js_composer domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/joextravel/public_html/wpt.joextravel.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260It is Peru’s second most important city ,after Lima and the second most popular among tourists, after Cuzco.
The city is part of the so called “Southern Peru Tourist Corridor”, together with Nazca, Puno and Cusco.
In contrast to these other cities, Arequipa is an example of the Spanish and mestizo culture developed in Peru. There are no Inca artifacts or ruins in the city.
In the winter it is warmer than in the summer. It is nicknamed the ‘white city’ (la ciudad blanca, in Spanish), because many of the buildings in the area are built of sillar, a white stone. This rock was quarried from the many volcanoes that surround the city, including the towering El Misti.
Another theory which is commonly believed by the local population, is that the name ‘white city’ came about because it was built by spanish immigrants from the Basque Country who had pale skin and blonde hair. New Urban and archeological discoveries have shown that the frontage of houses were painted in different colours. Remaining examples can be found in the ‘Casa Tristan del Pozo’, the town centre. Ask for local help to identify Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu, the three volcanoes surrounding the city.
Arequipa embodies a rich mix of the indigenous and Spanish colonial cultures. With 468 years of history since its founding, examples of Spanish colonial architecture can be found throughout the center of the city and several surrounding districts.
UNESCO has declared it a Human Heritage site. Catholic churches are scattered throughout the center of the city. Some ancient houses have been refurbished by the local authorities and serve as living museums. An example of this are the so-called “Tambos” located at Puente Bolognesi street.
]]>During the walk we will see ideal landscapes to take pictures, once we arrive at the Lagoon we will get a short introduction about the story of the lagoon. After that we have free time to experience and explore the landscape surrounded by the mountains. After explorig, we will hike back down to our car, which will take us about 40 minutes. We will get back in the car and driver for about an hour to Soraypampa, the same place we had breakfast, we will have lunch. After lunch we will drive back to Cusco, we will be back in Cusco at about 6/7 pm.
]]>When the Spanish came to Cuzco they came on that long highway from the north and entered Cuzco through Carmenca. Important Spaniards, such as the chronicler Juan de Betanzos, settled here. Even though the infrastructure of the neighborhood, its plaza, streets, and homes are being updated, in many parts of the neighborhood you can still see the colonial big-houses.
The Spanish built an archway as an entrance to the walled city of Cuzco that they built on top of the Inca one. In its day, it was a point of control for all people entering the city. Today the colonial arch still exists and brings an unusual charm to the neighborhood.
The zone of Santa Ana continues to maintain its traditional patronal feast since it is one of the most ancient neighborhoods of Cuzco and its saint has many devotees throughout the city of Cuzco. The feast and devotion to Saint Anne brings many people to the city from throughout the city of Cuzco, although they are most concentrated in the quarter of Chinchaysuyo.
On its festive days both tourists and local people fill the neighborhood with joy and emotion. The carguyoq (those responsible for sponsoring the feast) and their supporters present dances, allegories (floats) and fireworks.
Santa Ana is about 20 minutes walking distance from plaza de armas it is a steep walk with stairs up a hill until you reach the church. But the view on top is absolutey amazing and breathtaking. Many hotels such as the Hilton and a lot of hostels are located here due to the amazing view. It is nice to take a walk in the neighborhood you will find many little stores here and it is just a little adoreable spot, which holds a lot of history within. I just sat down for a while and watched the people and enjoyed the view. In the area between the arch and the plaza of Santa Ana you see a diversity of businesses such as travel agencies, restaurants, grocery stores, hostels, and many others.
]]>The number 7 is sacred to many of the larger ancient cultures that existed and in many cases a number that has caused a kind of veneration; the Pythagoreans believe in 7 celestial bodies that emit a controlled vibration that governs and governs the world. These originated 7 days a week. This number is also related to the rainbow, one of the most important natural events for the Inca civilization worldview, and that “casually” are the colors of the flag of the City of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas.
But there are many numbers 7 since the beginning of history; are 7 capital sins, 7 church sacraments, 7 musical notes, 7 the wonders of the ancient world, 7 the wonders of the modern world; one of them is Machu Picchu and is located in Cusco, a city that has 7 streets whose names begin with the number 7.
