The baths are located 6 kilometers (3.7 miles approximately) east of Cajamarca. Not only do the Incan Baths have a very important place in Peruvian history due to it being the precise location where Atahualpa was at, at the moment of the Spanish arrival; but also its importance is cemented in Peruvian culture because during the Incan Empire, only the most intimate circle of the imperial royalty was allowed access to these baths, as well as some of the military generals that were preselected personally by the Inca.

It’s name in Quechuan is “Inti Puquio,” which means “Sun Source;” named this way due to the high temperatures of the waters. In recent calculations, the baths see an influx of around 4 million tourists every year, coming from all corners of the world and making the Incan Baths the main attraction of Cajamarca. In this circuit of thermal waters you’d find the Poza de la Inca (the Inca’s Pool), which measures four square meters with a depth of 1,7 meters. According to history, this pool is where the Inca Atahualpa rested before meeting with the Spanish.

Healing Properties

The Incan Baths has thermal waters that are over 70 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately). In several studies conducted to test the kinds of minerals found in these waters, it’s been found that the waters have a chemical composition that possesses therapeutic qualities that can treat osteoporosis and the nervous system.

The heat of the water is a result of its nearness to volcanic hotspots, that remain hot yet inactive, and can remain so for an innumerable amount of time. These hot waters are a natural source for sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium and iron. Its medicinal waters are especially effective towards the treatment and prevention of rheumatoid pains, and skin issues.

This place, aside from truly having a gorgeous natural landscape and plenty of tourists lodgings, also has alternative cures for nearly every known health issue. The water surfaces from the volcanic rocks and it’s healing properties, tested by science, are known world wide.

Tags Blogalaxia: Peru, Places, Cajamarca, Trips, Tours, Travel guide, Travel destination content, Travel deals.

In view that it seems a bit unfeasible that the Mayas and the Aztecs would have had the ability to migrate on large horses to colonize the north of Peru, the Peruvian archeologist Julio C. Tello, considered the most important authority on ancient Peruvian culture, maintains that the origin of Andean culture was not in foreign migrations, as suggested by Max Hule in his theory, but rather on the migrations of the remote Arawak tribes that originated from the Amazon towards the coast.

Woodland migrations
This not very advanced civilization was born in the current Brazil and dispersed towards the South American Pacific coast in search of better lands to cultivate. On the way they encountered the imposing Andes, which presented the great challenge of improving their social and technological knowledge in order to reach their destination. That is how the first great Peruvian civilization was born: Chavín de Huántar, in the current Huaraz, department of Ancash.

The Chavín culture had great importance in the development of later Peruvian civilizations, since they greatly influenced the inhabitants of the Central Andes that migrated towards the south and forged the cultures of Paracas and Nazca and planted the seeds for the Huari, Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures.

Likewise, the Arawak migrants brought plants such as yucca, corn, yam and kidney bean to the coast and learned how to domesticate American camels such as the llama and the alpaca. Furthermore, in the religious aspect, all the ancient Peruvian gods resemble woodland felines, for example the Monolithic Eel of the Chavín de Huántar: an offer to the Jaguar god.

The Importance in history

As we all know, the language of the Incas was Quechua, which was uniformly distributed in South America thanks to the conquests of Pachacútec  and Túpac Yupanqui. However, if we study the origins of this language, we will be able to find that the most ancient Quechua is the one spoken in the Rio Santa Valley, in the current Ancash, that was under the great influence of Chavín.

This language was migrating towards the south and had its variants in different cultures but stayed practically intact in the Huari empire, which influenced the inhabitants of the Cuzco Valley in the years prior to the formation of the Empire.

Imagen: Flickr

Blogalaxia Tags: History Peru Tourism Tourist Guide Explanation Julio Tello Incan Empire Quechua Huari Amazonas

The Intihuatana, which in Quechuan means “The Place where the Sun is Tied,” is the central piece (and therefore also indispensable) in a very complex system of astronomy-based measurements, which served the Incas to help them determine when would be the beginning and ending of their agricultural year. This served as both a social function, just as much as a religious one.

Where does its name come from?

For the archeologists that have studied the ruins since 1877, the term “Intihuatana” served to designate, to put a name to, all the carved stones in general. However, this doesn’t really hold true in the Quechuan traditions, because the name that the Spanish chroniclers recorded from the Quechuan for this kind of work were the terms, “saywa” and “sukhanka.”

