Perusensations, Avenida la Cultura A38 Urbanizacion Cachimayo, Cusco (2024)

23/04/2022

The city of Ayacucho and its surrounding region has often been overlooked as a destination for trips to Peru, but visitors can actually find a large variety of things to do, see and experience here.

About 10 hours by car from the city of Ayacucho lies the Pampa Galeras - Barbara D'Achille National Reserve, spreading over a plain with an altitude varying between 3,850 and 4,150 meters. The reserve was created in 1967 with the objective of preserving the wild vicuña and, later in 1993, it received the name of Barbara D'Achille in homage to the journalist and conservationist murdered by the terrorist organization Sendero Luminoso.

Now it is home to over 6,000 vicuñas and other typical animals of the Andean highlands, such as Andean foxes, Andean cats, tarucas and vizcachas. One of the great attractions of the reserve is the “Chaccu”, or collective hunt, an ancestral practice during which the vicuñas are corralled and shorn without being killed. This festival occurs once a year, around June 24th.

In addition to Ayacucho, you can also travel to this reserve directly from Lima or Nazca along the Panaamericana Sur highway.

19/03/2022

Behind the imposing walls at the historic centre of Arequipa, the Monastery of Santa Catalina is a must see in Arequipa as the architectural beauty and the stories behind it have won the love of all those who visit it.

The complex, which stretches over 20,000 square meters, is built from volcanic sillar stone and is organized into cloisters, living quarters, a plaza, a gallery, and a chapel. Walking through the passageways, you can imagine the life of the cloistered nuns who lived in a disconnected and isolated space from the outside world. In addition to enjoying the typical colonial architecture and vibrant colors, you will also see various paintings, carvings and images that tell us what life in Arequipa was like during the time of the Spanish conquest.

You could either hire a guide at the entrance, or wander around on your own to immerse in the meditative vibe there. It’s also open for two evenings per week for those who want to traipse through the convent through the candlelight, just as how the nuns did centuries ago!

05/03/2022

Among the greatest treasures you can find in Arequipa, the Juanita Mummy is a must see if you want to understand the Incan honor of sacrifice.

Discovered atop the volcanic Ampato Mountain in the Andes of Southern Peru in 1995, Juanita is in fact not a mummy but a frozen 12 year old Inca girl who was sacrificed as thanks to the Pachamama or Mother Earth during a ritual carried out to avoid natural catastrophes and pray for a good harvest.

Before the appearance of Juanita, there was no proof that the Incas sacrificed women in their rituals, so Junita became an element to complete the missing pieces of Incan history. She remained on the summit of Ampato for many years until a nearby volcano, the Sabancaya, erupted and its ashes melted the snow of the surrounding mountains.

Both experts and tourists who visit Juanita’s remains in the Museum of Andean sanctuaries in Arequipa continue to be amazed by how well her body is preserved, so well that every detail of her face, skin and even her veins can be studied. Don’t forget to visit the museum if you are in Arequipa.

26/02/2022

While Colca Canyon is a more popular attraction in the Arequipa region due to greater accessibility, Cotahuasi Canyon is perhaps a more preferred destination for real outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Located about 200km northwest of Arequipa, the Cotahuasi Canyon runs approximately 3,354 meters deep and over 100 kilometres long – twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the US. With stunning views stretching from snowy mountainpeaks over 6,000 meters, down through the ancient Inca villages and cactus forest, to the snaking Cotahuasi river carving out its own way between two giant mountains, you cannot help but be overwhelmed by the spectacular nature scene.

A remote location makes the journey to Cotahuasi Canyon a bit of a challenge, and a 8-hour night bus ride from Arequipa on a bumpy and windy road may keep the tourists a bit hesitant, but it’s also precisely what gives this place its unique charm.

We do both day tours to visit different ruins and natural scenic spots, as well as customized multi-day trekking tours for the adventure lovers. Feel free to get in touch if you are interested!

05/02/2022

When we think about volcanoes, the city of Arequipa will probably come top of mind with the beautiful Misti, Chachani and Picchu Picchu forming an impressive cityscape, which you could easily see long before you arrive in Arequipa.

