Machu Picchu the Lost City of the Incas

.
Machu Picchu (Machu's Quechua, old, and Picchu mountain, that is, "Old Mountain") is the contemporary name given to an llaqta (former Inca Andean village) mainly built of stone in the middle of the fifteenth century in the rocky promontory joining the mountain Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu in the eastern slopes of the central Andes, south of Cuzco in Peru. His original name was Picchu or Picho.

According to documents from the mid-sixteenth century, Machu Picchu was one of the residences rest of Pachacútec (first Incan emperor, 1438-1470). However, some of its finest buildings and the obvious nature of the ceremonial main access route to the llaqta demonstrate that it was used as a religious shrine. The two uses, the palace and shrine, would not have been inconsistent.

Some experts seem to have ruled out, however, an alleged military nature, so the popular epithets of "strength" or "citadel" could have been overcome. Machu Picchu is considered both a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Its unique architectural features and landscaping, and the veil of mystery that has woven around him much of the literature published on the site, have made him one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.

Machu Picchu is on the List of World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1983 as part of a whole set cultural and eco-known under the name of Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Cusco. On July 7, 2007 Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the new wonders of the world at a ceremony held in Lisboa, Portugal.

For its antiquity and significance, the center of the city of Cusco retains many buildings, plazas and streets of pre-Columbian times as well as colonial buildings, which led to it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.

Among the main sites of interest of the city are: Barrio de San Blas This neighborhood where the artisans, workshops and craft shops, is one of the most picturesque sites in the city. Its streets are steep and narrow with old mansions built by the Spaniards on important Incan foundations.

It has an attractive square and the parish's oldest Cuzco built in the year 1563, which has a carved wooden pulpit regarded as the ultimate expression of colonial Cusco. The Quechua name for this neighborhood is to Toq'ocachi which means the hole of the Sal. Calle Hatun Rumiyuq This is the most visited by tourists. On the street Hatun Rumiyoq ( "From the Rock Mayor") was the palace of Inca Roca, which currently belongs to the Archbishop's Palace. In this street that runs from the Plaza de Armas to the neighborhood of San Blas, you can appreciate the enigmatic stone of the twelve angles.

Church and convent of La Merced Because of the earthquakes occurred in this city, the Convent of Mercy Church and has been rebuilt more than once. Originally dating from the sixteenth century. Its cloisters of Baroque and Renaissance highlight in particular the choir stalls, colonial paintings and wood carvings. You can also view a custodial gold and precious stones, 22 kilograms of weight and height of 130 centimeters.

Cathedral of Cuzco In fact, the first cathedral of Cuzco is the Church of Triumph, built in 1539 on the basis of the palace of the Inca Viracocha. At present, this church is a chapel assistant to the cathedral. Between the years 1560 and 1664 the basilica cathedral was built in this city. To do this, the Spaniards did bring blocks of red granite from the fortress known as Sacsayhuaman. This cathedral facade of the Renaissance and Baroque interior and plateresque boasts one of the most outstanding samples of colonial goldsmith. Equally important are its carved wooden altars. Since in this city was painting on canvas at the so-called "Cusco School of painting," precisely in the cathedral you can see samples of important local artists of the time. It is headquarters of the Archdiocese of Cuzco.

Plaza de Armas in Cuzco "Plaza of the warrior" was called in time of the Incas. The square was the scene of several important events in the history of this city, as part of the proclamation by Francisco Pizarro in the conquest of Cuzco. Also, the Plaza de Armas was the scene of the death of Tupac Amaru II, considered the leader of Indian resistance. The Spanish built in a square stone arches, labor Cuzco, which endures to date. Here are the Cathedral and the Church of The Company.

Plaza de Armas in Cuzco at the moment Church of the Company This church whose construction began the Jesuits in 1576 on the basis of Amarucancha or palace of the Inca Huayna Capac, is considered one of the finest examples of colonial baroque style of the American continent. Its facade is carved in stone, as can be seen in the photo, and its high altar is of carved wood and covered with gold leaf. It was built on an underground chapel. Additionally, two chapels, that of Lourdes and the old oratory of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This temple has a valuable collection of paintings of colonial Cusco School.

