Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Huacachina, Peru - Sand Dunes

Huacachina is a village in the Ica Region, in southwestern Peru. Huacachina is built around a small natural lake in the desert. Called the "oasis of America," it serves as a resort for local families from the nearby city of Ica, and increasingly as an attraction for tourists drawn by the sports of sandboarding and taking dune buggy rides on sand dunes that stretch several hundred feet high.

Currently, private landowners near the oasis have installed wells, in order to access the groundwater. This has had the effect of drastically reducing the level of water in the oasis. To compensate for this water loss, and preserve the oasis as an aesthetically pleasing destination for tourists, the city began a process of artificially pumping water into the oasis.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Cruz del Condor, Peru

The Colca Canyon is the natural habitat of the majestic Condor, the sacred Andean bird.

Most often seen early in the morning at La Cruz del Condor, these giant birds use the morning upwind in the Canyon to soar high into the sky before gliding towards the coast on the wind currents to find food.

Rising directly by the point of Cruz del Condor, visitors are often rewarded with magnificent displays alongside and above this point.

These huge vultures have a wing span of up to 3.2 metres and are known for their elegant and spectacular flight.

La Cruz del Condor is a spectacular spot in itself, with a drop of over a kilometre to the river below and no railings.

A popular tourist spot, many locals trade in their colourful Andean fare.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Puno, Peru- Bienvenidos A Las Islas Flotantes

This is one of the best places you can visit in the surroundings of Puno. Contrary to what you might think, the Floating Islands of the Uros (indigenous people) are not of the Uros, but they inherited their name from this community that no longer inhabits the islands. The Aymaras that have settled there today construct their floors and rafts with bulrush (reedy plant). They are dedicated to fishing and especially welcoming tourists.

This charming island is situated on the Titicaca lake. The island is located 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Puno. Its inhabitants are decked out in their traditional flamboyant outfits -on sale locally- speaking Quechua and maintaining a strong sense of loyalty within the group. The Incan terraces and ruins are scattered throughout the landscape. The island is void of hotels, electricity, roads, vehicles, and dogs. The local inhabitants offer accommodations and the modest restaurants serve what they have; fresh trout and boiled potatoes. The boats set sail daily from the Puno Pier and reach the island four hours later.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Hat Phra Nang, Thailand

Accessible by boat or a small pathway, this stunning, pristine beach has fine-grained white sand and crystalline waters as well as magnificent jagged karsts. This is a highly secluded picture perfect beach that attracts thousands of visitors year round but is able to maintain its flawless appearance and relaxing ambience.

This beach is the location of the 5-star Rayavadee resort, a private property that occupies 26 acres of the beach and the only compound located near Phra Nang Beach.

The Inner and Outer Phra Nang Caves, and Phra Nang Lagoon, which are located nearby offer remarkable views against a stunning backdrop and a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Although these attractions are accessible only by boat, they still draw numerous visitors for recreational and adventurous activities such as diving, snorkeling, hiking and rock climbing.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Paris, Louvre Pyramid

The Louvre Pyramid is a large glass and metal pyramid, surrounded by three smaller pyramids, in the main courtyard of the Louvre Palace in Paris. The large pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Completed in 1989, it has become a landmark for the city of Paris. The construction of the pyramid triggered considerable controversy because many people felt that the futuristic edifice looked quite out of place in front of the Louvre Museum with its classical architecture.

The Louvre Pyramid is the work of American architect Ieoh Ming Pei. His architectural works are characterized by the search for a certain purity of form combined with functional efficiency. The use of abstract forms and the use of cold materials such as stone, concrete, steel or glass are accompanied by a strong propensity for theatrics and technology challenges.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

La Paz, Bolivia - Panorama @ Blue Hour

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia. It is located at an elevation of 3,660 meters above sea level, making it the world's highest capital city. The city sits in a "bowl" surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano. As it grows, La Paz climbs the hills, resulting in varying elevations from 3,000 meters to 4,100 meters. Overlooking the city is towering triple-peaked Illimani, which is always snow-covered and can be seen from several spots of the city, including from the neighbor city, El Alto.

La Paz is an important cultural center of Bolivia. The city hosts several cathedrals belonging to the colonial times, such as the San Francisco Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, this last one located on Murillo Square, which is also home of the political and administrative power of the country. Hundreds of different museums can be found across the city, the most notable ones on Jaén Street, which street design has been preserved from the Spanish days and is home of 10 different museums.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Puno, Peru - Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a lake located on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It sits 3,812 m above sea level, making it one of the highest commercially navigable lakes in the world. By volume of water, it is also the largest lake in South America.

The lake is located at the northern end of the endorheic Altiplano basin high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia. The western part of the lake lies within the Puno Region of Peru, and the eastern side is located in the Bolivian La Paz Department.

Lake Titicaca is fed by rainfall and meltwater from glaciers on the sierras that abut the Altiplano. The lake has also 41 islands, some of which are densely populated.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Huacachina, Peru - Oasis in the desert

Huacachina is a village in the Ica Region, in southwestern Peru. Huacachina is built around a small natural lake in the desert. Called the "oasis of America," it serves as a resort for local families from the nearby city of Ica, and increasingly as an attraction for tourists drawn by the sports of sandboarding and taking dune buggy rides on sand dunes that stretch several hundred feet high.

