On May 23, the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is launched in the city of New York, which aims to put Peru in the eyes of the world. With the participation of authorities and more than 30 actors of the city of Cusco.
The most important festivity of the city of Cusco is the Inti Raymi, which is celebrated on June 24 each year and brings together several tourists from around the world. Therefore, this 2023 the initiative was taken to promote this festival and make an international invitation in the United States.
According to the Municipal Mayor of Cusco, Luis Beltrán Pantoja Calvo, the launch will take place at the Gran Teatro United Palace, at 8:00 p.m. New York time. With the purpose of reactivating tourism, economy, employment and growth of the country.
It is the first time that the Inti Raymi is present in New York. There will be about 3,000 attendees to the event who will be able to appreciate the launching program. Where the authorities along with the protagonists of this festival, such as the Inca Pachacutec, the Coya (wife) and his entourage, show the greatness of the Incas and their historical legacy.
In this space the ancestral rituals of the Festival of the Sun will be exhibited. Presented in the three scenarios such as the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), Plaza de Armas of the city and the Fortress of Sacsayhuman.
The city of Cusco awaits you and Tierras de los Andes invites you to enjoy this unique festival. Where you can appreciate the staging, taste the "Chiri Uchu" (traditional dish) and visit the most important archaeological sites, including the Wonder of Machu Picchu.
This Wednesday, February 08, 2023, Switzerland returns to Peru a huge Cabeza Clava (Stone Head), belonging to the Chavin Culture, about 2,5000 years old.
It is a piece that weighs about 200 kilos, discovered in 2016 by Customs agents, when an individual tried to introduce it to Switzerland, passing it off as a non-cultural good. For that reason, they sent to carry out the corresponding studies and these determined that they are part of the famous nailed heads carved in stone during the Chavín period.
The Cabeza Clava was delivered to Luis Alberto Castro Joo, Ambassador of Peru in the European country, so that it can return to its place of origin and be protected for the great value it represents.
For this historic event to take place, it was important for both Switzerland and Peru to maintain ties with Unesco.
Being countries that signed the 1970 Unesco Convention that prohibits the illegal import and export of cultural heritage, they are also part of the 2016 bilateral agreement, with the aim of strengthening their cooperation in this field.
Carine Bachmann, who heads the Federal Office of Culture (OFC) of Switzerland, declared that the Cabeza Clava tried to enter as a non-cultural good to her country, such action puts Peru as a serious affected of the spoliation, destruction of archaeological sites and pre-Columbian pieces that are more threatened among the categories of cultural heritage.
The Chavin Culture was a civilization developed from 1. 200 to 550 B.C. in southern Peru, which was about two millennia before the great Inca Empire.
It should be noted that the nail heads are sculptural monoliths that were carved to represent the mythical beings of their culture, which have features of humanized felines, birds, and reptiles.
You can discover this and more news that transcend the cultural and historical scope of Peru, in Tierra de los Andes, your unique travel agency that offers a personalized experience in every desired adventure.
The Salkantay snow-capped mountain is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range, in the province of Soraypampa, Anta, at an elevation of 6264 masl, being one of the most important snow-capped mountains in the Cusco region.
The level of difficulty is high, so it should be taken into account that it is necessary to have a good physical condition to do this tour, as well as it is better if you already have previous experience in similar activities in mountaineering and trekking.
The best season to visit the snow-capped mountain is between May and August, since it is the dry season in the city of Cusco, and since there is no rain, the roads are in better condition for trekking.
The snow-capped mountain is located at an elevation of 6264 meters above sea level and is one of the most important snow-capped mountains in the Cusco region. Due to its elevation, the predominant climate is frigid polar, with an average temperature of 1.5ºC throughout the year.
Altitude sickness refers to a series of symptoms that the body presents when there is a change in altitude due to a higher atmospheric pressure and a reduction in the level of oxygen in the environment. This generally occurs when exceeding 2800 meters above sea level and is more frequent in people living in low altitude countries or at the same sea level.
The most frequent symptoms are dizziness and disorientation, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain and headache, tiredness, difficulty breathing.
To reduce the symptoms it is very necessary to spend at least 2 days of acclimatization in the city of Cusco before trekking in Salkantay.
The Salkantay trek is of a high level of difficulty so it is recommended for people over 12 years old. Likewise, it is not recommended for those who suffer from any medical condition of the heart and/or lungs, or for pregnant women.
The classic tour to know Salkantay is the circuit of 5 days and 4 nights, in a long walk through the Andean snowy mountains to change to a much more tropical climate reaching the jungle of Machu Picchu.
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There are currently different ways to get to Machu Picchu, from tours with long walks through the forests of Machu Picchu or crossing the snowy Salkantay, but certainly traveling by train is the most comfortable and most frequent option to travel to this wonder of the modern world.
Here are the options you have to travel by train to Machu Picchu
Currently we only have 2 train companies to Machu Picchu and they are Peru Rail and Inca Rail, both offer varied options in terms of train types and services on board.
From the most requested trains such as the Expedition train to the Hiram Bingham luxury train.
Learn about the different train services that you can purchase to complement your trip to Machu Picchu.
The Expedition train is one of the most requested services since they have more departure times and are more affordable.
(Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu village)
(Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo)
The Vistadome train is the second option in terms of trains offered by Perurail, a train that has large windows on the sides and roofs.
