city of Ayacucho could generate over US$ 3 million in tourism revenues this year because of increasing tourist arrivals, said Ayacucho governor Ernesto Molina.
"Holy Week generated more than US$ 1.5 million last year and in 2009 we expect there will be over US$ 3 million in revenues,” said Ernesto Molina, who detailed that this year's celebrations will be held from April 3 to 12.
During these days, local people and tourists will participate in religious ceremonies and processions, as well as cultural, artistic and commercial activities.
Molina pointed out that they have prepared a program of activities which include a series of measures to ensure the safety of tourists.
“Holy Week in Ayacucho is the world's second most important event of its kind, after Sevilla in Spain; this religious festival is becoming increasingly popular with thousands of tourists attending it every year,” he noted.
Molina explained that in the last years Ayacucho has usually received over 10,000 visitors, however this year and despite the international crisis, "we expect to attract more than 15,000 tourists".
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Cafe owner takes Inca trail to raise charity cash
Roger Palmer, 28, from East Cliff Café, will be heading to Peru to trek at high altitude along the ancient Inca Trail.
His mission comes after a year of dramatic weight loss following hospitalisation for a pancreas illness.
Shelterbox sends the boxes around the world to disaster areas to people in need.
One box contains a 10-person tent and ancillary equipment designed to enable a family to survive for at least six months. Other items may include insulated groundsheets, thermal blankets, a multi-fuel stove, cooking equipment, tools and mosquito nets.
Roger decided to raise money for Shelterbox following the earthquake in China last May which killed thousands.
He said he felt inspired when he saw how quickly Shelterbox reacted in sending aid instantly to the people who need it.
Throughout the last year he has been raising money by jumping out of an airplane at 15,000 feet, having sponges thrown at him while encased in stocks and has held coffee mornings at his café.
His fund-raising efforts have resulted in boxes being sent to victims in Sudan, Gaza, Congo, Nepal and Haiti.
He said: "I think the scary thing about doing the Inca Trail is that it is nearly the same height as my skydive, where it was freezing and hard to breath."
Roger initially thought he was unable to do it due to his weight.
He explained: "I knew a few friends who did it and said it was tough, but I had always thought I couldn't do it because I was too big — I was nearly 25 stone.
"But I thought about it and decided there was no reason not to do it anymore: I had lost nearly 10 stone in the last year as I had a spent three weeks in hospital with pancreatitis."
He signed up for the Inca Trail Challenge and has spent 11 months training for it.
"I thought if I can give myself a year to get ready for it, I could do something I've always wanted to do", he said. "It would give me one big push to lose that last bit of weight and get fit. To raise money for Shelterbox at the same time would be fantastic."
Roger, who has run the resort's seaside refreshment premises for nine years, has been training up to six times a week, adding: "I've never been so fit in my life, I weigh less now than when I was in high school.
"The trouble is I can get bored when exercising so have mixed my training up with lots of walks, going to the gym, swimming and doing training with the Teignmouth Beach Surf Life Saving Club."
The Inca Trail is 45km long and crosses rugged mountains at over 14,000 ft high.
Roger will spend four days hiking when he reaches the final destination of Machu Picchu.
He leaves on April 24.
For more information on Roger's challenge visit www.RogersChallenge.co.uk
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Cajamarca expects to receive over 5,000 tourists during Holly Week
Cajamarca, Mar. 24 (ANDINA).- The department of Cajamarca, located in northern Peru, expects to receive more than 5,000 domestic and foreign tourists during Easter holidays from April 9 to 12, reported Tuesday the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) director, Julio Palacios Matute.
Palacios explained that most of the visitors will be domestic tourists, who take advantage of the long weekend looking for tranquility; some prefer to enjoy the countryside, visit tourist attractions, enjoy the food, and participate in church activities organized by the Bishopric.
In spite of Cajamarca has major tourist attractions and an exquisite cuisine, this season of the year is very competitive due to the promotion campaigns carried out by the central, southern and northern regions of the country, he said.
The main attraction during Easter holidays is the “Feast of the Cross”, which takes place every Palm Sunday in the village of Porcon, ten kilometers from the city and over 2,900 meters above sea level.
"It's a big party attended by the whole community, led by butlers who decorate the crosses with mirrors, pictures and flowers", stated the regional official.
The B-52's will visit Machu Picchu
The B-52’s Band, which reached their highest peaks of popularity during the first years of the 80’s, will perform in Peru for the first time next April 23rd (at the National Stadium), and have announced that they also have book a trip to Cusco after their performance because of their interest in visiting Machu Picchu.
“We’ve been on the road since months ago, and when we scheduled our dates for Peru we all agreed that it would have been crazy not visiting Machu Picchu”, commented to a local newspaper Lisa Arzt, the band’s manager.
The authors of “Private Idaho” and “Rock lobster” will travel to Cusco the day after the concert; they will spend a day at the city and will also take the luxurious train Hiram Brigham, that will take them to Machu Picchu citadel, where they will stay.
Reportedly, they have also booked a session with an expert in ancient naturist medicine, who would show them the healing properties of the coca leaves.
Resource: www.livinginperu.com
Lake Titicaca tops wonders of nature ranking
"This is rewarding for all local authorities and public institutions that have been supporting the promotion campaign,” said Julián Barra Catacora, executive president of Lake Titicaca Binational Authority (ALT).
Last weekend, Bolivian President Evo Morales also joined ongoing efforts by voting for Lake Titicaca during his visit to the border town of Copacabana.
Lake Titicaca, which straddles Peru and Bolivia, is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world.
By volume of water it is also the largest lake in South America. The lake is located at the northern end of the endorheic Altiplano basin high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
It is composed of two nearly separate sub-basins that are connected by the Strait of Tiquina which is 800m across at the narrowest point.
Meanwhile, other Peru nominees including Amazon River and Colca Canyon ranked second and fifth in Groups D and E, respectively.
resource: andina.com.pe
Monday, March 23, 2009
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay's proximity to Machu Picchu makes trekking around it it attractive as an alternative to the oversubscribed Inca Trail. There are three possible routes starting from Mollepampa. All three begin with a day of approach, heading north along a dirt road. Then they diverge:
The longest route, heads north to the base of the mountain, then turns right, following the east side of the mountain, then heads northeast to eventually join the Inca Trail itself at Wayllabamba. This route takes 4 days to reach the Inca Trail, then another 2 days to reach Machu Picchu.
The most common route used by trekking companies heads north, then west around the west side of the mountain, over Salkantay Pass at 4600m. It continues as far as the village of La Playa, where buses usually make the connection to Santa Teresa. From here, trekkers walk to the Hydroelectric project then either train or walk to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. This route takes 4 days in total.
A more satisfying variation on this route turns right before reaching La Playa, over a ridge and arriving directly at Aguas Calientes two days later. This route takes 6 days in total.
Choquequirao
Choquequirao (Southern Quechua: Chuqi K'iraw, Cradle of Gold) is a partly excavated ruined city of the Inca in the south of Peru. It bears a striking similarity in structure and architecture to Machu Picchu and is referred to as its 'sister'. Choquequirao receives far fewer tourists than its sister but the ruin is no less delightful and is a good alternative to the sometimes overcrowded Machu Picchu. Unlike Machupicchu, you cannot visit Choquequirao by train and bus. The only way to visit the site is to go on a scenic 2-day hike from outside Cusco.
The ruins at Choquequirao are comprised of buildings and terraces at different levels from the lower level Sunch'u Pata to the truncated hill top. The hill top has been leveled and ringed with stones to form a platform of 30x50 meters wide.
Machu Picchu had controversy with Yale University
In 1912 and 1914-15, Bingham excavated the treasures from Machu Picchu—ceramic vessels, silver statues, jewelry and human bones—and took them from Peru to Yale University in the United States for further study. Yale has retained the artifacts until now. The National Geographic Society, which co-sponsored Bingham’s explorations, has acknowledged that the artifacts were taken on loan and is committed to seeing them returned to Peru.