Coricancha and Convent of Santo Domingo. The Qoricancha was the most important shrine dedicated to the sun god at the time of the Inca Empire. This temple was named the site of gold because all its walls were covered with sheets of gold by the Incas. Taking this structure as a basis, here are built the Convent of Santo Domingo, Renaissance style. The building, one-Baroque tower, was on the other tall buildings in this city. Inside there is a large collection of paintings of the Cusco School of painting. Between others turistic atractions of this magic city of Peru.

Touristic Atractions in Lima

Plaza Mayor. To be the oldest public space preserved in the city of Lima, where the Government Palace is placed. The Plaza Mayor and its pool are chosen to give them a more lush, the capital of Peru.

Cathedral of Lima Construction began on January 18 of 1535, is located in the Plaza Mayor of the capital Lima. Originally, it was a modest temple, but in 1564 the master builder of Jerome Loayza, designed a large temple, similar to the Cathedral of Seville. Stressing on the inside the choir stalls, the chapel of the Immaculate Churrigueresco Christ and the Ivory donated by the King of Spain Carlos V. It also found the remains of Francisco Pizarro. The tourists will watch that the downtown of Lima is full of catholic churchs by everywhere.

The Park of the Legends One of the largest zoos in Lima is without doubt the Park of the Legends. With specimens from around the world, as well as species of the three natural regions of Peru. We provide services: * Guided tours * Areas recreational and cultural * Museum Ernst Middendorf * Museo del Petroleo * The Mine Model

Plaza Italia In the block eight shred Huanta, was reopened Plaza Italia (formerly of Santa Ana). Hospital and worship, butchers, flea market, scene of celebrations, serenades and ballads, Plaza Italia in one of the most important for the residents of the Barrios Altos.

Casa de Aliaga Upright on the temple's curaca Taulichusco, is the oldest of Lima. Notable private residence which was founded by Gerónimo Aliaga and Ramirez, segoviano-companion, and Francisco Pizarro built on a "huaca" or indigenous worship. Are currently some remnants of the original building: the ballot box "Tizona" that tradition says belonged to the founder of Aliaga, quiet courtyard with ficus 125 years, with a flashlight central chapel, the walls of the chapel were covered with silver plates . (missing in the looting of 1826).

Chorrillos Persist even some historic monuments, some graceful beaches that are part of the Costa Verde, and a number of establishments offering its visitors the best seafood. A 13 km south of Lima Center is the historic district of Chorrillos. Chorrillos houses the observatory's planetarium, built on the historic Morro Solar, the scene of significant episodes of the war with Chile (1879-1883). In this place you can enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of coastal Lima, Chorrillos to the island from San Lorenzo in Callao.

Miraflores. Five miles south of the Historic Center is the district of Miraflores. No doubt the excellent hotel and tourist district of Lima. That there are large and modern shopping areas, parks and green areas of great beauty. Among the attractions are the Miraflores archaeological complex of Huaca Pucllana (also known as "Juliana"); Reducto Park, recalling the Battle of Miraflores, the Municipal Palace, which has an active exhibition of art; Parish Church, which was rebuilt after the War of the Pacific; Alfredo Salazar Park, the Mall LarcoMar; the Parque del Amor, and Waikiki beaches and Miraflores. Besides offering an intense cultural and artistic activity. Many theaters, cinemas, art galleries, and an extensive range of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Its parks and gardens filled with flowers, recently renovated, congregate every Sunday to thousands of Lima residents attracted by the painting exhibitions, musical events and flea markets.

Parque El Olivar. Dating from the end of the Colony and its beauty and location has determined its main attraction. The forest of olive trees was the heart of urbanization. Around it were built the first residences. To this day there remain some traces of those old mansions from the turn of the century. In a quiet corner of their stands the building of the municipality district. On pastime of birding is still not very common in Lima even though Peru is the country with the second highest diversity of birds in the world. In the park on Olivar de San Isidro can be observed easily more than 15 species of birds. The birds are the most common pigeons: the Orejudo Tortola, the Cuculi with seven morning that gives him his name and Tortolita with its yellow beak. Among the more colorful is the Turtupilín with his chest and always being lit red notice to settle in the most visible. Other colors are yellow gold button ignition and La Tangara tile color blue. Looking patiently in the trees to see the despeinada Mosqueta Whistling and nervous. Common on the walls and roofs but not least amusing to observe are the American Sparrows and Sparrows Europeans.

