Dr John Hemming is an explorer and writer who ran the Royal Geographical Society for 21 years. In addition to Peru, his passion is Amazonian indigenous peoples. His latest book about them is Die If You Must. Brazilian Indians in the Twentieth Century. Here he shares thoughts and top tips for visiting Cusco with Aracari. Dr. Hemming's Insider Insight: Tips for Visiting Cusco Why Cusco? I first saw Cusco in 1960 and fell hopelessly for this strange city. I have twice lived there for a while, and go back whenever I possibly can. Cusco never forgets that it was the capital of the mighty Inca empire. This means a lot to me, as I have written a history of the Conquest of the Incas and another book on their greatest artistic achievement - architecture. What do you miss most when you are away from Cusco? The altitude and the dignity. Cuzco is at 3310 metres (almost 11,000 feet), and I am addicted to the thrill of stepping out of a plane into that cool, thin climate and deep blue sky. I marvel at the way Cuzqueños keep their calm despite living in one of the world’s great tourist destinations. Everyone is unhurried at that altitude, and the townspeople are always friendly but dignified, as befits the heirs of the Incas. (The altitude should not be a problem, provided that you go easy on both food and drink for two or three days after arrival.) What’s the first thing you do when you return? I walk, slowly of course, around beloved streets. The ancient heart of Cusco is quite small, and there is Inca masonry everywhere. Every ruler built a palace of ashlars cut with dazzling virtuosity and you keep bumping into fragments of their walls. But look at the base of every
Dr John Hemming is an explorer and writer who ran the Royal Geographical Society for 21 years. In addition to Peru, his passion is Amazonian indigenous peoples. His latest book about them is Die If You Must. Brazilian Indians in the Twentieth Century. Here he shares thoughts and top tips for…
If you are seeking the perfect secluded break, you could do no better than to follow the route of famous pirates of old to the spectacular Pearl Islands, today an easy 90km reach from Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. Nestled within 14,400 acres of virgin rainforest on the second largest island of San Jose, the Hacienda del Mar, a small, luxury eco-resort is the only hotel on the island. For us, the organic home-grown cuisine and the 12 comfortable cabanas made from the finest Panamanian ‘caña blanca' and pinewood, each with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, are reason enough to travel here. But for nature lovers and amateur fishermen this place is paradise. Wildlife is abundant in this remote location, and you can expect to see wild pigs, deer, iguanas, agoutis and parrots among the 100 species of birds recorded on San Jose. While these are considered some of the best deep sea fishing grounds in the world, as 16 black marlin world records testify. With your own golf buggy, you can explore the island stopping at some of the 57 coral white, ebony black and gold beaches and coves found along the irregular coast, or you can simply relax by the pool enjoying the peace and tranquillity. Just a short flight from Panama City, this as J Morris from Boston says is “Truly a hidden gem. It was just so peaceful and serene.” More on Hacienda del Mar
If you are seeking the perfect secluded break, you could do no better than to follow the route of famous pirates of old to the spectacular Pearl Islands, today an easy 90km reach from Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. Nestled within 14,400 acres of virgin rainforest on the…
This month we are celebrating! The restoration of Casa Prado, a dilapidated 17th Century house of major historic, architectural and artistic importance in the centre of Lima, has been given a significant boost by being named, as part of the Lima entry, as one of the top 100 endangered sites 2008 by the World Monuments Fund, more commonly known as the “World Monuments Watch”. Casa Prado Lima The nomination of Casa Prado has been a labour of love for my associates and I for the past two years. The attraction was immediate – Casa Prado has such an incredibly unique history and architecture that it desperately needs to be saved. Built in 1690 using a fascinating amalgamation of European design, indigenous styles and materials, Casa Prado was the main residence of one of the most influential family dynasties in Peruvian history for over two hundred years, and only ceased being a private residence one year ago. The Prado family spawned two Presidents of Peru, each of whom served two terms – Mariano Ignacio Prado (1865-1868 and 1876-1879), and Manuel Prado Ugarteche (1939-1945 and 1956-1962). The family was also renowned for military bravery and heroism in the 19 th Century, with two national heroes proclaimed during this time. Originally built with adobe (mud brick), the house became a showcase of secular Peruvian architecture as it was enriched over the centuries. Today, it boasts many original fittings, furnishings and artwork including leather, paper and fabric wall-coverings, silver and crystal chandeliers and original Spanish and Peruvian wall and floor tiles. The riches extend beyond the structure and furnishings as the house is host to an incredible Collection of decorative art pieces and furniture from many different periods and styles. This Collection also contains over 100 paintings principally from the Vice-royal and Republican times.