In studies done at an earlier date, when it’s function was discovered within the astrological ideas of the Incas, it was finally understood that, by the sun shining on the very center of the structure, a shadow would project from it. This shadow had a precision very similar to that of the astrological instruments used at that time, to determine the exact position of the sun in space.

What was it’s use?

The most important dates for celebrations in the culture of the Incan Empire where determined according to the measurements made from the shadows cast by the Intihuatana, which would mark with precision the exact moment of the winter solstice, which in turn indicated the beginning of the Inti Raymi celebrations. The Inti Raymi, or La Fiesta del Sol (the Sun Festival) was the Incan’s most important religious and social ceremony During this festival, various rituals took place all directed in worship to the sun, asking it to not desert the Incans during their agricultural year, as their villages depended on the yield of these crops. In order to assure the sun’s cooperation, they would symbolically “tie” it to the Intihuatana. To do so, the High Priest would preside over a public ritual where offerings were made to the Sun while the priest held his hands over the shadows of the sun on the rock.

Imágenes: Cynthia Motta, JClauded1

Tags Blogalaxia: Machu Picchu, History, Peru, Tourism, Cuzco, Imperio de los Incas, Archeology, Mysticism

In Peru, the forms of economic, social, and political organization of the Caral-Supe peoples had a strong impact on the history of the region; they transcended space and time, and established the foundations of the sociopolitical system for the people of the Central Andes.

This sacred city, located only 3 hours to the north of Lima in the Supe valley, has been maintained for more than 5,000 years and was declared by UNESCO as Cultural Patrimony of Humanity because it was in Caral where the oldest civilization in the Americas developed. You will observe circular and pyramidal constructions from the old civilization and, at the same time, you will discover the tranquility of this place.

How to get there?

In order to get to Caral from Lima, we recommend that you rent a vehicle. You will have to travel on the North Panamerican Highway until you are 84 kilometera from the city of Supe. Then travel 23 kilometeres toward the left margin, and you will see a sign indicating the road toward the Oldest City in the Americas.

For the most adventuruous and independent tourists, you will have the option of bus services which go north, until you arrive at Supe village which is located on the 187th kilometer of the North Panamerican Highway. You will have to get off the bus at the Supe Market, where you can find a taxi to take you to central Caral.

We recommend…

When you arrive in town, you will find tour guide services affiliated with Local Tourist Information. We recommend that you dress lightly, with sneakers, and to bring along ample liquids. And should you go on the weekend, keep in mind that the people of the valley offer local food products.

One of the most well-known activities in Caral is cycling – you can travel across the desert to Caral and even go to the archeological center.

If you wish to spend the night…

You will find accomodations near Caral, including the following:

• Hotel Centenaro in Huacho (011-511-232-3731), includes continental breakfast.
• Hotel Chavin in Barranca (011-511-235-2358).

If you are looking for adventure and wish to learn about the history of Peru, we definitely recommend that you add the City of Caral to your trip.

Images: PostGrado, Carlos.Torollini, Municipalidad de Supe

Blogalaxia Tags: Caral, Lima, Peru, Oldest city in Peru, History, Archeology.

Near to the Quinua village, 20 kilometres (12 miles approximately) north of Ayacucho, there still exists one of the most important ruins dating back to the Huari empire. It’s an ancient city in a circular formation, which housed 40,000 people and served as a meeting point for military advancement and was a colonized cluster for the western mountainside of the Andes, where the Incan civilization was still in its beginning stages.

It isn’t yet known whether the Huaris and the Incans of that age had any previous contact between them and the tribes, but their walls (those which bordered the city limits) built from carved boulders in administrative centers, have many similarities between them.

During the construction of the area, the Huari artisans decoraded the walls with figures made of stone, putting great emphasis on the Monolithic style  (which is characterized by creating and shaping objects out of huge individual blocks of stones). The Quinua citadel has been completely explored and many of the findings from the site can be found on exhibit in the museum located within the enclosure.

However, these aren’t the only ruin remnants of the area. Vilcashuaman, located 110 kilometers  (68 miles approximately) from Ayacucho, is the best representation of the Chanca culture’s abilities and craftmenship which was very similar to the Incan fortresses at Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman. In these places, aside from the presence of the military fortresses we can also perceive that the culture and way of living was a deep thinking one, expressed in paintings, pyramids, aquaducts, and various control posts placed on the paths that led into the empire.

Getting There

The  EnjoyPeru travel and tour agency offers an archeological and cultural informational circuic-tour, which would take you through all these sites and areas mentioned previously. The well informed guides, will help us to know and recognize the differences between the three great civilizations that developed within the Andes.