However, those are not the only volcanic scenes worth mentioning in the area. There are dozens of volcanic cones located in a completely different setting waiting for you in a place called the volcanic valley of Andagua (Valle de los Volcanes), also known as Andahua!

Much lesser known than the symbolic Colca Canyon, the Valley of Andagua is located 377KM from Arequipa at the foot of Nevado Coropuna (6,377m). The 70km-long inter-Andean valley covers an area at the heights between 1,350 and 4,300 meters above sea level. Dated from prehistoric times, the volcanic cones here ranges from 10 to 300 meters high, creating an astonishingly unique landscape untouched by mass tourism.

The Andagua Valley offers great opportunities for trekking enthusiasts - a nice downhill stroll from Mirador de Shankilay, a walk to appreciate the waterfall on way to Rio Andagua and lagoon of Chachas, or see the ruins of Maucallaqta from pre-Inca times with the influence of Wari civilization.

Given the lower accessibility and lack of tourism infrastructure compared to more famous destinations, we are here to provide you more comfort and personalized guide for a memorable visit to the Valley of the volcanoes.

22/01/2022

If you ever travel to Peru, you will probably see the word “APU” a lot. Apu is a Quechua word meaning mountain, and also refers to a mountain deity, a powerful mountain spirit and the core of Andean religion.
There are many mountains in the Peruvian Andes considered as APU according to Inca mythology, but we think you should know these top three Apus due to their cultural significance and natural beauty - Ausangate, Veronica and Salkantay.
Located 100 km southeast of Cusco in the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range, and at 6,384 meters above sea level, Apu Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and 5th highest in Peru. Often overshadowed by the majestic Machu Picchu, Ausangate is actually considered the owner of the entire Cusqueño Andes.
Sitting at 5,682 meters above sea level, the snowy Apu Veronica was originally called Waynawillca (Young Sacred) and was considered the guardian of agriculture in the Incan times. It is only 50 km from Cusco and can be seen from several corners of the city. As the highest point of the Urubamba Mountain Range, Apu Veronica attracts travellers to see its snow-capped peak from the Sacred Valley.
Rising 6,264 meters above sea level, Salkantay means wild mountain in Quechua and was considered the protector of the territory. It is a part of the Cordillera Vilcabamba Mountain Range and is located close to Machu Picchu. Surrounded by gorges and valleys, the Salkantay makes one of the most impressive and popular treks in the region. Although quite challenging, it’s not impossible. We highly recommend the Salkantay trekking trip followed by a natural thermal bath, so that you can soak away your fatigue and relieve some muscle soreness fom the hike.
Nowadays the Andean communities continue worship and give offerings to these sacred mountains, as a way to communicate with the gods for auspicious wishes, and to ensure the benevolent protection of these Apus towards the people who dwell in their mighty presence.

18/01/2022

Sacred Valley is well-known for its many beautiful Inca ruins. But few knows that some spectacular pre-Inca sites are also in the area, which were gradually incorporated into the Inca Empire later on.

Today we want to show you the Piquillacta archaeological site, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities that existed in the Peruvian territory. Located 47 km south of Cusco, Pikillacta was developed between 600 and 1000 AD by the Wari culture and functioned as the administrative centre. Once inhabited by a population of over 10,000 citizens, the city had up to 700 buildings and 500 warehouses, with only a small percentage remaining today.

Although the stone and adobe buildings are not carved to Inca perfection, their knowledge and technologies about urban planning were used by other cultures and later perfected by Inca architects.

The site continues to be excavated - come and see what more the ancient city has to unveil.

12/01/2022

Away from the other major Sacred Valley sites, the archaeological site of Tipon is located in the south-eastern part of the valley and just a 30-minute drive from Cusco. It’s one of the not so “mainstream” sightseeing spots but no less spectacular.

While the ancient city’s exact purpose is still unknown, there’re stories saying that the royal estate here was built by Inca Viracocha for his father Yahuar Huaca, according to the chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. However, this area boasts one of the most extensive irrigation systems of all Inca ruins, which supplied water to the surrounding agricultural terraces. Unlike some other sites, these water canals still provide irrigation for the agricultural needs of the local communities today.