Making your walk much more visually pleasing, as you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you while you are on your way to Machu Picchu.
Additionally there is the Vistadome Observatory car which is more interactive since during the trip you will be accompanied by the saqras who present a live dance show, if you wish to have access to the Observatory car, you can request it directly with your travel agency.
In this train you have a snack on board included, the snack is made of Andean cereals, as well as infusions of medicinal plants native to Cusco, such as coca or muña.
(Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu)
( Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo )
The Hiram Bingham train is the most exclusive and luxurious train offered by Peru Rail, with bar cars, dining car, and observatory car, includes a live music show as a welcome at the reception at the train station, buffet lunch service on board, entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, tour guide in Spanish and English, afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge, A. Belmond Hotel.
It is important to note that reservations for this train must be made at least 1 month in advance, and also remember that this train only departs from Poroy station.
(Cusco - Machu Picchu)
(Machu Picchu - Cusco)
This train offers cars with large, comfortable seats, large side windows and tables at the front of each car for added comfort, relaxing background music, and a selection of beverages on board (at selected times).
The Voyager 2022 train schedules and fares
The Voyager 2022 train schedules and fares
The 360º train offers much higher and wider panoramic windows, an open-air observatory car, a bar car, and on-board entertainment, as well as being one of the only trains to offer WIFI service and USB ports to charge your devices while you travel.
The 360º also offers a box lunch on board, made with the finest ingredients grown in the Sacred Valley, as well as hot and cold drinks made from herbs and plants native to Cusco.
The 360º train schedules and fares - 2022
The 360º train schedules and fares - 2022
Train that offers a premium service, with personalized attention and preferential boarding, spacious and much more comfortable seats, soft Andean instrumental music in the background while you enjoy the natural landscapes that surround your journey.
In addition, the train has an observatory lounge car with open-air balconies.
The Voyager Premium & Lounge train schedules and fares - 2022
The Voyager Premium & Lounge train schedules and fares - 2022
The First Class train offers passengers a personalized service, with lounge and observatory cars, live music, gourmet menu, bar and open-air balconies during the trip.
The service is luxurious, much larger carriages with panoramic windows. The menu on board is prepared with organic ingredients grown in the sacred valley, plus hot and cold drinks that you can order while traveling.
You will have a VIP lounge and a welcome cocktail while waiting for boarding at Ollantaytambo station, and a private bus that will take you to the citadel.
The Private, a lounge car decorated with Andean motifs, is for the exclusive use of you and your companions.
In this service you will have a separate VIP lounge at the boarding station, where you will be greeted with a welcome glass of champagne, you will have a chef on board who will prepare 3 gourmet dishes, accompanied by a fine selection of wines that you can taste, as well as Pisco Sour, Peru's flagship drink.
Also, while the chef prepares the dishes you will receive classes on how to prepare dishes such as ceviche, all while enjoying a relaxing live music presentation.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu the ticket includes the bus transfer to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The city of Cusco stands out for the beautiful architectural composition of its main streets.
Throughout the historic center, the presence of multiple temples and churches stand out, many of them finely ornamented internally with canvases, sculptures and beautiful altarpieces with fine finishes in gold leaf, not to mention the fine architecture in Baroque style.
If you want to know the colonial religious art in an interesting way, visit and know the Churches and Temples in Cusco.
The cathedral of Cusco has the full title La Catedral Basílica de la Virgen de la Asunción. The title of Basilica was granted by Pope Pius Xl 1928.
The title of Basilica gives it a much higher rank in hierarchy with other Catholic temples and churches.
It is important to note that there are only 4 Major Basilicas and 1500 Minor Basilicas in the world.
With the arrival of the Spaniards in 1532, the Inca lands were distributed among the conquerors, and many of these lands were donated to the different religious orders, such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, Carmelites, among others.
Thanks to the writings of the chroniclers we know that on December 8, 1535, by order of the Queen Doña Juana Governor of Spain, Fray Vicente Valverde was commissioned to build temples and churches in the city, also with the donations of the crown each temple was to be decorated with fine works of painting, sculpture and altarpieces.
Making the historic center much more striking, by the presence of various temples and each of these, with the correct internal ornamentation.
Here is a list of the most important temples and churches of the imperial city, with a brief historical review of each of them, it is certainly an extra option to know the city from another perspective.
During the year 1559 the architect Veramendi begins the construction of the cathedral, moving the lithic pieces from the Sacsayhuaman complex to the main square.
The construction of the Cathedral took many years so there were several architects and masters who were in charge of the construction of the most important temple of the city, in addition to the fact that the temple suffered the ravages of the strongest earthquakes, a fact that was captured in a painting of 1650.
Among the most impressive pieces of art are 256 pieces of pure silver, highlighting the float of Holy Week, the Anda of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, the Anda of the Lord of the Tremors, Crowns, a silver monstrance adorned with 331 pearls, 62 rubies, 89 amethysts, 5 sapphires, an agate, 43 topaz. 263 diamonds, 221 emeralds and 17 brilliants. It is 1.20 meters high and weighs about 27 kilos.
In addition to multiple altarpieces worked with gold leaf, sculptures and canvases of the Cusco school.
