The destinations of the Dolphin Amazon Cruises will touch on various spots: from the Amazons, to its biodiversity, and the beautiful Yanallpa Private Reserve. Its on this last point, that we’ll focus this entry on.

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is located in the Loreto region of Peru, which belongs to the Peruvian Amazon. It should also be mentioned that it’s one of the most flood prone zones of all the protected areas around the world due to the heavy rainfall during the rain season of this Andean zone. The reserve will flood with waters that will cover up to 85% of its length which is about 2′800,00 hectares.

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the second protected natural area of Peru, and the fourth under protection within the whole of South America. Within its lands there are 208 villages, approximately, and it is calculated that there are somewhere around 100,000 river-side dwellers inhabiting the area and whom live there, in part, due to the natural resources that are available to them through the reserve.

These resources also attract one of the mayor attractions of the Reserve: the bird wildlife- which seems to just glide around through the celestial blue Amazonian skies. Some of the birds you’ll see around here are: the grand woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos), the black-tail Condor (Tityra cayana), the Brown Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis), the Arrocero (Sporophila casteneiventris) and Semillero (Sporophila lineola) which are both a type of seed-finch; as well as the Black-Crested Finch (Paroaria gularis), the Cielo Pishco (Cotinga maynana), and the Red Wanchaco- a type of gull bird (Ramphcelus nigrogularis).

There’s also the Seven Colors bird (Tangara chilensis), the Bocholocho (Psarocolius angustifrons), the Capucha “Bobo” bird (Cyrysomus icterocephalus), Tiwacuro (Monasa nigrifrons), the Chestnut Jacamar (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis), the Great Catalan (Megaceryle torquata), the short-wing Swallow (Chaetura brachyura), the Scissor-Tail Swallow (Chaetura squamata), Shansho (Opisthocomus hoazin), the Amazonian Parrot (Amazona Festiva, and the Ushpa Parrot (Amazona farinosa), amongst so many others.

These are only a few of the birds that you’d be able to see flying around the Amazon skies and getting lost within the greenery of the vegetation. There are so many more bird species in this area, that without doubt, each time you take a look out your window or from the balconies of the cruise ship, you’ll no doubt see a new or different species.

Get yourself a good photographic camera, and revel in the beauty of these birds, that will just surely illuminate your stay on the Dolphin Amazon Cruise, with the varied colors of their feathers and with their graceful motions in flight, or with their beautiful songs and chirps. Buen Viaje!

Images: SumaqPeru, RPP, InfoRegion.

Tags Technorati: tourism, trips, places, Amazon, Peru, Pacaya Samiria, tourism Peru.

The village of Maras is located in the province of Urubamba, at about 46 kilometers (approximately 29 miles) from the city of Cusco and at a height of about 3,380 meters (11,089 feet approximately) above sea level.

Maras is a village that to this day still has loads of visible remnants of pre-Hispanic, Colonial, and Republican times. An example of this, are colonial styled gates decorated with the coat of arms of the noblemen and caciques (chiefs) which date back between the XVI and XX centuries- from this vantage point, its possible to look out at a view of the amazing mountainous landscape that corresponds to the surrounding mountains Vilcabamba and the Valle Sagrado de los Incas.

As the legend goes, the first within the Mara community were part of the Ayar Cachi panaca (a group of descendants)- “Señor de la Sal” (the Salt Man)- who transformed into a mountain somewhere near Cusco. It’s because of this that the Mara people stayed in this area to develop their community, where this mountain stored great quantities of salt mines within it.

Within the village of Maras, there is a church and as was established above, there’s plenty of salt mines too. The church however, has a typical architectural style and was constructed with a base of adobe clay. It has a granite cross at its atrium with several canvases by the painter Antonio Sinchi Roca Inca. In his pieces, he’s depicted the apostles with notable characteristics of the Cusco school of art style, and they’ve been placed within the interior walls of the church.

The salt mines are in Qoripujio, at about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles approximately) away from Maras and it’s a place that you shouldn’t pass up on. These mines were already known and cultivated by the Incas, whom would conduct economic and merchandise trade deals with the salt from that was produced from them.