Eliane Karp, an anthropologist who is the wife of the former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, accused Yale of profiting from Peru's cultural heritage by claiming title to more than 250 pieces removed from Machu Picchu by Bingham in 1912, which had been on display at Yale's Peabody Museum ever since. Some of the artifacts Bingham removed were returned to Peru, but Yale kept the rest saying its position was supported by federal case law involving Peruvian antiquities.
On September 19, 2007, the Courant reported that Peru and Yale had reached an agreement regarding the requested return of the artifacts. The agreement includes sponsorship of a joint traveling exhibition and construction of a new museum and research center in Cusco about which Yale will advise Peruvian officials. Yale acknowledges Peru's title to all the excavated objects from Machu Picchu, but Yale will share rights with Peru in the research collection, part of which will remain at Yale as an object of continuing study.
On June 19, 2008, National Geographic Society’s vice-president Terry Garcia was quoted by daily La República. “We were part of this agreement. National Geographic was there, we know what was said, the objects were loaned and should be returned.” In November 2008, the Peruvian government decided to sue Yale after all the negotiations to have the pieces returned failed.
Resource: wikipedia.org
Intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu
The Intihuatana stone is one of many ritual stones in South America. The Spanish did not find Machu Picchu so the Intihuatana Stone was not destroyed as many other ritual stones in Peru were. These stones are arranged to point directly at the sun during the winter solstice. Intihuatana also is called "The Hitching Point of the Sun" because it was believed to hold the sun in its place along its annual path in the sky. At midday on March 21 and September 21, the equinoxes, the sun stands almost above the pillar—casting no shadow at all. Researchers believe that it was built as an astronomic clock or calendar.
The Intihuatana stone was damaged in September 2000 when a 450 kg (1,000-pound) crane fell onto it, breaking off a piece of stone the size of a ballpoint pen. The crane was being used by a crew hired by J. Walter Thompson advertising agency to film an advertisement for a beer brand. "Machu Picchu is the heart of our archaeological heritage and the Intihuatana is the heart of Machu Picchu. They've struck at our most sacred inheritance," said Federico Kaufmann Doig, a Peruvian archaeologist.
Architecture of Machu Picchu
The central buildings of Machu Picchu use the classical Inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls of regular shape. The Incas were masters of this technique, called ashlar, in which blocks of stone are cut to fit together tightly without mortar. The Incas were among the best stone masons the world has seen, and many junctions in the central city are so perfect that it is said not even a blade of grass fits between the stones.
Some Inca buildings were constructed using mortar, but by Inca standards this was quick, shoddy construction, and was not used in the building of important structures. Peru is a highly seismic land, and mortar-free construction was more earthquake-resistant than using mortar. The stones of the dry-stone walls built by the Incas can move slightly and resettle without the walls collapsing.
Inca walls show numerous design details that also help protect them from collapsing in an earthquake. Doors and windows are trapezoidal and tilt inward from bottom to top; corners usually are rounded; inside corners often incline slightly into the rooms; and "L"-shaped blocks often were used to tie outside corners of the structure together. These walls do not rise straight from bottom to top but are offset slightly from row to row.
The Incas never used the wheel in any practical manner. Its use in toys demonstrates that the principle was well-known to them, although it was not applied in their engineering. The lack of strong draft animals as well as terrain and dense vegetation issues may have rendered it impractical. How they moved and placed enormous blocks of stones remains a mystery, although the general belief is that they used hundreds of men to push the stones up inclined planes. A few of the stones still have knobs on them that could have been used to lever them into position; it is believed that after the stones were placed, the Incas would have sanded the knobs away, but a few were overlooked.
The space is composed of 140 structures or features, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences that include houses with thatched roofs. There are more than one hundred flights of stone steps–often completely carved from a single block of granite–and a great number of water fountains that are interconnected by channels and water-drains perforated in the rock that were designed for the original irrigation system. Evidence has been found to suggest that the irrigation system was used to carry water from a holy spring to each of the houses in turn.
According to archaeologists, the urban sector of Machu Picchu was divided into three great districts: the Sacred District, the Popular District to the south, and the District of the Priests and the Nobility.
Located in the first zone are the primary archaeological treasures: the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. These were dedicated to Inti, their sun god and greatest deity. The Popular District, or Residential District, is the place where the lower class people lived. It includes storage buildings and simple houses. In the royalty area, a sector that existed for the nobility, includes a group of houses located in rows over a slope, the residence of the Amautas (wise persons) was characterized by its reddish walls, and the zone of the Ñustas (princesses) had trapezoid-shaped rooms. The Monumental Mausoleum is a carved statue with a vaulted interior and carved drawings. It was used for rites or sacrifices.
As part of their road system, the Inca built a road to the Machu Picchu region. Today, tens of thousands of tourists walk the Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu each year, acclimatising at Cusco before starting on a two- to four-day journey on foot from the Urubamba valley up through the Andes mountain range to the isolated city..Resource: wikipedia.org
Location of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco, on the crest of the mountain Machu Picchu, located about 2,350 meters (7,710 feet) above sea level. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America and the most visited tourist attraction in Peru.
It is above Urubamba Valley. From atop the cliff of Machu Picchu, there is a vertical rock face of 600 meters rising from the Urubamba River at the foot of the cliff. The location of the city was a military secret, and its deep precipices and mountains provide excellent natural defenses. The Inca Bridge, an Inca rope bridge, across the Urubamba River in the Pongo de Mainique, provided a secret entrance for the Inca army. Another Inca bridge to the west of Machu Picchu, the tree-trunk bridge, at a location where a gap occurs in the cliff that measures 6 metres (20 ft), could be bridged by two tree trunks. If the trees were removed, it would leave a 570 metres (1,900 ft) fall to the base of the cliffs, also discouraging invaders.
The city sits in a saddle between two mountains, with a commanding view down two valleys and a nearly impassable mountain at its back. It has a water supply from springs that cannot be blocked easily, and enough land to grow food for about four times as many people as ever lived there. The hillsides leading to it have been terraced, not only to provide more farmland to grow crops, but to steepen the slopes which invaders would have to ascend. There are two high-altitude routes from Machu Picchu across the mountains back to Cusco, one through the sun gate, and the other across the Inca bridge. Both easily could be blocked if invaders should approach along them. Regardless of its original purpose, it is strategically located and readily defended.
History of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was constructed around 1462, at the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned less than 100 years later. It is likely that most of its inhabitants were wiped out by smallpox before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the area, and there is no record of their having known of the remote city. Hiram Bingham, the credited discoverer of the site, along with several others, originally hypothesized that the citadel was the traditional birthplace of the Inca of the "Virgins of the Suns".
Another theory maintains that Machu Picchu was an Inca "llacta", a settlement built to control the economy of these conquered regions. Yet another asserts that it may have been built as a prison for a select few who had committed heinous crimes against Inca society. Research conducted by scholars, such as John Rowe and Richard Burger, has convinced most archaeologists that rather than a defensive retreat, Machu Picchu was an estate of the Inca emperor, Pachacuteq. In addition, Johan Reinhard presented evidence that the site was selected because of its position relative to sacred landscape features — such as its mountains, which are purported to be in alignment with key astronomical events that would have been important to the Incas.
Although the citadel is located only about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Cusco, the Inca capital, it was never found by the Spanish and consequently not plundered and destroyed, as was the case with many other Inca sites. Over the centuries, the surrounding jungle grew over much of the site, and few knew of its existence. On July 24, 1911, Machu Picchu was brought to the attention of scholars by Hiram Bingham, an American historian employed as a lecturer at Yale University. Bingham was led up to Machu Picchu by a local 11 year old Quechan boy named Pablito Alvarez. Bingham undertook archaeological studies and completed a survey of the area. Bingham coined the name "The Lost City of the Incas", which was the title of his first book.