One spot you absolutely cannot miss is the water temple at the top of all the agricultural terraces, which showcases the sacred role of water in the Inca worldview and gives visitors a vivid imagery of how the rituals were conducted in this very spot.

What’s more about Tipon? It’s also the cuy (guinea pig) capital of Peru, despite the delicacy is consumed throughout the Andes. Don’t let the appearance put you off, try it out after your visit to the Tipon site and you will be pleasantly surprised how tender and succulent it is.

18/12/2021

If you are in the area of Moray, make sure you don’t miss the nearby village of Maras, where you will be impressed by the more than 6,000 of salt flats there.

Perching on the inconspicuous Andean mountains, the salt mines go a long way back to the pre-Incan times as means of trade and they are still in use today by the local community, using traditional method to extract salt. Depending on the season you are visiting, you will see pools of water in each section, shining like shimmering mirrors under the sunlight, showing a great natural contrast against the backdrop of green mountains.

Travel with our professional guides who will walk you through how the salt is kept and harvested, and you can also buy the pink salt at the local market as nice gifts for friends and family, which will surely add a great zing to your cooking!

04/12/2021

As a continuation of the Sacred Valley series, our pick for today is Chinchero, a rustic town located high up on the windswept Anta plains at an altitude of 3762m, higher than Cusco (3400m).

It is believed that Inca Tupac Yupanqui, son of the Great Inca King Pachacutec, used Chinchero as a country resort and therefore initiated the construction of many terraces and Inca architecture, many of which are still in use today. It’s difficult to miss the adobe church right in the center of the plaza if you are visiting Chinchero, a colonial church built on top of the remains of an Incan palace which combines Catholic and traditional incan motifs.

What’s more? Chinchero is also believed to be the birthplace of rainbow and famous for its colorful Sunday market. It is also considered the centre of Andean weaving traditions. If you are interested in any of the aspects above, you should definitely spend some time in Chinchero.

27/11/2021

When talking about glaciers, Antarctica or Greenland would probably come to mind first. But do you know that about 99% of the world’s tropical glaciers are located in the Andes, 70% of which are found in Peru.

Today we want to introduce The Quelccaya glacier to you, the world’s largest tropical ice cap in central Peru. The ice cap covers an area of 42.8 square kilometers with ice up to 200 meters thick, and has a summit elevation of about 5,680 meters. The glacier provides the fundamental basis for the livelihoods of the people living in these mountains, releasing water through melt for drinking, sanitation and irrigation purposes. It also helps maintain large wetlands and pastures where their llamas and alpacas can graze.

However studies show that the ice cap might soon cease to exist, which will bring significant changes to the ecosystem, culture and traditions of the local communities. Visit the Quelccaya glacier with us before it’s too late!

21/11/2021

Many have come to Peru to see the world-famous Machu Picchu, some have conquered the classic Inca Trail or Salkantay in the Cusco Region, perhaps few have visited Huaraz, Peru’s lesser-known Andean adventure kingdom.

Located in the northern region of Peru, Huaraz is the capital city of the Ancash Region at an elevation of 3050 meters. It’s a great place for hikers to acclimatize as most trekking routes are located between 4000 and 5000 meters, therefore it’s essential to acclimatize before you could enjoy the adventures to the fullest.

We are dedicating this week’s posts to the Huaraz region, and get ready to be impressed!

06/11/2021

Many have questioned as to how the Incas were able to develop such exquisite architectures without the use of modern tools, many of which have endured over centuries.

They mostly used locally available granite or limestone to build cities, and used hard stones, metal tools made of bronze or copper to cut the rocks. Following the natural fracture lines of the stones, the Incans crack them open by pieces of wood and then pour salt water so that the wood would expand. As the crack gets bigger, they would then insert a bigger piece of wood and repeat the process until the slate separated into pieces completely. To shape the stones which are usually rectangular or polygonal, they did by carving and polishing them with sand. Each stone was carved with such precision that they fit perfectly with each other. These processes are simply amazing that are beyond our imagination these days.