In the city of Cusco there are seven streets with names that start with the number 7; some believe that the number has a cabalistic character that came with the colony; however, other studies show that the use of this number began before the time of the Incas. The ancient Peruvians and many other cultures of the world were convinced that the stars had a decisive influence on the life and conduct of human beings. The book “Touristic Routes of Cusco” by Armando Valenzuela Lovón, indicates that: “7 is a metaphysical and inexplicable number in the Andean culture, as in many other important cultures of the world.“
The seven streets starting with a seven and their meaning:
It is a quiet passage located between Almudena and the parish of Santiago. It is said that in this street lived Don Mascareñas, a Spaniard with six children, who helped him in the task of melting pieces of bronze that were placed in the doors of the churches and where they are conserved until the present time. The weather has caused this street to deteriorate; although it still retains the essence of its history.
This street is the continuation of Ruinas Street; it is known that before the destruction of the San Agustín Temple; behind it was a residence that had 4 large windows and 3 small ones; although the buildings of the present day do not match the number of windows of the name of the street.
Its name is given by 7 stone beams that form scantlings aligned on the old bed of the Saphy river; at present it passes below the Av. El Sol in Cusco. At the present time of the 7 spars that existed in this place, one can only appreciate the one that remains on Saphy Street; the others were lost with the advance of the new city.
It is the street where people of old fell in love; they say that the lovers were tempted by the devil and that many women returned from this street with their “Sunday 7” (pregnant); these stories gave rise to the name. At present, the immense amount of people who visit the Historic Center of Cusco, has made the street lose the charm for couples who want a romantic moment.
As most things have to go in balance; we have the street called Siete Angelitos, is to the right of the street Carmen Alto. On the roof of an old house you can see the figures of 7 little angels who were painted by the order Blas de Bobadilla, who was the former owner of this house; but there are also other figures worthy of being seen, nevertheless these 7 angels would steal your attention.
It is one of the most beautiful streets of Cusco and its name, since the time of the Incas, refers to these small animals; is located in the Plazoleta Nazarenas. The Inca stone walls carry 7 pairs of snakes carved in high relief. At present you can find the snakes, which cause you to look at them closely and a lot of patience.
The name refers to people passing by this steep street with cattle and beasts of burden. Nowadays, the growth and modernity of the city have made it called Calle Palacios, since it was remodeled to improve the transit through the place. Even now from time to time, you can see some people in typical costumes walking with some flames and little lambs, in search of their attention.
]]>According to the Catholic Church, the festival is in honor of the Lord of Quyllurit’i (Quechua: Taytacha Quyllurit’i, Spanish: Señor de Quyllurit’i) and it originated in the late 18th century. The young native herder Mariano Mayta befriended a mestizo boy named Manuel on the mountain Qullqipunku. Thanks to Manuel, Mariano’s herd prospered, so his father sent him to Cusco to buy a new shirt for Manuel. Mariano could not find anything similar, because that kind of cloth was sold only to the archbishop. Learning of this, the bishop of Cusco sent a party to investigate. When they tried to capture Manuel, he was transformed into a bush with an image of Christ crucified hanging from it. Thinking the archbishop’s party had harmed his friend, Mariano died on the spot. He was buried under a rock, which became a place of pilgrimage known as the Lord of Quyllurit’i, or “Lord of Star (Brilliant) Snow.” An image of Christ was painted on this boulder.
The Quyllurit’i festival attracts thousands of indigenous peasants from the surrounding regions, made up of Paucartambo groups (Quechua speakers) from the agricultural regions to the northwest of the shrine, and Quispicanchis (Aymara speakers) from the pastoral (herders) regions to the southeast. Both moieties make an annual pilgrimage to the feast, bringing large troupes of dancers and musicians. There are four groups of participants with particular roles: ch’unchu, qulla, ukuku, and machula. Attendees increasingly have included middle-class Peruvians and foreign tourists.