The church of Our Lady of Bethlehem was originally founded as an Indian temple called ''Los Reyes Magos'' in 1559 in the Inca quarter of Cayocachi.
In a painting of the Cathedral Mayor is the story of how this virgin was found by two fishermen in Callao, in a box floating in the sea, when they opened it they saw the image of the mother of Christ with a note that said ''Image of Our Lady of Bethlehem, for the city of Cusco''.
It was then when the bishop of Lima began the whole process to bring the image to the city of Cusco. Once the Virgin arrived to the imperial city, lots were drawn to decide which temple would receive the sacred mother of Jesus, so it was chosen the church of ''The Magi'', which would change its name to ''The Church of Bethlehem''.
It is known that this temple suffered great damages during the earthquake of 1650, but thanks to the bishop Manuel de Mollinedo, it could be rebuilt by the Cusquenian architect Juan Tomas Tuyro Tupac, being completely finished in 1715.
Unfortunately the new earthquake of 1950 again wreaked havoc on the monument knocking down one of its towers. The final reconstruction was in charge of the Cusquenian architect Oscar Ladron de Guevara.
The Church of La Merced, belonging to the order of Mercedarios, founded by Father Sebastian de Trujillo in 1535, time later in 1538 Francisco donated the adjoining land of Cusipata for the construction of the first Mercedario Temple in the city of Cusco.
This temple keeps one of the richest custodians of the city with 1.20 meters high 22 kg. weight has an exquisite ornamentation of 1538 precious stones including rubies, emeralds, sapphires and others, additionally has the second largest pearl in the world.
Formerly the temple had 4 cloisters, which currently because of the earthquakes of 1650 and 1950, only 2 remain today, one of them is the current boys' school La Merced.
The Temple of the Society of Jesus, belonging to the Jesuit order, is built on what was the ancient Amarucancha, palace of the Inca Huayna Capac.
The construction was completed in only 15 years, it began in 1578 with the support of the wife of Diego Silva, the conqueror, Doña Teresa Ordoñez, finishing the temple in 1593.
This temple is located in the main square of Cusco, has many pictorial treasures among them highlights the painting of the marriage of Martin Garcia de Loyola with the Coya Beatriz Clara, one of the first marriages between Spaniards and members of the royal Panacas, in addition to its altarpiece, which was worked by Bernardo Bitti with fine finishes in gold leaf.
The beaterio de Las Nazarenas Descalzas was founded in the city of Cusco in the year 1695, under the Adjudication of the Santísimo Jesús Nazareno.
The Nazarene Sisters in 1745, received a new beaterio in the house of the Sierpes, located in the street Amaru Qhata. During the year 1900 it also functioned as a school for girls, considered the best in Cusco. Until it closed after the inauguration of the schools for girls, Santa Ana and María Auxiliadora.
In 1978, there were less than 10 Nazarene Sisters left, so they decided to leave the monastery and were taken in for a time in the church of La Merced.
Some time later they moved to the Church of St. Francis, where they were permanently welcomed until today.
Nowadays the Monasterio de las Nazarenas is a hotel belonging to the Belmond chain.
The Church of the Poor Christ of the Recoleta, belonging to the Franciscan Order, is located in the Recoleta Square, inside the historical center of the city, being now part of the Monumental Area protected by UNESCO.
The construction began in 1559, under the direction of Father Francisco de Velasco, concluding with the construction in 1601.
Unfortunately during the year 1650 the earthquake left great damages in the walls, so Nicollas Huallpa hired Juan Tomas Tuyro Tupac, to raise the temple again.
This is a religious building located in the Plazoleta de Nazarenas, on the opposite side of the old street Amaru Qhata, built in 1598 by order of Bishop Manuel de Mollinedo y Angulo, the architecture has a Baroque style, with a beautiful facade, which is one of the best preserved today.
Currently, this building was given in concession to the Hotel Monasterio, which offers the service of celebrating weddings in this church in coordination with the Hotel. They also offer masses, at which time you can visit this beautiful Seminary.
It is probably the first church of Colonial Cusco, made of adobe on a stone base in the old Inca neighborhood called Toco Cachi, according to some theories this temple would have been built on a huaca of worship to Illapa, Inca God referred to lightning.
The most outstanding feature of this church is undoubtedly its famous pulpit that according to oral tradition was carved in a single piece of wood by a cabinetmaker from Huamanga, who suffered from leprosy, in dreams he had a vision of Mary with the child Jesus in her arms and a rosary in her hand, who told him:
''If you wish to cure your illness, look for me in Cusco''.
Coincidentally he was hired by the bishop to work in the convent of Santo Domingo in the city of Cusco, he immediately accepted the job hiding his illness, but the disease worsened and when the time came when his wounds could no longer be hidden, no one wanted to give him asylum for fear of catching that terrible disease.
Finding no shelter, he decided to enter a small and humble chapel where he recognized the image of the Virgin who appeared to him in his dreams.
Immediately he knelt down to pray asking the Virgin to cure his ailments, immediately rose petals came out of the rosary that cured his wounds and left him healthy.
The miracle was soon news, giving the new name to the Virgin of Buen Suceso and the cabinetmaker in gratitude to the Virgin carved in a single trunk a new pulpit where there is the image of the Virgin with the Child and the rosary, working 4 years without rest until the end of his work for the Virgin who had saved him.
