Peru was one of the major centers of culture and civilization in ancient times and had achieved a great deal in areas such as agriculture, irrigation, pottery, art,religion, building construction, traditional medicine, astronomy, urban design, roads and civil engineering, government administration, and communication/recording using the Quipu system. It is very interesting to see the amazing sights of the country and to learn about its long and deep history.
There are very good photo opportunities in Peru and it has been very difficult to cut down the selection of the photos take by about 90%. The photo deck is laid out as follows:
1. Dawn photos
2. Pre-Inca cultures...(ranging from 1500 BC to 1200 AD)
3. Inca sites starting with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley 1200 - 1500 AD
4. Colonial times and urban society...1532-1820 AD
5. Daily life of the people and markets
6. Landscapes
7. Agriculture and field work
8. Nature and wildlife
9. Views of lakes and mountains
10. Evening photos
Peru
Our trip included Lima, Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Cuzco, Machu Picchu,Puno, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Arequipa along with other smaller pueblos en route.
Lake Titicaca
Dawn colors photo taken from our hotel at around 5:30 a.m.
Lake Titicaca
Sunrise over the lake. The thin clear air makes the sun very bright and the coloration more vivid than we have seen anywhere else in the world.
Puno
Sunrise reflections in Lake Titicaca
Puno
Rising sun reflected from the windows of the town across the bay from our hotel.
Nazca
This is part of the Atacama desert which is one of the driest in the world with virtually no rain. In this section the focus will be on the Pre-Inca cultures that we learned about starting with the Nazca 100-800 AD.
Nazca
The culture is famous for very large images which can only be appreciated from the air. The hummingbird is one of the clearest images. The Nazca Lines have dozens of figures sketched into the landscape along with some geometric drawings that remain puzzling in their meaning.
Nazca
The astronaut which is about 100 feet high appears to be leaning on the side of a mountain. These enormous drawings remain a mystery but are believed to be related to their religious customs.
Nazca
Ancient mummy with natural hair. The bodies are placed in a fetal position and wrapped in 12 layers of textiles. In the area there are examples of textiles that are over 2,000 years old. These mummies are sitting down in "rooms" which include some products necessary to their afterlife. Some of the rooms included a baby mummy as well as a pet dog mummy both of which are wrapped in textiles in the same manner as the adults.
Paracas
El Candalbro geoglyph on the way to the islands. It is not clear when this image was created but it is most like several thousand years ago. Some believe that it is an image of a cactus which was like lifeblood to them for all its practical uses.
Silustani,
These tombs are pre-inca and were an influnce on the inca stone work. The towers are called Cullpas and built by the Colla/Aymara people who were conquered by the Inca. Grave robbers did extensive damage so these Cullpas have been restored.
Silustani
The tomb with a lizard and our friend Juan. The tombs would have contained many bodies from a single family.
Sacred Valley
The pre-Inca salt evaporation ponds at Maras which are still in use today. This site is a UNESCO site of fascinating beauty and economic value.
Maras
The salt pans are fed from a mountain spring which has a very high salt content in the water. Although the site is owned by the government the local people are given plots to 'farm' and maintain. If they are not maintained properly the ponds are redistributed so that a more dedicated producer will earn their salt!
Maras
Compacted clay holds the water which evaporates leaving the salt. This man was compacting his plot with this large brick which he slapped repeatedly creating a mesmerizing work rhythm.
Maras
Over time layers of salt build up with the top having the best quality. This elderly woman was compacting her plot using a hand made tool that she tamped down (saving her back, no doubt!)
Cuzco
Inca Pachacutec who ruled from c1438-1471. He was the greatest Inca ruler and expanded the empire to its maximum size. This statue is in the central plaza of Cuzco.
Machu Picchu Pueblo (Agua Calientes)
The village is at 6,500 feet with dense cloud forest and very steep mountains. This view of the valley was from the front of our hotel. It is so beautifully situated that the landscape alone could explain the attraction of this site. But the splendor is only really appreciated once you make the climb up to see its magnificently designed sacred city on the hill.
