2019 Five-Country Tour of Antarctica and South America (5) Peru Chapter

Peru from March 17th to 21st, 5 days of tour time

Peru has always been a place that I have longed for. Because from the epic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu to the alien-like Nazca Lines, this land’s unique and mysterious ruins have long been famous, constantly arousing the curiosity of travelers from all walks of life; Internet celebrity cute sheep Even though camels originated here, they seem to be the first thing that comes to mind when people mention Peru. In addition to historical relics, mirage-like desert oases, pristine lakes and mountains, the rolling cold peaks of the Andes and the Andean condors among the snow-capped mountains, such complex and diverse terrain and climate, and wildly different natural scenery, are only found in Peru. , can all be appreciated. Peru's multi-ethnic society is a rare asset. Indigenous people and mixed-race people with different lifestyles meet here, bringing colorful and different cultural traditions and delicacies.

Peru is also a good example of the Inca Empire! The Inca civilization, the Mayan civilization and the Aztec civilization are known as the "three ancient civilizations of the Americas". The Inca Empire is known as the "Rome of America" ??and is famous for having a complete national system. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, the Inca Empire gradually formed into a prosperous empire containing more than 200 ethnic groups. Around 1530, its influence expanded from today's Ecuador to Chile, Argentina, and even more or less traces of the Inca civilization can be found in most of South America. Its scope of influence is comparable to today's European continent.

On the evening of March 16, I took LATAM Airlines from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, to Lima, the capital of Peru. The five-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Lima, Peru is about 4,300 kilometers

On the morning of March 17, we continued flying from Lima to Cusco, an 80-minute flight of about 1,200 kilometers, and then drove to the Sacred Valley.

When we got to Cusco Airport, the sky was high and the clouds were clear, and the air was sweet.

Cusco; located on the Andes plateau at an altitude of 3,400 meters, the jewel in the crown of the Andes, the ancient Inca city is the cradle and spread of Inca culture. This is a must-stop on your way to Machu Picchu.

We first drove to the ancient city of Cusco for a tour: Cusco was once the center of the mysterious ancient Inca civilization. Cusco is a famous ancient city in southern Peru, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and now the capital of Cusco Province. As the center of Inca civilization, it has a rich historical heritage, and the Plaza de Armas in the city center carries endless history.

When the Inca Empire was at its peak, there were often religious sacrificial activities here. When the Spanish colonists invaded, they built churches around the square, giving today's Plaza de Armas in Cusco a unique look.

I like this place very much. I feel that this is what I imagined the ancient Inca city to be like. Its old appearance and the dark green color on the ancient door all make me fascinated. Sitting on this step and watching the changes in the world, the little girl next to me is also very suitable for the occasion

Then on our way to have lunch, we found that the ancient city is full of scenery, and any photo taken is full of ancient Inca culture historical style. The clothing and handicrafts of the people here are very representative.

The flowers grow beautifully here

I like the stone roads in the ancient city very much!

After visiting Cusco, we went to have an authentic Peruvian specialty meal. I was not impressed by the meal, but I was deeply impressed by the scenery in the restaurant. The balcony outside the window overlooks the entire city.

After lunch we went to Sacsayhuaman

Cusco is the birthplace of Inca culture. The Sacsayhuaman Fortress is built on the top of the highest mountain in the ancient city, and you can have a bird's eye view from here. Panoramic view of the ancient city, the fortress is the Inca ruins in Peru second only to Machu Picchu. Like other Inca stone buildings, how it was built is still a mystery. The largest stone is about 5 meters high, and the heaviest can reach 300 tons.

Sacsayhuaman is considered to be the largest and most spectacular Inca ruins besides Machu Picchu. The English name Sacsayhuaman looks very long, and it does sound very similar to Sexy Women, so it is also Apart from Machu Picchu, this is the place name that impressed me the most.

Stay in Cusco hotel for the night: Hotel Sonesta Posadas del Inca Sacred Valley Yucay. I must say this hotel, it is the most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in! It is located in a renovated former colonial monastery in the Sacred Valley. Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its environment is mainly pastoral, but the facilities in the rooms are very modern. It is the perfect combination of tradition and comfort. I highly recommend anyone who travels here to stay here, it’s the best choice!

Restaurant

There are local people selling local alpaca products in the hotel: sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc... The prices are quite cheap and you can bargain, so we bought them for ourselves and our families. I bought a lot of my favorite things

March 18th is an important day today, because I finally arrived at the mysterious Machu Picchu that I have been dreaming about! One of the most wanted places in South America!