The Church of San Cristobal is built on the grounds of what in Inca times was the great Colcampata, Manco Capac's palace.
The temple was built in the XVI century, by initiative of the Inca Prince, Paullu Inca, who was the brother of Manco Inca, Huascar and Atahuallpa.
Paullo supported the Spanish conquerors against the revolts caused by the conflicts of his brothers, so that the colonizers themselves gave Paullu the land and plots of Colcampata, also he was baptized in the Catholic religion, receiving the new name of Christopher Paulo Inca.
He built a small Indian chapel in the esplanade of the colcampata, dedicated to the patron saint San Cristóbal.
During the earthquake of 1650 the chapel suffered great damage, so the bishop Manuel de Mollinedo financed the reconstruction that was in charge of the Cusquenian master Marcos Uscamayta, only the tower and the wall of the entrance are made completely in stone the rest of the construction was kept in adobe.
The Franciscans arrived in Peru during the year 1534, they had small provisional chapels until finally 1549 when they moved definitively to the lands of Hernando Pizarro where the hospital of San Lazaro functioned.
The viceroy Francisco de Toledo in 1572, ordered the construction of a temple for San Francisco de Asis, currently is the church of San Francisco.
The original temple was dismantled to start a new, more modern complex in 1645, but progress was delayed by the famous earthquake of 1650. Finally, after great efforts, the temple was completed in 1653.
Part of the convent and cloister of the church was given to the boys' school ''Ciencias'', the school ''San Francisco de Asís'', and for a while during the 19th century also to the girls' school ''Educandas''.
Among the most outstanding attractions are the polyglot bible, written in 5 languages, Catacombs in which multiple human remains were found, a canvas entitled ''Genealogy of the Franciscan Order'' which compiles 683 characters of the 12 branches of the Franciscan order, considered the largest canvas in America.
In the year 1556 the Hospital de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios was built, known mostly as the ''Hospital de los Naturales'', unfortunately during the earthquake of 1650 this hospital was devastated, leaving only one room of the hospital standing.
Because of the earthquake there were many wounded, and victims so the hospital had to continue functioning, the pastor of the small chapel began the partial reconstruction of the hospital ending in 1657 to accommodate the sick and injured, but it was in 1688 with funding from Bishop Manuel de Mollinedo under the direction of the architect Juan Tomas Tuyro Tupac Cusco that the current imposing temple of San Pedro with two front towers and a facade of 3 bodies.
During the 1950 earthquake the temple suffered no major damage other than some cracks in its right tower, these cracks can still be seen today.
The temple of Santa was one of the first 5 indigenous churches of the city of Cusco. Built precariously in adobe in 1559 on a sacred waka in the old Inca neighborhood of Qarmenqa.
The temple of Santa Ana was the most affected in the earthquake of 1650, nothing was left of the temple, as its walls were already in poor condition as can be seen in the first plan of the city of Cusco in 1643.
Bishop Mollinedo, patron of Cusco, was the one who informed the Spanish crown of the terrible situation of the temple of Santa Ana, so that sufficient funds were sent for its restoration.
The church of Santa Ana is one of the simplest at present, with adobe walls covered with white plaster, simple tile roof, the former Mayor Daniel Estrada Perez ornament the courtyard of the temple turning it into a square with a viewpoint to the city of Cusco. They celebrate the feast of the Lord of the Cabildo and the patron saint of the temple participates annually in the feast of Corpus Christi.
The convent and temple of Santa Catalina, of the Dominican order was built on an old Inca enclosure, the AcllaWasi or ''Casa de las Escogidas'', these Inca lots were given to Antonio de la Gama, time later they were acquired by the Bishop Fernando de Mendoza who, donated the lands to the Dominican nuns.
Thus in 1605 the convent of Santa Catalina was inaugurated receiving Melchora Clara Coya who was a descendant of Huayna Capac, as one of the first aspirants to religious life, and this was an exceptional case since mestizo women were not allowed.
The convent was damaged during the earthquake in 1650, so the reconstruction of the cloisters and the church of Santa Catalina was started and finished in 1669.
At the moment and from the year 1975 it opened its doors to part of its facilities as a museum, in which important paintings of the School Cusqueña are exhibited, that portray scenes of the Life of Santa Catalina de Siena, in addition to imposing altarpieces carved and finished in bread of Gold.
The museum has representations of the daily life of the Dominican nuns, as well as all the activities they learned and developed in their religious life.
The church and convent of Santa Clara was one of the first shelters in the imperial city that welcomed orphans, half-caste and Inca descendants, during the year 1560 it was elevated to the rank of Monastery fulfilling the double function of beaterio and shelter for orphans.
Then in 1602 and thanks to the donation of the Cusquenian Beatriz Villegas who financed the construction of the temple that we currently see in the imperial city. This temple during the earthquake of 1650 and 1950 suffered no damage except in the bell tower, which was restored instantly.
The Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites of St. Joseph and St. Teresa, nowadays more popularly known as the Convent of St. Teresa.
The land was originally owned by Diego de Silva y Guzmán and was known for its majesty, as the Silva house. This great construction was donated in 1649 to erect a Mercedarian school, which was never carried out.