The festival takes place in late May or early June, to coincide with the full moon. It falls one week before the Christian feast of Corpus Christi. Events include several processions of holy icons and dances in and around the shrine of the Lord of Quyllurit’i. The culminating event for the indigenous non-Christian population takes place after the reappearance of Qullqa in the night sky; it is the rising of the sun after the full moon. Tens of thousands of people kneel to greet the first rays of light as the sun rises above the horizon. The main event for the Church is carried out by ukukus, who climb glaciers over Qullqipunku and bring back crosses and blocks of ice to place along the road to the shrine. These are believed to be medicinal with healing qualities.Señor de Qoyllority
]]>Yellow is the preferred color on this day, as people of Cusco have believed that it brings good luck. Wearing yellow underwear on this night will ensure that you get “lucky” with girlfriends or boyfriends throughout the year. Many people wear yellow panties and briefs over their pants hoping to spice up their love life! This has gradually become a trend in all Latin countries, but the trend started here! All the new year accessories like garlands, hats and new year goggles are sold exclusively in yellow. These accessories are cheap and cost about 2-3 Peruvian soles each (roughly US $1).
Unlike the US, you can buy and light your own fireworks here. Sale of fireworks is legal in Cuzco, and there are no restrictions on how to use them. The fireworks range from small floor crackers to a nice colorful aerial firework. You can also buy rocket sticks for 3 soles from the street vendors. These sticks contain 15 rockets that will fly continuously as you hold up the stick in the air. Bottle rockets are also very common and be careful of these little flying objects!
Public Drinking is freely permitted without any restrictions. You can buy your own choice of liquor and bring it in. If you did not bring liquor, don’t worry, Cusqueña beer is sold virtually everywhere you turn. Plenty of other beers and alcoholic beverages are sold by street vendors. If you can’t hold your bladder for long, or if you like sit down and snack, there are many bars in this square. However, the cover charge can range from 50-100 Peruvian soles just to enter these bars. It is highly recommended to reserve a balcony table in one of these bars all night as you can go back and forth for snacking and partying.
There is a free concert arranged by the Municipality of Cusco (municipalidad de cusco) and the singing begins at 9 P.M and goes on even after 2 P.M. All the popular Spanish songs are sung and bikini dancers are used to spice up the crowd. The countdown at 12 O’clock is also given by the lead singer at the concert.
Cusco is generally a very safe place and as long as you don’t pass out and always stay in well lit areas, you don’t have to worry. Remember to take registered taxis while going back to your hotels. Peruvian people are usually very friendly and helpful to the tourists.
Apart from wearing yellow for good luck, there are also many different beliefs that are in vogue here. At midnight, many people circle the square 3 times with suit cases, as they believe this will make them travel the world all year! If you want to get rid of your old habits and have a fresh start, you can ceremonially burn old clothes are books at street corners. Eating 12 grapes at midnight will bring you lots of good luck and plenty of food throughout the year. Local people also put coins at their house corners to bring lots of money into their life.
If you are a tourist planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve here, plan well in advance as the hotels get booked well ahead. Hotels cost about 250 Peruvian soles (US $100) just for this night. Also, try to book a hotel close to the main square as you can walk back after the celebrations. Most nearby streets are well lit and filled with people, so you will feel safe walking back. However, if you are not in walking distance, ask the nearby restaurants or bars to call a registered taxi.
If you ever get a chance to visit Peru, try to visit Cusco on New Year’s Eve, you will have an unforgettable night. Seeing New Year Celebrations at Cusco is as important as visiting Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines. Feliz Año!
]]>As you enter the market all your senses come in to play. The variety of colours, the smell of raw meats and spices, the taste of frying chicken and lomo saltado (stir fried beef), the sound of the local women each fighting for your attention to buy their juices will make you smile! You’ll all of a sudden feel “ah yes, so this is Cusco!!”
When you decide to visit the San Pedro market in Cusco plan a couple hours for this, since there is so much to see and to explore. It is really worth the visit I enjoyed it a lot and I bought some nice accesoires for little money. Just remember to bargain since you are the “gringa who has money” in their eyes they try to charge you more but usually it is possible to work out a fair price. If you dont get the price you want do not hesitate to move on to another stand and try your luck there. Don’t buy at the first stand ask around to get an idea of the prices.