The architecture of Cusco presents one of the most important and prominent among the pre-Columbian cultures. To see the indigenous construction techniques and buildings made of large stones, remember not to miss these ones: civil architecture (the 12-Angled Stone), military architecture (Sacsayhuaman) and religious architecture (Coricancha). Reach out to us for a Cusco city tour!

02/11/2021

As the former capital of the Inca Empire and the closest city to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Cusco has no shortage of mysterious and beautiful Inca ruins. Aside from many well-known destinations, there are also dozens of lesser-known ruins scattered all throughout the region which are equally impressive and well worth exploring.
One of our favorite is Waqrapukara, a jaw-dropping mountaintop fortress located in the South of Cusco. The name “Waqrapukara” means “Horn Fortress” in the native Quechua language, a reference to the two distinctly horn-shaped peaks which dominate the site. The discovery of triple-jambed doors at the site is an indication of its particular importance, as the Incas only placed this style of entrance at seats of great religious and political power.
Similar to Machu Picchu and other ruins, the Inca builders of Waqrapukara combined finely-crafted stonework with the surrounding rock formations to create buildings that both stand out from and blend in with their surroundings. The scenery along the way is also extraordinary, with panoramic vistas of the mountains, giant rock formations, valleys and canyons.
Waqrapukara can be completed in a long day or a one-night camping trip, depending on your level of fitness as well as the route you choose. Let us help you plan a visit to this amazing site.

02/10/2021

Puno may not be the most visually appealing city in Peru, but what draws most travellers here is that the city sits on the banks of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
��The floating reed islands of the Uros people lie within easy reach for a day trip, and the same goes to the beautiful and culturally fascinating islands of Taquile and Amantani, where indigenous Quechua speaking communities live. The impressive pre-Inca archaeological site of Sillustani is also easily accesible.

Remember Puno is 3,830 meters above sea level. If you visit Puno from a low altitude place, please reserve at least one day to acclimatize. �

25/09/2021

Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean, Lima usually makes the first but a short stop when travellers come to Peru. However this sprawling metropolis is not short of hidden gems for those who want to linger on, especially if you are a foodie!

Putting all the scenic spots aside, you cannot miss the food scene in Lima. Peru’s cuisine has evolved and combined by the various cultures that had strong influence here. For instance Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) and Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese fusion). You will also be able to find dishes that represent different regions of Peru, including coastal, Andean and jungle food.

Check out the photos of some typical and traditional Peruvian dishes you cannot miss.

28/08/2021

In addition to the world famous Inca Trail, we have introduced multiple alternative trekking options to Machu Picchu that require different level of physical fitness, such as the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek and Inca Jungle.

What we brought to you today is the Ancascocha Trek, a spectacular trail for you to enjoy the views of 7 steep summits, pristine crystal highland lagunas and pure wilderness, with the towering 6,266m/20,551ft Apu Salkantay dominating the skyline. This is a much lesser-known trail compared to all the others, therefore far less crowded. National Geographic named it one of the Top 20 dream treks to complete in the world.

This is challenging trek as the highest point sits at 4,650m/15,255ft at the Huayanay Pass, but the relatively high elevation throughout the trek means you will get panoramic views across the mountains. Therefore we recommend that everyone who joins us on this trail has a relatively good level of fitness.

This could be a 5 Day/4 Night or 4 Day/ 3 Night trail, let us know if you need more details.

21/08/2021

While Peru’s gastronomical scene is receiving global recognition nowadays, the country of ancient Incas also has an impressive selection of special drinks. Among them, the most famous drink is the Pisco Sour, the national drink and a must try on any Peru holidays.

If you are in the Ica region, the most important location in Peru for the production of red wine and Pisco, we will take you to small family-run vineyards and showcase how families make traditional pisco using the same techniques from hundred years ago – the whole process is completely handmade!

If you are in Cusco, we will take you for a Pisco tasting and cooking tour, a journey into the history of this national liquor. Be creative to make your own version!