Machu Picchu
Our first view from a terrace opposite the main site. Note the very steep mountain sides and the Urubamba river which runs on three sides. From the top of the peak to the river is a drop of about 2,000 feet. Due to it being in the cloud forest it was overgrown and as a result the site was never found by the Spanish so it is remarkably well preserved. Of course what you see today has been restored. We understand that the walls were covered in gold and given the intensity of the sun it would have awed even the most jaded of men.
Wayna Picchu
The peak is at 8,860 feet and contains both temples and terraces at the top.
Machu Picchu
The principle temple and main plaza are in the center, the main quarry is on the right and the residential areas are at the back. The stone is white granite and all of the carving was done with stone tools. That it was carved out of the mountain as well as them building up the land for the agricultural terraces is an engineering feat that defies repeating even with our modern tools.
Machu Picchu
Temple of three windows carved from white granite rocks. This building convinced Hiram Bingham of the importance of the site.
Machu Picchu
Principal Temple interior. Note the size of the stone blocks at the base of wall. This wall was shown in the 1912 report by Hiram Bingham in a special issue of National Geographic.
Machu Picchu
Temple of three windows with a very large stone block in front which shows not only the size of these carved stones but also some of the destruction that has occurred over the years.
Machu Picchu
Temple of the Sun. This was an astronomical observatory and the rays of the sun align with the window in the top middle on June 21st, the winter solstice. Note how this temple is built around part of the mountain in situ.
Machu Picchu
Very fine stone work with sloping niches. The sloping sides of niches and windows and other structural techniques made the buildings earthquake proof. The finest carving was for the main temples.
Machu Picchu
Intihuantana-The Hitching Post of the Sun. This is at the very center of the site and aligned with the surrounding mountain peaks. During Colonial times many carvings such as this were destroyed so this is a rare example. This "Hitching Post" was, in fact, a precise astronomical clock and calendar which regulated planting, harvesting, ceremonies, etc.
Machu Picchu
Terraces for growing crops and buildings for storage. The Inca kept significant amount of food stores so that they were ready for crop failures in times of drought or other adversities.
Machu Picchu
The site is very steep as indicated by the stairway on the left.
Machu Picchu
Residential buildings showing the very steep drop into the valley. Also rocks on the mountain top are incorporated into the design.
Pisac
The modern town with its plaza, church and markets. Inca terraces are visible on the mountain sides. We had a very good lunch at a restaurant overlooking the plaza.
Inca Pisac
The Inca town on the top of the mountain perfectly aligned terraces for crops. Good topsoil was carried up to fill the terraces which enabled crops to be produced at an altitude of 11,000 feet.
Ollantaytambo
A great Inca fortress which was founded by Inca Pachacuti in the 15th century. It was the site of a battle between Manco Inca and the Spanish in 1536 that the Inca won. However Manco Inca withdrew the following year and in 1540 the fortress and town were given to Hernando Pizarro.
Ollantaytambo
The Inca walls incorporate the mountain rocks so that the building is able to withstand earthquakes.
Ollantaytambo
Detail of stone work. The stone knobs are likely to be a type of sundial to which they strung ropes to help delineate time.
Ollantaytambo
Buildings for crop storage on the mountain opposite the fortress. The Inca had extensive storage systems built at high altitudes due to the variation in food production from year to year. One of the amazing facts of this high storage is that is was precisely situated to take advantage of the winds to keep the produce dry and cool.
Moray
These terraces are considered to be a type of agricultural research station. The Inca adapted crops to grow from sea level to 4,000 meters. Many crops such as potato, tomato, quinoa, peppers, cotton, cacao, corn/maize and lima beans were domesticated in Peru or extensively adapted for the large number of micro-climates. The temperatures ranged from bottom to the top by approximately 3 to 5 degrees C per terrace and the overall temperature range was 15 degrees C! (about 60 degrees F) Each terrace had its own mix of soil in order to grow the appropriate crop for a specified temperature and soil content.