Try a fresh juice for sure from the ladies it is really delicious and cheap. I had the mixed one for only 3 Soles and it is a lot of juice that gives you a Vitamin C boost. The ladies behind the fruit stand are super friendly and chatty. Try some local fruits such as lucuma, granadilla, chirimoya (custard apple).
If you are buying fresh fruits and vegetables make sure to wash them before you eat them to avoid getting sick.
Eating in the market is fun too just to get the feeling and it is super fun just to sit there, enjoying your food and observe the people and what is happening there. A lot of the food sold here it is not very healthy and generally it is fried but it’s an interesting experience and what I think a “must-do”. You can try some local delicacies and of Peru´s traditional cuisine in San Pedro market. A good one to try is salchipapas (fried sausages and potatoes). An easy option for most travelers is the empanada. You can get them with meat, chicken or cheese or even a mixture. They are really tasty and cheap too! If you’re feeling a bit more courageous give the beef hearts (antichucos) a taste. Having food at the market is a good way to test the strength of your stomach and your tolerance for market cooked foods!! In saying that it can be helpful to try go to a food stand that has other people at it, that’s busy and it’s no harm to have a look for cleanliness. And also as always check where the locals eat, in those places the food is usually the best and cheapest.
All in all a great and nice experience, which you should definitely put in your itinerary for Cusco.
Mon-Sun 9am to 6pm. Going there in the morning is the best, they have fresh, beautiful flowers there and the food is fresher aswell.
Calles Tupac Amaru and Cascaparo, From Plaza de Armas head south along Calle Manta, past Plazoleta Espinar. As you pass Plaza San Fansisco, an archway will appear in front of you. Head under the arch and walk straight for 2 approx. minutes. San Pedro market will be on your left hand side.
]]>The grave was found in the Lambayeque region northern of the Peruvian coast. The place where the grave was found is called “Huaca Rajada”, which is 35 Kilometers from the city of Chiclayo. The grave was composed by three pyramids made of loam, in one of the pyramids was the mummy from the Lord of Sipan and his entourage.
The findings from the grave contained a great number of items made of gold, silver, copper and gems, all of those pieces are unique and masterpieces. This find of jewelry is also the major proof that the ancient peruvian people worked with metals. In total there were 400 jewels found such as elaborate masks, necklaces, earrings and much other beautiful jewelry. Also sea shells, rattles and knives were found, those were probably used for ceremonial purposes.
One of the most impressive pieces found in the grave is his necklace. The right side is made out of gold and the left side is made out of silver, which is supposed to symbolize the Sun and the Moon. Another amazing jewel which was found in the grave, was a necklace made out of ten gold pearls which is supposed to depict a spider. In the grave were eight other bodies found, which were probably close and high ranked friends of the Lord of Sipan.
The Moche culture ruled the entire northern Peruvian coast, several centuries ago. When the Lord of Sipan, one of their main leaders died, they buried him. Like all the important leaders of this civilization, this warlord was buried with his head pointing south and his ears and nose were covered with jewelry of gold, silver and gems.
The grave survived intact for almost 1600 years, even tho there were constantly thieves in action in that area. The grave was found in 1987 by Walter Alva. This discovery was so special, that it was compared to the findings of Tutankhamen in Egypt.
After the discovery, the objects were exhibited in many countries of America, Asia and Europe. In 1989 , investigators of the Brüning Museum discovered two new graves in Huaca Rajada, “EL Sacerdote” (the Priest) and “EL Viejo Señor de Sipan” (the Old Lord of Sipan). Both graves contained a great number of items such as jewels made out of silver and gold, chest protectors, shells and peculiar pictures. Most of the pieces from Sipan were restored in Germany by the Bruening museum in Mainz between 1988 and 1993, they also hosted the event when the discoveries were returned to Peru.
Due to the request of Walter Alva all discoveries related to the ancient Moche civilization are exposed in the museum Royal Tombs of Sipan.
