Cusco, Peru.
Cusco, Peru.
Cusco, Peru.
Cusco, Peru.
Candied apples.
Candied apples.
A smiley loneman waits for the bus on Cascaparo street, Cusco, Peru.
A smiley loneman waits for the bus on Cascaparo street, Cusco, Peru.
Cusco, Peru.
Cusco, Peru.
Peekaboo!
Peekaboo!
The broken windows theory. Cusco, Peru.
The broken windows theory. Cusco, Peru.
A woman knits colorful shawls and hats in Cusco's market.
A woman knits colorful shawls and hats in Cusco's market.
The Plaza de Armas was called ‘Huacaypata’ after its construction during the Inca Empire. The original plaza was twice the current size, and functioned as the cultural center of Inca life. Cuzco, which was the capital of the Inca Empire, was designed in the shape of a Puma to reflect their Inca animal mythology. Historians proclaim the plaza was intentionally built at the location of the heart of the Puma, in the center of the city. The location of the Plaza is no coincidence. The Plaza is used for most of the city’s events, gatherings, and festivals. Historians feel that the Plaza functioned as the cultural center, or "heart," of the Inca Empire. 

In 1532 Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro defeated the Inca Empire and took control of Cuzco, renaming the Plaza to "Plaza de Armas." The Spanish reduced the size of the Plaza by building two Churches, la Catedral and la Compañia. La Catedral was built where the palace of Inca Wirancocha once stood. La Compañia was built in 1571 by the Jesuits during the time of Wayna Capac, the last ruler of the unconquered empire. An earthquake in 1650 destroyed the church leading to its immediate reconstruction, which resulted in one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America. The Plaza de Armas portrays the city's diverse history while remaining the center of Cuzco life and culture.
The Plaza de Armas was called ‘Huacaypata’ after its construction during the Inca Empire. The original plaza was twice the current size, and functioned as the cultural center of Inca life. Cuzco, which was the capital of the Inca Empire, was designed in the shape of a Puma to reflect their Inca animal mythology. Historians proclaim the plaza was intentionally built at the location of the heart of the Puma, in the center of the city. The location of the Plaza is no coincidence. The Plaza is used for most of the city’s events, gatherings, and festivals. Historians feel that the Plaza functioned as the cultural center, or "heart," of the Inca Empire. In 1532 Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro defeated the Inca Empire and took control of Cuzco, renaming the Plaza to "Plaza de Armas." The Spanish reduced the size of the Plaza by building two Churches, la Catedral and la Compañia. La Catedral was built where the palace of Inca Wirancocha once stood. La Compañia was built in 1571 by the Jesuits during the time of Wayna Capac, the last ruler of the unconquered empire. An earthquake in 1650 destroyed the church leading to its immediate reconstruction, which resulted in one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America. The Plaza de Armas portrays the city's diverse history while remaining the center of Cuzco life and culture.
This a historic Jesuit church in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, in Peru. It is situated in the Plaza de Armas, the city center. Its construction began in 1576, but it was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1650. The rebuilt church was completed nearly two decades later.
This a historic Jesuit church in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, in Peru. It is situated in the Plaza de Armas, the city center. Its construction began in 1576, but it was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1650. The rebuilt church was completed nearly two decades later.
Coca tea, known as mate de coca in Peru, is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the coca plant, the same plant used to make cocaine. The coca leaf is cut, dried, and either used directly in hot water or ground and used in tea bags. Mate de coca is extremely popular in Peru. It’s consumed as a digestive tea and also to treat altitude sickness. The minute you walk into hotels, they serve you mate de coca to help you get acclimated to the altitude. You can also purchase many things with coca for the same reasons, like lollipops, chewing gum, soft drinks, etc. Studies have demonstrated that a single cup of Peruvian mate de coca contains enough cocaine-related alkaloids to produce a positive drug test result for cocaine metabolites. We drank 2-3 cups a day while in altitude, just like everyone else there and we loved it. Coca tea is legally sold in the US and Canada, but with the coca removed to the point where the amount in the tea is negligible.
Coca tea, known as mate de coca in Peru, is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the coca plant, the same plant used to make cocaine. The coca leaf is cut, dried, and either used directly in hot water or ground and used in tea bags. Mate de coca is extremely popular in Peru. It’s consumed as a digestive tea and also to treat altitude sickness. The minute you walk into hotels, they serve you mate de coca to help you get acclimated to the altitude. You can also purchase many things with coca for the same reasons, like lollipops, chewing gum, soft drinks, etc. Studies have demonstrated that a single cup of Peruvian mate de coca contains enough cocaine-related alkaloids to produce a positive drug test result for cocaine metabolites. We drank 2-3 cups a day while in altitude, just like everyone else there and we loved it. Coca tea is legally sold in the US and Canada, but with the coca removed to the point where the amount in the tea is negligible.
A woman sits on Cusco's cathedral steps, waiting for the next mass to start.
A woman sits on Cusco's cathedral steps, waiting for the next mass to start.
An ancient Andean practice of the women Peru is to carry their baby on their back, a custom that dates back to the Inca Empire times. The blanket they use is called "Awayu". It's made from llama wool, alpaca or sheep, and dyed in bright colors. In cold weather the awayu allows the baby stay warm by body heat of the mother. Given the intense cold of the Andes, this is vital. The awayu is also used to carry other things when not used for carrying a baby.
An ancient Andean practice of the women Peru is to carry their baby on their back, a custom that dates back to the Inca Empire times. The blanket they use is called "Awayu". It's made from llama wool, alpaca or sheep, and dyed in bright colors. In cold weather the awayu allows the baby stay warm by body heat of the mother. Given the intense cold of the Andes, this is vital. The awayu is also used to carry other things when not used for carrying a baby.
A woman is making seafood soup in Cuzco’s Mercado San Pedro. She was not impressed at me taking this picture and started to scream at me to get out of the way hehe.
A woman is making seafood soup in Cuzco’s Mercado San Pedro. She was not impressed at me taking this picture and started to scream at me to get out of the way hehe.
A woman is posing near Cusco, Perú in her traditional attire. Each piece of clothing has its own unique history. The blanket on her back, for example, is called a K'eperina. It's a simple rectangular shaped blanket worn over the back and knotted in front. They use it to carry just about everything, from food to babies.
A woman is posing near Cusco, Perú in her traditional attire. Each piece of clothing has its own unique history. The blanket on her back, for example, is called a K'eperina. It's a simple rectangular shaped blanket worn over the back and knotted in front. They use it to carry just about everything, from food to babies.
This is the statue of Cristo Blanco was built by a group of Christian Palestinians that were seeking refuge in Cusco in 1945. It was a symbol of their gratitude toward the city, and was their parting gift when they finally returned to their home country. The statue, with the fence and barbed wire around it, reminded me of MC Hammer's classic 80s song "U can't touch this".
This is the statue of Cristo Blanco was built by a group of Christian Palestinians that were seeking refuge in Cusco in 1945. It was a symbol of their gratitude toward the city, and was their parting gift when they finally returned to their home country. The statue, with the fence and barbed wire around it, reminded me of MC Hammer's classic 80s song "U can't touch this".
A woman is demonstrating how Peruvians create dyes for their fibers using all sorts of ingredients they find in their environment. 

Dye is created by boiling plants, grains and insects. Cochineal, for example, is a an insect found on the prickly pear cactus, and most commonly used for the production of red dye, as shown here. The insect is sundried and ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. This powder is then added to water and boiled to create red dye.
A woman is demonstrating how Peruvians create dyes for their fibers using all sorts of ingredients they find in their environment. Dye is created by boiling plants, grains and insects. Cochineal, for example, is a an insect found on the prickly pear cactus, and most commonly used for the production of red dye, as shown here. The insect is sundried and ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. This powder is then added to water and boiled to create red dye.
Dogs are very common in Peru, every family has a few. They are allowed to roam free and you see them everywhere.
Dogs are very common in Peru, every family has a few. They are allowed to roam free and you see them everywhere.
Exploring cities like Cusco at high altitude is hard work. I decided to take a break from walking uphill and saw this neat textured building next to me, and a great view to boot!
Exploring cities like Cusco at high altitude is hard work. I decided to take a break from walking uphill and saw this neat textured building next to me, and a great view to boot!
The official cocktail of Peru. It uses Peruvian pisco as the base liquor and adds Key lime juice, syrup, ice, egg white, and Angostura bitters. Pisco is a brandy produced in winemaking regions of Chile and Peru.

The cocktail originated in Lima, Peru, and was invented by Victor Vaughen Morris, an American bartender, in the early 1920s. Chile and Peru both claim the Pisco Sour as their national drink, and each asserts exclusive ownership of both pisco and the cocktail; consequently, the Pisco Sour has become a significant and oft-debated topic of Latin American popular culture.
The official cocktail of Peru. It uses Peruvian pisco as the base liquor and adds Key lime juice, syrup, ice, egg white, and Angostura bitters. Pisco is a brandy produced in winemaking regions of Chile and Peru. The cocktail originated in Lima, Peru, and was invented by Victor Vaughen Morris, an American bartender, in the early 1920s. Chile and Peru both claim the Pisco Sour as their national drink, and each asserts exclusive ownership of both pisco and the cocktail; consequently, the Pisco Sour has become a significant and oft-debated topic of Latin American popular culture.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
Fenced in landscape. Chinchero, Peru.
Fenced in landscape. Chinchero, Peru.
Farming at 12,000 feet. Chinchero, Peru.
Farming at 12,000 feet. Chinchero, Peru.
Girls are taught from an early age by their mothers how to create beautiful clothing from alpaca and sheep fur. In many rural Andean villages, before shearing begins, an offering is made to the gods and the Pachamama (Mother Earth). 

We visited an Andean weaving center in Chinchero where a group of women, all dressed in typical clothing and speaking amongst themselves in native Quechua language, welcomed us to watch while they washed, spun, thread, weaved and dyed their alpaca and sheep fibers. 