Bingham had been searching for the city of Vilcapampa, the last Inca refuge and spot of resistance during the Spanish conquest of Peru. In 1911, after years of previous trips and explorations around the zone, he was led to the citadel by Quechuans. These people were living in Machu Picchu, in the original Inca infrastructure. Although most of the original inhabitants had died within a century of the city's construction, a small number of families survived so by the time the site was 'discovered' in 1911, people still were living on the site, and many mummies—mostly of women—were discovered as well. Bingham made several more trips and conducted excavations on the site through 1915, carrying off artifacts. He wrote a number of books and articles about the discovery of Machu Picchu in his lifetime.
Simone Waisbard, a long-time researcher of Cusco, claims that Enrique Palma, Gabino Sánchez, and Agustín Lizárraga left their names engraved on one of the rocks at Machu Picchu on July 14, 1901. This would mean that they 'discovered' it long before Bingham did in 1911. Likewise, in 1904, an engineer named Franklin supposedly spotted the ruins from a distant mountain. He told Thomas Payne, an English Christian missionary living in the region, about the site, Payne's family members claim. They also report that in 1906, Payne and another fellow missionary named Stuart E McNairn (1867–1956) climbed up to the ruins.
The site received significant publicity after the National Geographic Society devoted their entire April 1913 issue to Machu Picchu.
An area of 325.92 square kilometers surrounding Machu Picchu was declared a "Historical Sanctuary" of Peru in 1981. In addition to the ruins, this sanctuary area includes a large portion of adjoining region, rich with flora and fauna.
Machu Picchu was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983 when it was described as "an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization".
On July 7, 2007, Machu Picchu was voted as one of New Open World Corporation's New Seven Wonders of the World. The World Monuments Fund placed Machu Picchu on its 2008 Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world because of environmental degradation resulting from the impact of tourism, uncontrolled development in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes that included a poorly sited tram to ease visitor access, and the construction of a bridge across the Vilcanota River that is likely to bring even more tourists to the site in defiance of a court order and government protests against it.
Resource: wikipedia.orgFloating beds on Lake Titicaca
Five families promote the experience of staying at "floating beds", unique in the world and live with them in one of the islands of the Uros, totora manufactured artificially in Lake Titicaca, to three thousand 810 meters above sea level in the department of Puno.
Visitors wishing to enjoy this experience, including reservations for August next year, according to Cristina Suan, a promoter of tourism and sustainable living on the island Qhantati, located about 40 minutes by boat from Puno.
During his stay in the tourist island fishing, reed cutting, do craftwork, hear stories, dance and sharing everyday activities with other families, in addition to wearing traditional costumes and enjoy food and Novoandina "floating beds" said.
Suan said that visitors do not suffer from cold when on the island overnight, although located in the middle of the plateau and have no heating, then with hot water and blankets and quilts for shelter.
Indicated that young people are trained on the island in order to give continuity to the project, assisted initially by Puno Cusco Corridor Project, and currently enjoys a five families comprising 20 persons working in the tourism existential Uros Qhantati.
Also, the Suan goal is to get all the islands of the Uros provide the hosting service to national and foreign tourists, for which purpose will train other families in the community.
However, to realize this goal, he said, should resolve the problem of sanitation in the rest of the islands.
Explained that the eight double rooms and two single island are lit by solar panels, after ruling out candles on his dangerousness.
They also have portable toilets and for washing and use purified water and bottled water, referred in statements to the agency Andina.
He said that the price to enjoy a day and a night on the island Qhantati is $ 40 per person, excluding transportation (20 soles) and income (5 soles) to the community.
"For now we are reinvesting. Perhaps just this year we will start to win (...) We are in the process of promotion and are three to four pairs a month, "he said.
Those interested can book a visit by writing to email uroskhantati@hotmail.com.
Suan disseminate its innovative project, initiated in 2005 thanks to a suggestion by a pair of Dutch visitors, in an event on sustainable tourism to be held next week in Lima.
The Catholic University organizes 25 to March 27 the I International Forum on Sustainable Tourism PUCP 2009 to promote tourism awareness through an interdisciplinary reflection on the significance and trends of tourism as a strategy for sustainable development and combating poverty.
The event, whose slogan is "Let us be responsible travelers, tourism is everyone", will be attended by specialists from Spain, Argentina, Cuba and Brazil, along with exhibitors from the national public, private, rural communities and civil society.
Resource: www.andina.com.pe translate to english
Hotel rooms fully booked in Ayacucho for Holy Week
All hotel rooms in the historic center of Ayacucho city, southern Peru, are fully booked as Holy Week celebrations draw closer.
According to the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur), 14,000 tourists are expected to visit this Andean city on the occasion of its religious celebration.
Tourism official Rosa Lopez told Andina that there are a total of 79 hotels in the city of Ayacucho, of which 50 percent are located in the city's center and are fully booked.
Lopez said this year it is expected to receive 14,000 foreign and Peruvian tourists, coming mainly from Lima, Cusco, Ica and Huancayo (Junin).
She added that the regional government plans to hold a press conference next week in Lima to provide further details on the schedule of Holy Week activities in Ayacucho.
Regarding the security issue, she said that local authorities are to implement a joint plan with Peru’s National Police and District Attorney’s Office to provide security to visitors.
Easter celebrations in Ayacucho, which begin on Palm Sunday and end next Sunday (Easter), include processions, folk dance shows, as well as craft and cattle fairs.
During the first Sunday of the Holy Week, people do a remembrance of the triumphal entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. Very early in the morning, donkeys and llamas, with herbs from the area, enter the city. Later those herbs are incinerated during the next Sunday (Easter).
Then, on Wednesday, the image of Jesus is venerated. All the pilgrims surround the image holding candles in their hands, and in that moment, the light from the city is turned down. Images of some other saints, taken from churches of the area, accompany this procession.
After that, on Thursday, people do their visit to 33 churches of the city.
On Friday, there is a big procession to the Saint Sepulcher. It begins during the evening from Santo Domingo Church. A coffin made of crystal with the image of Jesus that lays on white rose petals, go over the city, followed with another images and women from the city all dressed in black.
Saturday is the day in which "Morochucos", riding on horses, climb the Acuchimay Mountain with people from Ayacucho.
Then, on Sunday all the people wake up with the ringing of the bells from all the churches in Ayacucho. After that they go to the Cathedral, carrying out a very big image of Jesus brought back to life, this image is carried by more than 250 men. They go around the city, with many pilgrims, giving end to this special Holy Week.
resource: www.andina.com.pe
Pre-Inca citadel, cemetery found in Amazonas region
A pre-Inca citadel and cemetery have been discovered near the Chucmar village in Bagua Grande, capital of Utcubamba province in the jungle region of Amazonas.
The discovery was made by a group of local people including Utcubamba deputy mayor Teofilo Rojas, cameraman Humberto Cedano, tourist guide Olga Cabanillas and authorities of Nuevo Jerusalem , La Palma, Jordan Sachapoyas and Chucmar villages.
The archaeological complex consists of circular stone houses, located in one of the highest part of a mountain with lush vegetation, five kilometers from the village of Chucmar.
The expedition did not only find circular stone houses, located in an area of approximately ten hectares, but also stone pestle to crush seeds, as well as stone axes and pottery bowls.
In the pre-Inca cemetery, there were a number of skulls and other skeletal remains of ancient people who lived in the area.
resource: www.andina.com.pe
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Smallest Andean frog discovered in cloud forests of Peru
At 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) in the Andes herpetologists were surprised to discover a frog so small it could sit on a dime with room to spare. Further study showed that this new species, named Noble's pygmy frog, is the smallest frog in the Andean mountain range.