Many years passed until in 1672 Antonio de Zea obtained the Silva House with the help of Queen Maria of Austria and with her authorization, he founded the monastery of the Order of Saint Teresa in Cusco, who also granted 100 thousand pesos for the construction of a temple and to initiate the procedures and processes for the arrival of the Teresian nuns to Cusco.
Finally in the year 1675 the first founding nuns arrived in the city of Cusco, while the construction of the temple and monastery concluded in 1678.
The temple of Santo Domingo is built over what was the most important religious precinct of the Inca time, the Qoricancha.
During the Spanish colonization in 1532, the space of the Qoricancha was given to Juan Pizarro, brother of Francisco Pizarro, who before his death left in donation
Qoricancha to the order of Dominicans, so that in that place the Convent of Santo Domingo was built in 1534, being the first Dominican Convent in Peru.
Currently you can see how the Inca walls and the colonial construction merge, part of the Inca temple is now an exhibition as a site museum, where you can see the Inca rooms where they worshiped the different Inca Gods such as the Sun (Inti), the Moon (Killa), the Lightning (Illapa), among others.
Several chroniclers have referred to the Qoricancha as the most important temple of the Inca Empire, and the richest in terms of gold and silver works.
At the time of the arrival of the Spaniards, there was the distribution of the Inca lots and fields among the colonizers, they took part of the Suntur Wasi, as a barracks and refuge, giving origin also to the legend of the appearance of the apostle Santiago and the Virgin Mary that gave the triumph to the conquerors, during the fire caused by Manco Inca.
Thus, the fire consumed a great part of the city, leaving the Suntur Wasi intact. The story goes that the apostle Santiago had descended from the heavens mounted on his white horse, defending the place, while the Virgin Mary covered the space with her cloaks protecting the Spaniards from the fire,
Being the conquerors the ones who won in the confrontation, this same place would be where they raised the church of the triumph, the Bishop Vicente Valverde celebrated there the first mass of Cusco, the wooden cross that they brought from Spain was placed in the main altar, today known as the cross of the conquest.
This was the first catholic construction in Cusco, and it was considered the cathedral of the city until 1654 when the main cathedral that we know today was built.
This church is located a little further away from the center of the city of Cusco, in the district of the same name. District in which were exiled different royal Panacas of the Inca empire, which over time were disappearing, and it is also for them that is ordered to build this Catholic temple.
Its construction began in 1560 and concluded in 1799, it contained important works of painting of the Cusquenian school, of the Cusquenian painter Diego Quispe Titto, who was the only indigenous painter of Cusco who came to the Vatican to learn and improve his techniques, some of his works are still preserved in the temple of San Sebastian.
The church of San Jerónimo was erected in an area called Waqoto, where the royal panacas were exiled, as well as in the district of San Sebastián.
This temple was built at the end of the XVI century, being specifically directed to start the evangelization of the natives.
It is so it was one of the first to be built and for its good structure is a temple that has not suffered alterations in terms of its architecture, so it is the right temple to appreciate the primary constructions of the city of Cusco, with adobe walls and a roof of 2 waters. a bell tower on the outside, the style of the temple is Renaissance.
Peru is a great country with many riches. However, not everything is always formalized, so it is important to prepare your trip and anticipate the many changes that may occur during your stay.
4 reasons to hire a travel agency.
Some of the disadvantages of hiring an informal tourism agency are uninsured transportation, unlicensed drivers, poorly paid and often uncertified guides, poorly fed animals during treks, local populations that are not taken into account and are often exploited unscrupulously.
Responsible tourism sometimes costs 20 dollars more, but it is worth it if we think about how much difference it can make in terms of service and attention for all those involved in tourism services, from the passenger who arrives to the animals that are involved in the activity such as horses or llamas and alpacas.
Enjoy your trip without worries to Peru, it often saves a lot of time and avoids discomfort by investing a little more money. It is much more pleasant to arrive and enjoy without having to worry about looking for an activity, compare, negotiate...
In Peru you will find absolutely all prices, but beware of buying fraudulent services. The price can sometimes be attractive, but what will be really the service offered: a quality service? commitments respected? activities planned?
Going to a certified agency means security, information and peace of mind. In addition to the fact that they can provide you with the most suitable tours for you, and organize all the activities you want to do, always taking into account your needs and putting your safety as a priority.
Tourist regulations change frequently and tourists are often misinformed.
Especially with tickets to Machu Picchu, which must be booked more than a month and a half in advance. Sometimes new areas are opened and then closed, informal agencies can offer you fake tickets, hours of waiting in Machu Picchu thinking you are buying a ticket when the office is closed. The disappointment is sometimes immense.
By contracting the service of a Formal Tourism Agency you will always have truthful and transparent information regarding all the aspects that involve the tourist activity.
We all choose what kind of tourism we want to do. Remember that we travel to enjoy and not to worry about these things, sure that these 3 tips to not travel alone in Peru will help you a lot.
Remember that you should not reveal confidential information of your credit cards, no formal travel agency will ask you that, you should not sign contracts without first reading the terms and conditions even if the information they give you verbally is very attractive, do not trust.
If you are hesitant to make payments using your cards, you can make transfers or better make payments in cash, it is important that before you also be informed about the exchange rate of the dollar to the local currency.
