A tailor made journey to the Andes awaits you
by Simon
While in the Cusco region, I took the opportunity to realise the Lodge-to-Lodge Salkantay trek, a fantastic 6 day trek to Machu Picchu that sees partakers staying each night at sumptuous luxury lodges in between walking along a stunning route that passes beneath the snow covered peak of Salkantay amongst other marvels. You can find out more here.
Question:
What shapes and animals did the Incas depict in the Milky Way?
Answer:
The Incas depicted a shepherd, a fox, a partridge, a toad, a serpent and a llama with a baby llama amongst other shapes in the Milky Way, which they referred to as “Mayu” (or “river”). Rather than seeing these shapes as being outlined by stars as is a well-known practice with constellations in Western astronomy, these figures were seen in the dark shaded parts of the Milky Way. Stars were still important, too. For example they denoted the two eyes of the Llama and the fox.
by Simon
Question:
Which festival is held annually on the north face of Apu Ausangate?
Answer:
The festival held annually on the north face of Ausangate, on the Sinakara glacial mountain, is Qoyllur Rit’i. This is a world-renowned pilgrimage that involves a rigorous trek and 2 or 3 nights camping at high altitudes, with a high point of around 4,700 metres, although some dedicated revellers will climb right up next to the glacier at 5000 metres.
By Simon
Question:
Why do local people in the Cusco region refer to Mount Salkantay as “Apu Salkantay”?
Answer:
Many locals of the Cusco region refer to Salkantay as “Apu Salkantay” as this is a term of reverence and worship. “Apu” literally means “Spirit of the mountain” or “mountain god”.
by Simon
One of the most important aspects of Aracari’s mission is that we give back to the communities that we visit, and that we make sure that any of our guests who want to donate arrive in the places that need them most. This was the purpose of my visit to the small school of the Huama community in the hills above the Sacred Valley yesterday.
Almost two weeks since our Trip of the Century drew to a close and we have received some of the most wonderful guest comments that we have had in all of our 15 years of operation. Those who travelled with us have left us with glowing reports and we are all very pleased about this.