The tiny frog took biologists by surprise since as a general rule species in higher altitudes tend to be larger than similar species in lower regions. Measuring at less than half an inch, the Noble's pygmy frog is not only the smallest frog in the Andes, but one of the smallest vertebrates in the world above 3,000 meters.
Unlike most of her relatives the female Noble's pygmy frog lays eggs that hatch not tadpoles, but actual infant frogs. Instead of laying hundreds of eggs, she lays only two in a moist place, like under moss or the leaf litter. The mother protects the eggs from drying out and hungry insects.
The status of the Noble's pygmy frog population is unknown, however the chytrid fungus that has devastated amphibians globally has also taken its toll in Peru. Herpetologists hope the nature of the ecosystems in the Andes allows endangered frogs places to retreat to avoid the plague.
Male Noble's pygmy frog on index finger.
Female Noble's pygmy frog attending her two eggs.
The frog was discovered in the cloud forests of Manu National Park in Peru. The frog inhabits cloud forest, montane scrub, and the high-elevation grasslands located in the park and the privately-owned Wayqecha Research Station. Ten new frog species have been discovered in these cloud forests in the last two years alone.
The new species is described by Edgar Lehr from the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden and Swiss-Peruvian ecologist Alessandro Catenazzi from the University of California at Berkeley in the latest issue of the journal Copeia.
Citation: Lehr, E., and A. Catenazzi. 2009. A new species of minute Noblella (Anura: Strabomantidae) from southern Peru: the smallest frog of the Andes. Copeia 2009(1): 148-156.
resource: news.mongabay.com
The tiny frog took biologists by surprise since as a general rule species in higher altitudes tend to be larger than similar species in lower regions. Measuring at less than half an inch, the Noble's pygmy frog is not only the smallest frog in the Andes, but one of the smallest vertebrates in the world above 3,000 meters.
Unlike most of her relatives the female Noble's pygmy frog lays eggs that hatch not tadpoles, but actual infant frogs. Instead of laying hundreds of eggs, she lays only two in a moist place, like under moss or the leaf litter. The mother protects the eggs from drying out and hungry insects.
The status of the Noble's pygmy frog population is unknown, however the chytrid fungus that has devastated amphibians globally has also taken its toll in Peru. Herpetologists hope the nature of the ecosystems in the Andes allows endangered frogs places to retreat to avoid the plague.
Male Noble's pygmy frog on index finger.
Female Noble's pygmy frog attending her two eggs.
The frog was discovered in the cloud forests of Manu National Park in Peru. The frog inhabits cloud forest, montane scrub, and the high-elevation grasslands located in the park and the privately-owned Wayqecha Research Station. Ten new frog species have been discovered in these cloud forests in the last two years alone.
The new species is described by Edgar Lehr from the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden and Swiss-Peruvian ecologist Alessandro Catenazzi from the University of California at Berkeley in the latest issue of the journal Copeia.
Citation: Lehr, E., and A. Catenazzi. 2009. A new species of minute Noblella (Anura: Strabomantidae) from southern Peru: the smallest frog of the Andes. Copeia 2009(1): 148-156.
resource: news.mongabay.com
Hiking pair off to Peru to help sick babies
Valerie Hadwick is taking part in a tough charity challenge to climb Machu Picchu, in Peru, for charity.
The 54-year-old financial controller will be swapping her computer and ledgers for hiking boots and a backpack in June, together with work pal Rosemary Styles, who is also taking part.
The duo must raise £3,000 each for the medical charity Action Medical Research.
Valerie and Rosemary will be supported by Peruvian Porters and sleep under canvas on the demanding nine-day trip along the Inca Trail.
Valerie, of Locks Meadow, said: "My son thinks I am having a mid-life crisis and my daughter was equally shocked as my idea of 'walking' is usually around a shopping mall in a comfy pair of heels.
"I am very fortunate in having healthy, happy children and so far one beautiful healthy granddaughter."
By leaving their footprints on the Inca Trail, Valerie and Rosemary will help Action Medical Research's Touching Tiny Lives Campaign - a special campaign to help sick and vulnerable babies.
Rosemary said: "We are both passionate about the cause, it is weird how it came about. We both saw the same advert at different times and wanted to do it, but didn't have anyone to do it with.
"It will be challenging but we are looking forward to the task ahead."
To go on the expedition Valerie needs to raise £3,000 which she hopes to do through themed-dinner parties, table top sales, flipping pancakes, raffle and a beetle drive.
Rosemary will also be taking part in sponsored car washes and quiz nights to raise funds.
To find out more about their challenge, or to sponsor them, visit www.action.org.uk/~Valerieh1.resource: www.thisissussex.co.uk
Brazilian tour operators interested to visit Arequipa's tourist attractions
Arequipa, Mar. 20 (ANDINA).- Brazilian tour operators attending Peru Travel Mart (PTM) from April 24 to 26 in Lima are interested in obtaining additional information about tourism opportunities in the city of Arequipa, which is why they announced their participation in the post tour to be held in that southern city.
Alvaro Benavides, vice-president of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) who arrived today in Arequipa, said Brazilians expressed their interest to know the Ciudad Blanca (White City) – Arequipa, to be considered a potential tourist center when the construction of Peru-Brazil South Interoceanic Highway is completed.
According to Benavides, 60 of 115 operators attending the PTM are Brazilian entrepreneurs, most of whom will participate in the post tour to Arequipa.
So far, 50 operators, most of them Brazilians, have expressed their interest in participating in the post tour scheduled to Arequipa after attending the PTM. They are expected to travel on April 27 in order to visit its local tourist attractions in two days.
Colca and Titicaca rise in N7W of Nature rankings
Lima, Mar. (ANDINA).- Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, two of the three Peruvian nominees competing to be a wonder of nature, improved positions in the latest rankings table.
According to the N7W Foundation website, Colca Canyon moved up four places to fourth in Group D (Caves, Rock Formations and Valleys), while Lake Titicaca climbed one spot to sixth in Group F (Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls).
Unfortunately, the Amazon River dropped to second place in Group E (Forests, National Parks and Nature Reserves), which is now led by Puerto Princesa of the Philippines.
Moises Bendezu, head of the Amazon River promotion campaign, said the support of local authorities has been crucial to gain more votes for Peruvian nominees.
The 21-finalist list will be released by the organizers in July this year.
Foreign tourists spend on average US$89 a day in Peru
According to Mincetur figures, most of foreigners’ daily expenses (28%) are used to cover hotel accommodation while 20% is allocated for transport services which include traveling by car, train and bus, among others.
Other expenses include handicrafts purchase with 14%, food (18%), recreational and cultural activities (11%), travel agencies (6%) and other costs (3%).
The main tourist destinations visited by foreigners are the departments of
Meanwhile, the Mincetur report shows that Peruvians spend an average of 324 soles in their trips to different regions across the country, with people from Huancayo and
(ANDINA)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Mums tackle the Inca Trail - with lippie
A TEAM of Guernsey women are walking the Inca Trail to raise money for Georgina’s Gang.
‘Lipstick will be worn at all times,’ said Ali Good, 47, a full-time mum of four, who instigated the trip.
Mum of two Sarah Meader, 42, was quick to sign up, saying that walking the trail in Peru had been a lifelong dream.
Fellow members of the team are, from Guernsey, Jennifer Barrow, 40, a part-time occupational therapist and mum of three, Michelle Le Clerc, 48, head of bank operations at Investec, and from the UK, Mel Firth, 39, a part-time bereavement counsellor.
Georgina’s Gang was the perfect incentive to get their walking boots on, they said.
Ian and Tania Pearce are aiming to raise £90,000 to adapt the family home so their daughter, 12-year-old Georgina, who has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable genetic disease, Niemann-Pick Type C, can spend her remaining time in the familiar surroundings.
Until Christmas, Mrs Good worked as a teaching assistant at Hautes Capelles Primary and had spent one-on-one time with Georgina, who started school there.
Mrs Barrow said: ‘We thought we would use it as an opportunity to raise some money for a Guernsey charity.