Here we see an Andean girl who is washing sheep fibers using an ancient mixture of water and root mixture. Peru has more than one kind of naturally-occurring plant detergents, which are traditionally used to wash shorn wool and fiber. In the Sacred Valley, Sacha Paraqay is a root which is grated into the wash water and mixed to create a foamy lather. The wool came out bright white, and ready to dye. Once the wool is clean, it is hung to dry. Weaving is a part of Peru's history and traditions.
Girls are taught from an early age by their mothers how to create beautiful clothing from alpaca and sheep fur. In many rural Andean villages, before shearing begins, an offering is made to the gods and the Pachamama (Mother Earth). We visited an Andean weaving center in Chinchero where a group of women, all dressed in typical clothing and speaking amongst themselves in native Quechua language, welcomed us to watch while they washed, spun, thread, weaved and dyed their alpaca and sheep fibers. Here we see an Andean girl who is washing sheep fibers using an ancient mixture of water and root mixture. Peru has more than one kind of naturally-occurring plant detergents, which are traditionally used to wash shorn wool and fiber. In the Sacred Valley, Sacha Paraqay is a root which is grated into the wash water and mixed to create a foamy lather. The wool came out bright white, and ready to dye. Once the wool is clean, it is hung to dry. Weaving is a part of Peru's history and traditions.
Spinning is the process of turning the raw fibers into strong threads. In Chinchero, it’s almost impossible to find an Andean women who is not busy spinning. It's so commonplace that they do it almost unconsciously, just about everywhere. You see women doing it while walking along the road, chatting with friends, watching over children or sheep, it seems like they do it all the time.

Quechua weavers such as the woman standing in the photo use a pushka to spin threads of fibers. The pushka varies in size with the diameter of thread being spun. Strands of thread are removed from one pushka, combined into balls, and then spun again together to make bigger thread on a bigger pushka. 

Dyeing is truly an art. Dye is created in these big pots by boiling plants, grains and insects. Cochineal, for example, is a an insect found on the prickly pear cactus, and most commonly used for the production of red dye. The insect is sundried and ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. This powder is then added to water and boiled to create red dye.
Spinning is the process of turning the raw fibers into strong threads. In Chinchero, it’s almost impossible to find an Andean women who is not busy spinning. It's so commonplace that they do it almost unconsciously, just about everywhere. You see women doing it while walking along the road, chatting with friends, watching over children or sheep, it seems like they do it all the time. Quechua weavers such as the woman standing in the photo use a pushka to spin threads of fibers. The pushka varies in size with the diameter of thread being spun. Strands of thread are removed from one pushka, combined into balls, and then spun again together to make bigger thread on a bigger pushka. Dyeing is truly an art. Dye is created in these big pots by boiling plants, grains and insects. Cochineal, for example, is a an insect found on the prickly pear cactus, and most commonly used for the production of red dye. The insect is sundried and ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. This powder is then added to water and boiled to create red dye.
Andean textiles represent a continuing textile tradition spanning at least ten thousand years. Woven fibers have been found in Peruvian caves, and carbon-dated back to 8000 BC. Today Andean weavers are known worldwide for their skills and rich traditions.

Traditional Andean weaving is composed in a grid pattern. The ‘y’ axis of the grid are called “the warp”, and the ‘x’ axis, “the weft”. It is the warp that determines the visible colour structure and artistic character of the piece., while the weft controls which threads of the warp are held up or down. With each pass of the weft, it is beaten into place with a small pointed bone tool called ‘the beater’ or ‘ruki’, that you see the woman holding.
Andean textiles represent a continuing textile tradition spanning at least ten thousand years. Woven fibers have been found in Peruvian caves, and carbon-dated back to 8000 BC. Today Andean weavers are known worldwide for their skills and rich traditions. Traditional Andean weaving is composed in a grid pattern. The ‘y’ axis of the grid are called “the warp”, and the ‘x’ axis, “the weft”. It is the warp that determines the visible colour structure and artistic character of the piece., while the weft controls which threads of the warp are held up or down. With each pass of the weft, it is beaten into place with a small pointed bone tool called ‘the beater’ or ‘ruki’, that you see the woman holding.
When you travel in the Peruvian country and in small towns like Chinchero, it's very common to see animals walking around with farmers. They roam around and follow their master right on the street, amongst other villagers and tourists, on highways, etc. From the mountains to the highlands of Peru and Chile, you’ll find shepherds tending groups of thousands of sheep. Sheep are popular animals, both for their meat and their wool. It's a matter for survival for them; it gives them something to eat, and fibers to create their beautiful textiles and clothes.
When you travel in the Peruvian country and in small towns like Chinchero, it's very common to see animals walking around with farmers. They roam around and follow their master right on the street, amongst other villagers and tourists, on highways, etc. From the mountains to the highlands of Peru and Chile, you’ll find shepherds tending groups of thousands of sheep. Sheep are popular animals, both for their meat and their wool. It's a matter for survival for them; it gives them something to eat, and fibers to create their beautiful textiles and clothes.
Chinchero, Peru.
Chinchero, Peru.
Chinchero, Peru.
Chinchero, Peru.
Isn't she cute with that doll on her back? She's learning to do just like every adults around her. They use those blankets, or "awayu" to carry everything from babies to groceries.
Isn't she cute with that doll on her back? She's learning to do just like every adults around her. They use those blankets, or "awayu" to carry everything from babies to groceries.
Peru has some of the tallest and steepest mountains in the world, yet the Incas were able to harvest crops from them. Who did they do it? With terrace farming, an ancient sustainable farming technique popular in mountainous terrains like Peru, some Asian countries and the Mediterranean. They were cared in rock, filled with gravel and sand for drainage, and topped with soil. Terraces snaked around the mountains to help retain the heat from the sun, preventing frost through cold nights. They also ensured proper drainage and watering of all crops via a gravity-fed watering system. In the 1400s, at the peak of the Incan civilization, the system of terraces covered about a million hectares throughout Peru and fed a vast empire.

Some inhabitants of the Peruvian hilltops continue the sustainable farming practices of their ancestors.  They grow up to sixteen different varieties of crops including corn, beans, potatoes, barley and quinoa.
Peru has some of the tallest and steepest mountains in the world, yet the Incas were able to harvest crops from them. Who did they do it? With terrace farming, an ancient sustainable farming technique popular in mountainous terrains like Peru, some Asian countries and the Mediterranean. They were cared in rock, filled with gravel and sand for drainage, and topped with soil. Terraces snaked around the mountains to help retain the heat from the sun, preventing frost through cold nights. They also ensured proper drainage and watering of all crops via a gravity-fed watering system. In the 1400s, at the peak of the Incan civilization, the system of terraces covered about a million hectares throughout Peru and fed a vast empire. Some inhabitants of the Peruvian hilltops continue the sustainable farming practices of their ancestors. They grow up to sixteen different varieties of crops including corn, beans, potatoes, barley and quinoa.
The Chinchero Archaeological Complex was constructed by Tupa Inca Yupanqui around 1480 and consists of a collection of architectural spaces: pre-Columbian walls, enclosures, platforms, staircases and altars. 

Tupa Inca Yupanqui was a general during the reign of his father Pachacutec, leading the conquest of the Chimu empire in 1470. Tupa Inca Yupanqui's father passed away in 1471, and he then became the 10th Emperor of the Incas. He ruled from 1471 to his own death, in 1493.
The Chinchero Archaeological Complex was constructed by Tupa Inca Yupanqui around 1480 and consists of a collection of architectural spaces: pre-Columbian walls, enclosures, platforms, staircases and altars. Tupa Inca Yupanqui was a general during the reign of his father Pachacutec, leading the conquest of the Chimu empire in 1470. Tupa Inca Yupanqui's father passed away in 1471, and he then became the 10th Emperor of the Incas. He ruled from 1471 to his own death, in 1493.
Chinchero is a small rural community huddled in the Andean mountains of Peru, and home to an old tradition of gourd carving. Gourds are split in two, emptied, cleaned and sundried until they are rock solid. Once they are ready, men, women, and children alike carve them. 

From a very young age, children are taught by their parents to carve ancestral designs inherited from their ancestors. Each generation improves the art and it continues to grow with future generations.

Often, gourd carving is the only source of economic income for them. We purchased one about the size of an orange for 50 sols, about $20CDN, he said it took him about 3 days to carve it. The gourd being carved in this is humongous. That one will be priced at 2,000 sols, or about $765CDN. It will take him 3 months to complete that one.
Chinchero is a small rural community huddled in the Andean mountains of Peru, and home to an old tradition of gourd carving. Gourds are split in two, emptied, cleaned and sundried until they are rock solid. Once they are ready, men, women, and children alike carve them. From a very young age, children are taught by their parents to carve ancestral designs inherited from their ancestors. Each generation improves the art and it continues to grow with future generations. Often, gourd carving is the only source of economic income for them. We purchased one about the size of an orange for 50 sols, about $20CDN, he said it took him about 3 days to carve it. The gourd being carved in this is humongous. That one will be priced at 2,000 sols, or about $765CDN. It will take him 3 months to complete that one.
The Huaypo lagoon sits at 3500m and is one of the most beautiful lagoons of the Sacred Valley. Its waters feed communities and fields nearby.
The Huaypo lagoon sits at 3500m and is one of the most beautiful lagoons of the Sacred Valley. Its waters feed communities and fields nearby.
One of the most visually stunning Inca ruins beside Machu Picchu is the Moray Agricultural Terraces. It's weird that this site is not on the typical tourist agenda, but we're glad we went. The site holds a series of concentric terraces that looks like an ancient Greek amphitheater, and it descends to a depth of approximately 150 meters. The circular bottom is so well drained that it never completely floods, no matter how plentiful the rain.