Maras is a place with a lot of history to it, and you should definitely visit if you’re staying in Cusco. You’d be witness to the beautiful landscape of the surrounding mountains- with their color palettes of cream and white- which are still used to crystallize the salt in water.
Remember, that to get to Maras you can take a bus that departs from the city of Cusco, and the ride will approximately take an hour. From the village of Maras there are two routes of transportation: one going towards the salt mines of Maras; and the other going towards the archeological site of Moray.

Imagen: VictorMisFotos.

Tags Technorati: tourism, trips, places, Cusco, Peru, tourism Peru.

In order to make this an unforgettable experience for you, Inkaterra Amazon Reserve makes sure to provide the best service to each and every one of its guests. They’ve prepared a series of excursions based on the likes, needs and preferences of the travelers. The excursions are varied and can extend in length to a quarter day, half a day, or a full day.

Within the excursions that last a quarter of the day is the Native Experience/Amazon Garden excursion:

The River by Night: This outing starts off in the afternoon. You’ll be seated in a boat, observing the process of the day gradually turning into night, and how the fauna with its surrounding scenery totally changes throughout the day.

Nighttime Jungle: A two hour, nighttime trek into the jungle that will teach you to recognize, interpret and coexist with the sounds that animate and emanate from it, while also giving you the opportunity to observe the different animal species that will only appear at night in their natural habitat.

Series of Hiking Trails: This option will take you through one of the many walkabout trails in the Inkaterra Amazon Reserve, on which you will be able to discover the enigmatic secret world of the tropical jungle, and in which you’d also be able to observe the gorgeous flora and fauna of its surroundings.

Within the half-day excursions offered at the reserve, is the Aguales (or Wetlands trip), Hacienda Concepcion, Quebrada Gaminata, as well as:

Canopy Inkaterra: This excursion will take you over to the Interpretation Center for the Inkaterra Canopy, where they’ll tell you a bit about the Inkaterra Canopy project. You are allowed to go up to the top of the first observation tower and to walk within the treetops. This is possible by using the series of suspended bridges that connect throughout the site and which reach a height of about 28 meters (approximately 90 feet) and give you the best panoramic view of the jungle that you can possibly find in the area.

Lago Sandoval (Sandoval Lake): You’ll begin this excursion with a boat ride that will take you to Tambopata National Reserve, where you’ll then go on a nice walk through some hiking trails ending at Lake Sandoval. Here at the lake, you’re able to navigate the waters on rented canoes, and see some of the endangered species of the area- like the giant river otter.

The Anaconda Walk: This walk will take approximately 30 minutes to finish and you’ll be covering a distance of about 200 meters (660 feet approximately), by way of wooden bridges that have been constructed over the wetlands. This is also a great way to observe nature and the flora and fauna that inhabits the zone.

The following, are excursions that would be lasting all day:

Tambopata: This one begins with a tour through Lake Sandoval in a wooden canoe, and then continues with a walk through the Concepcion Reserve where you’d need to be very alert in order to catch a glimpse of the paiche fish (a tropical freshwater fish of the area), or the caiman alligator and the giant river otter, which are all animals on the endangered species list. Afterward, prepare yourself for a picnic feast at the Granja Concepcion (Conception Farm), followed by a visit to the gardens where there are over 200 medicinal plant species. Here you can also enjoy some archery or bulls-eye target practicing with bows and arrows made locally by the natives.

Keep in mind that the excursions offered by the Inkaterra Amazon Reserve are all included as part of the package when you stay there, with the exception of a few which would be otherwise noted or specified with additional costs or special scheduling.
The excursions are guided by Inkaterra specialists, both in Spanish and English. Other languages are available as well, but with advance noticed or request and they may be at an extra cost.
These excursions are all subjective to any changes in climate within the zone; which is why we should always make sure to follow the guidelines provided by the specialists in order to enjoy these new experiences to the maximum.

Images: Inkaterra

Tags Technorati: tourism, trips, places, Amazon, Peru, tourism Peru.

Remember that Dolphin Amazon Cruises has as its destinations the Amazon, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve which is undoubtedly the largest protected area in the world. Also among its destinations is getting to know the biodiversity and the Yanallpa Private Reserve.

That is why some of the animals that you may see during your trip on Dolphin Amazon Cruises may appear surprising and novel. That is why you must have your camera ready or simply relax and enjoy the moment.