Images: Viajeros, ProfesorEnLínea.

Blogalaxia Tags: Archeology, Peru, Ayacucho, Ruins, Tahuantinsuyo, Tourism, History.

The first impression is that the religious buildings are constructed from marble and the houses of limestone, but later we learn the truth:  they are made from ashlar, a type of white volcanic rock extracted from the quarries of the volcanoes Misti and Chachani, natural monuments that are vigilant over the highland horizon.

This custom was not inherited from the Spaniards, as was thought of not too long ago. The ancient inhabitants of the Chili River valley, that crosses the current Arequipa, already handled the techniques for working the ashlar quarries way before the arrival of the Spaniards.

At the beginning of the Spanish conquest, the colonists brought their own implements to construct buildings in accordance with the techniques that they were aware of, like adobe, stone and wood; and they tried to prohibit the use of ashlar in public churches.  However, the earthquake of 1582 and the difficulties encountered by the Spanish stonemasons in trying to reconstruct the city in the ancient manner, forced them to use ashlar and adapt it to their baroque tastes.

A great example of this is the construction of the  Compañía de Jesús church, made completely from ashlar in the European Baroque style, began in 1595 and completed in 1698.

The Arequipan ashlar is found in various hues ranging from radiant white, utilized mainly in religious buildings, to ash gray, utilized in ancient houses. In spite of its initial rejection, it was became the preferred material of the Spanish sculptors since the porousness of its composition made sculpting details upon it very easy.

In order to protect the city from earthquakes, the stonemasons combined Incan techniques with their own knowledge, preferring to construct farms of only one floor with thick walls and domed roofs, discarding the European custom of span roofs which did not offer a lot of resistance towards telluric movements.  The well known “rain of tiles” of the 1604 earthquake was the turning point when the Arequipan roofs began to have a drainage system in order to eliminate the water welled up by the rains.

Currently, the typical Arequipan dwelling, has fallen by the wayside to make room for the construction of lofty buildings, but the city’s monument zone has remained intact, since for the people of Arequipa, ashlar is a factor of their identity.

Imagen: Emptybrick

Tags Blogalaxia: Arequipa, Misti, Peru, Volcano, Archeology, Tourism.

The great ruins of Batán Grande are located 18 miles (30 km) west of Ferreñafe in the Lambayeque region. The Peruvian people known as the Lambayeque who reigned over the region during the “Sicán Medio” period between the years 900 to 1100 C.E built the ruins to house the culture’s great elders of the northern desert. Later, the ruins would influence the Chimú civilization.

Composed of 17 stubby pyramids that reach heights of 98 ft (30 m), the ruins, because of their antiquity, are a great tourist attraction essential to the region. The great ruins of Batán Grande are also historically important as it is evidence that the Lamabayeque respected nature in the construction of Batán Grande. With this in mind, the ruins were built in harmony with South America’s greatest natural Carob Tree forest. Anthropology-wise, the ruins also helped establish the origins of the domestication of guinea pigs for livestock throughout the Peruvian culture.

The Monuments

Within the remnants of the ruins, the most sought out “huacas” (Quechua for revered monuments) are the Huaca Loro (the parrot’s huaca), the Huaca Tres Ventanas (the huaca of three windows) – this site’s importance is attributed to finding pre-Colombian Peruvian currency within its confines – and the Huaca La Merced (the huaca of mercy). All of these ruins were made of a mud and clay mixture, were important holy sites, and also contain evidence of an administrative culture.

Towards the last years of the Sicán Medio period, the Huaca de La Calera (the lime stone’s huaca) was converted into an administrative center. There, the huaca’s administration dealt with any business the Lambayeque conducted with the copper and metal works trade within the region.

The Tour

Inkas is a tourist company that specializes tours into Batán Grande’s entire splendor. Additionally, Inkas will take their guests to other northern regions of Peru like Trujillo, Chiclayo, the ruins of Chan Chan, and many more national parks.

Where to Stay

For those who wish to stay and get to know Peru’s old-world history, el Gran Hotel Chiclayo is a highly recommended hotel. It’s the type of hotel where one can relax and recover after long hours of trekking through the ruins. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary tours of the region.

Images: Peru-Tours, EnPeruBlog

Blogalaxia Tags: Lambayeque, Chiclayo, Ferreñafe,Archeology Tourism, Batán Grande, Sicán, Perú

Thousands of years ago in the Nazca desert, the ancient Peruvians left the world one of the most surprising testaments to their civilization: Nazca’s lines — the Peruvian desert’s geoglyphs.  Legend goes that the motifs designed into the desert’s land was meant to be admired by the gods in the heavens and only gods.  Today, thanks to the invention of aircrafts, we can turn ourselves into the ancient’s deities for an hour and observe their marvelous anthropological creation.