The most widely agreed theory about this site is that the Incas used it as an agricultural research station. Pollen studies indicate that soils from several region of the Andes, from tropical and sub-tropical areas, were imported by the Incas and deposited in each of the large circular basins. Seeds were then cultivated, studied, and likely sent throughout the Incan empire to improve yield in the harsh conditions of the Andes.
One of the most visually stunning Inca ruins beside Machu Picchu is the Moray Agricultural Terraces. It's weird that this site is not on the typical tourist agenda, but we're glad we went. The site holds a series of concentric terraces that looks like an ancient Greek amphitheater, and it descends to a depth of approximately 150 meters. The circular bottom is so well drained that it never completely floods, no matter how plentiful the rain. The most widely agreed theory about this site is that the Incas used it as an agricultural research station. Pollen studies indicate that soils from several region of the Andes, from tropical and sub-tropical areas, were imported by the Incas and deposited in each of the large circular basins. Seeds were then cultivated, studied, and likely sent throughout the Incan empire to improve yield in the harsh conditions of the Andes.
Moray, Peru.
Moray, Peru.
Salt has been obtained in Maras by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream since pre-Inca times. The highly salty water emerges and the flow is directed into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed by villagers who own these basins. They use simple rocks to create dams to stop the flow in certain areas. The water runs slowly down the ancient basins, and almost all of them are less than four meters square in size, and about thirty centimeters deep. 

According to some locals, markets as far away as Switzerland, Japan and the Philippines are now importing some of the salt produced here. The salt pools are traditionally allotted to the citizens of Maras only. A prospective salt farmer simply needs to locate an empty basin, consult with the local informal cooperative, learn how to maintain his basin, and start working.
Salt has been obtained in Maras by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream since pre-Inca times. The highly salty water emerges and the flow is directed into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed by villagers who own these basins. They use simple rocks to create dams to stop the flow in certain areas. The water runs slowly down the ancient basins, and almost all of them are less than four meters square in size, and about thirty centimeters deep. According to some locals, markets as far away as Switzerland, Japan and the Philippines are now importing some of the salt produced here. The salt pools are traditionally allotted to the citizens of Maras only. A prospective salt farmer simply needs to locate an empty basin, consult with the local informal cooperative, learn how to maintain his basin, and start working.
Misty Mountain Hop. Joronta, Peru.
Misty Mountain Hop. Joronta, Peru.
Ollantaytambo, Peu.
Ollantaytambo, Peu.
One of the most impressive things about Ollantaytambo is the carvings high up a mountain face. It’s a wonder how the carvers hung there to carve. To the left, you see an Inca Emperor’s face, and on the right, a granary. The length of the face is about 10 meters. The granaries look flat but they are not, it's a structure that has three big sections so it's quite "deep". The wind that gathers in this spot made this a perfect spot to build the granary. Here, the temperature is 3-4 degrees cooler than on the valley floor. And since it's difficult to access, they help protect food storages against thieves or from the risk of flooding.
One of the most impressive things about Ollantaytambo is the carvings high up a mountain face. It’s a wonder how the carvers hung there to carve. To the left, you see an Inca Emperor’s face, and on the right, a granary. The length of the face is about 10 meters. The granaries look flat but they are not, it's a structure that has three big sections so it's quite "deep". The wind that gathers in this spot made this a perfect spot to build the granary. Here, the temperature is 3-4 degrees cooler than on the valley floor. And since it's difficult to access, they help protect food storages against thieves or from the risk of flooding.
Here you can see the Inca's technical mastery of stonework. Each granite rock is sculpted precisely to fit perfectly in their designed spot. The little pegs sticking out were used to carry the stones. The pile of rocks on top shows today's attempt at repairing this Temple door. 

In the valley below is the town of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is the last somewhat intact Inca period town in Peru. It's located at the northern end of the Sacred Valley, near Cusco, and this is where most people take the train to visit Machu Picchu.
Here you can see the Inca's technical mastery of stonework. Each granite rock is sculpted precisely to fit perfectly in their designed spot. The little pegs sticking out were used to carry the stones. The pile of rocks on top shows today's attempt at repairing this Temple door. 

In the valley below is the town of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is the last somewhat intact Inca period town in Peru. It's located at the northern end of the Sacred Valley, near Cusco, and this is where most people take the train to visit Machu Picchu.
The Princess Bath was a place for ceremonial bathing, and the engineering put into the design of this little bath and delicately shaped spout was amazing. The princess or queen would kneel at the base while the water fell on her head, and that she would use her hands to control the flow of water in the spout. On top of that big rock is a little basin forming a pool of water that spins around like a whirlpool. The Incas used to put sand in that top little whirlpool and as water came from the river, it swirled around and got filtered before it continued down to touch the princess. In the big rock, you notice this nice 3-layer carving of a cross-like formation. These three layers represent the three levels of their belief system: heaven, earth, and the underworld. These are often represented respectively by the condor, the puma and the snake.
The Princess Bath was a place for ceremonial bathing, and the engineering put into the design of this little bath and delicately shaped spout was amazing. The princess or queen would kneel at the base while the water fell on her head, and that she would use her hands to control the flow of water in the spout. On top of that big rock is a little basin forming a pool of water that spins around like a whirlpool. The Incas used to put sand in that top little whirlpool and as water came from the river, it swirled around and got filtered before it continued down to touch the princess. In the big rock, you notice this nice 3-layer carving of a cross-like formation. These three layers represent the three levels of their belief system: heaven, earth, and the underworld. These are often represented respectively by the condor, the puma and the snake.
These ruins, also called "Temple Hill", were of huge religious importance to the Incas, and they doubled as the the last and largest defensive structures where the Incas defeated the Spaniards in battle.
These ruins, also called "Temple Hill", were of huge religious importance to the Incas, and they doubled as the the last and largest defensive structures where the Incas defeated the Spaniards in battle.
A woman prepares cuy, or guinea pigs. Traditionally, the animal was reserved for ceremonial meals by indigenous people in the Andean highlands, but since the 1960s, it has become more socially acceptable for consumption by all people. It's very common to see them run around in houses. Peruvians consume an estimated 65 million guinea pigs each year, and the animal is so entrenched in the culture that one famous painting of the Last Supper in the main cathedral in Cusco shows Christ and the 12 disciples dining on guinea pig.
A woman prepares cuy, or guinea pigs. Traditionally, the animal was reserved for ceremonial meals by indigenous people in the Andean highlands, but since the 1960s, it has become more socially acceptable for consumption by all people. It's very common to see them run around in houses. Peruvians consume an estimated 65 million guinea pigs each year, and the animal is so entrenched in the culture that one famous painting of the Last Supper in the main cathedral in Cusco shows Christ and the 12 disciples dining on guinea pig.
Cuzco is rich in culture and traditions that persevere to this day. An important one has to do with the dead. Older people of the Cuzco region often take the skull of an ancestor or family member back to their house to keep and honor. This dates back to Inca times, where mummies of dead Emperors were kept inside homes. These folks say the skulls of loved ones are “good company” inside the house and they believe that they help protect the home. They make altars for them, give them offerings, and light candles for them. They pray to them so that they will watch over the home, protect from thieves and from bad energy, and make everything go well for the family. People say that the skulls can even throw rocks at thieves or bad people, and that their jaw will rattle to warn the household of earthquakes!  Some people also use the skulls to make black magic so bad things happen to other people. How cool is that?
Cuzco is rich in culture and traditions that persevere to this day. An important one has to do with the dead. Older people of the Cuzco region often take the skull of an ancestor or family member back to their house to keep and honor. This dates back to Inca times, where mummies of dead Emperors were kept inside homes. These folks say the skulls of loved ones are “good company” inside the house and they believe that they help protect the home. They make altars for them, give them offerings, and light candles for them. They pray to them so that they will watch over the home, protect from thieves and from bad energy, and make everything go well for the family. People say that the skulls can even throw rocks at thieves or bad people, and that their jaw will rattle to warn the household of earthquakes! Some people also use the skulls to make black magic so bad things happen to other people. How cool is that?
Chachabamba is located on the Inca trail that leads to Machu Picchu along the southern bank of the Urubamba river. It was discovered in 1940, almost thirty years after Hiram Bingham found Machu Picchu. According to archaeologists, the triangular walls tell us that the structures were houses with thatched roofs. Most think that Chachabamba was used as an important religious site, as well as having the secondary function as a gate house, guarding the entrance to Machu Picchu.
Chachabamba is located on the Inca trail that leads to Machu Picchu along the southern bank of the Urubamba river. It was discovered in 1940, almost thirty years after Hiram Bingham found Machu Picchu. According to archaeologists, the triangular walls tell us that the structures were houses with thatched roofs. Most think that Chachabamba was used as an important religious site, as well as having the secondary function as a gate house, guarding the entrance to Machu Picchu.
This altar is so perfectly smooth, it looks like it was just naturally formed this way. The altar was used by the incas inthe 1400s for ritual animal sacrifices.
This altar is so perfectly smooth, it looks like it was just naturally formed this way. The altar was used by the incas inthe 1400s for ritual animal sacrifices.
It's the most famous hike in South America – and always amongst the top 5 in the world. It starts from Chillca and follows a route to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas. The various ruins along the way only heighten the hiker's anticipation of that archaeological wonder of the world that is Machu Picchu. Hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu is both arduous and awe-inspiring. Over the course of the Inca trail, you gain and lose 1000 meters several times. At its highest point, the trail reaches 4200 meters above sea level, and the oxygen is noticeably thinner. In just 43 kilometres, the trail combines beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels.
It's the most famous hike in South America – and always amongst the top 5 in the world. It starts from Chillca and follows a route to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas. The various ruins along the way only heighten the hiker's anticipation of that archaeological wonder of the world that is Machu Picchu. Hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu is both arduous and awe-inspiring. Over the course of the Inca trail, you gain and lose 1000 meters several times. At its highest point, the trail reaches 4200 meters above sea level, and the oxygen is noticeably thinner. In just 43 kilometres, the trail combines beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels.
It's the most famous hike in South America – and always amongst the top 5 in the world. It starts from Chillca and follows a route to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas. The various ruins along the way only heighten the hiker's anticipation of that archaeological wonder of the world that is Machu Picchu. Hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu is both arduous and awe-inspiring. Over the course of the Inca trail, you gain and lose 1000 meters several times. At its highest point, the trail reaches 4200 meters above sea level, and the oxygen is noticeably thinner. In just 43 kilometres, the trail combines beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels.
It's the most famous hike in South America – and always amongst the top 5 in the world. It starts from Chillca and follows a route to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas. The various ruins along the way only heighten the hiker's anticipation of that archaeological wonder of the world that is Machu Picchu. Hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu is both arduous and awe-inspiring. Over the course of the Inca trail, you gain and lose 1000 meters several times. At its highest point, the trail reaches 4200 meters above sea level, and the oxygen is noticeably thinner. In just 43 kilometres, the trail combines beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels.
These little flowers in front of this barbed wire fence are used to create red dye by Peruvians. They use the dye on fibers that will eventually be spun into yarn, and transpformed into beautiful, colorful clothes.
These little flowers in front of this barbed wire fence are used to create red dye by Peruvians. They use the dye on fibers that will eventually be spun into yarn, and transpformed into beautiful, colorful clothes.
I tricked my tour guide into taking a picture of us with a small point and shoot, and this is what happened. This is at the Sun Gate, at Machu Picchu.
I tricked my tour guide into taking a picture of us with a small point and shoot, and this is what happened. This is at the Sun Gate, at Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is one of the most important cultural sites in Latin America, and it was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. It stands at 2,430 meters above sea-level, and covers 32,500 hectares. Its location is not random – it sits securely atop a mountain, in the middle of a lush tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. 

