CUSCO, MACHU PICCHU AND THE INCA TRAILCusco, the archaeological capital of Americas, is the gateway to the jewel of Inca architecture, Machu Picchu. The city itself is a mixture of Inca and Colonial styles, as it can be appreciated in its temples and churches, where Colonial structures were built over Inca foundations. Also, being the capital of the Inca Empire, it is the place where the most important Inca monuments can be found, like the Sacsayhuaman fortress, Kenko, Ollantaytambo, among others.
The most impressive way to approach the Lost City of the Incas is on foot, as the Incas did, by way of the beautiful stone roadway, climbing stairs and traversing tunnels, across heights where the sky seems closer than the depths of the Urubamba river-canyon. This 43 km royal road passes through a number of impressive Inca citadels, which dominate the scenery. Ascending to the crests, it reveals vistas of snowcapped peaks, descending to the jungle, it seems more like a leafy tunnel through luxuriant tropical greenery. Climbing the last rock stair-way to Inti Punku, you see spread out before you the splendor of the Inca Empire: Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is the supreme expression of the work of men living in harmony with their environment. Built on a narrow ridge overlooking the turbulent waters of the Urubamba river. It is surrounded by mountains and covered in jungle growth for centuries until its discovery in 1911.
- Tourist services:
- Transportation by car, bus, microbus, guided tours, complete trekking and canoeing services, guided climbs, camping, bicycle excursions, equipment rental (tents, etc.).
- Minimum stay:
- 4 to 5 days to visit Machu Picchu and main attractions of Cusco. The Inca Trail (43 km) requires 3 to 5 days, a total of 5 to 7 days including transport and visiting Machu Picchu.
- Season/Climate:
- The best season for the Inca Trail is from May to September, to avoid the rainy season. Cusco and Machu Picchu can be visited all year round. Very bright sun in the daytime and cold nights.
For more information on Cusco: http://www.promperu.gob.pe/IN/TURISMO/in01frames2.htm
TITICACA, THE SACRED LAKE OF THE INCAS
In Inca mythology, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, children of the Sun, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca to found their empire. The vast blue lake at 3,800m is one of the Andes' most enchanting scenes. It is situated on the high plateau, and was the cradle to one of the most ancient pre-Inca civilizations, the "Tiahuanaco Culture", renowned for their stone monoliths and "Chullpas." (Stone towers) The lake is still home to its descendants. The plains abound in llamas and alpacas, whose wool the women knit into colorful clothing to sell in the Puno and Juliaca markets, while the men make their boats of the reed that grows in the lake. The region's folklore is one of the richest expressions of Peruvian folk art, reflected in the festivities for the Virgen de la Candelaria.
For more information on Puno: http://www.promperu.gob.pe/IN/TURISMO/in01frames2.htm
- Activities:
- Excursions by boat, observation of flora and fauna (birds), shopping for crafts, archeology and camping.
- Minimum stay:
- 2 days to see the principal attractions and 2 day more to visit Taquile or Amantani.
- Season/climate:
- The best months to visit are from April to September. Bright sunshine during the day, very cold nights.
AREQUIPA AND THE COLCA CANYON
The colonial city of Arequipa, "the White City" due to its distinctive architecture is a remarkable tourist experience. A tour to the Santa Catalina Convent is a must, as is a visit to the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where elegant vicuñas wander the plains.
A winding road leaves the Arequipa and crosses the slopes of the snow-capped Misti, Chachani and Ampato volcanoes to arrive at one of the most awesome places on earth: the Colca Canyon. Visitors can descend to the river on foot or on horseback by roads cut into the multicolored mountainside, in one day excursions or one week treks. You can even cross the canyon and climb the Mismi peak (5,600m) whose snows are the birthplace of the mighty Amazon River. With experience in canoeing and kayaking, you can challenge the turbulent waters, passing through spectacular gorges in an unforgettable journey of several days.
For more information on Arequipa: http://www.promperu.gob.pe/IN/TURISMO/in01frames2.htm
- Activities:
- Trekking, excursions on horseback, canoeing, ecotourism and camping.
- Minimum stay:
- 2 days from Arequipa just to see the canyon and other attractions. 4 to 7 days for longer journeys.
- Season/Climate:
- Trekking is possible year round, canoeing only from June through September. Excellent climate. Afternoons and nights are cold in the altitude.
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This page was last updated on July 29, 1999
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