A riddle wrapped in an enigma, the first writings regarding these landscaped motifs were found in the chronicles of the Spaniard Pedro Cieza de Leon in 1547.  They glyphs were later rediscovered in the twentieth century, and it was Maria Reiche’s mathematical analyzations that brought an astrological aspect to the geoglyphs.  Her findings have been accepted by the scientific community.

The humongous figures contain a perfected mathematical element that is overtly advanced when compared for civilization at that time.  Latest findings tell us that the ancient people of Peru created the lines of Nazca to find water in the desert.  The lines have been preserved by Nazca’s great plains which have a constant dry climate and a stable temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25C). This allows the dry atmosphere to act as a sealant to trap cold air into the glyph’s 30 cm crevices which in turn helps keep sand out of the grooves and prevents erosion.

Who built them?
The Nazca culture was one of the most ancient civilizations that thrived in Peru until 600 B.C.E.  They are renowned for having the skills to survive in a hostile environment where water only came 40 times a year.  Their only hope for survival in the desert wasteland was to create and invent their own type of hydro engineering through the use of underwater wells and aqueducts.

They lived in a theocratic political system and created the Nazca’s lines in forms of marine life motifs as offerings to the gods to bring them water during the dry seasons.  The glyphs were made through a complex geometrical system that perfected the designs, and through the use of stones, they elaborated their grooves.  The designs were anticipated preemptively, and wooden stacks acted as markers for the workers creating the motifs.

The motifs were not the only thing the Nazca are famed for.  They also expertly created beautiful ceramics, and left works on high geographical reliefs.  It’s said that the Nazca loved to leave no space unadorned.

Getting There

Mystery Tours is an agency that offers a tourist packet for a full-day excursion from Lima to Nazca.  From their hotels in Lima, guests are shuttled in private cars to an air field.  Along the way, clients will be taken to places of interests in Ica and Palpa.

Once at the air field, guides will give a 40 minute presentation regarding the Nazcan geoglyphs.  Then, they will be taken to planes and will fly over the glyphs.  Within 35 minutes of take-off, the first figures will become visible.  Within 35 minutes, guests will bear witness to the Humming Bird, the Monkey and the Whale.  Many other glyphs will come into view afterwords.  The aircrafts used are small with only room for five passengers, so it is wise for guests to plan accordingly.

After the air tour and before returning to Lima, dinner will be served at a local hotel.

Some Recommendations
Nazca is a very dry and arid place.  It’s recommended to take plenty of water and sunblock, not to mention sunglasses.  Additionally, Mystery Tours pick up their clients at 5:30 in the morning, so remember to get plenty of rest the night before.

Images: Paisajes Perfectos, RPP,Peru Top Tours
Blogalaxia Tags: Nazca Lines Peruvian Culture Tourism Ica Nazca Desert Mithology Archeology

Aside from its modern style structures and those that date back to the colonial era, there is also an impressive Pre-Colombian archeological sight located in Miraflores called, Huaca Pucllana.

The Huaca

The Huaca Juliana or “Pucllana” gets its name from the Quechuan word “pucllay” meaning “game,” and in its entirety can be translated as “a place for ritual games.” Back in its prime days, it was an important ceremonial and administrative center for the advancement of the Lima Culture, a society which developed in the Peruvian Central Coast between the years of 200A.D. and 700A.D.

With the intended purpose of having the elite clergymen (whom politically governed several valleys in the area) express their complete religious power and ability to control the use of all the natural water resources (saltwater and freshwater) of the zone, a Great Pyramid was constructed in the Huaca. This great adobe and clay pyramid is itself built from seven staggering platforms.

As a whole, the structure is surrounded by a plaza or central square that borders the outer limits and by a large structured wall dividing it into two separate sections. In one section there were benches and evidence of deep pits where offerings of fish and other marine products took place in order to attain the favor of the gods. In its other section (corresponding to its administrative area), there are various small clay structures and huts made of adobe – some of whose walls have managed to maintain upright –  whose function seemed to be to act as the courtyards and patios of the enclosure at over 500 meters in length, 100 in width and 22 in height.