Chinchero
Detail of Inca walls which appears to display a chalice design. Not surprisingly a Colonial Church was built on top of these walls. The site was developed by Inca Tupac Yupanqui as a country resort and still has several impressive walls and terraces. There are great views of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding mountains. The town is at 3,762 meters.
Cuzco
Founded as the capital of the Inca Empire. It was conquered by the Spanish in 1532. Each Sunday there is a formal raising of the national flag and a big parade in Plaza de Armas which is the main square. The plaza contains the Cathedral on the left side and the Jesuit church in the center. The statue of Inca Pachacuti is in the center of the plaza. The city is at 11,200 feet and has population of about 500,000.
Cuzco
The chapel of Convent Saint Dominic which was built on the site of the Inca Temple of the Sun. The very fine stonework is still seen in the foundations of the church. The Temple was studded with gold plates to reflect the sun.
Cuzco
Inca walls with some of the finest stonework to be seen. This was the wall of an Inca convent know as the House of the Virgins of the Sun. There are identical walls on both sides of the street we walked through to get to the main square.
Arequipa
The city was founded by the Spanish is 1540 as a new city. The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is a convent founded in 1580 and has an impressive church. The convent was structured with each nun living in her own home which was fully staffed. So it was like a mini-town within the city. It is still beautiful today and one can only imagine how lovely life was during its original use.
Lari, Colca Valley
Highly decorated catholic church in the town of Lari.
Lari, Colca Valley
Baptismal font in the church showing a Moorish influence.
Lari, Colca Valley
Votive statues that are used for processions. The Christ figure is carried on Good Friday. The images of Our Lady are normally in the shape of a triangle which can be understood as a mountain. In Pre-Colonial times the local people venerated the mountains so in a sense the tradition continues.
Lari, Colca Valley
The statue has the traditional dress of the Colca Valley. The ladies still dress in this manner today.
Lari, Colca Valley
Saint Isidro is the patron saint of farmers. Men only dress in the traditional manner on special occasions. Many of the homes have the statues of the two bulls which can be seen here seated on their roof tops as a sign of good fortune.
Colca Valley
Early morning procession that displays a mix of Inca and Christian traditions.
Arequipa
Many processions like this are held for several days in June leading up to the celebration of the winter solstice. The statue of the patron saint is carried from the local church to the Cathedral. The ladies in front are most likely the sponsors of the procession which can be a significant expense.
Yanque, Colca Valley
A fireworks celebration in the village near our hotel. This celebration went on for several days with lots of fireworks (some of which almost blew up our car as we entered the square unexpectedly just before they set off a major fireworks display!)
Yanque, Colca Valley
Young dancers in traditional dress for the celebration. At 7:00 am it was still quite cold as indicated by the lady wrapped in the blanket.
Yanque, Colca Valley
A farmer carries feed for his animals in the main plaza.
Yanque, Colca Valley
Young dancers in traditional dress for the celebration.
Cuzco
Preparing for the raising of the national and city flags. This ceremony is held every Sunday morning not only in Cusco but throughout Peru.
Cuzco
Reviewing stand for the flag raising with the main political, military and religions authorities. The mayor is wearing the traditional dress.
Cuzco
The Inca or Emperor still leads the parade!
Cuzco
A lady in traditional dress selling Chi-cha which is a beer made from corn.
Cuzco
Young dancer.
Cuzco
A small boy in traditional dress for the parade.
Cuzco
Young girl with a very colorful modern costume watching the parade.
Cuzco
Note the hat which denotes status and the braided hair. White hats and brown hats connote specific social levels which we don't quite understand but is well understood by the wearers!
Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
This house was used for a major party which seems to be a major social event. Lots of arrows and signs provided directions to the party. The signs and lettering are made with chalk and wash off in the rainy season. As we walked through the pueblo we continued to see directions written in this way.
Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Street scene. The bundles are gladioli flowers going to market.
Alto Plano
Market lady.
Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
Man in traditional dress working on his knitting which is a task for the men of the island.
Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
Note that this man in traditional dress is wearing one of his knitted caps underneath his sun hat! Clearly he finds it a bit chilly as he is working on his knitting even though he is sitting in full sun against the warm stone wall of the building.