Machu Picchu was built around 1450, and abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in 1572. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was discovered by an American named Hiram Bingham. There are approximately 200 structures in Machu Picchu, and everything was rigorously planned and organized. There are religious, ceremonial, astronomical, residential and agricultural areas, and they are set on a steep ridge, crisscrossed by stone terraces. 

To this day, many of Machu Picchu’s mysteries remain unresolved; including the exact role it may have played in the Incas’ lives. The most popular theory is that Machu Picchu was a royal retreat, a place where Incan emperors could relax, hunt, and entertain guests.
Machu Picchu is one of the most important cultural sites in Latin America, and it was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. It stands at 2,430 meters above sea-level, and covers 32,500 hectares. Its location is not random – it sits securely atop a mountain, in the middle of a lush tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. Machu Picchu was built around 1450, and abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in 1572. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was discovered by an American named Hiram Bingham. There are approximately 200 structures in Machu Picchu, and everything was rigorously planned and organized. There are religious, ceremonial, astronomical, residential and agricultural areas, and they are set on a steep ridge, crisscrossed by stone terraces. To this day, many of Machu Picchu’s mysteries remain unresolved; including the exact role it may have played in the Incas’ lives. The most popular theory is that Machu Picchu was a royal retreat, a place where Incan emperors could relax, hunt, and entertain guests.
The Temple of the Three Windows is where Inca emperor Pachacuteq may have stayed alongside other members of the nobility. The buildings in this district are particularly large with massive rock lintels weighing as much as three tons, characteristic of imperial Inca architecture. It is believed that the three windows are there to frame the distant mountains. In the bottom left corner stands a rectangular stone which is suspected of having been used as a back-sight for solar observations.
The Temple of the Three Windows is where Inca emperor Pachacuteq may have stayed alongside other members of the nobility. The buildings in this district are particularly large with massive rock lintels weighing as much as three tons, characteristic of imperial Inca architecture. It is believed that the three windows are there to frame the distant mountains. In the bottom left corner stands a rectangular stone which is suspected of having been used as a back-sight for solar observations.
A window near the temple of the sun. It showcases the Inca's masterful skills in architecture, scultping rocks and building things.
A window near the temple of the sun. It showcases the Inca's masterful skills in architecture, scultping rocks and building things.
At Machu Picchu, down a long set of stairs you find the Royal Tomb. This cave-like area of Machu Picchu contains ceremonial niches and an Inca cross carved from one wall. The cross resembles a series of steps, and represents the three levels of existence in the world of the Inca. The first step, symbolized by the snake, represents the underworld or death. The second step represents the present, human life, and is symbolized by the jaguar. The highest step represents the celestial/spiritual plane of the gods, and is symbolized by the condor. 

Peeking up from the Royal Tomb, reached by a long set of steps from the Royal Tomb is the Temple of the Sun. The Temple of the Sun was used to honour and celebrate Inti, the Sun, which was an important Incan deity. When the sun of the solstice enters through the central window, it falls directly on the large ceremonial stone that is surrounded and protected by the round building walls. There has been a lot of speculation about the exact purpose of this temple - some suggestions are that it was the royal retreat for the Inca Pachacuti. Others say a solar observatory. Still others say a combination of all of these!  One thing is for sure - it is the only rounded structure in Machu Picchu and is one of the finest examples of fine Inca masonry.
At Machu Picchu, down a long set of stairs you find the Royal Tomb. This cave-like area of Machu Picchu contains ceremonial niches and an Inca cross carved from one wall. The cross resembles a series of steps, and represents the three levels of existence in the world of the Inca. The first step, symbolized by the snake, represents the underworld or death. The second step represents the present, human life, and is symbolized by the jaguar. The highest step represents the celestial/spiritual plane of the gods, and is symbolized by the condor. Peeking up from the Royal Tomb, reached by a long set of steps from the Royal Tomb is the Temple of the Sun. The Temple of the Sun was used to honour and celebrate Inti, the Sun, which was an important Incan deity. When the sun of the solstice enters through the central window, it falls directly on the large ceremonial stone that is surrounded and protected by the round building walls. There has been a lot of speculation about the exact purpose of this temple - some suggestions are that it was the royal retreat for the Inca Pachacuti. Others say a solar observatory. Still others say a combination of all of these! One thing is for sure - it is the only rounded structure in Machu Picchu and is one of the finest examples of fine Inca masonry.
Extra baggage.
Extra baggage.
Peru is trying to hold on to traditions, but it's never easy. The younger generation is not always interested in preserving the culture like their parents. They often dress, eat and act more like North Americans than Peruvians.
Peru is trying to hold on to traditions, but it's never easy. The younger generation is not always interested in preserving the culture like their parents. They often dress, eat and act more like North Americans than Peruvians.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
A little girl dances a and listens to music on a tape recorder, while her mother is busy selling souvenirs to tourists in Andahuaylillas, Peru.
A little girl dances a and listens to music on a tape recorder, while her mother is busy selling souvenirs to tourists in Andahuaylillas, Peru.
An elderly woman and her dog wait on the steps of a church in Andahuaylillas, Peru.
An elderly woman and her dog wait on the steps of a church in Andahuaylillas, Peru.
Did you know that marbles date as far back as ancient Egyptian times, that were first mass manufactured in Germany in the 1800s, and that there has been a World Marbles Championship held in England, every year since 1932? Well, now you do :-) - have a nice day everyone!
Did you know that marbles date as far back as ancient Egyptian times, that were first mass manufactured in Germany in the 1800s, and that there has been a World Marbles Championship held in England, every year since 1932? Well, now you do :-) - have a nice day everyone!
Sk8er Boy. Waru, Peru.
Sk8er Boy. Waru, Peru.
The people in this district are mainly indigenous citizens of Quechua descent. Quechua is the language which the majority of the population (82.89%) learnt to speak in childhood, while 17.09% of the residents started speaking using the Spanish language.
The people in this district are mainly indigenous citizens of Quechua descent. Quechua is the language which the majority of the population (82.89%) learnt to speak in childhood, while 17.09% of the residents started speaking using the Spanish language.
On the road between Puno and Cusco are the world’s largest Inca temple ruins, at Raqchi. Surrounding the site, and still in use by villagers today, are a number of Inca agricultural terraces. The entire site is the size of a football field, with an enormous 6 feet thick wall that enclosed the whole site.  

The most prominent structure inside is the Temple of Wiracocha, an enormous rectangular two-story roofed structure that measures 92 meters. Wiracocha was the Inca Creator God and is believed to have performed a miracle at the site where the temple was built. Legend has it that the Temple of Raqchi was built in homage to the god Wiracocha, to ask his intercession in keeping the nearby Quimsa Chata volcano in check. 

