The Monastery of Santa Catalina, a jewel of the local architecture

Private Nuns Monastery of the Order of St. Catherine of Siena-original name, was built in an area of about 20 thousand square meters to house the daughters of the most distinguished families in Arequipa. It was a convent until 1970 absolute , when the nuns decide to live together and leave their cloisters to be visited by tourists.

The convent of Santa Catalina is a small fortress built of mud and chairs with magnificent frescoes occupy an area of 20 thousand square meters and is divided into four quarters, trying to emulate the urban distribution of Arequipa early years of the colony.

The Viceroy Francisco Toledo, during his visit to Arequipa, was informed by the council, about his desire to years ago to found a monastery of nuns. This motivated him to grant the licenses necessary for the foundation of "Private Nuns Monastery of the Order of St. Catherine of Siena." And thanks to the donation of goods Maria de Guzman, widow of Diego Hernández de Mendoza. She was the first prioress of the monastery, a position he held for the first six years of operation. Its construction was carried out expeditiously and in 1579 was declared opened.

On Sunday October 2, 1580, celebrates a Mass at the city and Queen Mary, known as the founder, is officially habits. Women who entered the monastery as nuns were Creole, Mestizo, and even daughters curacas. Only in 1964 entered the first Spanish nuns. The story also includes the income of "poor sisters" and ladies of the city, without embracing the religious life, entering into the house to exercise their virtues.

For nearly two centuries in the viceregal era, cloisters and cells of the monastery of Santa Catalina, have been modifications, additions and new buildings that have become a true showcase of colonial architecture of Arequipa.

Its architectural style is based on the Spanish influence, but made with Indian hands. Therefore, unlike other colonial public buildings in Santa Catalina can find the fusion of Spanish and indigenous elements, forming something original.

Continued Arequipa earthquakes that struck in 1582, destroyed the earlier building and also the properties of the families of the nuns Catalina. This was the cause and origin of the existing citadel in the Monastery of St. Catherine of Siena in Arequipa. The relatives of the nuns chose to build private cells for them, since the dormitory was damaged or was too small for the number growing daily religious.

As set a standard that was followed by more than 300 years. To ensure safety, Lindel the door was slightly above ground level and the ceiling is considerably lower, providing more resistance to earthquakes.

When he decided to open the doors of the monastery and began the restoration work of the frescoes painted on its walls, he found a collection of religious paintings of the Indian school. Approximately 400 pieces were restored and is now one of the collections of major religious paintings of Latin America.

Inside there is a museum that houses one of the most important examples of religious art of the continent, including an art gallery containing works from the Cuzco School, the highest expression of the fusion of feelings and values of two cultures: Inca and Spanish . It opened on August 15, 1970. The visit to the monastery takes about an hour and a half.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina, the most important religious monument in Peru colonial. Founded in 1580, kept their doors closed to the world until 1970. When opened, left to see their narrow corridors, gardens, streets and squares, which jealously guards a very peculiar colonial art.

How to get there?
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is located near the Plaza de Armas, the left branch of the avenue that runs next to the Basilica of Arequipa. The ticket price is 30 soles, with the company of a guide or, if you like, you can choose to go it alone, although in this case the explanation and would lose all the curious details that are locked behind these massive walls ashlar.

Serve every day of the year except Christmas, New Year and regular Santo.Horario Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m.

High season: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Special rates for children and pensioners.

El Castillo de Chancay, full of history and charm

Chancay Castle is a majestic building located on Calle Primero de Mayo, a short distance from where the ship is sunk Chilean "the Covadonga", begun in 1924.La author was Mrs. Consuelo Amat y León who decided to initiate such great work as a tribute to her late husband.

After 10 years the work was completed, aiming to be a home where she could live with his family. However, this objective was distorted with time, and the castle was abandoned after the family left for Lima to live.

Only in 1990, thanks to the initiative of John Winston Barreto Boggio, grandson of Consuelo Amat, the castle was rebuilt following the original plans, the castle was remodeled.


Currently has an area of 4000 square meters, with built area of 2200 square meters. It has ten reception rooms, 250 rooms, twelve terraces, ten rooms, 4 towers, and stairways and tunnels leading to the sea. There are also stables, patios, kitchens, dining rooms, swimming pools and a park. Total of 800 environments and floors are 5.

