Immense mountain ranges, black, red, green, and some covered like a powdered doughnut. Blue lakes and small rivers winding down the slopes alongside small and large isolated communities. Ancient cobble stone streets leading you to ancient Inca Temples. The sound of voices echoing through the air. Vibrant colors swirling by on women’s skirts, laying on vendors tables on intricate woven alpaca fabrics. Smells that are unique to this wondrous place, fill your soul and mind with images of a home you have not yet been to. Gazing up at elaborate cathedrals looking over ruins and temples from a time long ago.
Cusco, a city that was founded by many Pre-Inca civilizations, then ruled by the Inca Empire has remained standing and evolving into what the world now knows as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Even so it has become an innovative city and a prospering hub for water sustainability.
Upon my arrival to Cusco today, there were many smiling faces and lots of life in the city. There is a very vibrant and lively city with tourists, students, and locals. The beautiful and magical thing about this place is that even though the city has continued to develop there are hints of all the ancient civilizations. It is as if you are still walking amongst history.
There are many cultures and diverse people in Peru due to its geography, the coast (la costa), the highlands which consist of the Andes mountains, and the jungle (la selva). Just within these regions exist sub regions where languages, ceremonies, biodiversity, crops, and even lifestyles vary. Peru contains 4% of all the fresh water in the world! Even so the climate varies throughout the country. We have the 3 main regions I mentioned above but within these regions we also see very dry places like deserts.
The Temple of the Sun 'Inti'
Interesting Facts:
Over 4,000 types of potatoes are grown in Peru at varying locations.
1,879 different species of birds, 139 are endemic to Peru.
The National bird of Peru is the Andean Cock of the Rock
4,000 species of butterflies!
First true Inca, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.
Pachamama- Quechua for Mother Earth
Sources: Lonely Planet, Universidad San Ignacio de Loya.