🍸

19/08/2021

We Peruvians LOVE potatoes, and why not? Not only because they are incredible sources of vitamins and minerals, but simply because they are easy and delish.

We have more than 3,500 varieties of potatoes, the largest in the world. There are over 700,000 families in 19 producing regions make a living growing them. Cusco alone has more than 1,200 types of potatoes with a great variety of textures and colors. It has been the staple diet for people in the Andes for thousands of years.

The potatoes are a world in itself, and don’t forget to try a few different kinds when you are in Peru. 🥔 🍠 🥔 🍠

14/08/2021

In our last post, we talked about the abundant usage of white volcanic stones, or sillar, in Arequipa, especially the all-white Plaza de Armas and towering cathedral.

El Misti (5,822m) is the most well-known volcano in Peru, and where most of the sillars come from. Also named the guardian of the city, the live volcano can be seen from almost any open space in Arequipa. Besides, Arequipa is surrounded by two other major volcanos: Chachani (6,000m) and Pichu Pichu (5,644m). 🔥🔥🔥

If you are into adventures, any of these volcanoes make a great destination for a volcano climb. 🏔

If you love volcano spotting without any strenuous workout, the Yanahuara viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping landscape of all three volcanoes.

07/08/2021

You may have heard about the iconic white city of Tel Aviv in Israel or the romantic white lake city of Udaipur in India, we also have an impressive white city in Peru – Arequipa.

As a result of a devastating earthquake in the 19th century, the then newly-formed Republic of Peru made great efforts to rebuild the city from the rubble up, incorporating plenty of white volcanic stones (called sillar) during
this painstaking reconstruction, with the all-white plaza de armas and cathedral becoming the most iconic architectures in town. Such success led to a recognition of the White City as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site in 2000.

Curious about the ins and outs of the White City? Our team would love to share the stories with you, as they spend a large chunk of time every year in Arequipa.

31/07/2021

Another conservation area one could visit from Puerto Maldonado is the Manu National Park, which is the largest protected natural area in Peru with the highest concentration of wild life. It is also significantly more remote than the other options in the Amazonian jungle we mentioned in previous posts.

It is known that the Amazon rainforest is home to some of the planet’s most impressive biodiversity, including more than one-third of the world’s known wildlife species as well as flora, including many rare and endangered. What people might be less aware is that it is also home to groups of indigenous community, including a few called “uncontacted” tribes living in voluntary isolation.

For those who have more time and want to get very deep into the jungle, Manu will be a truly wild experience for you.

27/07/2021

Traveling in Peru on a tight timeline but do not want to miss some of the most important Amazonian destinations? With frequent daily flights from Cusco and Lima, the Tambopata and Puerto Maldonado area in Southern Peru is often the best choice for a 2-4 day rainforest tour.

This area offers millions of specifies of wildlife, to name a few, an abundance of tropical birds, 3-5 species of monkeys, agouti and capybara (world’s largest rodent), white caiman and giant river otters and tree hoppers.

Moreover, you will see the world famous Macaw Clay Licks here that were featured in National Geographic and BBC! Due to nutrients, most likely salt, found in the cliff soil, the Clay Lick attracts dozens of species of birds. Everyday, from huge red and green macaws to Mealy Parrots, the colorful birds flock here to munch on nutrient-rich clay, a striking scene for everyone to see. 🤩

17/07/2021

Brazil is always top of mind when we talk about the Amazon Rainforest, however many people don’t know that Peru’s 13% share of the rainforest is considered some of the most pristine forest in the Amazon Basin, with many protected areas housing a wide range of endangered wildlife. 🐦

Iquitos, the largest city in the northern Peruvian jungle region, is the largest city in the world that is completely inaccessible by road, the only way to get there is by airplane or riverboat. From there, you can enjoy fantastic cruise trips with us down the mighty Amazon River and stay in jungle lodges for guided expeditions with our eagle-eyed and knowledgeable naturalist guides.

If you crave for some isolation from civilization and live an unadulterated jungle adventure, we definitely recommend a visit to Iquitos!