Some of the species of animals that you may see during your stay on Dolphin Amazon Cruises are:

The sloth (Bradypus variegates), the bat (Saccopteryx bilineata) and the fishing bat (Noctilio leporinus), the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), white face capuchin (Cebus albifrons), the uakari monkey (Pithecia monachus), the marmoset (Saguinus fuscicollis), the dwarf titi monkey (Cebuella pygmaea), the howling monkey(Alouatta seniculus), the nocturnal monkey (Aotus vociferans), the titi monkey (Callicebus moloch), the caco monkey (Lagothrix lagothrica), etc.

You may also be able to see various species of sea mammals, such as the sea wolf (Pteronura brasiliensis), the river elephant (Trichechus inunguis), the gray dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis) and the mythical pink dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), to which this cruise ship owes its name and from where the well-known legend in this region stems from.

Remember that the best thing that you can do for nature is to take care of her, since many species reside there such as the ones that you will see through Dolphin Amazon Cruises where you will find everything that you need and the service is unsurpassable.

Imágenes: Tunki, AbsolutColombia,  Herramientas.

Tags Technorati: tourism, trips, places, Amazon, Perú, tourism Perú

Currently, the Amazon is one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru, and Dolphin Amazon Cruises’ work there is not only tourism; its importance transcends to its ships and itineraries. We are speaking of the social and environmental responsibility that this company took on from its beginning.
We can start by saying that all of the products used on the cruise ship, like shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc., are eco-friendly, since they do not harm the environment and all the water used comes from the same river after being treated on board by a filtration process.

If we are speaking of a social responsibility, we should emphasize that all the personnel comes from this region, which is to say that they only employ locals to take on duties within the cruise ship, ranging from waiters to the guides.

They also helped to create the Puerto Miguel Market, that began as a small workshop where women were taught various types of crafts which are the accessories used on the cruise ship for decoration and setting.

Dolphin Amazon Cruises always encourages the integration of tourists into the Amazon society so that they may learn about the population of the region and be able to see their needs and that way to give them the incentive to have the opportunity to be able to offer whatever help possible.

From the moment that a cabin is reserved, the cruise ship counsels its passengers that if they want to bring any type of aid, this be in the form of notebooks, clothes or anything for the good of the children.

Images: DelfinAmazonCruises.

Tags Technorati: tourism, trips, places, Amazon, Peru, tourism Peru

Nazca civilization was remarkable in several respects, most notably on ceramics, but the lines and geoglyphs are the main vestige left behind its life in the area. Thanks to these drawings, Nazca is constantly visited by archaeologists and paleontologists, eager to know all the secrets they hide.
The Nazca Lines are numerous and varied in terms of drawing level, the more attractive are located in the Pampas of San Jose, where you can watch full figures that depict animals, geometric symbols and mazes.

These lines are more than 2 miles long, and deep drawn on the ground not exceeding 30 cm and can be seen from the air from 200 meters. It should also be mentioned that almost all the drawings were made on the flat surface, having a few in the hillsides.

The mistery of the Nazca Lines continue being unknown at the present time, there are diverse theories that try to explain the why of their existence. The best-known investigation, is that of the German archaeologist María Reiche, who studied them for 60 years arriving at the hypothesis that these drawings had an astronomical meaning and this served as calendar to the ancient Peruvians.

According to the specialists, in this locality the men crowned, the spirals and the groups of constellations abound. Nevertheless, the lines that surprise the most are the ones that give life to the following figures:

• The Spider.
• The Lizard.
• The Condors.
• The Monkey.
• The Dog.
• The Gigantic Hummingbirds.
• The Whale.
• The Llama.

The Nazca lines also represents an enigma the moment we understand their elaboration. Even more, due to their impeccable technique, it turns out to be incredible how the straight lines are perfect, just like its curves.

Images: PortaldeLuzDorada, TeleCable, WalmirSabino.

Technorati Tags: tourism, trips, places, Peru, tourism Peru

The City of Cusco: Officially recognized in 1983.

For many, this is the historical capital of Peru, located in the southeastern zone of the country. It’s known to receive over a million tourists every year and for having within its interiors the impressive and well known sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu: Officially recognized in 1983.

Machu Picchu is considered one of the finest jewels of architecture and engineering and it’s one of the most popular destination sights in the entire world. While here, enjoy the lush landscape that surrounds it and appreciate the maximum expression of co-mingling that can exist between man and his environment.

The Huascaran National Park: Officially recognized in 1985.