San Isidro. It is the district "garden" of Lima. With extensive green areas and exclusive residential neighborhoods. Here are some of the most renowned restaurants, bars, hotels and the main offices of nearly all financial institutions in Peru. Home of pre-Hispanic sanctuaries. The district was created between the viceregal house finances of the Counts of San Isidro and the Huaca Huallamarca. Among them stood, vigorous, a wonderful forest of trees. In the year 1921 with the inauguration of the Av. Arequipa, Lima road that connects with Miraflores, became the nucleus in an extraordinary rustic urban area. Despite the unstoppable progress of modernity, San Isidro, still Something in the luxury suburb of solemnity that marked the beginning of the century. Recently, a booming trade has led to San Isidro to become an important business center. Taken to its modern buildings much in business. Its quiet beaches are part of the circuit of the Costa Verde.

Fortaleza del Real Felipe. The Fortress of Real Felipe, also known as Castles of Callao, is one of the few architectural features of the military and build bigger than the Spaniards in America. This had as its main task the defense of Callao of pirates and privateers, located in the port of Callao, in Peru, was until the early nineteenth century, one of the most calm; reactivated later, when the winds began to beat independentistas to force the flag of Castle.

Creole Music Festival in Peru

.
(By Dario Mejia) This Oct. 31 the Creole Music festival as it will celebrates its day in Peru. The Maker starts from the day before the rhythm guitar, drawer and melodious voices that give life, heat and salt to serenade Creole.

It is the party of the people, the party of Peru, because the music is full of history and also a lot of glory. Music that underscores our customs and traditions, through their songs. Music that has a soul is born because of the heart and love for the land.

Music Teacher Pinglo and grandiose Chabuca Granda. Music without being a rule that no religion has a great queen who is like a blessing. Music that moves to sing ... that makes us dance ... that happy hearts ... and arouses emotions.

Music that entertains ... the time we stopped ... when it delights us ... until we are not proud that we are not going. Music with the letter we culturize ... with its melodious notes humanizes us ... reminds us of the bards of yesterday ... and makes us proud.

Music with feeling ... that fuels our thinking ... with verses from the heart and soul ... converted into beautiful song. Want to teach our native music, teach all our love, our music is not only contagious, and who listens to dance in any club or family party ... but also in the sky.


Great Week of Lima and Creole Music Festival

(ANDINA) The Great Week of Lima seeks to foster the identity of Lima regarding their city through exhibitions, street, parades, dances, concerts and festivals, who all attend for free. Artists of great representation in order to entertain festival of the Great Week of Lima, from 7pm. The Municipality of Lima and a chain of supermarkets in charge of the latter announced that admission is free. The rock, salsa, cumbia and the music turns on the conclusion by the Great Week of Lima that for the fourth consecutive year, will make our capital in a celebration of lights, sounds and tastes.

The Great Week of Lima represents the combined efforts of several private companies and the municipality of Lima to make the inhabitants of the capital "take over" from the streets and enjoy the various cultural and artistic activities that will be developed at different points the city. Edelnor will open the festival on Friday 24 with the "City of Lights," a show of fireworks, lights and a performance by The Tarumba, the musical group The Caribs of Guadalupe, Nicole Pillman, semifinalist of the Latin American Idol, and Carlos Alvarez. It will be at 1800 hours in the Plaza de Armas.

On Saturday, 25 will be the "City of Fantasies," spectacle of rock in exchange for the national group Libido in the Parque de la Muralla, at 2000 hours. Movistar is the company responsible for this celebration. For Sunday, 26 recognized the national cuisine seized Lima that will become the "City of Tastes" contest that Inca Kola take place at the mall Chabuca Granda and in the Parque de la Muralla. There will be the Great Breakfast Lima, Lima dessert contests, Tacuara and bartenders, as well as the festival's anticuchos Lima.

"The City of Dreams" will be termed the days of Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 to be held in the Exposition Park. The Bank of Credit presented in both exposure retablos dates a so-called "Lima yesterday, today and forever", from 18.00. On Wednesday, 29 in the "City of Wonders" will take place on the "Arma the front page of El Comercio", at 1800 hours in the Exposition Park. The next day, Day of Song Criolla, the festival will take place Cristal, a charge of the brewer Backus, from 19.30 at the Campo de Marte.