Lari, Colca Valley
The lady who is in charge of the church. Note the keys in her left hand.
Uros Island, Lake Titicaca
The young couple who hosted us and made some textiles that we purchased.
Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
The couple who hosted us for lunch. The man is an important community leader which is signified by the black hat that he wears. Note that he, too, is knitting and we were told that he prepared our lunch... (but I saw the lady inside working too so I am not sure who does what in the kitchen.)
Alto Plano
A friendly local waving to our train as we traveled from Cusco for our enjoyable 10 hour journey up to Puno on PeruRail.
Colca Valley
A market lady waiting for transportation.
Alto Plano
A young mother going to do her shopping with her baby. Note the dress and hat are different from some of the more formal dresses we saw.
Chinchero, Sacred Valley
A lady in local dress with her baby. Again, her hat is an important part of her outfit.
Colca Valley
Market lady with a beautifully decorated white hat that seemed to be more common among a certain group in the Colca Valley area.
Colca Valley
These ladies were harvesting quinoa by hand with the sickles which are resting on their shoulders. They are taking a break to load up on coca leaves.
Cuzco
A happy vegetable seller in the main market. The amount and variety and quality of the produce was excellent throughout the large market.
Cuzco
Purple corn which is used for drinks, a great dessert and as a vegetable.
Cuzco
Corn with very large kernels that is a great snack as well as nice in cooked meals. We had some popped, some as cracked corn and some in a cooked meal in which it is soft. It is known as Cuzco Corn.
Cuzco
The guinea pig was domesticated in Peru and is a popular food. It is deep fat fried whole! Some people keep them as pets around the house and then eat them when the size/time is right. We tasted it for a meal but don't think we'll rush out and invest in guinea pigs any time soon!
Cuzco
The lunch crowd in the market. The variety and standard of food in Peru is excellent.
Cuzco
The white hat and brown hat couple waiting for a bus.
Yanque, Colca Valley
Ladies enjoying the early morning sun and a chat.
Alto Plano
A school girl in her uniform and a traditional lady at the railroad crossing. The train track goes down middle of the main street of the towns.
Alto Plano
Village scene and local store.
Lima
A traditional bar in the center of Lima which is said to be one of the oldest and most classical of bar/restaurants in town and serves excellent food.
Lima
People in the public square watching a soccer game between Peru and Brazil which Peru lost in the end.
Colca Valley
Two local art students painting the landscape. This will introduce a section on the landscapes of Peru.
Colca Valley
There is still extensive use of terraces as in Inca times. Functional beauty!
Cuzco
Farming at the higher elevation near Cuzco.
Cuzco
Higher elevation farming. Note the very large power lines which are a common sight throughout these areas.
Cuzco
Autumn colors.
Alto Plano
Crops are grown up to about 4,000 meters.
Alto Plano
Autumn colors and stacks of grain.
Alto Plano
Typical village with mostly iron roofs rather than tile as at lower elevations.
Alto Plano
Crops ready to harvest.
Alto Plano
Vast spaces and high mountains. The soft sweeping slopes are a marked contrast to the mountains near Machu Picchu.
Alto Plano
High altitude lake with reflections.
Sacred Valley
Snow mountain with twin peaks.
Colca Valley
The town of Tapay which is typical of the towns along the valley.
Alto Plano
Small town with a large church in the distance beyond the fields.
Alto Plano
Highest elevation point on the Cuzco to Puno railway. Altitude 4,319 meters.
Sacred Valley
The Urubamba river and the very lush valley which has been a main farming area for many centuries.
Colca valley
Rural scene with oxen working in the fields.
Ears of corn
Corn or maize is a major crop and it has been adapted to grow at high altitude. There are many varieties and colors. This section will focus on the traditional farming activities around the country.
Colca Valley
A lady removing the husk from the ear of corn by hand. This is traditional corn husking as used to be done in Nebraska.
Cuzco
Harvesting a root crop that is most likely potatoes.
Alto Plano
Using horses to do the thrashing of the grain.
Colca Valley
Thrashing quinoa by hand with the help of a small boy.