Other remains have been uncovered belonging to the Wari culture (existing between 500AD to 900AD) which was a direct influence to the Lima Culture society towards the ends of its time period.  One such remains to spotlight, are those of the “Señor de los Unkus” (the gentleman of the Unkus) which belonged to the first tomb within the ceromonial center to have been discovered completely intact.  This tomb holds three separate burial shrouds containing the remains of three adults – two of which have masks- and a fourth one for a sacrificed child.

Visiting the Site

The Huaca Pucllana, which carries the official name of “Parque Histórico Cultural Pucllana”(located at the 8th block of General Borgoño street, Miraflores) is open to the public, Wednesday to Monday, from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

To enjoy a complete tour of the architectural complex and on site museum, which contains plenty of general information about the Lima Culture and the main findings of the Huaca, you can try using the services of Viajes Giramond agency.  They offer to complete your tour with a visit to the National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History of Peru.

Recommendations

Those that wish to taste some of the best adaptations of traditional and fusion Peruvian dishes, like: Chupe de Cangrego Popeye, el Cau Cau Don Arturo, and the very popular Lomo Saltado, should definitely make a rest stop in their visit and try Huaca Pucllana Restaurant (given 5 fork food and service rating), located next to the ceremonial center.

Fotos: SumaqPeru, PeruTurismo, Mceconsultoresasociados.com

Tags Blogalaxia: Perú, Lima, Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana.

In addition to being one of Peru’s capital city and country’s most urban zone, Lima has historical monuments which where built centuries ago since the beginning of the region’s civilization. Without a doubt the most mystical and spiritual site left behind by the ancient inhabitants of the land has been and continues to be Pachacamac.

The Ruins
The name Pachacamac comes from the Quechuan word Pacha which means world and Camac meaning to inspire. In terms of language, both words were only reserved for the people’s divine supreme creator of man and supernatural forces. The ruins are located on the left bank of the Lurin river in the river’s namesake district located 30 km (18 miles) south of Lima.

During the high-point of the Wari people’s civilization (7th century) and with their capital in the Ayacucho region, Pachacamac was the principal sanctuary where millions of people from many cities and towns would journey to see the oracle. There, the oracle would reveal future events and bring to light past consequences and actions that would help travelers’ lives.

The ruins of Pachacamac were made from clay and built upon a flat terrain where three rock ridges protrude among the clay structures. On the ridges, three temples were built: The Original Temple, The Temple of the Sun, and The Temple of the Moon.

The Original Temple has been speculated to be built approximately in the 6th century. The temple is known to be the first temple built and has views overlooking the northeastern city walls built to provide protection from invader.
The Temple of the Sun is the most structurally intact of the three temples and stands at 40 m (130 ft) making it the tallest of the three temples in the sanctuary. The temple was built with five giant curbs which take the form of a pyramid and which also provide access to the temple entrance. Because of its structure, it is believed that the temple was annexed to the sanctuary during the Inca reign (15th century) in order to have pilgrims pay tribute to the empire’s god.

Acllahuasi, or the Temple of the Moon, was considered the sanctuary of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and was inhabited by chosen women fit for Incan the concubine title. The Temple is the newest of the three complete with Incan architecture and grooves at the base where small vegetable offerings where given in turn for a prosperous harvest.

Touring
To go on this archeological tour of the Pachacamac ruins, you can contact tourist agencies like Info Travel Peru which offers a package complete with transportation and a three hour tour of the sanctuary, the temples, and the on-site museum.

Fotos: Los Comechados, Visita a Pachacamac, Pachacamac Peru.

Tags Blogalaxia: Turismo Perú Lima Pachacamac Historical Ruins Archeology

The Mochican Holy Sites
The Mochican culture famed for its “huacos,” which means holy land in Quechuan, flourished and existed between the first and fourth centuries. They built the clay city of Chan Chan, and their main structures were the Huacas of the Sun and the Moon. The holy sites were important high-society and religious sites respectively.

The Sun Site was erected in a pyramid style and reaches a hight of approximately 43 m (141 ft). Experts of the ancient culture believe that the Mochican elite resided on the Sun site. Today, visitors can appreciate the five terraces of the Sun Site which are presumed to have been recreational spaces for the the site’s residents.

About half a kilometer away (a third of a mile) from the Sun Site is the Moon Huaca . The Moon Site was a ceremonial and religious center for the Mochican culture. At a hight of 21 m (69 ft), the site is made of several temple-like structures built on top of one another and during different time periods.

Because of the archeological finding of 40 sacrificed warrior in front of the Moon Huaca, the Mochican culture is widely believed to have been a culture that valued war and honor through sacrifice.