Resource: www.thisisguernsey.comGarzon: tourism in the Amazon and 25,000 euros for one hour of lecture
A day after that Garzon, finally emerging from the investigation of PP, still many details of their activities outside Spain. El Mundo claimed that 25,000 euros for one hour conference in Mexico. La Razon about his "adventure" in the Amazon.
(Libertad Digital) As reported by LD, the star judge of the Audiencia Nacional has traveled in the last two years the equivalent of around the world while three served as judge in matters such as Operation hunting, they finally left to the Courts Senior Justice of the Valencian Community and the Community of Madrid.
On these trips, Baltasar Garzon, in addition to lecturing, he has had time to do tourism. The judge, as have La Razón and El Mundo, he took the permission of the CGPJ to move to Peru in August 2007 to visit the Amazon jungle. A publication Peruvian Caretas, he dedicated an extensive photo report in which the judge next to monkeys in the Amazon, leading a mototaxi or wearing a scarf on his head.
The magazine titled its report "Amazon Adventure of Judge Garzon," and recounts, among other things, how the judge piranha fishing on the River Napo, Iquitos. The judge had moved to Peru to attend the second meeting of Financing of Terrorism, held in Lima from 8 to 14 August 2007.
Meanwhile, the world reveals that Garzon claimed 25,000 euros for one hour conference in Mexico. The judge went on October 8, 2007 the town of Tampico, to give a talk entitled "Security and Administration of Justice: Comparative Reflections." The money received was divided among the cache of 14,037 euros and 11,400 in court costs, says El Mundo. These include a stay in a luxury hotel and business class tickets for himself and his bodyguard.
Resource: www.libertaddigital.com spanish to english
(Libertad Digital) As reported by LD, the star judge of the Audiencia Nacional has traveled in the last two years the equivalent of around the world while three served as judge in matters such as Operation hunting, they finally left to the Courts Senior Justice of the Valencian Community and the Community of Madrid.
On these trips, Baltasar Garzon, in addition to lecturing, he has had time to do tourism. The judge, as have La Razón and El Mundo, he took the permission of the CGPJ to move to Peru in August 2007 to visit the Amazon jungle. A publication Peruvian Caretas, he dedicated an extensive photo report in which the judge next to monkeys in the Amazon, leading a mototaxi or wearing a scarf on his head.
The magazine titled its report "Amazon Adventure of Judge Garzon," and recounts, among other things, how the judge piranha fishing on the River Napo, Iquitos. The judge had moved to Peru to attend the second meeting of Financing of Terrorism, held in Lima from 8 to 14 August 2007.
Meanwhile, the world reveals that Garzon claimed 25,000 euros for one hour conference in Mexico. The judge went on October 8, 2007 the town of Tampico, to give a talk entitled "Security and Administration of Justice: Comparative Reflections." The money received was divided among the cache of 14,037 euros and 11,400 in court costs, says El Mundo. These include a stay in a luxury hotel and business class tickets for himself and his bodyguard.
Resource: www.libertaddigital.com spanish to english
Machu Picchu people reject the installation of cable
The authorities and people of Aguas Calientes, a town near the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, are opposed to the installation of a cable car or funicular as it endangers the preservation of the archaeological complex.
Lima. Dpa .-
The mayor of Aguas Calientes, Edgar Miranda, quoted by Lima today, said that the inhabitants of this district, through which to enter Machu Picchu, "are the guardians of the Inca citadel and not permit its installation."
Miranda said that this position has been communicated to the government after a meeting on Monday between representatives of both sides and further indicated that the installation of an electric hoist is prohibited by city ordinance.
Machu Picchu, a citadel constructed of stone on top of a mountain, 2350 meters above sea level, is a World Heritage Site since 1983 and remains by far the main tourist attraction in Peru.
Miranda recalled that in 2001 the people spoke the same way. The central government then suspended the project by not receiving authorization from the National Institute of Natural Resources.
The head of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, Fernando Astete said the construction of this transport system may compromise the rock formation and even cause the collapse of part of the monument.
Astete said that the congestion of visitors would be difficult to handle, so that these projects must have environmental impact studies.
The head of the Regional Tourism department of the Cusco -Machu Picchu-that is, Jean Paul Benavente said the project seeks to implement new routes of access and the principle of conservation and sustainability of the complex pre-Columbian.
The president of the Chamber of Tourism of Cusco, Boris Gómez, said in turn that the electric elevator could allow up to 10,000 tourists arrive daily and contribute to the development of the surrounding localities.
Aguas Calientes authorities announced that in April presented a tourism plan that will include new options for admission to the Inca citadel, including the new list of Seven Wonders of the World.
Resource: www.lanacion.com.py - Spanish to english
Lima. Dpa .-
The mayor of Aguas Calientes, Edgar Miranda, quoted by Lima today, said that the inhabitants of this district, through which to enter Machu Picchu, "are the guardians of the Inca citadel and not permit its installation."
Miranda said that this position has been communicated to the government after a meeting on Monday between representatives of both sides and further indicated that the installation of an electric hoist is prohibited by city ordinance.
Machu Picchu, a citadel constructed of stone on top of a mountain, 2350 meters above sea level, is a World Heritage Site since 1983 and remains by far the main tourist attraction in Peru.
Miranda recalled that in 2001 the people spoke the same way. The central government then suspended the project by not receiving authorization from the National Institute of Natural Resources.
The head of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, Fernando Astete said the construction of this transport system may compromise the rock formation and even cause the collapse of part of the monument.
Astete said that the congestion of visitors would be difficult to handle, so that these projects must have environmental impact studies.
The head of the Regional Tourism department of the Cusco -Machu Picchu-that is, Jean Paul Benavente said the project seeks to implement new routes of access and the principle of conservation and sustainability of the complex pre-Columbian.
The president of the Chamber of Tourism of Cusco, Boris Gómez, said in turn that the electric elevator could allow up to 10,000 tourists arrive daily and contribute to the development of the surrounding localities.
Aguas Calientes authorities announced that in April presented a tourism plan that will include new options for admission to the Inca citadel, including the new list of Seven Wonders of the World.
Resource: www.lanacion.com.py - Spanish to english
Business tourism cusco fell by 10%
CUSCO The tourism business had fallen by about 10%, "said vice president of the Association of Craftsmen and Artists of Cuzco, Nestor Larico.
The manager of the artisans said that while there was not a significant reduction of tourism flow to Cusco, vicitantes considered that do not have a significant purchasing power that affect the economy of the artisans.
He said that to address this crisis, craft fairs conducted in different places of the city with the purpose of attempting to improve its economy which is seriously eroded with the decline of its sales.
"The 600 affiliates of the association are desperate because our basket was severely injured with the international crisis, we expect the authorities to support us in order to survive in these times, more than 16 lines of the craft that have been adversely affected and if we do not with support from the various families will be harmed Cusco "ended.
Resource: www.correoperu.com.pe
The manager of the artisans said that while there was not a significant reduction of tourism flow to Cusco, vicitantes considered that do not have a significant purchasing power that affect the economy of the artisans.
He said that to address this crisis, craft fairs conducted in different places of the city with the purpose of attempting to improve its economy which is seriously eroded with the decline of its sales.
"The 600 affiliates of the association are desperate because our basket was severely injured with the international crisis, we expect the authorities to support us in order to survive in these times, more than 16 lines of the craft that have been adversely affected and if we do not with support from the various families will be harmed Cusco "ended.
Resource: www.correoperu.com.pe
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The future of eco-tourism in Peru
With over 30-years experience guiding an ever increasing number of travellers through the ecological delights of Peru, José Koechlin is a world-renowned expert on eco-tourism.
As co-founder of Inkaterra, Mr Koechlin has pioneered a carbon neutral approach to the exploration of Peru's many delights; a practice particularly valuable with the world now facing the growing threat of global warming.