The Huascaran National Park is located in the Blanca Mountain range- which itself is within the Central Peruvian Sierra- in the department of Ancash. It has to be a unique experience to be able to walk in the company of mountains that surpass a height of 6 thousand meters (19,685 feet approximately). Some of the main activities to be done here are the guided hiking tours, horseback riding, canoeing on the River Santa and various bicycle excursions.

The Chavin Archeological Site: Officially recognized in 1985.

Located in Chavin de Huantar, adjacent to the Huascaran National Park in the Department of Ancash, this site is known to be a magical and religious center whose stone walls and pyramid structures attract the attention of tourists. The Archeological Site of Chavin is also located over 3 thousand meters (9,840 feet approximately) above sea level. Points of interest are the Lanzon Monolitico in its interior and the Cabezas Clavas at its exterior.

The Archeological Zone of Chan Chan: Officially recognized in 1986.

Located in the Department of La Libertad, at 6 kilometers (nearly 4 miles approximately) from the city of Trujillo, Chan Chan is a pre-Columbian metropolis constructed out of adobe. The tourists that visit it all share a similar feeling of awe at the sight of its beauty. It stands apart because it possesses 9 different walled-in cities, the same which are the largest in all of Latin America and the second largest in the world.

The Manu National Park: Officially Recognized in 1987.

This national park is located between the regions of Madre Dios and Cuzco, towards the southeastern side of Peru, and its a place made up of three large sectors: The National Park, the Cultural and/or Transitional Zone, and a Reserved area. It extends from a height of 300 meters (approximately 985 feet) above sea level, up to a height reaching 3,800 meters (12,470 feet approximately) at the Apu Kanahuay Mountain.

Within the national park you’d find over 800 different species of birds and 200 different species of mammals…with the famous Gallito de las Rocas coming to mind first. It also has a gorgeous landscape that of course is only enhanced by the flora and fauna in the area.

Historical Center of Lima: Officially recognized in 1988.

Made up by the corresponding areas of the Cercado de Lima and the Rimac district, this zone belonging to capital city Lima is highly attractive for travelers due to the archeological remains strewn about the area that date back to the colonial era, which especially brings attention to its churches and cathedrals.

The Rio Abiseo National Park: Officially recognized in 1990.

The Rio Abiseo park is located in the province of Mariscal Caceres, in the regions of the Amazon and San Martin, and it takes up an area of over 1,500 kilometers squared.
It stands out for being a one of kind pre-Hispanic legacy, where the best mountain forests in all of Peru are to be found. Keeping in mind its objective to preserve its natural environment and species, since 1986 by mandate of the State, it has been closed to the public for its own protection and conservation.

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nazca and Pampas de Jumana: Officially recognized in 1994.

Traced down through the Nazca culture, they are made up of a large quantity of figures portraying a variety of designs. They can be both simple or quite complex in nature (with shapes that are zoomorphic, phytomorphic and/or geometric). Something that calls ones attention to these lines, is that they can only be viewed from above..high up in the sky. This is definitely a peculiar fact that has awakened suspicions about the abilities and the intentions of its creators.

The Historical Center of the City of Arequipa: Officially recognized in 2000.

This historical center is made up by the districts of Arequipa and Yanahura, and it stands out for its well ornamented architecture. The buildings here are mainly made of “sillar,” a volcanic rock that is white in color and highly abundant within the region. The architecture of this area is a fusion of European characteristics mixed in with native ones. At any rate, its also characterized as a prime and clear example of what a colonial era community was like.

Caral: Officially recognized in 2009.

Caral is located in the Department of Lima, in the Barranca province, district of Supe. It’s characterized for having almost 65 hectares in length, and it’s made up of a series of architectural groups split into areas of which worth mentioning are the Sector Residencial de Elite, the Piramide Mayor and the Piramide del Anfiteatro (Amphitheater).
Caral is considered to be the oldest city of the Americas; having a local style flute, elaborated from condor and pelican bones, a discovery that was vital towards understanding their style of living in 3,000 B.C

Technorati Tags: tourism, trips, places, Perú, patrimonio, tourism Peru

Images TodoPerú, Fanjacc, SkyScraperLife, Panoramio, ETurismoViajes, SkyScraperCity, RPP, ViajesReal, PortaldeLuzDorada, ElBlogdeRegina2, Sobre-Perú.

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