At this site, black, white, red, blue, and yellow colored murals are scattered throughout and within the Moon Site and represent Ai Apaec which means “the executioner god.” The murals further suggest that these ancient people’s culture was a warrior’s culture; and Ai Apaec is also found painted around the city on avenues, alley ways, plazas, and corridors.

The Tour
The Sun and Moon holy sites are 15 minutes from downtown Trujillo. Before reaching the sites, you will need to traverse the Mochican fields were today’s local villagers use the land for agricultural and artisanal means.

At the Huacas of the Sun and Moon, guides perform thorough tours of the sites. The excavation zone tour and the explanations of the archeological process are the highlights of tours. Tours are usually an hour and a half long.
Moche Tours Trujillo is a tour agency that specializes in the Sun and Moon holy sites. Accredited by the Peruvian Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, and aside from offering tours to the Huacas, the agency also provides transportation into and out of the sites, tours of the ancient city’s wonders, treks through the Mochican agricultural fields, and a journey into the Mochican artisanal center and style.

Staying Nearby
One of the best hotels in Trujillo is Hotel Libertador Trujillo located in front of la Plaza de Armas. The hotel itself has a colonial architect style, internet access, a pool, a gym, a sauna, a bar named Malabrigo, and the restaurant Las Bovedas. At the restaurant, try the seafood cocktail cibiche mixto, the wheat and smoked pork soup shambar, and the house special Robalo a la plancha, a grilled fish cooked with mushrooms and algae.

What We Recommend
As to not to ruin your archeological dive into the ancient Mochican culture, don’t forget the sunscreen, light clothing, sunshades, and sun-blocking hats. Enjoy!

Fotos: Francia en el Perú, Moche Tours Trujillo, Corresponsales Escolares del Diario La Industria.

Tags Blogalaxia: Turismo, Perú, Trujillo, Huacas Del Sol Y La Luna, Mochica Culture, Chimu Empire, Peruvian Ancient Ruins

The great plains of the Nazca (which there are four in total: Palpa, Ingenio, Nazca, and Socos) are located in the province of Ica at 460 km south of Lima. There, the modern people of today can appreciate the gigantic anthropomorphic figures and lines drawn into the plains by the Nazca people in the yesteryears.
These lines and figures are the main attractions of the region. To truly appreciate them, one must take flight!

How to get there.
Currently, there are no flights between Lima and Nazca. The solution? Air taxis like Charter AeroIca can shuttle visitors to and from both cities. For the on the road types, bus companies such as Ormeño, Hermanos Flores, Cruz del Sur, and Sur y Soyus offer the four hour treks from Lima to Ica, Pisco and Nazca
How to view the land drawings.

If you take the bus and arrive at one of the terminals, then catch a cab to Nazca’s Airport located 25 km from the city (about 15 minutes). It’s recommended that you arrive to Nazca early (think 8:00 am) so you can claim a seat on a tour plane. Flights usually consist of three to five passengers, costs from $50.00 to $100.00, and last half-an-hour. All flights are under the supervision and in accordance with the flight regulations.

As soon as you take flight, you will bear witness to one of the most magnificent spectacles you will ever see: the figures drawn into the plains by the Nazca people. You will be treated and inspired by the giant mystical drawings of monkeys, dogs, humming birds, spiders, condors, whales, an astronaut, and over thirty others that will leave you in amazement and baring the question of “how did they do that?” which today’s modern man cannot explain. The giant glyphs of the Nazca that adorn the great plains have been officially declared a cultural monument of humanity. To date, the ancestral mysteries of these colossal await to be solved.

This entire experience takes half a day. After lunch, in order to complete your experience of the old world Nazca, it is recommended that you visit the Didáctico Antonini museum located in Ave. La Cultura 600 where there is an entire collection of archeological exhibits that feature different eras of the Nazca people. From trophies and instruments, to textiles and funeral stacks, the museum gives guests a view of the culture. All of the museums artifacts where discovered while digging the archeological sight “Cahuachi”. Additionally, visit the Bisambra canal that stands as proof of the Nazca’s amazing hydraulic engineering.

Fuentes: Blog de Viajes, Perú
Foto: SobreFotos
Tags Blogalaxia: Turismo, Perú, Ica,Nazca Lines, Peruvian Ancient Ruins, South Peru

Royal Baths

The district of The Baths of the Incans (formerly known as Putmarca) – whose resort hot springs have been christened The Inca’s Thermal Villa – is located six kilometers (3.7 miles) from the city Cajamarca. Its namesake, as told by historians, is a result of the Spanish arrival to the town Cajamarquino and finding its sovereign Atahualpa enjoying a relaxing bath in what is known as “The Inca’s Well”, which is one of most attractive and enjoyable sites available.