Here he talks to travelbite.co.uk about the many delights of his native Peru, the threats the world faces and offers his opinions on how the global community can best tackle the specter of climate change.
Now over 30-years-old what is it Inkaterra offers guests, especially those from Europe? What is it that sets it apart from its competitors?
For all our visitors, without distinction of origin, Inkaterra offers its guests authentic and unique experiences combining exceptional lodging, properties, nature & cultural activities, as well as 34-years dedicated in conservation, research and social responsibility.
These general concepts have produced specific useful outcomes which prove that ecological research which leads to conservation – carried out by local populations - can be funded by tourism. We have proved that eco-tourism is a means to conserve the primary forest while creating local jobs.
What do you find it is draws people to Peru? Is it city breaks in Lima, or a more environmentally orientated trip, drawing on the history and ruins of the country for example?
What draws people to the diversity of Peru is a very complex mixture of interests combining an extraordinary variety of offers: including both the ancient and modern cultures.
Lima, for example, capital city along the Pacific Ocean, the city of viceroys designated by the Spanish Crown to govern all the Pacific Coast of South America, including Argentine until the Independence in 1821 and now capital of Peru situated along the sea shore; Cusco the Andean Inca Capital of the Empire that covered from Colombia to Argentine, and over which the Spaniards expressed their architecture; In the coastal deserts north of Lima, Chan Chan, the largest the pre-Inca 'adobe' city in the world; the mysterious Nazca Lines only observable from the sky; and the Amazon which covers over 60 per cent of Peru.
There is also the amazing biodiversity (84 life zones with its diverse products; possibility for the Europeans to observe hummingbirds & bromeliads; 10,000 years of plant domestication, like Mesopotamia), pluri-cultural fusion in populations (natives, Asian – Japanese & Chinese, black community, Europeans, cuisine (native & fusion).
Cultural art craft (amazing ceramics, textiles music……); Civilizations with constant new discoveries, (Caral 230 km. north of Lima, a 5,500 years´ old civilisation) are also important.
People come to Peru because of its diversity, expressed in authentic and unique features.
Has demand for your product been falling as a result of the global economic slowdown, or has the unique offering of your organisation insulated you from its impact?
No one is exempt from suffering the counter effects of the current economic, social & financial turndown: results are slightly below 2008. However the quality and uniqueness of the products that Inkaterra offers to high-end travellers in search of authentic experiences limits the negative effects of this crisis.
Inkaterra has a base at the Machu Picchu hotel – from here do you offer tours of the surrounding areas outside of the Inca trail and Machu Picchu? Where do you find tourists want to visit, outside of the 'established' sites?
One of the greatest achievements of Inkaterra at Inkaterra Machu Picchu hotel is to have restored the cloud forest within its property, making it different from all other 'established' sites.
Inkaterra is the only one group that works on the same basis that the Incas did on the environment. Inkaterra researches and restores the cloud forest as to expose what nature was when the Incas built what is now in ruins.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu hotel offers exclusive guided tours within its property – orchid, bird watching, nature, mystic tours, organic tea plantation demonstration, visit to the bear rescue project which inspired the Paddington Bear, specialized orchid and bird watching tours, pay to the earth 'Pachamama' ceremonies and other mystical activities; besides outside the property, Inkaterra proposes individual visits to the sites, as well as accompanied hikes and treks throughout Machu Picchu Park.
Do you find your visitors are environmentally aware, what is it you hope to teach them during a trip with Inkaterra?
It´s a current trend for some visitors to be environmentally aware. Inkaterra has been proposing a philosophy of investigation & conservation funded by tourism for the past 34 years. It´s an opportunity for us to share our commitments and make visitors and locals feel more sensitive to these issues.
How do you achieve your carbon neutral status? Through carbon offsetting? How is this carried out?
At Inkaterra, we strongly believe we all need to change our behaviour as individuals, as countries and as a global community. We all contribute to global warming; thus, everyone needs to be part of the solution. Since 1975, based on a principle of respect for the ecosystem, Inkaterra has been developing conservation programs to preserve the natural characteristics of the Amazon rainforest, which helps prevent global warming.
Inkaterra stewards more than 17,000 hectares of original forest, which have sequestered directly 3,315,000 tons of carbon. This measurement was initiated in 1989 by The University of Leeds (UK), and by the Institute for Earth and Biosphere, professor-specialists Dr. Oliver Philips and Dr. Timothy R. Baker at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, the first site in Peru where carbon fixings were measured.
Furthermore, Inkaterra indirectly fixes more than 12,600 tons/CO2/has/year through its support of a variety of external conservation programs. Inkaterra hotels use clean technology and eco-friendly practices (green operations).
With these programs, Inkaterra has become a truly Carbon-Neutral organization, and every guest at Inkaterra hotels has a 100 per cent carbon neutral stay.
What do you feel are the strongest weapons against climate change? Are you hopeful the global community will be able to tackle the crisis in time?
Nature has a social function which is inherent to the concept of the interaction of all earthly factors. Inkaterra tries to create an economic model that may conserve the forest while providing permanent jobs for local and migrant human populations that would better their quality of life, as also of the flora and fauna as well.
The world needs to continue to update its efforts to mitigate the effects of human presence.
The Kyoto Protocol looked upon promoting reforestation to sequester carbon. Monitoring primary rain forest has shown that conserving it may be a better solution: more carbon tons may be fixed while maintaining its flora and fauna; this is the basis for the concept of paying for avoided deforestation.
Inkaterra presents a further step which is providing value for those who do not only conserve the primary forest but who, in addition to it, provide jobs in the forest with no negative impact to it.
That is eco-tourism: ecological research and conservation funded by tourism.
Inkaterra is proactive in its eco-tourism – using funds to support ecological research with a view to improving the environment – while the majority of organisations merely seek to neutralise their impact…
Human population growth, in terms of numbers and in terms of their better quality of life expectations, means that 'new lands' are to be used. This is impossible to avoid. Thus a compromise has to be achieved by which nature complies with its social function without being changed.
Inkaterra promotes research as to learn about the environment as to use it properly. First action was to define the forest: do inventories. Then expose them to visitors and locals, by documents.
Knowledge allows longstanding actions. Constant actions create a group culture. Inkaterra promotes bettering the quality of life of all populations, humans, flora and fauna alike in an economic self sustainable way
Do you feel this is a logical next step for eco-tourism worldwide, or has it only been possible due to the unique circumstances of Peru?
This is an economic model that hopefully may be presented in Copenhagen later this year as a further step to Kyoto Protocol. The concept is applicable worldwide.
What are the biggest threats to the Amazon rainforest and the Andean cloud forest? Can these threats be conquered?
The biggest threats to the Amazon rainforest and cloud forest reside in the deforestation, the chaotic and uncontrolled increase of negative actions of migrant populations and the introduction of highways.
The big difficulty to regulate these negative impacts is the immensity of humans encroaching into untouched areas, as the Amazon regions, the lack of capacity to enforce law above social forces.
This can only be mitigated by creating alternative ways of providing jobs that do not harm the environment, along with proper education as to allow people who depend on the land as to either use it well or to learn how to work on another environment providing services, as eco-tourism....
It´s a huge task which everyone on earth is part of and must act for.
You are a member of SERNANP, what is the agenda of this organisation? How do you contribute to it?
Yes, I have been designated as one of the four members of the SERNANP Board.
SERNANP is the new Peruvian Government Agency in charge of Parks with over 200,000 km2, four times the size of all the country of Costa Rica. Its purpose is to create a self sustainable Agency with a strong ecotourism work.
Inkaterra is a natural example from which SERNANP may benefit from.
You worked on Burden of Dreams with Werner Herzog? Did you find the role increased awareness of environmental concerns in Peru??
'Burden of Dreams' (1982) was the film shot by California Film maker, Les Blank, which described the untold stories of the making of the film Fitzcarraldo by Werner Herzog, multiple award winning film writer, director and producer.