Alto Plano
Rural scene with a lady and her burden.
Alto Plano
People at work in the vast landscape.
Cuzco area
Colorful lady.
Alto Plano
Lady cooking on an outside stove.
Alto Plano
Three men telling stories while the sheep mind themselves.
Cuzco
Old man enjoying the afternoon sun.
Uros Island, Lake Titicaca
Ladies and one man waiting to greet the tourists to the floating island.
Puno, Lake Titicaca
Harvesting reeds that are used to make the islands, homes and boats. The white building on the left is our very comfortable hotel.
Puno, Lake Titicaca
Floating islands with a reed boat.
Sacred Valley
Llama with long neck, long face and long legs. The llama is a member of the camel family and was domesticated by the ancient Peruvians.
Alto Plano
A lady with her sheep.
Colca Valley
Moving the sheep to pasture. Note the man is chewing coca leaves and of course in riding the donkey while the lady walks.
High Andes near Arequipa
A herd of alpaca at over 4,500 meters on the road to Arequipa.
Silustani, near Puno
A mixed herd of alpaca and sheep near the historic site. Note the reed boat in the lake.
Colca Valley
Rock formation in the form of the head of a puma. This will introduce a section on nature and wildlife.
Colca Valley
Four of the highly endangered Andean Condors. The population of condors in the valley is estimated to be only about 60 birds.
Colca Valley
The fully grown condor has a 10 foot wingspan and can weight over 30 lbs.
Colca Valley
This is a rare sight since one normally sees these birds as a black dot in the far distance.
Colca Valley
The condor has a clear white ring on the neck and dark red head.
Alto Plano
Flamingos in a high altitude lake where they spend much of the year. During part of the year they migrate to the coast. The colors of red and white are the source of the colors for the flag of Peru.
Alto Plano
Flamingos display striking colors when flying.
Sacred Valley
The incredible colors of the Macaw which is a native of the Amazon region.
Paracas
An egret in the evening light. Note the yellow feet.
Ballestas Islands
Off shore islands with many sea birds similar to the Galapagos. The blue footed booby is common and we also viewed a small population of Humboldt penguins.
Ballestas Islands
Group of pelicans and lots of guano which has been harvested for centuries on the islands.
High Andes
Viscacha or Andean rabbit which has a long furry tail. It is in fact a rodent and part of the Chinchilla family. However it looks like a rabbit and is quick to hide from predators as well as photographers!
High Andes
Vicuna that live in the wild at altitudes of 4,000 meters and higher. It is amazing that they can thrive in such a harsh environment.
High Andes
Male vicuna keeping close guard. The fiber collected from the wild vicuna is used for very expensive textiles and sweaters.
Lake Titicaca
Fishing at sunrise.
Lake Umayo at Silustani
A fisherman and his lady coming to shore after a morning's work.
Lake Titicaca
View of the mountains in Bolivia. This is from the rather rustic patio where we had a delicious fish lunch.
Lake at Silustani
View of the mountains and lake from Taquile Island. The lake is normally considered to be a gray color but it was very blue when we were there.
Ubinas Volcano, near Arequipa
View of the most active volcano in the area. Our driver said he had felt tremors one day and we wondered if an eruption was imminent.
Arequipa
View of the volcanic mountains that overlook the city.
Colca Valley
Frozen waterfalls at a high elevation which were dotting the road from Colca Canyon down to Arequipa.
Colca Valley
Frozen waterfall on the road to the valley.
Colca Valley
Pampas grass in the afternoon sun.
Colca Valley
Amazing wild flowers survive the altitude, the cold and the heat as well as the low humidity of the high desert around Colca Canyon.
Colca Valley
Cactus in flower.
Paracas
The sun setting on the Pacific ocean at our hotel which was a relaxing and luxurious oasis for us.
Sacred Valley
Striking clouds after sunset.
Colca Valley
Colca river in gold after sunset.
Arequipa
The Cathedral with the Alpen glow after sunset.
Colca Valley
Alpen glow
Puno, Lake Titicaca
Night reflections of the city seen from our hotel.
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