Apart from the glorious architecture that has resisted the ravages of time with admirable force, what distinguishes this tourist attraction are the hot springs on its land which provide a great relaxation and have worked as treatment for circulatory, muscular, and joint problems.

Sitting in a spring, bathers are treated to the incomparable view of the heavy green-forested areas encompassing the baths. These areas belong to the Valley of Cajamarca whose terrain and blending of colors turn it into an ideal landscape for hikes, horseback, or bike riding with a sunny climate that climbs up to 21C° (69F°).

Arriving and Staying

There are two ways to Cajmarca from Lima. The shortest is through airplane, which takes an hour to arrive at Armando Revoredo airport – which is half an hour from the city’s center. But if you prefer to observe and experience the splendid countryside, then there’s a bus that takes a 15-hour trek through the scenic Panamericana Norte road.

The Hostal Monumental is the most highly recommended places to stay with it being half a city block away from the historic district. The lodge offers Internet and fax services as well as private garages, a café-bar, and cab services.

Those who wish to be near the hot spring resort of The Inca’s Thermal Villa can check-in to Hotel Laguna Seca & Spa (Avenida Manco Capac 1098 – Baños del Inca). The Hotel offers a restaurant, a cafeteria, pools, tours to its deep foundation, horse stables, and baths in its hot spring fountain named “El Tragadero.”

El Fogón restaurant located inside Hotel Laguna Seca & Spa can give guests a taste of the local cuisine. The establishment has an exquisite menu that ranges from fusion platters of Peruvian and international foods to the more traditional dishes of the region like la Patasca a hearty corn stew, el Caldo Verde a delicious green broth exclusive to the region, el Picante de Cuy another exclusive but spicy dish, and la Mazamorra de Harina which is a traditional dessert of Perú with corn and cinnamon as its base flavors.

In the city center you will find the Restaurant Bufet de Arte El Batán (jirón Del Batán 369), which offers platters native to Perú as well as international foods and is for those diners who wish to eat their meals accompanied by live music and performances on weekends.

Among the tourist agencies that organize trips to Cajamarca – and especially to The Baths of the Incans – P&A Capoverde Tours offers three days and three nights packages which includes hotel transportation, meals, and a long-list of professional guides for all of the noteworthy and attractive city sites and hot spring baths.

Some Recommendations

To truly enjoy Cajamarca’s lands you’ll need sunblock, sun shades, parkas for the night, and a durable umbrella in case rain-showers catch you by surprise at a point in your stay.

Images: Skyrock, Tripadvisor, Locura Viajes.

Tags Blogalaxia: Tourism, Perú, Cajamarca, Royal Inca Baths, Nature, History, Archeology, Fall of the Incan Empire

Chan Chan on the inside

Chan Chan, which means “Dazzling Sun” due to the intense exposure to sunlight that one feels on the site, was founded during the Tacaynamo’s reign, sovereign of the Chimu Culture, developed during the years 900-1470 AD.

The urban center of more than 7.7 square miles is made up of more than ten citadels or large rectangular enclosures, which in turn are shaped as small walled cities. These are: Squier, Gran Chimú, Bandelier, Uhle, Chayhuac, Tschudi, Rivero, Laberinto, Tello and Velarde.

Each of them is divided in three sectors. The north one was a plaza, with walls that were not very high which were used for sitting down.  In the middle were the warehouse and the “Royal Mausoleums,” a kind of cemetery for the main rulers of each citadel. And to the south, the residential area, with kitchen, bedrooms and water well for all inhabitants to use.

How to get there?

The archaeological site of Chan Chan is located 3 miles from Trujillo – also known as the city of eternal spring, due to its sunny climate and festive environment – in the region of La Libertad, which is in the northern part of the country.

Leaving from Lima, there are two ways to go to the city. The first way is by land, through the Pan-American Highway North, which will take approximately eight hours. The second option is to do it by plane to Trujillo’s International Airport Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos, which will take between 45 and 50 minutes. From there, hop on a tour bus that will take you directly to Chan Chan in only ten minutes.

Travel agencies such as Guia Tours organize trips from two days and one night, which include airfare, transport, lodging and the tour through Chan Chan with professional guides, which lasts approximately two hours, and other Trujillan attractions, like the beaches of Huancaco – famous for the fisherman who travel on totora reeds – and the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) of Trujillo.