22/06/2021

The Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun has been the most important festival for the Incas and modern Peruvians. Every year, on June 24, the Inca (King) and the residents gathered in the capital city of Cusco to pay tribute to the venerated Sun God Inti. They would sacrifice a black llama to thank Inti for the harvests of the year, ensure good crops of the coming year and to pay homage to the Inca.

First created by the Inca Pachacutec around 1430AD and once a gathering of 25,000 residents, the modern-day re-enaction of Inti Raymi lasts a whole day, from dawn to dusk. Starting on the open lawn in front of the Inca Temple of the Sun at Coricancha, leaders of the four Suyos (representing the four corners of the Inca Empire) arrive at the temple to kick off the celebrations with prayers to the Sun God Inti, and then the royal entourage continues with a procession to the Plaza de Armas. The culmination of the festival takes places at the impressive Inca archaeological site of Saqsayhuman, located in the hills above Cusco.

Due to the pandemic, the Inti Raymi celebration this year will be held without an audience, with only the main traditional ceremony performed by many actors taking place at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco and Saqsayhuaman . However if you plan to visit Cusco during June in the upcoming years, make sure to make a reservation for the full performance to see the grandeur of ancient Inca Empire and learn one thing or two about their veneration to Sun.

12/06/2021

Often overshadowed by the more famous Nazca Lines to the South, the Palpa Lines in Ica region is not one that should be dismissed easily. It’s also surrounded by mesmerising geoglyphs and display a greater profusion of human characters.

If Nazca is not enough for an archaeology buff like you, the best way to see more of these lines is to get on a combined overflight from Nazca. Or if you are the kind of traveller that aim for more off-the-beaten-track destinations, Palpa is the place to go.

01/06/2021

Amongst the rolling sand dunes of Peru, there’s Huacachina, a small settlement centered around an oasis and palm trees in southwestern Peru. Once a popular destination for rich Peruvians as they believed in the healing powers of bathing water there, Huacachina has now become an unmissable stop for travellers longing for a real-life desert experience.

Be it sandboarding, buggy rollercoaster, simply walking over the Dunes, watching the sunset shed the rosy beams onto the sands, or joining an upscale desert night ecocamp, we have a wide spectrum of activities for you to choose from.

29/05/2021

People traveling to Peru tend to make a quick stopover on the overland route between Lima and the Andes, aka the Ica region. However for those looking for a real taste of Peru’s coastal life, a longer stay is required, especially the up-and-coming Paracas and its surrounding islands.

Coined the poor man’s Galapagos Island, you will get the chance to see sea lions, baby penguins and dolphins and a variety of birds during an island hopping tour. Moreover, the Red Beach/Playa Roja in Paracas National Reserve is an absolute gem!

We can talk non-stop about many more reasons you shouldn’t bypass Paracas but we will let the photos speak for themselves.

25/05/2021

Dubbed as one of the most attractive ancient mysteries in the world, the Nazca Lines in Peru have long baffled mankind. The massive, sprawling representation of ancient figures, including humans, animals, plants and geometric motifs are so large that many of them can only be identified from the air.

Thanks to the scarcity of rainfall, wind and erosion, the enormous geoglyphs that cover an estimated 450 square kilometres have stayed largely intact for 500 to 2000 years. Following a long-term research effort started in 2004, scientists have uncovered 143 previously unknown Nazca geoglyphs in late 2019 with the help of artificial intelligence.

Unleash your imagination and see the lines with your own eyes. Fly with PeruSensations for a Nazca tour.

22/05/2021

Over the past few years, quinoa has been the “it” superfood amongst the health community due to its high nutrient properties and growing popularity. Whilst still quite a novelty for the rest of the world, quinoa was first domesticated by the Andean people 3,000 to 4,000 years ago and has been an indispensable staple for the Andean people.

Rich in protein, fiber, minerals, antioxidants and all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet. It may improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels and even aid weight loss. What’s more, it’s naturally gluten-free, incredibly easy to prepare. AND it’s simply delicious!

If you haven’t added quinoa to your repertoire yet, you should definitely give it a try.