To hire the service of a formal travel agency can verify that this is registered in the "National Directory of Qualified Tourism Service Providers" through the website of the Ministry of Tourism consultasenlinea.mincetur.gob.pe
You can also have a reference through pages like Tripadvisor, reading the experiences of other users. Or directly on the website of the agency with which you contracted your trip, in these internet portals should present complete and detailed information of each tour they perform, direct information from Gmail or WhatsApp contacts.
Remember to ask for receipts and proof of payment when making your service contract, these receipts will be very useful in case you want to make a claim.
Detecting an informal travel agency is not always easy, here are some tips:
The well-known and dreaded Altitude Sickness refers to a series of symptoms and effects that people may experience as they ascend more and more meters above sea level.
Normally people can ascend between 1500 and 2000 meters above sea level without major problems, it is from 3000 meters above sea level that the effects occur.
Faced with the discomfort that one feels, the question arises: Why does it occur?
and the answer is very simple, this is because the higher the altitude the atmospheric pressure decreases so the air is lighter and less oxygen is available.
In other words, what it produces is a lack of oxygen in the environment causing breathing difficulties among other symptoms that we will see later on.
The most recurrent symptoms of increased height are the following:
Remember to always listen to your body, pay attention to the symptoms and it is recommended to take a break before continuing with your activities.
The symptoms of Mountain Sickness can present themselves in different ways in each person is different, some with greater intensity and / or duration, so you should be aware of how your body reacts to the increase in height
Diagnosing altitude sickness is very simple, especially when the patient presents the symptoms mentioned above.
Although these do not appear immediately, but between 3 to 6 hours after the change in altitude, so it is important not to be confident and always wait for a prudent time before starting activities.
The duration of these symptoms caused by altitude sickness will depend a lot on the time you take to acclimatize to the new altitude in which you are. You may feel the discomfort with greater intensity the first day you experience the change in altitude and as the days pass these tend to decrease because the body is getting used to the new atmospheric pressure and the low level of oxygen in the environment.
In case the symptoms are persistent and the duration of altitude sickness exceeds 2 to 3 days, it is better to consult a doctor.
Although there is really no single treatment, there are natural remedies and some medications that can help counteract altitude sickness and the symptoms it causes.
Below, we present 2 of the most used native plants in natural treatments based on infusions of ancient plants that not only serve to altitude sickness and help to calm the symptoms of this, but also have other very beneficial properties for the body.
Coca leaves can be consumed by chewing the leaf directly, or through hot infusions, the good thing is that nowadays you can find coca in candies, chocolates, iced cookies and many more so it will always be at your fingertips.
Pills are now available as treatments to counteract altitude sickness, in doses of 1 pill every 8 hours.
The composition of these pills is mainly to alleviate the discomfort you may feel when gaining more height, mainly help improve blood flow, counteract headaches, and help reduce muscle pain caused by irregular blood circulation due to a decrease of oxygen in the blood.
It is important to note that these drugs are not recommended for children under 12 years of age, pregnant women or nursing mothers, so you should consider consulting your physician for additional alternatives or you can opt for the natural options.
In the presence of the symptoms of this disease, it is very easy to panic, especially the smallest ones.
The question then arises: What should I do?
The most advisable thing to do when you start to feel sick with mountain sickness is to stop any activity you are doing and rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink plenty of water and wait for the body to feel comfortable before continuing with the day, all this, of course, in case the discomfort is mild.
If, on the other hand, these discomforts are very strong, the first thing to do is to reduce the altitude, the symptoms disappear almost instantly. If, on the other hand, the symptoms of altitude sickness persist, you should receive oxygen, and in some cases receive nifedipine, a drug that helps lower blood pressure, so that the heart does not overexert itself, remember not to self-medicate, always wait for an expert to help you.
It is important that before taking any tour in Peru you always consult about the activities to be performed, and the altitude at which the tour will take place, as well as whether it is necessary to have a good physical condition or if there is any age limit.
The altitude sickness usually occurs in the high Andean cities of Peru, and usually presents discomfort at least during the first few days of arrival in the new city, these discomforts usually disappear on the 2nd day.
So, if you are planning to do any mountaineering or similar activities, we recommend that you first take a couple of days to acclimatize and then make the ascent gradually, always listen to your body and do not overexert yourself.
Visiting Peru with children is a unique experience, having a vacation is an opportunity to travel and visit Peru (even better if accompanied by your children).
Something that parents always have in mind, is the constant doubt of where to travel and if the place will be suitable for their little ones (children), always concerned about safety, but ensuring fun for everyone.
Our country Peru is megadiverse with a variety of natural and cultural attractions, it offers multiple options where you can spend pleasant moments with guaranteed fun for everyone, especially for the little ones at home. We invite you to know the best alternatives to travel with your family.
In this post we are going to present the most suitable destinations in Peru for family travel (with children).
The Wonder of the Modern World, Machu Picchu, is undoubtedly one of the best options, the trip from Ollantaytambo is undoubtedly an additional thrill that many children are excited to arrive at the station and see the trains and even better to travel in one.
Machupicchu is a place where children can learn about our pre-Hispanic cultures in a didactic way.
It is advisable to take the traditional tour, since the circuits that include the entrances to the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, could be very heavy for children.
The archaeological complex of Saqsayhuaman, one of the most visited fixed points in the city of Cusco, is included in the CITY TOUR, and it is recommended to start the visit in the city taking this tour the first day of your arrival, it will help you and your family to acclimatize and reduce altitude sickness.