Before Burden of Dreams, we worked, Werner & I, on 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God' (1972), which was a very strong presentation of Amazonian Peru.
Film making is a good venue to create awareness of a given location. Thus we also worked together in producing Fitzcarraldo (1982), which was my way of honouring a Peruvian geographical hero.
The film was presented to various film festivals, and won, among other prizes, the Best Director award at 1982 Cannes-France Film Festival.
Yes, it´s the last ethnographic film document on the Ashanika native tribe.
What was Herzog like to work with? Can you tell me a little more about the film?
Werner and I have nurtured a true lifelong friendship based on mutual joint efforts amid confusing circumstances.
resource: www.travelbite.co.uk
As co-founder of Inkaterra, Mr Koechlin has pioneered a carbon neutral approach to the exploration of Peru's many delights; a practice particularly valuable with the world now facing the growing threat of global warming.
Here he talks to travelbite.co.uk about the many delights of his native Peru, the threats the world faces and offers his opinions on how the global community can best tackle the specter of climate change.
Now over 30-years-old what is it Inkaterra offers guests, especially those from Europe? What is it that sets it apart from its competitors?
For all our visitors, without distinction of origin, Inkaterra offers its guests authentic and unique experiences combining exceptional lodging, properties, nature & cultural activities, as well as 34-years dedicated in conservation, research and social responsibility.
These general concepts have produced specific useful outcomes which prove that ecological research which leads to conservation – carried out by local populations - can be funded by tourism. We have proved that eco-tourism is a means to conserve the primary forest while creating local jobs.
What do you find it is draws people to Peru? Is it city breaks in Lima, or a more environmentally orientated trip, drawing on the history and ruins of the country for example?
What draws people to the diversity of Peru is a very complex mixture of interests combining an extraordinary variety of offers: including both the ancient and modern cultures.
Lima, for example, capital city along the Pacific Ocean, the city of viceroys designated by the Spanish Crown to govern all the Pacific Coast of South America, including Argentine until the Independence in 1821 and now capital of Peru situated along the sea shore; Cusco the Andean Inca Capital of the Empire that covered from Colombia to Argentine, and over which the Spaniards expressed their architecture; In the coastal deserts north of Lima, Chan Chan, the largest the pre-Inca 'adobe' city in the world; the mysterious Nazca Lines only observable from the sky; and the Amazon which covers over 60 per cent of Peru.
There is also the amazing biodiversity (84 life zones with its diverse products; possibility for the Europeans to observe hummingbirds & bromeliads; 10,000 years of plant domestication, like Mesopotamia), pluri-cultural fusion in populations (natives, Asian – Japanese & Chinese, black community, Europeans, cuisine (native & fusion).
Cultural art craft (amazing ceramics, textiles music……); Civilizations with constant new discoveries, (Caral 230 km. north of Lima, a 5,500 years´ old civilisation) are also important.
People come to Peru because of its diversity, expressed in authentic and unique features.
Has demand for your product been falling as a result of the global economic slowdown, or has the unique offering of your organisation insulated you from its impact?
No one is exempt from suffering the counter effects of the current economic, social & financial turndown: results are slightly below 2008. However the quality and uniqueness of the products that Inkaterra offers to high-end travellers in search of authentic experiences limits the negative effects of this crisis.
Inkaterra has a base at the Machu Picchu hotel – from here do you offer tours of the surrounding areas outside of the Inca trail and Machu Picchu? Where do you find tourists want to visit, outside of the 'established' sites?
One of the greatest achievements of Inkaterra at Inkaterra Machu Picchu hotel is to have restored the cloud forest within its property, making it different from all other 'established' sites.
Inkaterra is the only one group that works on the same basis that the Incas did on the environment. Inkaterra researches and restores the cloud forest as to expose what nature was when the Incas built what is now in ruins.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu hotel offers exclusive guided tours within its property – orchid, bird watching, nature, mystic tours, organic tea plantation demonstration, visit to the bear rescue project which inspired the Paddington Bear, specialized orchid and bird watching tours, pay to the earth 'Pachamama' ceremonies and other mystical activities; besides outside the property, Inkaterra proposes individual visits to the sites, as well as accompanied hikes and treks throughout Machu Picchu Park.
Do you find your visitors are environmentally aware, what is it you hope to teach them during a trip with Inkaterra?
It´s a current trend for some visitors to be environmentally aware. Inkaterra has been proposing a philosophy of investigation & conservation funded by tourism for the past 34 years. It´s an opportunity for us to share our commitments and make visitors and locals feel more sensitive to these issues.
How do you achieve your carbon neutral status? Through carbon offsetting? How is this carried out?
At Inkaterra, we strongly believe we all need to change our behaviour as individuals, as countries and as a global community. We all contribute to global warming; thus, everyone needs to be part of the solution. Since 1975, based on a principle of respect for the ecosystem, Inkaterra has been developing conservation programs to preserve the natural characteristics of the Amazon rainforest, which helps prevent global warming.
Inkaterra stewards more than 17,000 hectares of original forest, which have sequestered directly 3,315,000 tons of carbon. This measurement was initiated in 1989 by The University of Leeds (UK), and by the Institute for Earth and Biosphere, professor-specialists Dr. Oliver Philips and Dr. Timothy R. Baker at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, the first site in Peru where carbon fixings were measured.
Furthermore, Inkaterra indirectly fixes more than 12,600 tons/CO2/has/year through its support of a variety of external conservation programs. Inkaterra hotels use clean technology and eco-friendly practices (green operations).
With these programs, Inkaterra has become a truly Carbon-Neutral organization, and every guest at Inkaterra hotels has a 100 per cent carbon neutral stay.
What do you feel are the strongest weapons against climate change? Are you hopeful the global community will be able to tackle the crisis in time?
Nature has a social function which is inherent to the concept of the interaction of all earthly factors. Inkaterra tries to create an economic model that may conserve the forest while providing permanent jobs for local and migrant human populations that would better their quality of life, as also of the flora and fauna as well.
The world needs to continue to update its efforts to mitigate the effects of human presence.
The Kyoto Protocol looked upon promoting reforestation to sequester carbon. Monitoring primary rain forest has shown that conserving it may be a better solution: more carbon tons may be fixed while maintaining its flora and fauna; this is the basis for the concept of paying for avoided deforestation.
Inkaterra presents a further step which is providing value for those who do not only conserve the primary forest but who, in addition to it, provide jobs in the forest with no negative impact to it.
That is eco-tourism: ecological research and conservation funded by tourism.
Inkaterra is proactive in its eco-tourism – using funds to support ecological research with a view to improving the environment – while the majority of organisations merely seek to neutralise their impact…
Human population growth, in terms of numbers and in terms of their better quality of life expectations, means that 'new lands' are to be used. This is impossible to avoid. Thus a compromise has to be achieved by which nature complies with its social function without being changed.
Inkaterra promotes research as to learn about the environment as to use it properly. First action was to define the forest: do inventories. Then expose them to visitors and locals, by documents.
Knowledge allows longstanding actions. Constant actions create a group culture. Inkaterra promotes bettering the quality of life of all populations, humans, flora and fauna alike in an economic self sustainable way
Do you feel this is a logical next step for eco-tourism worldwide, or has it only been possible due to the unique circumstances of Peru?
This is an economic model that hopefully may be presented in Copenhagen later this year as a further step to Kyoto Protocol. The concept is applicable worldwide.
What are the biggest threats to the Amazon rainforest and the Andean cloud forest? Can these threats be conquered?
The biggest threats to the Amazon rainforest and cloud forest reside in the deforestation, the chaotic and uncontrolled increase of negative actions of migrant populations and the introduction of highways.
The big difficulty to regulate these negative impacts is the immensity of humans encroaching into untouched areas, as the Amazon regions, the lack of capacity to enforce law above social forces.