Paraded across the stage Dina Paucar, the Rio group, the group 5, Bartola, and the Puerto Rican salsa Andy Montanez. The end of festival "Star City" Look at what the supermarkets offer on the Malecon River and the Park of the Wall, from 1930 hours on Saturday, November 1. There will be fireworks and a parade of stars as Cecilia Barraza. The group will also be WARM cumbia artists and comedians. The Great week of Lima on Saturday to order closure of the Park festival in the Wall. Cecilia Barraza, Guajaja, Marco Romero and the group Kaliente will be in charge of closing the celebrations for the Great Week of Lima, which ends this Saturday.

The final musical event will take place in the Parque de la Muralla. On Saturday, have organized outdoor concerts, which may involve singers, musicians and music groups, whether professional or amateur enthusiasts of all genres and all levels. This event is organized by the Peruvian Patronage of Music Subgerencia and the Culture of the Municipality of Lima, with the support of the French Embassy and the Alliance Française. It will be in the passing Santa Rosa and the Paseo de los Clerks.

Tourism Tips to Visit Peru

.
By Carl & Paula D'Angio

1. Laying over in Lima Airport - Jorge Chavez: In many cases due to international flight arrivals and departures, and connecting internal flights within Perú, it may be necessary to spend many hours at the Lima airport waiting for your connection.

In some travel books you will read that the Diner's Club, located on the second floor of the airport, will allow card members to pass the time in their lounge, and for non card holders, a fee of $6.00 U.S. will get you in. This is only partly true. The Diner's Club will allow members only. Non members may not get in at all. This lounge is strictly closed to card members.

So if you are not a card member what do you do? If you are traveling with all your luggage, there is a luggage locker at the far left end of the airport that will hold your luggage for about $3.00 U.S. for 24 hours. But be careful.

There is a room where many bags are held behind the counter in plain sight. Demand a locker for your bags. Each locker needs 2 keys to open and they are located in the concourse of the airport away from prying eyes. The baggage room attendant has one key and you are given the other.

This is still not 100% fail-safe but is preferable to the back room storage. If you have time to spend waiting for your connection and are not a Diner's Club member, there is a pleasant little restaurant/bar located on the second floor all the way to the left of the Diner's Club (above the baggage holding area) with couches where you can stay as long as you want to in relative comfort as long as you eat or drink something there.

2. Money Exchange and Carrying Money: When you arrive in Perú, it is best to do so with U.S. dollars. While most western currency can be exchanged for Peruvian Soles rather easily, any shop, restaurant, or business will take U.S. dollars as payment. This cannot be said readily of all other western currency. Be prepared however to receive your change in Soles.

It is a good idea not to use bills in excess of $10-$20.00 U.S., as you might find it difficult for the merchant to change anything larger. There are money changing booths almost everywhere in every major Peruvian city in the Plaza de Armas and their hours and rates are usually better than the local banks.

But be aware, regardless of what western currency you are carrying you will find that when you exchange it, the money changer will look it over with a fine toothed comb. Not so much to judge its authenticity, but to examine the condition of the bill. You will find it difficult if not impossible to exchange bills, regardless of their authenticity, if they are not in pristine condition. That means no torn edges, no tape, no missing pieces, no writing, and/or no stamp marks on them.

Do not take bills to Perú that do not meet these conditions or you will wind up taking them back home with you. When you exchange your money for Soles, tell the money changer not to give you bills larger than 50 Soles as these are sometimes hard to get change for. 10 Soles bills are the easiest method of payment in Perú.

If you find it necessary to carry travelers checks, be aware that they are not as easy to exchange and some banks may require a surcharge to change them. Some money exchange locations may not even take them with a surcharge. Carry only as much money as you think you will need for the worst case scenario of your outing. If necessary, go the Plaza de Armas more than once a day to change money as you need it.

3. Taxis as Transportation: It is recommended that you have your hotel call a taxi for you when you plan to leave for several reasons. First, all reputable hotels, have a working relationship with at least one radio dispatched taxi company. They know the taxi company and will set the rate for you before you leave. This leaves little chance of being overcharged.