Raqchi is located on a prominent ridge overlooking the surrounding valley, so it provides a natural defensive position, hence its use as a very important control point on the road to their capital city, Cusco. The Incas built the temple and surrounding quarters and granaries in the early 15th century, only to have the Spanish conquistadors knock much of it down around 1540. Unfortunately not much of this wall remains as the Spanish used the stone to construct their church and village at the site.
On the road between Puno and Cusco are the world’s largest Inca temple ruins, at Raqchi. Surrounding the site, and still in use by villagers today, are a number of Inca agricultural terraces. The entire site is the size of a football field, with an enormous 6 feet thick wall that enclosed the whole site. The most prominent structure inside is the Temple of Wiracocha, an enormous rectangular two-story roofed structure that measures 92 meters. Wiracocha was the Inca Creator God and is believed to have performed a miracle at the site where the temple was built. Legend has it that the Temple of Raqchi was built in homage to the god Wiracocha, to ask his intercession in keeping the nearby Quimsa Chata volcano in check. Raqchi is located on a prominent ridge overlooking the surrounding valley, so it provides a natural defensive position, hence its use as a very important control point on the road to their capital city, Cusco. The Incas built the temple and surrounding quarters and granaries in the early 15th century, only to have the Spanish conquistadors knock much of it down around 1540. Unfortunately not much of this wall remains as the Spanish used the stone to construct their church and village at the site.
A local farmer walks back to his hut with some of his harvest.
A local farmer walks back to his hut with some of his harvest.
A woman tends to her herd of sheep in traditional Peruvian attire. Women in Peru tend to wear all sorts of hats - their hat is a symbol of the woman's place in her society. The style is tied to their tribal affiliations, and they vary from bowler hats, to cowboy hats and everything in between. If a woman moves to the city and decides to adopt the city dress, without the hat, this is looked upon as a renouncement of their local tribal culture and community and they can never go back.
A woman tends to her herd of sheep in traditional Peruvian attire. Women in Peru tend to wear all sorts of hats - their hat is a symbol of the woman's place in her society. The style is tied to their tribal affiliations, and they vary from bowler hats, to cowboy hats and everything in between. If a woman moves to the city and decides to adopt the city dress, without the hat, this is looked upon as a renouncement of their local tribal culture and community and they can never go back.
San Pablo was the location of a leper colony, a place to quarantine people with leprosy. Located in Peru near Iquitos, this place was visited by Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado in 1952 during their legendary motorcycle road trip.
San Pablo was the location of a leper colony, a place to quarantine people with leprosy. Located in Peru near Iquitos, this place was visited by Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado in 1952 during their legendary motorcycle road trip.
This Church is called Señor de la caña, and it's located right on the border of the Cusco and Puno regions, at an altitude of 4360 meters.
This Church is called Señor de la caña, and it's located right on the border of the Cusco and Puno regions, at an altitude of 4360 meters.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
This photo was shot through a moving bus window, the quality isn't that great but those mountains were really something else. They were huge and majestic, a really nice sight to see, so I thought I'd share since it's the only shot I was able to get.
This photo was shot through a moving bus window, the quality isn't that great but those mountains were really something else. They were huge and majestic, a really nice sight to see, so I thought I'd share since it's the only shot I was able to get.
Pukará, Peru. A man waits to enter the Iglesia de Santiago de Pupuja, a lovely Baroque church in the small town of Pukará. Pukará stands for fortress in the native Quechua language, and it's located in the Peruvian highlands, at an altitude of 3860 meters.
Pukará, Peru. A man waits to enter the Iglesia de Santiago de Pupuja, a lovely Baroque church in the small town of Pukará. Pukará stands for fortress in the native Quechua language, and it's located in the Peruvian highlands, at an altitude of 3860 meters.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
In Peru, you don’t see election signs that much, except in bigger cities. In the countryside, what political parties do is paint entire houses to advertise. For every sign there is an icon, or a symbol. The reason for that is simple: most rural Peruvians can’t read so when they go vote, they vote by selecting one of the symbols on the voting card. As a Peruvian, if you agree to have your wall painted, and your candidate wins, then you are rewarded in some way, with a job perhaps or some kind of preferential treatment. If your candidate loses, tough! You're stuck with the sign until the weather erodes it away, or it gets over-painted in the next election. Another thing they do to advertise in rural areas is parades. From 6am to almost 1am, you see groups of 20-30 people walk down streets chanting slogans, screaming in loudspeakers, playing musical instruments and having fun. It’s not fun for tourists trying to sleep but it’s interesting nonetheless. One thing we’ve noticed during those parades was one individual handing out pens, and discretely asking people to vote for them, and giving them the pen and a bit of money. This is illegal in Peru, but we’ve been told that this is still a rampant practice.
Pucará is a quiet city of a few thousand residents. The Plaza de Armas contains a beautiful colonial church, and a few vendors, ready to sell crafts to tourists. Pucará is famous for its ceramic production, a tradition dating back at least 2500 years. The most famous of its ceramic figurines are the Pucará bulls or toritos. Toritos are placed on the roof for good luck, fertility of crops and livestock, and to bring prosperity. They are typically given as presents and pretty much every building you see in southern Peru has one of them on their roof.
Pucará is a quiet city of a few thousand residents. The Plaza de Armas contains a beautiful colonial church, and a few vendors, ready to sell crafts to tourists. Pucará is famous for its ceramic production, a tradition dating back at least 2500 years. The most famous of its ceramic figurines are the Pucará bulls or toritos. Toritos are placed on the roof for good luck, fertility of crops and livestock, and to bring prosperity. They are typically given as presents and pretty much every building you see in southern Peru has one of them on their roof.
When I saw this home in downtown Pucará, in Peru, it reminded me of one of my favorite childhood movie - "The Three Amigos". It's a house that we could see in any old mexican movie I think :-).
When I saw this home in downtown Pucará, in Peru, it reminded me of one of my favorite childhood movie - "The Three Amigos". It's a house that we could see in any old mexican movie I think :-).
This is #1 of 5 of my black & white challenge. I was challenged by the talented Charlotte, you can check out her amazing work here: http://goo.gl/IcIo5q
This is #1 of 5 of my black & white challenge. I was challenged by the talented Charlotte, you can check out her amazing work here: http://goo.gl/IcIo5q
A lot of Peruvian woman attach these pom poms to the end of their hair. I haven't been able to figure out why, or any history on it. If anyone knows, please let me know :-).
A lot of Peruvian woman attach these pom poms to the end of their hair. I haven't been able to figure out why, or any history on it. If anyone knows, please let me know :-).
A woman in contemporary Peruvian clothing and headwear sells crafts in Pucará, Peru. You can see on the table some of the famous bulls of Pucará that I explained in my pervious post. One great thing about Peru is definitely the souvenirs. Unlike the developed countries we've visited, you won't find "Made in China" souvenirs here. Everything is hand crafted and unique. You can really feel how special and high quality everything is. We don't tend to buy a lot of trinkets when we travel, but we were tempted to get a lot of things in Peru - we came back with 11 tuques as gifts, for example.
A woman in contemporary Peruvian clothing and headwear sells crafts in Pucará, Peru. You can see on the table some of the famous bulls of Pucará that I explained in my pervious post. One great thing about Peru is definitely the souvenirs. Unlike the developed countries we've visited, you won't find "Made in China" souvenirs here. Everything is hand crafted and unique. You can really feel how special and high quality everything is. We don't tend to buy a lot of trinkets when we travel, but we were tempted to get a lot of things in Peru - we came back with 11 tuques as gifts, for example.
Near Juliaca, Peru.
Near Juliaca, Peru.
Reflections of a better past. Juliaca, Peru.
Reflections of a better past. Juliaca, Peru.
Near Paucarcolla, Peru.
Near Paucarcolla, Peru.
Near Patallani, Peru.
Near Patallani, Peru.
Near Fundo Chincheros, Peru.
Near Fundo Chincheros, Peru.
Puno & Titicaca Lake, Peru.
Puno & Titicaca Lake, Peru.
The Uros Tribe is an ancient people that live on man-made islands made of living totora reeds harvested from the world’s highest navigable lake, lake Titicaca, in Peru. The Uros people have been living and floating around on the lake for hundreds of years, since pre-Incan times. Even today, the Uru people continue to make their living from fishing and selling their reed handicrafts to tourists.

The totora reed is plentiful along the edges of lake Titicaca. The Uru people use them to make their homes, their furniture, their boats, and the islands they live on. Its dense roots support the top layer, which rots and must be replaced regularly by stacking more reeds on top of the layer beneath. The islands are about 4-8 feet thick, they change in size, and more are created as the need arises. Each step on the island sinks about 2-4 inches. It feels soft and spongy when you walk, almost like you’re walking on a waterbed.

Every island has a collection of simple buildings. The larger islands house about ten families, while smaller ones, only about thirty meters wide, house only two or three. Some of the bigger islands have unique buildings like schools, where children from other islands go by boat, and the biggest island has a watchtower. Food is cooked with fires placed on piles of stones. To relieve themselves, tiny outhouse islands are near the main islands. The ground root absorbs the waste.

Around 2,000 descendants of the Uros were counted in the 1997 census. Only a few hundred still live on the islands - most have moved to the mainland.
The Uros Tribe is an ancient people that live on man-made islands made of living totora reeds harvested from the world’s highest navigable lake, lake Titicaca, in Peru. The Uros people have been living and floating around on the lake for hundreds of years, since pre-Incan times. Even today, the Uru people continue to make their living from fishing and selling their reed handicrafts to tourists. The totora reed is plentiful along the edges of lake Titicaca. The Uru people use them to make their homes, their furniture, their boats, and the islands they live on. Its dense roots support the top layer, which rots and must be replaced regularly by stacking more reeds on top of the layer beneath. The islands are about 4-8 feet thick, they change in size, and more are created as the need arises. Each step on the island sinks about 2-4 inches. It feels soft and spongy when you walk, almost like you’re walking on a waterbed. Every island has a collection of simple buildings. The larger islands house about ten families, while smaller ones, only about thirty meters wide, house only two or three. Some of the bigger islands have unique buildings like schools, where children from other islands go by boat, and the biggest island has a watchtower. Food is cooked with fires placed on piles of stones. To relieve themselves, tiny outhouse islands are near the main islands. The ground root absorbs the waste. Around 2,000 descendants of the Uros were counted in the 1997 census. Only a few hundred still live on the islands - most have moved to the mainland.
Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru. A girl from the Uros tribe stands on her totora reed floating island, and seems to be dazed out from what appears to be the common cold. The poor thing had a runny nose and didn't seem to be feeling too well.
Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru. A girl from the Uros tribe stands on her totora reed floating island, and seems to be dazed out from what appears to be the common cold. The poor thing had a runny nose and didn't seem to be feeling too well.
Uru sisters are standing on fresh reeds used to build their manmade island, boats and houses.
Uru sisters are standing on fresh reeds used to build their manmade island, boats and houses.
A young Uru girl is lost in her thoughts as tourists visit her tiny man-made island on Lake Titicaca.
A young Uru girl is lost in her thoughts as tourists visit her tiny man-made island on Lake Titicaca.
An Uro boy plays peekaboo with me during a visit on a man-made Uro island near Puno.
An Uro boy plays peekaboo with me during a visit on a man-made Uro island near Puno.
The Uros people live on floating reed islands in lake Titicaca, in Peru. They have been living on the lake for hundreds of years - they were forced to take up residence on the floating islands when the Incas expanded onto their land. Each island has a chief, and a collection of simple, reed houses. Despite the traditional lifestyle, the Uros people are not against modern amenities. Some families have motorboats or solar panels, and the main island is home to a radio station that plays music for several hours each day.
The Uros people live on floating reed islands in lake Titicaca, in Peru. They have been living on the lake for hundreds of years - they were forced to take up residence on the floating islands when the Incas expanded onto their land. Each island has a chief, and a collection of simple, reed houses. Despite the traditional lifestyle, the Uros people are not against modern amenities. Some families have motorboats or solar panels, and the main island is home to a radio station that plays music for several hours each day.
Taquile island sits on lake Titicaca about 45 km from the sores of the city of Puno. A little over 2000 people live on the small island, which is 5.5 by 1.6 km in size, and 4050 meters above sea level. At that altitude, getting around is challenging, even for the fittest of athletes. Its mountainous terrain and terraced gardening plots enable a variety of wild and cultivated vegetation to grow. There are beautiful stone paths and archways such as this one throughout Taquile, some dating from pre-Hispanic times. Running water and electricity are scarce, the only transportation is by foot, no cars, and tranquility abounds. The views are breathtaking, the people are nice and relaxed, and their food is really yummy.
Taquile island sits on lake Titicaca about 45 km from the sores of the city of Puno. A little over 2000 people live on the small island, which is 5.5 by 1.6 km in size, and 4050 meters above sea level. At that altitude, getting around is challenging, even for the fittest of athletes. Its mountainous terrain and terraced gardening plots enable a variety of wild and cultivated vegetation to grow. There are beautiful stone paths and archways such as this one throughout Taquile, some dating from pre-Hispanic times. Running water and electricity are scarce, the only transportation is by foot, no cars, and tranquility abounds. The views are breathtaking, the people are nice and relaxed, and their food is really yummy.
For residents of Taquile island, off the coast of Puno in Peru, spinning, weaving and knitting yarn is extremely commonplace. In fact, it dates back thousands of years and it’s as important to everyday life as farming and cooking. The knitting is traditionally done by men, so everywhere you go on the island, you will see men knitting. 