This can only be mitigated by creating alternative ways of providing jobs that do not harm the environment, along with proper education as to allow people who depend on the land as to either use it well or to learn how to work on another environment providing services, as eco-tourism....
It´s a huge task which everyone on earth is part of and must act for.
You are a member of SERNANP, what is the agenda of this organisation? How do you contribute to it?
Yes, I have been designated as one of the four members of the SERNANP Board.
SERNANP is the new Peruvian Government Agency in charge of Parks with over 200,000 km2, four times the size of all the country of Costa Rica. Its purpose is to create a self sustainable Agency with a strong ecotourism work.
Inkaterra is a natural example from which SERNANP may benefit from.
You worked on Burden of Dreams with Werner Herzog? Did you find the role increased awareness of environmental concerns in Peru??
'Burden of Dreams' (1982) was the film shot by California Film maker, Les Blank, which described the untold stories of the making of the film Fitzcarraldo by Werner Herzog, multiple award winning film writer, director and producer.
Before Burden of Dreams, we worked, Werner & I, on 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God' (1972), which was a very strong presentation of Amazonian Peru.
Film making is a good venue to create awareness of a given location. Thus we also worked together in producing Fitzcarraldo (1982), which was my way of honouring a Peruvian geographical hero.
The film was presented to various film festivals, and won, among other prizes, the Best Director award at 1982 Cannes-France Film Festival.
Yes, it´s the last ethnographic film document on the Ashanika native tribe.
What was Herzog like to work with? Can you tell me a little more about the film?
Werner and I have nurtured a true lifelong friendship based on mutual joint efforts amid confusing circumstances.
resource: www.travelbite.co.uk
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Aznar will meet with the presidents of Peru and Colombia
Madrid, 18 mar (EFE) .- The president of the Foundation for Analysis and Social Studies (FAES), José María Aznar, will begin tomorrow a tour to Lima and Bogota, where he will meet with the presidents of Peru, Alan García, and Colombia, Álvaro Uribe.
During his stay in the two countries, Aznar will meet with local authorities to discuss various topical issues and will receive awards and academic institutions of the state, according to a communique from FAES.
In
Aznar discussed in his address the challenges of democracy in times of crisis and to encourage Congress to "continue on the path to full protection of state institutions and freedom."
The President of FAES will meet on Friday with the Peruvian president, as well as the president of the Partido Popular Cristiano, Lourdes Flores, and the network of alumni of FAES in
On Saturday, Aznar will be inducted doctor 'honoris causa' by the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola and deliver a keynote address entitled "The major reforms to strengthen democracy."
Subsequently, the President of FAES will travel to
The day will culminate with a luncheon at the Palace of the
Tim and Patrices thanks a lot
We have so wonderfull moments with own friends, Tim and Patrices when stayed on Cusco, here some photos about they trip...
Sacred sites of the Incas' Machu Picchu
FEW things bring home the majesty, mystery and mundanity of the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, like the Throne Room.
In this extraordinary abandoned city, hidden in the jungle of the Andes and missed by the maurauding Spanish conquistadors, the remains of complex agricultural terraces, workers' huts, nobles' homes, sacred temples and scientific instruments survive.
So, too, does an important stone home which must have been the seat of the high priest, or possibly the Inca himself. After all, it is the only one with an indoor toilet.
It is sights such as this – a dunny – and of actually touching the stones so carefully crafted by the people of the Inca, that takes Machu Picchu out of a mythical postcard image and cements it as a real place where people lived, worked, loved and died.
To get to Machu Picchu in Peru you have choices: hike the Inca Trail for about 30 days from the nearest major city, Cusco; hike it for about four days from a closer drop-off point; or take the train.
Travelling with a bunch of active 50-something-year-olds as part of a wider Bunnik Tour (motto: Not Too Young & Not Too Old), we happily took the train.
This is an adventure in itself. To scale the Andes from Cusco the train first rises up a series of zig-zags, then cruises down the Incas' Sacred Valley and into ravines flanked by massive snowcapped mountains.
The Perurail Vistadome carriages have windows in the ceiling to take in the wild views, as well as table service for the four-hour trip. Very civilised.
The train arrived at Aguas Calientes, a town which initially seemed to be one huge market aimed at tourists but actually has a nice village square and plenty of cafes.
Our Bunnik crew was booked into the Inkaterra Hotel, a resort spread over lush gardens with guided nature walks to show off the region's 33 species of hummingbird and 373 species of orchids.
Rain had set in, so the decision was made to explore the village for the afternoon and leave Machu Picchu until early the next morning. It was a wise move. Next day we were ready to go at 6.30am and the day was dry, if cloudy.
A constant stream of buses snake their way up the mountain's hairpin road, ferrying tourists to Machu Picchu each day. Reaching the entrance is a jaw-dropping moment.
Shrouded in clouds, the lost city looms with an ethereal presence.
Dating from about 1450AD, it had only about a century of magnificence before being abandoned ahead of the brutal Spanish invasion.
The Spanish never found it and it was forgotten, although this is the Andes, a humid jungle territory where things are swiftly swallowed up by nature.
It is also on an incredibly remote, hard-to-reach mountainside.
American researcher Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911. The Peruvian Government had put in a new road nearby and a native mentioned the ruins, where peasants were living to avoid taxes.
Bingham saw the ruins and was astonished. To see it today, reclaimed from the jungle, is equally astounding.
Row upon row of crop terraces march down the steep mountainside, held up by stone retaining walls.
About 216 houses have been identified, thatch roofs long gone but stones still solid, as are public buildings and temples.
The main temple to the sun is a tribute to the Inca civilisation's extraordinary stonecraft. Perfectly polished stones, some huge, fit together so exactly no mortar is needed and no gaps are visible. One huge boulder has no fewer than 36 angles, with each neighbouring stone cut to join perfectly.
In one room, alcoves appear designed to amplify sound; tourists who stick their heads in and hum are rewarded with an echo wave.
As you wander around in awe, it becomes easy to visualise an industrious, intricate community of some 1000 people going about their lives, centred on the worship of the sun.
After all, the sun was central to their agricultural society. After taking in the ruins, many visitors opt for the hour-long climb to the Sun Gate, the gap in a nearby mountain where the first rays of the morning sun shone down on the sun temple.
This is the aspect where the most famous photos of Machu Picchu are taken, showing the lost city against the backdrop of another dramatic mountain peak. But arriving early gave us another choice. Authorities allow 400 people a day to climb the soaring neighbouring peak seen in those photos, Wayna Picchu. (Machu Picchu means old mountain, Wayna Picchu means young mountain.)
Five of us from the Bunnik group put our hands up to reserve places, ready to tackle both the steep climb and the prospect of vertigo at the top.
Steep it was: a punishing zig-zag with cables to help haul yourself up as amazing views unfold.
When finally at the top you come to yet more Incan ruins, giving you even more reason to appreciate their ingenuity and physical strength.
The one woman among our climbers, Denise Bradley, became the first Bunnik female tourist to conquer Wayna Picchu.
At the top, the temptation to bellow out a "Coo-ee" was too great. It echoed though the mountains and was dutifully replied to by some other Aussie traveller.
After a full morning wandering around Machu Picchu, then an hour's solid climb up Wayna Picchu and an hour to climb back down, it was pretty easy to settle back into the comfy Vistadome carriage for the train journey back to Cusco.
To round off a supremely memorable day, Perurail staff put on some unexpected entertainment.
First, some traditional dancing with a costumed performer, then our cheerful cabin attendants put on a classy fashion show set to boppy music showing the latest in garments made from soft alpaca wool.
Truly, an amazing two-day odyssey that will live on in the memory banks long after the aches and pains of scaling Wayna Picchu are forgotten.
The writer travelled courtesy of Bunnik Tours and Lan Chile.
resource: http://www.news.com.au/
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