Currently, private landowners near the oasis have installed wells, in order to access the groundwater. This has had the effect of drastically reducing the level of water in the oasis. To compensate for this water loss, and preserve the oasis as an aesthetically pleasing destination for tourists, the city began a process of artificially pumping water into the oasis.

Panorama of 5 shots

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Peruvian Portrait


Peruvian Portrait
Originally uploaded by GlobeTrotter 2000
Peru's ethnic diversity is a unique combination, where the cultural legacy of the Incas blends in with the Spanish culture that came into play early in XVI century through the hands of Francisco Pizarro.

It was further enriched by the contribution of other cultures such as non-Hispanic Europeans, African slaves and East Asians as well.

Peru highlands is, for the most part, populated by American Indians who speak Quechua and farm the land pretty much in the same way as the Incas did.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Magical Machu Picchu, Peru

In 1911, an innkeeper from the Peruvian town of Aguas Calientes led Hiram Bingham on a scramble up a steep, jungle-tangled embankment to the extensive ruins of an Inca settlement that was named Machu Picchu for the neighboring mountain.

Bingham, a professor from Yale University who was exploring in the region, later wondered in his book, Lost City of the Incas, whether anyone would believe what he had found.

Today, there's no question about the site's significance. More than 300,000 people a year make the trek to Machu Picchu to marvel at the 500-year-old structures built from blocks of granite chiseled from the mountainside.

They come by helicopter, train, and foot. They snap photos, meditate, and lounge in the sun. They come for a variety of reasons—to fulfill a romantic dream, tap into the energy of the Inca soul, or simply tick off a box on the list of the world's must-see sights.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Wayna Picchu, Peru - Panorama over the Machu Picchu

Wayna Picchu is a mountain in Peru around which the Urubamba River bends. It rises over Machu Picchu, the so-called "lost city of the Incas" and divides it into sections. The Incas built a trail up the side of the Huayna Picchu and built temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Picchu is about 2,720 metres above sea level, or about 360 metres higher than Machu Picchu.

According to local guides, the top of the mountain was the residence for the high priest and the local virgins. Every morning before sunrise, the high priest with a small group would walk to Machu Picchu to signal the coming of the new day.

The number of daily visitors allowed to enter Huayna Picchu is restricted to 400 (Come very very very early if you want to climb the Peak !!!). A steep and at times exposed climb leads to the summit. Some portions are slippery and steel cables (a via ferrata) provide some support. At times during the rainy season, the tours are closed.

From the summit, a second trail leads down to the Temple of the Moon. These natural caves, on the north face of the mountain, are lower than the starting point of the trail. The return path from the caves completes a loop around the mountain as it rejoins the main trail.

Panorama of 5 shots

Thursday, June 17, 2010

La Paz, Bolivia - Illimani Peak

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia. It is located at an elevation of 3,660 meters above sea level, making it the world's highest capital city. The city sits in a "bowl" surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano. As it grows, La Paz climbs the hills, resulting in varying elevations from 3,000 meters to 4,100 meters. Overlooking the city is towering triple-peaked Illimani, which is always snow-covered and can be seen from several spots of the city, including from the neighbor city, El Alto.

La Paz is an important cultural center of Bolivia. The city hosts several cathedrals belonging to the colonial times, such as the San Francisco Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, this last one located on Murillo Square, which is also home of the political and administrative power of the country. Hundreds of different museums can be found across the city, the most notable ones on Jaén Street, which street design has been preserved from the Spanish days and is home of 10 different museums.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Chivay, Peru - Peruvian little girl in traditional clothing with llama

The small town of Chivay is located on the east end of Colca Canyon. The people here are known for their white hats, made of straw and decorated with lace and sequins.

Just northeast of Chivay are some hot springs that are a popular side trip from the town. There is a complex at the springs with pool, showers, change rooms and a small café This town is a good base for doing some hikes in the area. It is possible to walk to some of the nearby towns in an afternoon.

Paris, Louvre Pyramid @ Blue Hour

The Louvre Pyramid is a large glass and metal pyramid, surrounded by three smaller pyramids, in the main courtyard of the Louvre Palace in Paris. The large pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Completed in 1989, it has become a landmark for the city of Paris. The construction of the pyramid triggered considerable controversy because many people felt that the futuristic edifice looked quite out of place in front of the Louvre Museum with its classical architecture.

The Louvre Pyramid is the work of American architect Ieoh Ming Pei. His architectural works are characterized by the search for a certain purity of form combined with functional efficiency. The use of abstract forms and the use of cold materials such as stone, concrete, steel or glass are accompanied by a strong propensity for theatrics and technology challenges.

Machu Picchu, Peru - Sunrise over The Lost City of the Incas

Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres northwest of Cuzco. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World.

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Since it was not plundered by the Spanish when they conquered the Incas, it is especially important as a cultural site and is considered a sacred place.