Their knitting is very intricate and detailed, and the clothing they produce tells a lot about whom a person is. Men knit themselves red hats if they are married and half red & half white hats if they are single. If a husband’s wife dies, he will wear a completely white hat. If a man was once the leader of the island, there will be a special pattern on his hat. 

When a young couple is ready to get married, the man will knit the traditional red cap and will present it to the prospective father-in-law. The in-laws test the young man’s skill by filling the toque with water, and if the fluid drips through it he fails and must start again. If the threads are tight enough to contain the liquid, he gets the tick of approval and can marry the girl. The women, on the other hand, will weave a belt for men to wear, and offer it to them when they marry. They make it very colourful, with lots of patterns, and will also weave in a lock of hair inside the belt in order to stay close to their husbands, and remind them of their “matrimonial duties”. Each year the woman makes her husband a new belt, and each year it has a different symbol added to it. They do that to tell the family history, births, deaths, good harvests etc.
For residents of Taquile island, off the coast of Puno in Peru, spinning, weaving and knitting yarn is extremely commonplace. In fact, it dates back thousands of years and it’s as important to everyday life as farming and cooking. The knitting is traditionally done by men, so everywhere you go on the island, you will see men knitting. Their knitting is very intricate and detailed, and the clothing they produce tells a lot about whom a person is. Men knit themselves red hats if they are married and half red & half white hats if they are single. If a husband’s wife dies, he will wear a completely white hat. If a man was once the leader of the island, there will be a special pattern on his hat. When a young couple is ready to get married, the man will knit the traditional red cap and will present it to the prospective father-in-law. The in-laws test the young man’s skill by filling the toque with water, and if the fluid drips through it he fails and must start again. If the threads are tight enough to contain the liquid, he gets the tick of approval and can marry the girl. The women, on the other hand, will weave a belt for men to wear, and offer it to them when they marry. They make it very colourful, with lots of patterns, and will also weave in a lock of hair inside the belt in order to stay close to their husbands, and remind them of their “matrimonial duties”. Each year the woman makes her husband a new belt, and each year it has a different symbol added to it. They do that to tell the family history, births, deaths, good harvests etc.
An old window from a stone house at Taquille Island, on Titicaca Lake, Peru.
An old window from a stone house at Taquille Island, on Titicaca Lake, Peru.
Before Peruvians can dye their fibers and make their beautiful, colourful masterpieces, fibers shorn from animals need to be washed first. Here, we see a man using a traditional method, used even to this day, to do so. The first step is to ground a green plant called Illmanke using a mortar and pestle. The resulting grind is mixed with water and it creates a nice, fresh lather for the wash. The result is astounding, fibers come out bright white and smelling fresh. Oh - and this man is married. If you want to know how I know that you'll need to look at yesterday's post entitled "Single and looking!" to find out!
Before Peruvians can dye their fibers and make their beautiful, colourful masterpieces, fibers shorn from animals need to be washed first. Here, we see a man using a traditional method, used even to this day, to do so. The first step is to ground a green plant called Illmanke using a mortar and pestle. The resulting grind is mixed with water and it creates a nice, fresh lather for the wash. The result is astounding, fibers come out bright white and smelling fresh. Oh - and this man is married. If you want to know how I know that you'll need to look at yesterday's post entitled "Single and looking!" to find out!
This cute little girl from Taquille Island is an apprentice braider. She's learning by braiding bracelets for tourists.
This cute little girl from Taquille Island is an apprentice braider. She's learning by braiding bracelets for tourists.
Here’s a few tidbits of information about Taquille and its inhabitants, the Taquileños .The majority of Taquileños are Catholic, but a form that they adapted by merging their old culture to. Patchamama (Mother Earth) is their main deity. To them Patchamama controls harvesting and fertility, and Taquileños still give the deity a number of offerings each year, and three coca leaves prior to each activity or trip. There is no utilities or electricity on Taquile, but nonetheless, they have a radio station equipped with generators, and some Taquileños have erected solar panels to generate energy, as seen on the bigger house in the back. Although chicken is eaten, poultry is not raised on the island due to problems with foxes.
Here’s a few tidbits of information about Taquille and its inhabitants, the Taquileños .The majority of Taquileños are Catholic, but a form that they adapted by merging their old culture to. Patchamama (Mother Earth) is their main deity. To them Patchamama controls harvesting and fertility, and Taquileños still give the deity a number of offerings each year, and three coca leaves prior to each activity or trip. There is no utilities or electricity on Taquile, but nonetheless, they have a radio station equipped with generators, and some Taquileños have erected solar panels to generate energy, as seen on the bigger house in the back. Although chicken is eaten, poultry is not raised on the island due to problems with foxes.
Sailing on Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world. Seen here are two flags, the first one is the Peruvian flag (red & white), and the second one is not the gay pride flag, but rather the flag of the Cuzco region, in Peru.
Sailing on Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world. Seen here are two flags, the first one is the Peruvian flag (red & white), and the second one is not the gay pride flag, but rather the flag of the Cuzco region, in Peru.
It was a country-wide mayoral election day on that day, and a man is seen here taking a morning siesta before election offices open. In Peru, voting is mandatory by law, and the voter has to carry a stamped voting card for a number of months after the election as a proof of having voted. This stamp is required in order to obtain some services and goods from some public offices.  The non-voter faces fines of of 20 soles, or about $7 USD. This may not seem like a lot, but the average Peruvian salary is only $18 USD a day, and a lot of people earn much less than that.
It was a country-wide mayoral election day on that day, and a man is seen here taking a morning siesta before election offices open. In Peru, voting is mandatory by law, and the voter has to carry a stamped voting card for a number of months after the election as a proof of having voted. This stamp is required in order to obtain some services and goods from some public offices. The non-voter faces fines of of 20 soles, or about $7 USD. This may not seem like a lot, but the average Peruvian salary is only $18 USD a day, and a lot of people earn much less than that.
Kuntur Wasi means House of the Condor in native Quechua language, and it’s referring to this site. Perched on a hill 3,990 meters high, overlooking the city of Puno and the majestic Titicaca Lake, stands this imposing metal sculpture of an Andean Condor with a wingspan of 20 meters. It’s 620 grueling steps at high altitude to make it there, or in my case, about 100 plus a $2 cab ride hehe. The condor is reveled this way because it plays an important role in South American Andean mythology. There’s actually evidence of the condor being represented in Andean art as far as 2500 BC. In Andean mythology, the condor was linked to the sun god, and was believed to be the leader of the upper world. For that reason, even today, the Andean Condor is considered to be a symbol of power and health, and many believe that the bones and organs of the Andean Condor possesses medicinal powers. Of course, this has lead to the hunting and killing of way too many condors, to the point where it’s now endangered.990 meters high, overlooking the city of Puno and the majestic Titicaca Lake, stands this imposing metal sculpture of an Andean Condor with a wingspan of 20 meters. it’s 620 grueling steps at high altitude to make it there, or in my case, about 100 plus a $2 cab ride hehe. The condor is reveled this way because it plays an important role in South American Andean mythology. There’s actually evidence of the condor being represented in Andean art as far as 2500 BC. In Andean mythology, the condor was linked to the sun god, and was believed to be the leader of the upper world. For that reason, even today, the Andean Condor is considered to be a symbol of power and health, and many believe that the bones and organs of the Andean Condor possesses medicinal powers. Of course, this has lead to the hunting and killing of way too many condors, to the point where it’s now endangered. It's only hours after leaving the site that I read that tourists should avoid it because of frequent mugging and attacks. Thankfully, everthing went fine for us and we were able to enjoy the spectacular views peacefully.
Kuntur Wasi means House of the Condor in native Quechua language, and it’s referring to this site. Perched on a hill 3,990 meters high, overlooking the city of Puno and the majestic Titicaca Lake, stands this imposing metal sculpture of an Andean Condor with a wingspan of 20 meters. It’s 620 grueling steps at high altitude to make it there, or in my case, about 100 plus a $2 cab ride hehe. The condor is reveled this way because it plays an important role in South American Andean mythology. There’s actually evidence of the condor being represented in Andean art as far as 2500 BC. In Andean mythology, the condor was linked to the sun god, and was believed to be the leader of the upper world. For that reason, even today, the Andean Condor is considered to be a symbol of power and health, and many believe that the bones and organs of the Andean Condor possesses medicinal powers. Of course, this has lead to the hunting and killing of way too many condors, to the point where it’s now endangered.990 meters high, overlooking the city of Puno and the majestic Titicaca Lake, stands this imposing metal sculpture of an Andean Condor with a wingspan of 20 meters. it’s 620 grueling steps at high altitude to make it there, or in my case, about 100 plus a $2 cab ride hehe. The condor is reveled this way because it plays an important role in South American Andean mythology. There’s actually evidence of the condor being represented in Andean art as far as 2500 BC. In Andean mythology, the condor was linked to the sun god, and was believed to be the leader of the upper world. For that reason, even today, the Andean Condor is considered to be a symbol of power and health, and many believe that the bones and organs of the Andean Condor possesses medicinal powers. Of course, this has lead to the hunting and killing of way too many condors, to the point where it’s now endangered. It's only hours after leaving the site that I read that tourists should avoid it because of frequent mugging and attacks. Thankfully, everthing went fine for us and we were able to enjoy the spectacular views peacefully.
I always wanted to see a volcano, as far as I can remember. I recall even as a young kid, being mesmerized by them and building some in “papier mâché”, and pouring colored vinegar and baking soda into it to illustrate eruptions for class projects. Well, my dream came true this year as we flew to Arequipa, Peru. We flew right over Misti, saw its crater and everything, and this memory will be etched in my brain forever. I only got a quick and blurry iPhone shot from the airplane, but this one is my best shot of Misti, from my hotel room window. Misti is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city. It has an elevation of 5,822 meters above sea level, and a mere 16kms separates it from close to 800,000 people. Thankfully, Misti hasn’t had a major eruption since the 1400’s, but it did emit strong gas emissions in 1985, and seismic tremors happen daily, so it’s only a matter of time until it erupts again. Throughout the city of Arequipa, there are lots of evacuation routes marked everywhere. One cool fact about Misti is that in 1998, several mummies were discovered inside the crater rim of the volcano, confirming its sanctification under the Incas.
I always wanted to see a volcano, as far as I can remember. I recall even as a young kid, being mesmerized by them and building some in “papier mâché”, and pouring colored vinegar and baking soda into it to illustrate eruptions for class projects. Well, my dream came true this year as we flew to Arequipa, Peru. We flew right over Misti, saw its crater and everything, and this memory will be etched in my brain forever. I only got a quick and blurry iPhone shot from the airplane, but this one is my best shot of Misti, from my hotel room window. Misti is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city. It has an elevation of 5,822 meters above sea level, and a mere 16kms separates it from close to 800,000 people. Thankfully, Misti hasn’t had a major eruption since the 1400’s, but it did emit strong gas emissions in 1985, and seismic tremors happen daily, so it’s only a matter of time until it erupts again. Throughout the city of Arequipa, there are lots of evacuation routes marked everywhere. One cool fact about Misti is that in 1998, several mummies were discovered inside the crater rim of the volcano, confirming its sanctification under the Incas.
An old mortar and pilon used by monks several centuries ago at the Santa Catalina monastery in Arequipa, Peru.