Secondly, it is not uncommon, when you just hail a taxi from the street, to have one rate agreed upon, only to find that the rate has changed when you reach your destination, or the driver doesn't have enough change when you get there. Some street taxis may also try to pick up other fares during your trip which you didn't bargain for. While this is not the general rule, it does happen, so let your hotel arrange for your taxi service.

4. Medications and Hygiene: Assuming that you are not going into the Amazon tributaries, the altitudes experienced in the Andes may have an adverse effect on you if you are not accustomed to such heights. A visit to your physician prior to coming to Perú is recommended. Diamox is a good medication for altitude sickness.

You may also want to discuss with your physician other medications such as antibiotics to take along with you. One recommendation for visitors is to drink bottled water only even for things such as brushing your teeth.

One observation regarding Perú is the unavailability of toilet paper in almost all public places. Major hotels and most restaurants will have some, but do not be surprised to go into a public bathroom, such as at Machu Picchu, and find that toilet paper is either unavailable or available only for sale.

Bring an ample amount of tissues that you can take around with you on your journeys. If you are going into the Amazon tributaries, it is recommended that you let your physician know beforehand. A current yellow fever vaccination, and anti malarial medications should be discussed. And bring plenty of D.E.E.T. with you. It is probably best to call your State Board of Health for recommendations on medications for the Amazon.

5. Passports and Intra National Flights: It will not be unusual for you to be asked for your passport when you are flying even within Perú if you are not a Peruvian national. Even when you check into hotels you will be asked for your passport number.

It is a good idea to make a copy of your passport before arriving in Perú just in case. Carry your passport anytime you fly within Perú and of course when you leave. Whether you have tickets in hand or not, it is necessary to have all of your flights reconfirmed prior to going to the airport. The reputable hotels will gladly perform this service at no charge.

But do not just show up at a Peruvian airport thinking that you will get on a flight that you have a ticket for if it is not reconfirmed in advance. Also be aware that every flight has to be taxed. You will get your boarding pass and then go to a tax booth to pay the airport tax, usually 24 Soles per ticket. Do not try to do this any other way or you may run into trouble, or at least miss your flight.

6. Street Safety: One of the things that are immediately apparent upon arrival to Cusco and other major cities in Perú is the plethora of cabs and mini buses. They are small by western standards but can still hurt you if you are not careful. There are some traffic lights and stop signs, but don't expect everyone to use them.

These little guys have the right of way at all times and sorry will be the traveler that doesn't recognize it at once. In fact, horns will blow at you if you are just walking down the street on the sidewalk for no apparent reason. When strolling around, especially in the evening, always be very careful at intersections.

Many of the headlights don't work and not very many drivers have figured out what a turn signal is or how to use it. It is kind of quirky and adds to the charm of Perú. While we have never experienced anything even resembling a troublesome situation, you cannot help but feel for the little children on the street.

When we go to Perú, we bring with us pencils, writing tablets, and little toys such as bubbles, troll dolls, and matchbox cars to give to the children. These gifts are much appreciated and will draw a crowd faster than anything I have ever seen. There is nothing quite so priceless as the face of a child with a new toy they have never seen before. This is preferable to just handing out a few Soles, and will give you something to remember forever.

7. Internet and E-Mail: Times have really changed in Perú regarding the ability to communicate with folks back home. 1 year ago, you could find a few internet places with 28.8 modems that would work but would seem to take forever to transmit data out of the country.

Today, internet cafes are common and they all seem to have DSL or ADSL fast connections. Explorer, Netscape, and Hotmail are readily available at every internet stop. Expect to pay about 2 1/2 Soles for 1/2 hour of internet time, more than enough to keep in touch with the folks back home on a daily basis if you wish.

First time visitors to Perú will be intoxicated by its beauty and diversity. I have seen no other place in the world with as many natural wonders and treasures as I have found in Perú. From the amazing Amazon and its countless numbers of birds and natural wildlife, to Andean pre colonial cities like Cusco and Arequipa, to the ancient temples of Machu Picchu, to the pristine waters of Lake Titicaca near Puno, to the largest canyon in the world, I can think of no other country that contains as much to see in so small a geographic area.

Perú gets into your blood, and once there, you will go back. The people will ensure that your visit to Perú will be customized to your liking and truly unforgettable.