According to scientists, who examined the skeleton, at the time of his death he was 1.63 meters tall and about 35-45 years old. Due to the amount and value of jewelry found in his grave it is assumed that he was one of the highest rank. Most of the ornaments were made of gold, silver, copper and semi-precious stones.
He was wearing two necklaces shaped in peanut form out of gold and silver, those are supposed to represent the earth.The peanuts symbolized that men came from the land, and that when they die, they return to the earth. Peanuts were used because they were an important food crop for the Moche. The necklaces had ten kernels on the right side made of gold, signifying masculinity and the sun god, and ten kernels on the left side made of silver, to represent femininity and the moon god.
Buried with the Lord of Sipán were six other people: three young women (possibly wives or concubines who had apparently died some time earlier), two males (probably warriors), and a child of about nine or ten years. The remains of a third male (possibly also a warrior) was found on the roof of the burial chamber sitting in a niche overlooking the chamber. There was also a dog which was probably the Lord of Sipan’s favorite pet. The warriors who were buried with the Lord of Sipán had amputated feet, as if to prevent them from leaving the grave. The women were dressed in ceremonial clothes. In addition to the people, archeologists found in the grave a total of 451 ceremonial items and offerings (burial goods), and the remains of several animals, including a dog and two llamas.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, which is close to Lambayeque exposes most of the discoveries found at Huaca Rajada. The museum opened in 2002, Walter Alva who founded and supported the construction of the museum, is the director of the museum. In 2009 a smaller museum was opened in Huaca Rajada.
]]>The complex is formed by two pyramids, the Cao Viejo and Huaca Cortada,and also the closeby Moche pyramid El Paredón and another a pre-ceramic site, which is over 5000 years old. This shows a continuous human presence since the times of early civilisation.
In the huge pyramid of Cao Viejo, you see a similar design the the Huaca de la Luna in the Moche home valley. A very similar temple, plaza and ramp design. One of the most important discoveries, which was done at el brujo was the Lady of Cao.
The Lady of Cao was discovered in 2006 by a team of Peruvian archaeologists led by Regulo Franco Jordan of the National Cultural Institute of Peru with the financial cooperation of the Augusto N. Wiese Foundation. The mummy, which was heavily tattooed and wrapped in 26 layers of cloth, was found with a number of ceremonial items, including weapons and jewelry. Also found were the remains of a second young woman, possibly a human sacrifice. A modern autopsy indicated that the Lady of Cao was in her mid twenties when she died and may have of died of complications due to pregnancy or childbirth. The estimated date of death for the Lady of Cao is about 450 CE.
The richness of the burial site, as well as the presence of weapons, suggest that the woman might have been a high ranking priestess or even a Moche ruler, possibly governing what is now known as the Chicama District region of northern Peru.This is a very important finding in the history, since it was always believed that only men held high rank in the Moche culture. The discovery of the Lady of Cao burial counts with the the discovery of the Lord of Sipan to the most important archaelogical discoveries in the Moche culture.
On 3 July 2017, culture officials and archaeologists unveiled a replica of her face. According to Peru’s Ministry of Culture, the replica was made using 3D imaging technology and forensics archaeology based on her skull structure and ethnographic research which took 10 months to create.
]]>This feast is celebrated between February and March, for almost a month people live a colorful environment surrounded by dances, talc, serpentines and especially much water.
In the central day, the main celebration takes place in the Plaza de Armas of the city of Cusco, where various public and private institutions come to dance, with the rhythm of dances such as the Cusco carnival, gang and others surrounded by local people, as well as visitors enjoy this festivity.
Well we can not leave aside the gastronomy, on this date the dish that reigns at the tables is the exquisite boiled or Puchero made from meat of lamb, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, peaches, moraya, rice, corn and leaf cabbage; also the delicious mashed of beans accompanied by zetas (a typical fungus of the serranía of our Peru) is elaborated. But all this would not be perfect if it is not accompanied with the delicious frutillada, drink elaborates with chicha de jora, strawberry and cinnamon.
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