Thanks to the effective international communication strategy of PROMPERÚ, important French media outlets, such as Le Figaro and Routard.com, have highlighted the recent reopening of the Kuélap fortress. This majestic site, belonging to the ancient Chachapoyas culture and located in the Amazonas region, is now accessible again for both national and international tourists.

Until December 31, 2023, the entrance to Kuélap will be free of charge. This is an excellent opportunity to rediscover this architectural gem that has stood the test of time and that now, more than ever, deserves to be explored.

“The media focus in France is just the beginning. We want the world to know and visit Kuélap, one of the many wonders that Peru has to offer,” stated Angélica Matsuda, Executive President of PROMPERÚ.

The reopening of Kuélap not only boosts tourism in the Amazonas region but also contributes to the local and national economy, in line with PROMPERÚ’s sustainability and development goals.

Links to highlighted articles:

Le Figaro: Read article
Routard.com: Read article
#VisitPeru #Perú #Peru #TourismHelps

The BAP Unión ship arrives in Japan with Casa Perú on board, an initiative by PROMPERÚ to strengthen commercial and tourism ties between both countries. During its stay at the port of Tokyo, from August 29 to September 3, Japanese visitors have had the opportunity to experience Peru’s cultural, gastronomic, and natural wealth.

The initiative included seminars for businesspeople and presentations for the Japanese media. The spotlight was on Peru’s export offerings, which reached USD 352 million in 2022, an increase of 23.9% compared to the previous year.

“Casa Perú allows us to showcase the diversity and richness of our country, not just as a tourist destination but also as a strategic commercial partner,” says the representative of PROMPERÚ in Tokyo.

With activities like these, PROMPERÚ aims to accelerate the recovery of the tourism and export sectors in the post-pandemic context, optimizing relations with key markets like Japan.

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Hundreds of international tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy the tourist attractions of Paracas, Pisco, and Ica. Upon arrival, they were greeted by local authorities with a performance that highlighted the region’s rich culture and traditional dances.

Freddy Pareja, the environmental and social manager of the Port of Paracas, stated: “We are filled with joy to start the cruise season 2023-2024 with this warm welcome to the Coral Princess. The happiness of the tourists is evident, and we are confident they will receive the warmest reception from restaurants, artisans, and tourism operators in the region.”

According to Portal Portuario, the vessel is on a 108-day itinerary that began in Auckland, New Zealand, and is expected to conclude on September 16, 2023.

This event signifies a significant boost for local tourism and the economy, making Paracas a key destination for those looking to enjoy a vacation in Peru.

La propuesta, ubicada en la calle San Martín y a seis cuadras de Larcomar, tiene como protagonista a nuestra gastronomía, considerada una de las mejores del mundo. Por ello, guiará a sus visitantes por cuatro estaciones, donde incluso aprenderán a cocinar y podrán degustar algunos platillos típicos.

Así, en la primera de ellas, ‘Dark Ride’, conducirá a los participantes hacia un recorrido virtual lleno de efectos especiales, donde conocerán la historia de la cocina peruana, sus influencias y cómo ha llegado a posicionarse en el mundo. Posteriormente, la estación ‘Pisco Experience’ los situará en un bar temático de los años 20 donde, a ritmo de cajón peruano, un barman dictará una clase maestra sobre el pisco que luego pasarán a preparar y degustar.

Luego, ‘Cooking Experience’ recibirá a los visitantes con una clase participativa, donde aprenderán las recetas de platos como el cebiche o la causa limeña. Finalmente, en la zona ‘The Taste of Peru’, que consiste en una recreación del mercado peruano, los participantes degustarán de la comida peruana mientras presencian un show artístico a cargo de los cocineros.

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It is Peru’s second most important city ,after Lima and the second most popular among tourists, after Cuzco.

El Misti volcano, Arequipa

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.

Creole Music has suffered from influences of the international music. Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Salsa, Rock, Pop, Cumbia, and Chicha have all weakened the Creole of Peru, but at the same time it’s still very much alive. For a taste of Peruvian Creole music, interested parties should head down to the III Encuentro de Centros Musicales (3rd Meeting of Musical Centres), where a number of musicians will demonstrate their skills in the Creole musical tradition. The event begins at 7.00pm and it’s free for anyone to attend.

An interesting fact is that, of course, October 31 is also Halloween. Nowadays those two fiestas co-exist in Peru and both are celebrated together. One of the most popular Halloween costumes is seen in Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas: the festive costume of the Negroide, the Afro-Peruvian celebrated in Creole Music.

On the 31st of October in many cafes, bars and restaurants all over Peru you will only hear Musica Criolla. Orquests of creole music, with their guitars and the wooden box drums called the (creole) “cajon”, work extra hours on this day. The most well-known representatives of the Peruvian creole music are Bartola, Eva Ayllon and Chabuca Granda.

Apart from in bars and restaurants you will hear Creole Music on TV and radio stations all day long. Creole Music is very important in the life of Peruvians. It stands for tradition, nostalgia and love. It is the music of their parents and grandparents. In many institutions, such as schools and companies special activities will take place during this day. Children dress up like the Afro-Peruvians of the coast. They are the symbols of the coastal creole style that has become typical for Peru.

Here is a beautiful example of Creole songs:

Number 7 in the streets of Cusco

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.

Seven Streets in Cusco with names beginning with 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:

Seven Masks

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.

Seven Windows

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.

Seven Cuartones

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.

Seven little devils

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.

Seven Little Angels

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.

Seven Snakes

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.

Seven Borreguitos

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!