It’s not easy to get to Machu Picchu. We have already arrived here by plane and car, but we haven’t arrived yet. Today we have to take a special train to the Holy Valley Oyantai, which lasted nearly 2 hours, and then headed to Machu Picchu. The next town ~ Hotwater Town (2000 meters above sea level). When you get to the town, you can take a special tourist bus and it will take half an hour to arrive. Not easy, right? ! Moreover, Machu Picchu has a limit on the number of people per day (400 people per day), so we made reservations at least one month in advance. Tour time is limited when visiting at the same time. And everyone is required to check their passport to make sure it matches their ticket. Such and such, so it is hard-won and cherished!

I found that everyone was very excited as soon as I got on the train. Because this is a famous scenic train line, the train runs along the turbulent Urubamba River, and the panoramic skylight provides an unobstructed view of the Sacred Valley. We took the train and enjoyed the spectacular ride through canyons and mountains. This is an unforgettable magical trip!

We finally arrived at Machu Picchu at noon, and the "lost ancient city of the Incas" that we had longed for, Machu Picchu, was right in front of us! No matter how many breathtaking world-class cultural sites you visit, a trip to Peru is never complete without a trip to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is located in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes and is the site of the ancient Inca civilization. Climbing high and looking into the distance, you will see stone castles, temples, terraced fields, high walls, mountains, clouds and vegetation blending with each other, witnessing the prosperity and decline of a civilization together. This "Lost City of the Inca Empire" at an altitude of 2,430 meters is one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" and is also listed as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO.

It was still raining when we first arrived, and there were huge clouds and mist in the mountains. We couldn’t see anything in Machu Picchu, and we felt a little disappointed at that time! But you couldn't help but share the same long-cherished wish. After waiting patiently for more than half an hour, suddenly the clouds cleared and the mist cleared, and a beautiful Inca Empire appeared in front of you opposite. It was simply beautiful! Even more beautiful than a sunny day.

In fact, no camera can record all this wonderfulness. Only by being there can you truly appreciate its magnificence!

During the Spanish colonial rule of Peru for more than 300 years, nothing was known about this ancient city; in the 100 years after Peru became independent, and for more than 400 years, explorers searched in many ways but failed to find it. This legendary ancient Inca city. July 24, 1911 is a historic day. After going through many difficulties and dangers, the explorer Bingaman finally discovered that the buildings here are connected one after another, each one is exquisite, and each one is very well preserved. The city is surrounded by tall and neat stone walls. There are tall and majestic temples, gorgeous palaces, solid fortresses, neat courtyards, streets, squares, and altars in the city. The buildings are connected by criss-crossing stone steps and paths, and mountain springs drawn from 1,000 meters away are sent to the main buildings through dripping pipes. This was actually an incredible dream that almost made the explorers suffocate with excitement. The ancient city discovered by the explorer Bingaman was not the ancient city of Vilcabamba. No one knows the name of this ancient city. Because there is a mountain next to the ancient city called Machu Picchu, archaeologists call this ancient city: Machu Picchu.

We visited the Sun City Temple, the Inca Agricultural Timetable, the ancient water canal, the ancient terraces, the Eagle Temple, and the Inca King’s Bedroom. See how ancient times transformed huge stones into small stones on which to build homes.

It is said that the large stone 3 meters high and 6 meters wide in the ancient ruins can replenish people's energy

Back to Hotwater Town, we visited the town while waiting for the train. I went shopping, replenished some goods here, and bought gifts for my relatives and friends back home!

Gifts bought for friends~baby alpaca plush toys, the alpaca hair is real! So cute, right? !

Lima ~ PISCO on March 19th

Take the flight back to Lima in the morning, then drive along the southern coast of Peru, and then go to PISCO to enjoy the desert scenery and the Pacific Ocean. Scenery! It seems that Peru has rich tourism resources!

From Lima, transfer along the east coast of the Pacific Ocean, the west coast of Lima, and walk 265 kilometers on desert roads to reach the Pisco Hotel. After arriving at the PISCO Hotel, it felt like arriving in Hainan Island again!

Visit two important attractions in Pisco on March 20: Bird Island and take a small plane to see the Nazca Land Paintings

I woke up early today and walked along the hotel to the seaside. Walk along the plank road and enjoy the scenery of Pisca Pier in the morning light

As expected, the scenery is endless, with flocks of seabirds flying