This is #2 of 5 of my black & white challenge. I was challenged by the talented Charlotte, you can check out her amazing work here: http://goo.gl/IcIo5q
An old mortar and pilon used by monks several centuries ago at the Santa Catalina monastery in Arequipa, Peru. This is #2 of 5 of my black & white challenge. I was challenged by the talented Charlotte, you can check out her amazing work here: http://goo.gl/IcIo5q
Nevado Chachani is a large stratovolcano in southern Peru, only 25 km from Arequipa, Peru's 2nd largest city. The volcano is permanently covered by ice and snow, and it's still considered active. Its close proximity to Arequipa makes it really dangerous and scientist study the volcano very closely. Nevado Chachani is part of a large 320 square kilometer complex of several lava domes, a central stratovolcano and a flank shield volcano.
Nevado Chachani is a large stratovolcano in southern Peru, only 25 km from Arequipa, Peru's 2nd largest city. The volcano is permanently covered by ice and snow, and it's still considered active. Its close proximity to Arequipa makes it really dangerous and scientist study the volcano very closely. Nevado Chachani is part of a large 320 square kilometer complex of several lava domes, a central stratovolcano and a flank shield volcano.
A remarkable South American mestizo-baroque monument, built in white volcanic stone and, as part of the historic center of Arequipa a World Heritage Site by UNESCO .
A remarkable South American mestizo-baroque monument, built in white volcanic stone and, as part of the historic center of Arequipa a World Heritage Site by UNESCO .
Curiosity.
Curiosity.
Throughout Arequipa's city centre, it's very common to see amateur journalists writing stories on these portable typewriters. They are doing this in hopes of being published in their local newspaper, and of course, to make a few bucks.
Throughout Arequipa's city centre, it's very common to see amateur journalists writing stories on these portable typewriters. They are doing this in hopes of being published in their local newspaper, and of course, to make a few bucks.
Amongst friends.
Amongst friends.
The Santa Catalina Monastery is a monastery of nuns of the Dominican Second Order, located in Arequipa, Peru. It was built out of volcanic rocks and petrified ashes in 1579 and covers over 20,000 square meters. This photo only shows one tiny part, the Silence Yard, where Nuns walked, whispered the rosary and read the Bible in silence. The entire complex is HUGE!

In the 1600s, the practice was that only the second child of a family could enter a life of service in the Church. The monastery accepted only women from higher-class Spanish families, and each one had to pay a dowry of 2,400 silver coins, equivalent to a whopping $150,000 USD today, as admittance to the monastery. The nuns were also required to bring a list of 25 things, including a statue, a painting, a lamp and clothes. 

While outwardly renouncing the world and embracing a life of poverty, internally they enjoyed their luxurious English carpets, silk curtains, porcelain plates, damask tablecloths, silver cutlery, and lace sheets. They employed musicians to come and play for their lavish parties. 

