MY BEAUTIFUL PERU

Hilda E.:10 kilometers of walk through the rainforest to get to see the fall of this beautiful waterfall that is considered the fifteenth (771 meters) highest in the world. It was discovered by the German Stefan Ziemendorff in 2002, due to its remoteness. The interesting thing is that it is managed by the community of Cocachimba which is responsible for keeping the road more or less accesible (it rains constantly and the vegetation is abundant). The community receives advice to promote tourism, preserving the beauty and nature of the zone.

Hilda E.:In the middle of the Ocucaje Desert, in the district of Santiago (the last district south of Ica), approximately 65 km from the city of Ica, two to three hours drive from Ica, the Cañón de los Perdidos is a beautiful geological formation, an attractive, captivating, mysterious desert, full of fossils because before, long, long before, that part was the seabed. It is a moderate walk, which gives enough time to admire the environment and breathe different air. The best time to visit is in winter (July - August) because the weather is not so hot and allows a quiet walk. The canyon is 5 km long and is believed to be 35 million years old. It is recommended to go early because the winds start blowing very strong after noon.

Hilda E.:The Q'eswachaka bridge is a suspension bridge made of vegetable fiber that is renewed every year by four communities in the area for its use, but which has recently been revalued as a tourist attraction, not only because of the bridge itself, which is a work of "engineering" dating from the time of the Incas, but also because of the cultural theme that underlies this custom. Each year it is renewed by the inhabitants of these four communities at a rate of 40 meters per family, for 3 days (in a party with songs, food and dance to encourage work). Generally, this renewal is in the month of June. The bridge crosses the Apurimac river (here the Apurimac river originates), in the district of Quehue, province of Canas, department of Cuzco. It is a National Cultural Heritage.

Hilda E.:Callao Monumental is an area located near the Main Church of Callao and has recently become a place that breathes culture, especially urban art. In addition, it offers a good cuisine, especially for seafood lovers and, of course, there are shops that offer various quirks. It also offers the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful graffitis of the area and, if the artistic vein is your thing, maybe you can have a graffiti class or just let your imagination give you the best shots. The place deserves it!

Hilda E.:Nature gives us surprises, in spite of the mistreatment of which it is the object on the part of humanity. The mountain of 7 colours has always been there, but before it was completely covered with snow. Due to global warming, it appeared as about 50 years ago and, a few years ago, is an important tourist spot in the department of Cusco, since it can be accessed more easily. 5200 m.a.s.l. and an intense walk. It is only about 500 meters of walk from the base, but on a slope and a long road, at the end of which, nature, like every mother condescending to her children, gives us this beauty. The photos do not do justice to what the eyes see!

Hilda E.:District of Anta. To the left, the Ausangate snow peak and to the right, the Salcantay snow peak. It's a rather difficult walk because of the altitude, but very pleasant, once you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Hilda E.:The Espiritu Santo Community belongs to the district of Antioquia which is one of the 32 districts of the province of Huarochirí - Lima. It is known as "the painted town"; it is like an altarpiece made of houses. A short trip, approximately 3 hours from Lima. Generous people, open to strangers. Rich avocados, aguaymantos (golden cherries), quinces.

Hilda E.:Choquequirao can only be reached on foot, for now. It is a route of approx. 40 km. from the village of Cachora to the ruins and it can be done partially on the back of a mule or a horse. It is a hard path not only because of the altitude, the weather conditions (very strong sun in the morning), but also because of the irregularity of the terrain itself (rocks in some sections, grass and soil, jungle brow vegetation in others), that is, varied so as not to get bored. The difficulty also lies in the fact that the path is a steep descent, (2800 masl. approx. to 1400 masl. approx.), then crosses the Apurimac river and a steep climb awaits us (1500 masl. approx. to 3150 masl. approx.) and then, back to retrace what we walked. Both mountains facing each other (the one that goes down and the one that goes up) form the Apurimac canyon. Is it worth the effort? Yes, because of the nature, the ruins and because of knowing even more the culture and having an experience with the inhabitants and with those who provide services (muleteers, loaders, guides, cooks). The quality of services is deficient, not because lacking money, but for lack of management, leadership, ignorance and different idiosyncrasies. However, the human quality of those who provide services is unparalleled. Regarding the ruins, they are in an excellent state of conservation because the difficult access limits massive visits. It is supposed that Choquequirao, which means "cradle of gold" (apparently, in the mountains this metal could exist), was a sort of tambo that supplied the Incas of Vilcambamba, the last resistance against the Spaniards. It was like a nexus between the jungle and the Andes. It is said that only 40% of the ruins still hidden in the mountain have been recovered. The system of platforms is fantastic with several different micro climates to be able to favor the harvest of diverse products. Landscapes are breathtaking!