Where to stay?

One of the city’s best places to stay is the hotel Las Palmera (1150 Larco Avenue), in front of the Huanchaco beach, ten minutes from Chan Chan and five minutes from the Main Square; with amenities such as pool, restaurant, conference room and internet access.

You can also stay the El Brujo Hotel (170 Santa Teresa de Jesus street, La Merced development), in the most exclusive area of the city, with special rooms for business travelers, in addition to bar, restaurant, safe box, internet and business center services.

And to sample the exquisite gastronomy of Trujillo one must go to El Mochica (462 Bolivar avenue), famous for hosting typical music concerts and for its Patasca (a hearty soup), Picante de Cuy (Guinea Pig dish), Cebiche Mixto (fish and seafood ceviche) and Arroz con Mariscos (rice with seafood) accompanied by the indispensable chicha de jora (fermented light maize drink).Likewise, at the restaurant SKBCH Cocinas y Bar (515 Pedro Urraca street, San Andres 2nd stage development) one can find the best fusion dishes of the northern Peruvian and international foods. Good enough to lick your fingers.

Indispensable

Since Trujillo has a sunny climate year-round, you must bring light clothes, hat or cap, sun glasses, sun block and lots of mosquito repellent, which tend to be more bothersome at nighttime. Of course, since Chan Chan is very close to the beach of Huanchaco, we cannot forget to bring bathing suits, beach towel and beach wrap.

Fotos: InkasGalapagos.com, Noticias Peru Actual, Donde Viajar.es

Tags Blogalaxia: Tourism, Perú, Trujillo, Chan Chan, Chimu Empire, Peruvian Ancient Ruins, City of Mud

The historic center of Lima has so many historic landmarks that one day is not enough to see them all. The Convent of San Francisco de Asis is one of the great historic landmarks of Lima and it shouldn’t be missed. The convent has a religious art museum with a remarkably beautiful religious architecture. Guided visits offer plenty of information about the icons, works of art and religious objects displayed at the museum.

The convent is located in a quaint square called Plaza San Francisco (Jiron Ancash at the corner with Lampa), just down a few narrow streets from the Plaza de Armas (Lima’s Main Square) and the Cathedral. Tourist directional signposting is good in the area.

The museum is not the only attraction. The catacombs under the church and part of the monastery are well worth seeing. This is where an estimated 25,000 persons were buried before the main cemetery was opened in 1808. The catacombs have been open to the public since 1950.

Guided tours are about 45 minutes long (both in Spanish and in English) and they show you the many chapels, paintings, stairs and patios. Admission prices are: Adults 5 nuevos soles; Children 1 nuevo sol. Opening hours: Daily 09.30 am – 17.30 pm.

Sometimes many people visit the Convent at the same time, mostly during the weekends, so in order to avoid waiting on line you better schedule a weekday visit. They recommended me to visit the convent a Monday morning, it was 10 am when I arrived and I got in fast. When I came out at 11.00 am there were a long line of people standing in queue.

Inside the convent you will find a magnificent library, some peaceful patios and spacious rooms like the sacristy and the chorus room. You will find yourself surrounded by works of art, paintings and religious icons. I’m not going to give more details, you better discover everything yourself.

The catacombs are somewhat claustrophobic, susceptible people might not feel at ease. Visit this part of the convent with your young children only if you know that they are not going to get scared by so many bones and skulls.

The series of underground and narrow passages inside the catacombs are very similar to a labyrinth, in this respect and regarding security if you follow your tour guide instructions you don’t have anything to fear. Keep in mind though that there are very deep ditches and bone reservoirs in excess of 10 meters deep.

The whole experience is a nice adventure and the historical perspective provided by the tour guide is really interesting. For example, the crypt where the rests of Fray Juan Gómez are placed. Fray Juan Gómez was immortalized by the famous Peruvian author Ricardo Palma in the traditional legend “El Alacrán [Scorpion] de Fray Gómez”; the crypt of Fray Andrés Corzo who founded the Convent of Barefooted Parents; and the crypt of Fray José Mojica a Mexican artist.

The passages inside the catacombs are very narrow and it is difficult to walk through them but the overall experience is well worth those minor nuisances.

Pictures: Tudestinoperu.com, Pachamama.

Blogalaxia Tags: Lima Religion Archeology Catacombs Iglesia de San Francisco Ruins Colonial Ruins Lima Historical Center Old Town Lima Art