By the mid 1800's, word that the monastery functioned more as a social club than a religious convent reached Pope Pius IX who sent Sister Josefa Cadena, a strict Dominican nun, to investigate. She arrived in 1871, promptly began reforms, and life in the monastery became as other religious institutions. At its height, the monastery housed approximately 450 people, and today, only about 20 nuns continue to live there.
The Santa Catalina Monastery is a monastery of nuns of the Dominican Second Order, located in Arequipa, Peru. It was built out of volcanic rocks and petrified ashes in 1579 and covers over 20,000 square meters. This photo only shows one tiny part, the Silence Yard, where Nuns walked, whispered the rosary and read the Bible in silence. The entire complex is HUGE! In the 1600s, the practice was that only the second child of a family could enter a life of service in the Church. The monastery accepted only women from higher-class Spanish families, and each one had to pay a dowry of 2,400 silver coins, equivalent to a whopping $150,000 USD today, as admittance to the monastery. The nuns were also required to bring a list of 25 things, including a statue, a painting, a lamp and clothes. While outwardly renouncing the world and embracing a life of poverty, internally they enjoyed their luxurious English carpets, silk curtains, porcelain plates, damask tablecloths, silver cutlery, and lace sheets. They employed musicians to come and play for their lavish parties. By the mid 1800's, word that the monastery functioned more as a social club than a religious convent reached Pope Pius IX who sent Sister Josefa Cadena, a strict Dominican nun, to investigate. She arrived in 1871, promptly began reforms, and life in the monastery became as other religious institutions. At its height, the monastery housed approximately 450 people, and today, only about 20 nuns continue to live there.
This old beat up organ was displayed in a dark room inside the Santa Catalina monastery.
This old beat up organ was displayed in a dark room inside the Santa Catalina monastery.
Nun's kitchen in the Santa Catalina Monastery, in Arequipa, Peru.
Nun's kitchen in the Santa Catalina Monastery, in Arequipa, Peru.
Shot at the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, Peru.
Shot at the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, Peru.
An old volcanic rock oven dating from the 1500s, still used today in the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, Peru.
An old volcanic rock oven dating from the 1500s, still used today in the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, Peru.
This is the Santa Catalina Monastery outdoor laundry room. It’s made of old pottery urns cut in half and used as washing basins.  Each basin is aligned beside a concrete causeway that runs the length of the courtyard. Rainwater flows through the center part and at regular intervals along this channel, little water spouts have been made to conduct water into the urns. Although the water flow is constant the length of the channel, it only enters a spout if a diversion is created in the water to direct it into whichever urn you wish. One at a time, or depending on how many nuns would want to do laundry, all twenty washing basins at once could be utilized. The whole setup was surrounded by colorful gardens.
This is the Santa Catalina Monastery outdoor laundry room. It’s made of old pottery urns cut in half and used as washing basins. Each basin is aligned beside a concrete causeway that runs the length of the courtyard. Rainwater flows through the center part and at regular intervals along this channel, little water spouts have been made to conduct water into the urns. Although the water flow is constant the length of the channel, it only enters a spout if a diversion is created in the water to direct it into whichever urn you wish. One at a time, or depending on how many nuns would want to do laundry, all twenty washing basins at once could be utilized. The whole setup was surrounded by colorful gardens.
This used to be where the nuns of the Santa Catalina Monastery took a ritual bath once a month.
This used to be where the nuns of the Santa Catalina Monastery took a ritual bath once a month.
The ol' clunker.
The ol' clunker.
On the hill.
On the hill.
In parts of Peru, there's a traditional culinary delicacy that involves liquefying a rare frog, called the scrotum frog, and drinking it. Drinking the mixture is said to cure an extensive range of diseases like bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, arthritis, and yes, you guessed it, even impotence. The ingredients are typically honey, carob, pollen, and white bean broth or maca (corn) juice, maca root, and most importantly, an entire scrotum frog. Frog juice is sold in markets, and right on the street, and one vendor can use up 50-70 frogs per day. The unfortunate thing about all this is that Peruvians are now driving the scrotum frog species to extinction. It doesn’t matter how the scientific community tries to educate the locals and dispel the frog's alleged health benefits, Peruvians continue to be influenced by their long-lasting traditions and ineffaceable folklore.
In parts of Peru, there's a traditional culinary delicacy that involves liquefying a rare frog, called the scrotum frog, and drinking it. Drinking the mixture is said to cure an extensive range of diseases like bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, arthritis, and yes, you guessed it, even impotence. The ingredients are typically honey, carob, pollen, and white bean broth or maca (corn) juice, maca root, and most importantly, an entire scrotum frog. Frog juice is sold in markets, and right on the street, and one vendor can use up 50-70 frogs per day. The unfortunate thing about all this is that Peruvians are now driving the scrotum frog species to extinction. It doesn’t matter how the scientific community tries to educate the locals and dispel the frog's alleged health benefits, Peruvians continue to be influenced by their long-lasting traditions and ineffaceable folklore.
Arequipa cheese ranks 2nd only to France. It's pure homemade goodness, available in every food market across the country.
Arequipa cheese ranks 2nd only to France. It's pure homemade goodness, available in every food market across the country.
Boxes of toys and offerings for the Chachani volcano, in Arequipa, Peru. These offerings are given to get prosperity, health, or to give someone a series of "inconveniences".
Boxes of toys and offerings for the Chachani volcano, in Arequipa, Peru. These offerings are given to get prosperity, health, or to give someone a series of "inconveniences".
A man buys flowers at the San Camilo market in Arequipa, Peru.
A man buys flowers at the San Camilo market in Arequipa, Peru.
A woman prepares dumplings for her soup at the San Camilo market in Arequipa, Peru.
A woman prepares dumplings for her soup at the San Camilo market in Arequipa, Peru.
In many rural Andean villages, before shearing of sheep and alpaca begins, an offering is made to Pachamama (Mother Earth). These are often herbs, seeds and spice, but also llama foetuses. Llama foetuses are also frequently buried under the foundations of new houses as a sacred offering to the goddess Pachamama.
In many rural Andean villages, before shearing of sheep and alpaca begins, an offering is made to Pachamama (Mother Earth). These are often herbs, seeds and spice, but also llama foetuses. Llama foetuses are also frequently buried under the foundations of new houses as a sacred offering to the goddess Pachamama.
The butcher.
The butcher.
Bananas.
Bananas.
Chicken is sold in markets, and this one oin particular costs more than the others. Why? Because it still has an egg inside, which is considered a delicacy in Peru.
Chicken is sold in markets, and this one oin particular costs more than the others. Why? Because it still has an egg inside, which is considered a delicacy in Peru.
Dried frogs hold a very important place in traditional Peruvian health and home remedies. Once the frogs are dry, they will usually powder them and put into licuados, a blended fruit drink. Licuados are similar to smoothies, but they are made with milk, fruit, and usually ice. They are sold by street vendors, in markets, and in special licuado shops, restaurants, and fruterias (restaurants specializing in fresh fruit).
Dried frogs hold a very important place in traditional Peruvian health and home remedies. Once the frogs are dry, they will usually powder them and put into licuados, a blended fruit drink. Licuados are similar to smoothies, but they are made with milk, fruit, and usually ice. They are sold by street vendors, in markets, and in special licuado shops, restaurants, and fruterias (restaurants specializing in fresh fruit).
Nevado Chachani is the highest of the mountains near the city of Arequipa in southern Peru. It stands at a whopping 6,057 meters above sea level.
Nevado Chachani is the highest of the mountains near the city of Arequipa in southern Peru. It stands at a whopping 6,057 meters above sea level.
We enjoyed a bright full moon as it travelled over this neat volcano in Arequipa, Peru. The next morning, there was a lunar eclipse so it was a really interesting event to see there.
We enjoyed a bright full moon as it travelled over this neat volcano in Arequipa, Peru. The next morning, there was a lunar eclipse so it was a really interesting event to see there.
Arequipa, Peru.
Arequipa, Peru.
At the entrance of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reservation.
At the entrance of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reservation.
Vicuñas live exclusively in South America, primarily in the central Andes at altitudes of 3,200 to 4,800 m. 

Vicuñas produce small amounts of extremely fine wool, which is very expensive because the animal can only be shorn every three years, and has to be caught from the wild. When knitted together, the product of the vicuña's wool is very soft and warm. The Inca valued vicuñas highly for their wool, and it was against the law for anyone but royalty to wear vicuña garments. 

Both under the rule of the Inca and today, law has protected vicuñas, but they were heavily hunted in the intervening period. At the time they were declared endangered in 1974, there were only about 6,000 animals left. Today, the vicuña population has recovered to about 350,000, and although conservation organizations have reduced its level of threat classification, they still call for active conservation programs to protect populations from poaching, habitat loss, and other threats. The vicuña is the national animal of Peru; its emblem is used on the Peruvian coat of arms.
Vicuñas live exclusively in South America, primarily in the central Andes at altitudes of 3,200 to 4,800 m. Vicuñas produce small amounts of extremely fine wool, which is very expensive because the animal can only be shorn every three years, and has to be caught from the wild. When knitted together, the product of the vicuña's wool is very soft and warm. The Inca valued vicuñas highly for their wool, and it was against the law for anyone but royalty to wear vicuña garments. Both under the rule of the Inca and today, law has protected vicuñas, but they were heavily hunted in the intervening period. At the time they were declared endangered in 1974, there were only about 6,000 animals left. Today, the vicuña population has recovered to about 350,000, and although conservation organizations have reduced its level of threat classification, they still call for active conservation programs to protect populations from poaching, habitat loss, and other threats. The vicuña is the national animal of Peru; its emblem is used on the Peruvian coat of arms.
The llama is a funny looking aninal I find. They are domesticated throughout South America, widely used as a meat and pack animals. They've been used by Peru's Andean cultures since pre-Hispanic times.
The llama is a funny looking aninal I find. They are domesticated throughout South America, widely used as a meat and pack animals. They've been used by Peru's Andean cultures since pre-Hispanic times.
Abandoned home.
Abandoned home.
Patchwork
Patchwork
Cemetary.
Cemetary.
Wild llamas.
Wild llamas.
Chivay is a town in the Colca valley, capital of the Caylloma province in the Arequipa region, Peru. Located at about 12,000 ft above sea level, it lies upstream of the renowned Colca Canyon. It has a central town square and an active market. The town is a popular staging point for tourists visiting Condor Cross or Cruz Del Condor, where condors can be seen catching thermal uplifts a few kilometres downstream.
Chivay is a town in the Colca valley, capital of the Caylloma province in the Arequipa region, Peru. Located at about 12,000 ft above sea level, it lies upstream of the renowned Colca Canyon. It has a central town square and an active market. The town is a popular staging point for tourists visiting Condor Cross or Cruz Del Condor, where condors can be seen catching thermal uplifts a few kilometres downstream.
18th Century church in the main square of Yanque, a small rural village located in the Colca Canyon, in Peru.
18th Century church in the main square of Yanque, a small rural village located in the Colca Canyon, in Peru.
Peruvian eagle.
Peruvian eagle.
Llama pose
Llama pose
Wititi is the official dance of the region of Arequipa, Peru. 

But, why do boys wear what looks like a lampshade and a long skirt you ask? Well, the story goes something like this… Way back when, Cabana men disguised themselves as women to sneak in and woo the beautiful but highly protected and coveted Collagua women. They danced together, in seeming innocence, eluding the surveillance of the girls’ parents. When the supposedly segregated ladies started showing their big bellies some months later, the deceit was discovered. Thus the legend was born, followed in short order with the birth of many Cabana-Collagua babies.
Wititi is the official dance of the region of Arequipa, Peru. But, why do boys wear what looks like a lampshade and a long skirt you ask? Well, the story goes something like this… Way back when, Cabana men disguised themselves as women to sneak in and woo the beautiful but highly protected and coveted Collagua women. They danced together, in seeming innocence, eluding the surveillance of the girls’ parents. When the supposedly segregated ladies started showing their big bellies some months later, the deceit was discovered. Thus the legend was born, followed in short order with the birth of many Cabana-Collagua babies.
Dog watch.
Dog watch.
Wild flower.
Wild flower.
The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with small, old towns founded in Spanish colonial times, still inhabited by people of the Collagua and the Cabana cultures. The local people maintain their ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces.
The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with small, old towns founded in Spanish colonial times, still inhabited by people of the Collagua and the Cabana cultures. The local people maintain their ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces.
A creative cocktail concoction that incorporates exotic Amazonian fruits (shapshico, cocona and camu-camu), pisco (a wine brandy), and a touch of Siete Raices. Siete Raices, or Seven Roots, is a popular Amazonian remedy and aphrodisiac made with a mix of barks, stems and leaves of Amazonian plants.
A creative cocktail concoction that incorporates exotic Amazonian fruits (shapshico, cocona and camu-camu), pisco (a wine brandy), and a touch of Siete Raices. Siete Raices, or Seven Roots, is a popular Amazonian remedy and aphrodisiac made with a mix of barks, stems and leaves of Amazonian plants.
A graffiti on a boarded-up window in Lima, Peru.
A graffiti on a boarded-up window in Lima, Peru.
Baranco District, Lima, Peru.
Baranco District, Lima, Peru.

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