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Destination: Peru
by Ester Mlot Holmes on January 18, 2010 |
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It was home to both the Inca and the Norte Chico civilizations. Its culture is deeply rooted in Amerindian and Spanish traditions. It's the fourth most populous country in South America with a capital city, Lima, topping out at just more than 9.2 million people. We're talking about Peru.
Peru is divided into 25 regions (more commonly known as states) that have exclusive geographies and climates. From the arid plains of the west coast, to the dizzyingly high peaks of the Andes, to the lowlands of the Amazon, Peru feels more like multiple countries than just one. Each region houses a different experience - one that is specific only to that area; however, because of the multiethnic history, there is a mixture of cultural traditions that has resulted in a wide diversity of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music.
Thanks to the Andes mountain range and the Humboldt Current that blows in off of the Pacific Ocean, a climate is also specific to each region. If you're a sun baby, the costa (coast) is typically drier with higher humidity, contributing to its more "arid" feel. If you want to get wet, the sierra (mountain range, Andes) has summers with rain - that is to say, only if you stay at the base of the Andes. The selva (jungle, Amazon), making up 60% of Peru's landmass, receives the highest annual rainfall, but also contains most of the country's biodiversity. Nearly 22,000 species of plants and animals reside there; 27% of those are endemic to that region. So if you're looking for an educational wildlife tour, this would be the perfect spot!
As anyone who has taken a Spanish class would know, the Andes and Peru are home to perhaps that world's most famous ancient culture, the Incas. Built around 1450, Machu Picchu was the flagship city of this pre-Columbian civilization. Situated atop mountains at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, it's no wonder this city was forgotten for centuries - earning the nickname, The Lost City. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu has become the tourist destination of choice for all ecotourists.
Many tour providers operate in and around Machu Picchu, allowing for a variety of methods to the top. You can trek the Inca Trail, a 35-mile path that takes you over rolling mountains and through misty forests, eventually emerging from the dense vegetation at The Lost City. Or, you can hitch a ride on donkey trains that traverse the slopes every day - these trains are similar to those that operate in the Grand Canyon. No matter how you get to the top, it's going to require some preparation. Due to the archeological status of Machu Picchu, you will need special shoes and gear to help protect the fragile ecosystem. Also, the trail can top out at almost 14,000 feet in elevation so be prepared and take it slow. Aguas Calientes, named for its thermal springs, is a boomtown-like base camp where the locals prepare the tourists for their excursion. Here, you'll see vendors selling coca leaves with a bit of stone. It may seem strange, exotic and a bit voodoo-ish, but chewing the two together makes the altitude adjustment easier.
The most important thing to remember is to be prepared. This journey will last a whole day and sometimes in to the night, making it important to research your seasons beforehand. Typically, between November and March the rainy season sets in, while it is usually dry and warm between April and October. However, don't be fooled by the warm days as the temperature can drop below freezing during the nights in July and August.
Peru redefines the word journey and there is plenty more to discover. You could spend your entire vacation at Machu Picchu alone, exploring the steppes and ancient architecture. Soon, you'll feel as Hiram Bingham did when he stumbled upon The Lost City in the 1800s.
Happy Exploring!
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