In Saqsayhuaman you will be able to see the enormous lithic pieces that are a great visual attraction for everyone, especially children.
Experiential tourism in the islands of Lake Titicaca is an option to spend a few family days in contact with other families in the communities of Puno.
In this destination you can learn about the customs of these families, acquiring new experiences and learning a little more about traditions and ancestral customs that are still in force.
Children will also have the experience of bonding with the children of Taquile, enjoying boat rides and being in contact with nature.
The Ballestas Islands, part of the Paracas National Reserve, is a recommended destination because the weather here is always pleasant.
Undoubtedly a place where you will be able to spend pleasant days with your family on boats, visiting the rocks where sea lions take long naps, see penguins, dolphins and a variety of birds.
The ideal opportunity to teach children about the importance of caring for these species. The beaches in Paracas are calm waters so kayaking is also an alternative activity to do during your visit to the Ballestas Islands.
This beautiful paradise is located a short distance from Lima, it is a lagoon in the middle of the desert of Ica, with a warm climate all year round. A quiet and comfortable place where you can enjoy rides in sand vehicles, practice sandboarding or just relax on the boardwalks around the lagoon. A great place to escape from routine and stress, accompanied by your family.
Peru's jungle is one of the most attractive alternatives that offers a variety of family activities such as trekking through lush Amazonian jungles.
Visit to native communities and children especially enjoy the boat excursions in search of pink dolphins, enjoy the tours to wildlife rescue shelters where they can have contact with sloths, monkeys, and other wild animals.
This is an opportunity for children to learn while having fun about the importance of preserving the environment and caring for the wildlife of the different endemic species of the region.
In addition to this, Iquitos offers tours to the many waterfalls it has, enjoying fun afternoons in the waters of Iquitos. Remember to bring extra clothes for the children.
Cusco is a cultural destination, with new and innovative recreational options for children, such as the visit on motorcycles to the Abode of the Gods, a theme park where they can appreciate various sculptures in the rocks that represent some of the local legends, such as the legend of Tocay Capac Wiracocha.
You can also visit the Huasao Wetlands, a park where you can see sculptures of animals native to Cusco, as well as some fictional characters like Groot, both are new options that can be included in your itinerary and will give a more entertaining touch for the little ones making your visit a much more enjoyable experience.
Peru is a wonderful country with 24 departments and a constitutional province, Callao. Throughout its vast territory, it has diverse ecological levels and microclimates that make this country a destination suitable for everyone.
However, it is important to remember that each region of our country has a different climate and geographic space, so this should be taken into account when planning your visit to Peru,
Not all provinces share the same climate, so there are times of the year when the beaches have hot and sunny weather, but the Andes have heavy rains.
Whether you are looking for a beach vacation, exploring snow-capped mountains and mountains, or venturing into the Amazonian wilderness;
Peru can offer that and more, just remember to make a good planning prior to your trip so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest, here are some options to visit Peru
The city of Cusco, also known as the archaeological capital of Peru, declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is located at 3360 meters above sea level, between the Andean territory and part of the jungle, which highlights that in this department there are 2 very marked seasons;
These climatic and geographic variations give the city of Cusco, a rich natural landscape, making possible a varied presence of flora and fauna, which makes it possible for Cusco to develop a wide range of tourist attractions of natural and scenic nature, also offers activities and attractions of religious, traditional folkloric and artistic character.
One of the main reasons to visit the city of Cusco is for its cultural and historical value, it is one of the few cities where you can see how the Inca and colonial architecture merge in every street of the city, creating a prodigious contrast worthy of being admired.
This syncretism can be seen not only in the architecture, but also in the religious and artistic manifestations, as in the festivity of the Lord of Qoyllur Ritiy, where the faith of worship to an Apu or sacred mountain merges with the worship of a Crucified Christ.
Any time of the year is good to visit the city, the main archaeological attraction of the city is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, which is open to the public throughout the year being the months of November to March the time of less tourist influx, so you can enjoy this wonder without so many crowds of people.
The city of Lima, capital of Peru, also known as the city of the Kings, founded in 1535, is a dazzling city that you must visit. It houses a perfect harmony of colonial renaissance architecture with modern buildings and is the only South American capital with access to the sea.
It is located on the central coast of Peru, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean between the coast and highlands, with a much more varied climate, subtropical desert, mostly temperate humid, with fog in winter and small soft rains.
During the summer, from November to the beginning of March, the temperature is approximately 25.5ºC and during the winter, from April to October, the temperature is 14ºC with small drizzles or showers.
The city of Lima offers ample options for your enjoyment, it is known as the gastronomic capital of South America, so this will be an optimal place where you can taste the traditional dishes from all over Peru being the Ceviche the most representative dish accompanied by a traditional Pisco Sour.
In addition to its wide gastronomic variety, you can also visit the beaches and boardwalks, January and February are the most recommended months since the weather is perfect. Lima also presents a calendar of festivities that take place throughout the year, then, the most important are:
The well-known White City, Arequipa, founded on August 15, 1540, is located at 2335 meters above sea level between the coast and the highlands of Peru, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and beaches. It has a cloudy temperate climate on the coast, which gets colder and colder at higher altitudes, presenting heavy rains, hail and frost in the highlands.
