Peru travel

As I have mentioned before, Peru is home to many interesting animals. One of the most interesting and also the most endangered is the Andean Bear. These bears are quite different from other bear species, especially since they are mostly vegetarians. They will eat some meat, but it only makes up about 5% of their diets. They are also smaller than grizzly or polar bears, and they are known for running away rather than being aggressive when they feel threatened. In fact, they often climb trees when they are scared, so they can hide in the treetops. These bears are sometimes called spectacled bears because of unique marking on their faces and necks – no two are exactly alike. A recent article from the Union-Tribune’s San Diego news website explains the problems these bears are facing, and discusses The Andean Bear Conservation Project, which is supported in part by the San Diego Zoo. Hopefully this project will preserve one of Peru’s most fascinating creatures, and South America’s only species of bear.

The Northern Central coast of Peru was once home to the Norte Chico civilization, the oldest known civilization in the Americas. Ancient Americans settled there around 3,000 BC, and built a fascinating civilization that lasted for about 1200 years. Recent excavations have shown that the Norte Chico people quickly switched from hunter gatherers to a fairly complex society with impressive architecture, housing, and a barter-system economy. It is amazing to think that this society was so complex, even though they left behind no clues like pottery, writing or art. Apparently, the Norte Chico people never developed ceramics, and they also lacked a central grain-based agricultural system, which are two elements that usually helped ancient societies develop. However, archaeologists have discovered ruins that suggest the Norte Chico people were able to build pyramids and adobe houses despite the inhospitable climate. Researchers believe the society declined as its people moved to more fertile areas and learned about irrigation. For years, the Norte Chico area did not receive much attention, mostly due to its rough climate. However, anthropologists and archaeologists now see these ruins as a stepping stone in the path to modern day civilization. Today, visitors to Peru marvel at the ancient ruins from the first society to develop in the Americas.  

Peru is a jewel in the crown of South America. Not only is the country full of history and natural beauty but it has some of the friendliest people on the planet. Tourists once avoided Peru in favor of places with more resorts, but today a rise in the amount of eco-tourism and people interested in visiting archaeological sites has led to a rediscovery of the country of Peru.

There is something for everyone in Peru, even those looking to stay at a luxury resort. A luxury resort, though, will isolate you from all that Peru has to offer. For a taste of the real Peru, stay away from these resorts and stay in smaller accommodations. You will be rewarded by being able to experience the real atmosphere of the people and culture of Peru.

There are some places in the world that offer relaxation, or education. Still others offer shopping and culinary experiences. Peru beckons me for adventure. While it’s true that you could spend your entire time in this country visiting museums and luxuriating in hotels, you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you did not take advantage of what rugged Peru has to offer.

During my most recent visit here, I was able to fit in a trek to Machu Picchu, a stay in the blissful hot springs of Aguas Calientes and a hike to the Sacred Valley. This required a large degree of physical effort, intestinal fortitude (quite literally) and acceptance of the force of nature. But, at the end of each exhausting day, I would gaze up at the mountains and the endless sky and revel in my experience. These are the moments that stay us forever.

There is a new first-class train service from Machu Picchu to Cusco in Peru that is intended only for tourists. It is the Hiram Bingham Train line. The train cars were designed by James Park & Associates, and they boast luxurious accomodations. The train leaves at a later time, so that tourists do not have to get up so early in the morning. All meals are provided on the bus, as well as bus service to and from the trains. Guides are provided, if you wish to take a tour once you get to your desitnation. Admission to the Machu Picchu ruins is also included in your ticket price. If you wish to ride on Cusco’s first class train, be prepared to pay. This trip will cost each person $588 for a round trip ticket.

To experience the welcoming nature of Peruvians, simply visit the enchanting country of Peru in the South-Western corner of South America. Bordering five other countries it has a population of just over twenty-nine million people, a fascinating collection of diverse cultures, life styles and beliefs. A first visit to Peru will confirm that Peruvians are warm people who love to share their culture and heritage with visitors.

The population is a mixture of what’s known as Amerindian, Mestizo, White, Black, Chinese, Japanese and other races from around the globe. Historically, Peruvians have a strong belief in a Christian God since the arrival of the Spanish conquerers and their missionaries. Prior to that, the ancient cultures from the Inca and beyond believed in Gods such as the Sun God, Tumi and the Moon God and they lived their lives in service to their friends and neighbors. Spanish is the official language, but other native Indian languages, such as Quechua and Aymara are spoken in Peru as well.

Peruvians give everyone who visits their nation a warm welcome because it is a custom that dates back to the Inca civilization. Respect, honor and compassion are innate qualities that reflect their culture and their pride. Most people who visit Peru hope that their first visit won’t be their last; I have friends and family who will attest to that! From personal experience I know that Peru can quickly begin to feel like a second home.

I traveled to Lima in August with my sister and her family, and another family of friends. There were 14 of us all together and one morning, some of us were craving some good old American coffee. I knew exactly where to go: Larcomar, the trendy, ritzy shopping mecca in Miraflores across from the Marriott Hotel. It is full of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and American fast food, like Starbucks.

We walked over from our apartment and as we were waiting for our coffee, my sister chuckled and told me that her husband hadn’t stepped foot in a Starbucks in the U.S. and she found it funny to see him sitting there waiting for us in a Starbucks in Peru. In fact, when the five of us emerged with our Starbucks cups in our hands, he snapped a picture of us and had a good time ribbing us about traveling so far only to buy something that is available around the corner from our homes.

I love looking at this picture and remembering that moment. It was actually pretty ironic since we never thought we would get him to travel to Peru with us and he was the only one that day who was really acting like the commited world traveler.

I should mention that Larco Mar is not just about shopping. It looks like a park with fountains, palm trees, lovely sea views, and futuristic architecture. Filled with entertainment opportunities both during the day and at night, it is impossible to be bored with Larco Mar. There is something for everyone from children to adults with a bowling alley, gold museum, movie theaters, and discos. Open from 10 am to 10 pm, it offers a spectacular view of the sunset and every restaurant has views of the sea.

On the northern coastline of Peru is a spectacular sandy beach named Punta Sal. The beach is graced with waves that gently roll onto the sand and balmy water that invites any visitor to swim, which can be enjoyed safely. In the afternoon the breeze picks up, and excellent surfing waves begin to hit the shore. For those who just wish to enjoy and savor the scenery of sand dunes and carob tree groves, not many other beaches can compare. Punta Sal enjoys a semi-tropical climate; this means lots of sun-drenched sand with very little rain. Guests are pretty much assured of a cloudless adventure when they visit this lovely tranquil beach in splendid Peru. The temperatures hover around 68 F or 20 C in the winter, and in the summer, the temperatures are around 86 F or 30 C. It is understandable why Presidents have chosen to take their vacations here in this spot because it is so easy to become revitalized because of the peace and beauty.