This month we are celebrating! The restoration of Casa Prado, a dilapidated 17th Century house of major historic, architectural and artistic importance in the centre of Lima, has been given a significant boost by being named, as part of the Lima entry, as one of the top 100 endangered sites…
The Great Wall, the Colosseum and Machu Picchu are among the leading contenders to be among the new Seven Wonders of the World as a massive poll enters final month. Also in the top 10 are Greece’s Acropolis, Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island, Brazil’s Statue of Christ Redeemer, the Taj Mahal and Jordan’s Petra, organizers said. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structures from the original seven wonders of the ancient world, are assured of keeping their status in addition to the new seven after indignant. Egyptian officials said it was a disgrace they had to compete for a spot. The winners will be announced on July 7 in Lisbon, Portugal. Latin Americans and Asians have been the most enthusiastic voters so far in the final round of 20 candidates, but people from every country in the world have voted by Internet or phone. “It’s the first ever global vote” said Tia B. Viering, spokeswoman for the “New 7 Wonders of the World” campaign. The organizers are hoping for a final surge of voting from the United States and Europe to make the selection truly global. "At the moment, most of the voting I coming from Latin America and Asia," Viering said. Organizers are confident the campaign will draw more attention in the U.S. and Europe in the final phase. "Excitement is starting to pick up in the United States" because the campaign is getting much attention worldwide and Americans are starting to realize how positive it is, she said. Rome’s Colosseum, China’s Great Wall, Peru’s Machu Picchu, India’s Taj Mahal and Jordan’s Petra have been among the leaders since January, while the Acropolis and the Statue of Christ Redeemer made their way up from the middle of the field to the top level,
The Great Wall, the Colosseum and Machu Picchu are among the leading contenders to be among the new Seven Wonders of the World as a massive poll enters final month. Also in the top 10 are Greece’s Acropolis, Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island, Brazil’s Statue of…
Choquequirao is a rarely-visited Incan site, accessible only on foot some 3,085m up in the Salkantay Mountain Range. A 'lost city of the Incas' and 'sister' city to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao was ignored completely by the chroniclers of the age, because - as independent archaeologist Gary Ziegler said to the New York Times earlier this year- "the Spanish never found it." Trekking to Choquequirao At Aracari we offer a five day trek through the Choquequirao area. This is a tough trek hiking down into the canyon of the Apurimac river and up again. Here you reach the Inca ruins of Choquequirao, as extensive as Machu Picchu, but one that only recently has become known. It is a tough, off the beaten path destination. An average of 6 hours trek per day with one day rest to visit the site. See the trek itinerary. ABOUT CHOQUEQUIRAO Meaning ¨Cradle of Gold¨ in Quechua, Choquequirao is believed to be where the last Inca rulers fled following the loss of the city of Cusco to the Spanish during the conquest. Read more about the history and discovery of Choquequirao. The ruins were first visited and described to the western world by a French explorer during the 18th century. Hiram Bingham also visited the site in 1910, prior to his rediscovery of Machu Picchu in 1911. Read more about Peru Luxury trekking options with Aracari.
Choquequirao is a rarely-visited Incan site, accessible only on foot some 3,085m up in the Salkantay Mountain Range. A ‘lost city of the Incas’ and ‘sister’ city to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao was ignored completely by the chroniclers of the age, because – as independent archaeologist Gary Ziegler said to the New York…
Located on a mountain spur, overlooking the Apurimac river on south and the vertical slopes of the Vilcabamba range to the north and east, Inca Choquequirao (3000m) is an awesome site. A private trek to Choquequirao is a unique way to get away from the tourists crowds on a tailormade trip Peru. Trek to Choquequirao: Lost City of the Incas It was considered for a century and a half to be "the Lost city of the Incas" a term applied now to Machu Picchu. In fact the likenesses to Machu Picchu are many: much like Machu Picchu it is located on a mountain outcrop overlooking a raging river, Machu Picchu the Urubamba, and Choquequirao the Apurimac. Machu Picchu was probably a sacred place or estate of Inca Pachacutec, and Choquequirao was certainly a place of worship….and each of them are located at opposite sides of Nevado Salcantay (6264m) one of the holiest mountains in the region. Choquequirao is one of the top peru treks in the country for adventurous travellers and an spectacular alternative well worth considering if you're not doing the inca trail trek. Peru Luxury Trekking: Trek to Choquequirao: 5D/4N Choquequirao is much more than an archaeological complex. Its setting is extraordinary: within the space of just a few kilometers, the area is home to such varying ecosystems as glaciers at over 6000m, down to steamy tropical valleys at just 1800m. The ruins are rarely visited but it is possible to reach the site with a rigorous five day, four night trek to Choquequirao with Aracari travel. See the full day-by-day itinerary for the Choquequirao trek History and discovery of Choquequirao Choquequirao is located 40 kms south west of Machu Picchu as the condor flies: but the mighty peaks of Soray (5428m), Salcantay (6264m) and Yanama (5347m) lie between the
Located on a mountain spur, overlooking the Apurimac river on south and the vertical slopes of the Vilcabamba range to the north and east, Inca Choquequirao (3000m) is an awesome site. A private trek to Choquequirao is a unique way to get away from the tourists crowds on a tailormade…