The White City has many attractions of cultural-historical value, as well as wonderful natural destinations such as volcanoes, trekking practices to the Colca canyons and the snow-capped mountains.
Arequipa is a destination not to be missed during your visit to Peru, here are the options you can visit in this wonderful city:
Puno, folkloric capital of South America, this city is located at 3,827 meters above sea level, with a cold dry climate, with temperatures ranging from -4ºC to 17ºC throughout the year, this city for its location in the highlands has an ancient culture, with great influence of Pre Inca and Inca cultures, which then during the time of the Spanish colonization and subsequent Viceroyalty developed a unique syncretism that is manifested in its many cultural manifestations, coupled with countless attractions of natural character, make Puno a unique destination in South America.
Puno is one of the best options for outdoor activities and experiential tourism, in addition to the festivals and customs that characterize it also offers options for enjoyment and contact with nature. These are some of the options you can find in Puno.
Ica, also known as the region of the eternal sun, is located on the southern coast with a dry subtropical climate, mostly hot desert, the annual average temperature is 22ºC.
It has countless tourist options that make it one of the most outstanding adventure destinations in our country.
Ica has a warm climate all year round, so the climatic variations in this case will not be a problem. Ica has different tourist alternatives that you can enjoy.
The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most important tourist attractions in Peru and South America, the traditional route to get there is with the train service from the town of Ollantaytambo.
A route that due to its high demand makes it more complicated to find available spaces, however, in Cusco there are different options to get to Machu Picchu.
Alternatives that undoubtedly turn the adventure of reaching the Wonder of the World into a completely unforgettable experience, surrounded by nature, snow-capped mountains, Amazonian forests, camping and completely separating from the stress of the city to connect with oneself.
Machu Picchu can be reached from Cusco by bus, by the Inca Trail, by trekking to Salkantay, Sacred Valley route, on your own.
The route to get to Machu Picchu by car is a very rare option since there is no direct road to the village of Machu Picchu.
However, if you wish to take this route, you should consider that the journey is 2 days and 1 night, you will be transferred by car or tourist bus from Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa.
From this point we will have a walk of about 3 hours approximately, along the train tracks until we arrive to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night and rest.
The next day you will visit the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu accompanied by your guide, the tour is approximately 1-2 hrs, at the end of the tour you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can visit the hot springs. Around noon you should start the 3 hour walk back to the hydroelectric where again take the mobility to return to Cusco.
The Inca Trail route is a much more incredible experience as this tour is 4 days and 3 nights, the hike is 40 KM, considered one of the best trekking routes, where you will make a long walk through the lush forests characteristic of the jungle eyebrow area of Peru. surrounding the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The experience is undoubtedly unique, since you can also contemplate the flora such as bromeliads, ferns, orchids and others, as well as native fauna such as the multiple variety of butterflies, spectacled bears, birds that characterizes Machu Picchu.
This tour follows the route of the Qhapaq Ñan, original Inca Trail that is currently protected by the state, so access to this tour is a bit complicated if you do not make the reservation at least 2 months in advance, for this tour is necessary if or if you hire the service with formal and authorized travel agencies, these include the guide service, income, and the necessary equipment for your adventure. Remember also that the Inca Trail route is closed during the month of February, due to the heavy rainy season, the best time to make this tour is in the months of May to August.
Undoubtedly this is one of the most extreme alternatives to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, a long trek of 5 days and 4 nights (70km approx.) through snowy mountains the first days, and tropical forests the last days of the trek.
The months of June, July, August are the most recommended for the Salkantay - Machu Picchu trek, as they are considered the dry season, with the absence of rain you will find the roads in better condition, but on the other hand the nights tend to be much colder.
Due to the cold weather during the first days of the trek, remember to bring appropriate clothing, as well as trekking shoes, waterproof jackets, and only what is necessary to avoid carrying too much extra weight along the trek.
The level of difficulty for this tour is high, since it must be taken into consideration that the maximum altitude reached during the hike is 4,650masl in the Abra Salkantay, it is a constant 5-day hike, through icy climates in the snowy, and the last days reaching a more tropical climate, for this tour it is advisable to go with a guide who has the experience and knowledge of the routes.
This circuit joins the Sacred Valley with the citadel of Machu Picchu, an option that makes the journey much more entertaining. During the first day you will visit the viewpoint of Taray, archaeological site of Pisac, lunch in Urubamba, continue to the town of Ollantaytambo. Here you will board the train that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have dinner and spend the night in the assigned hotel.
The next day, you will visit the archaeological citadel of Machu Picchu, accompanied by your guide, then you can visit the hot springs and have lunch, finally return by train to the town of Ollantaytambo and by tourist bus to the city of Cusco.
Currently many visitors choose to go to the citadel of Machu Picchu on their own, and the fastest and most requested way is with the train service from the town of Ollantaytambo, also remember that for the entrance to Machu Picchu as train tickets must make reservations in advance, both can be purchased through the websites.
To get to the Ollantaytambo station is necessary to travel by car from the city of Cusco, for this you can move to the bus terminal and cars on the street pavitos, remember to bring your train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu printed, as well as your identification document (ID card, passport, foreigner card, etc) and the vaccine booklet against Covid with full doses, to board the train, you must be present at the station half an hour before the time specified on your ticket.