The main attraction of the castle is its facade and architectural designs for a medieval building. Just as "The Hall of Memories" Hunting Room "(showing a small collection of stuffed animals), pools, museums, and a veranda with stunning sea views.

El Castillo de Chancay, also part of one of the most important tourist circuits are made in the capital Lima, it is a hotel and is the only of its kind in Peru. On special occasions like Easter or July 28 orchestras are hired for the animation.

Hotel occupancy is relative. The high season is summer, when they enter 3000 or 4000 visitors a week, in winter the flow falls to 1000 per week, with the occupation up to 5000 people. Between August and October agreements with schools to make field trips.

El Castillo de Chancay, today is a tourist attraction, not to be missed.

Location:
The capital of the province is the city Huaral Chancay. Chancay is located 65 km north of Lima. On shore there is the port of Chancay.

How to get there?
You can take the buses that go to the Norte Chico, which depart from downtown Lima to or on the Panamerican Highway.
Chancay Castle opens its doors to visitors from 9:00 am all days.

Prices Directions:
The price of Bus Lima / Chancay of S /. 5.00 to S /. 6.00
Whereabouts of the Castle of Chancay, the Taxi from S /. 2.00 (auto). The bike taxi from S /. 1.50.

What to do?
The Castle has archaeological museum of the Chancay culture, nineteenth century furniture, a collection of stuffed animals, swimming pool, playground, restaurants and accommodation.


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A Journey to the Mantaro Valley

The Mantaro Valley is located in central Peru in the Junin region between Western and Central Cordillera of the Andes. Formerly known as Jauja Valley is a geographical river valley, crossed by the Mantaro River and its many tributaries that fall short tour of both sides. Major cities are Jauja, Concepción, Huancayo and Chupaca. This beautiful valley is 3 000 271 meters above sea level, is the main commercial center of the highlands of Peru.

This valley is its natural property, it shows we have the fauna, with a significant variety of wild birds like partridge and Tortola or wild mammals such as deer and vicuña. As to the flora are trees like queñal, alder and tare and flowers such as roses, carnations and fuchsias.


The Mantaro Valley is full of villages and farming communities to the length of its two banks. All peoples of the valley produce their own food and follow their trades, mainly artisans, and celebrate their traditional festivals every year.

It is advisable to visit the valley between the months of December and June when the rains do bloom the crops and vegetation in the fields. All the Mantaro Valley is rich in culture.

You can visit Torre Torre, next to Freedom Cerrito. Also Warivilca ruins 15 kilometers, near Wari, with its vestiges of pre-Inca temples of the tribe Huang. Among Pilcomayo and Huayo (15 kilometers as well) is the Geophysical Institute Huayo in the so-called magnetic Ecuador "because of its proximity to the mountains, leading to a center of magnetic waves to be at high altitude.

East of the Mantaro river are the towns of Chico and Cochas Cochas Grande also Hualahoyo, San Agustin Building, San Pedro, Hualhuas, St. Jerome and others. All these towns are worth visiting for its scenery, typical foods, woven alpaca and many other reasons. With temperatures averaging between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius, the tours of the area last about four days.

The Mantaro Valley is located about 190 km east of Lima. Is about 20 km wide and lies at an altitude above 3,000 m. The mountain ranges that flank than the 4,500 m. In the Mantaro Valley grow lots of corn, potatoes (potatoes), legumes and vegetables, most of their land is irrigated. The surrounding mountains are rich in mineral deposits and are also used as grazing areas. The largest city is Huancayo.

Their abundance has led him to be known as the pantry of Lima, as the supplies of potatoes, corn, wheat and barley.

Laguna Encantada and spells

The beautiful lake in the high Encantada Matucana is at an altitude of 3500 meters., Consists of two twin lakes whose waters are formed by the thawing of lake Arca. In the surroundings you can see the viscacha, donkeys and wild horses and great diversity of flora. At an altitude of 4600 m is the lagoon Arca, (9 km Marachanca) Wonderful turquoise lagoon.

This is a gap created by the villagers to irrigate their fields. Here you can see condors flying and good weather you can see the snowy Ticlio, the highest point in Peru.

The beautiful lake is full of magic, legend has it that the villagers of two factions of Marachanca wanted to make a canal to irrigate their land but they could not agree and in the midst of an argument were presented with a knight riding a beautiful white horse and asked them what they were, what they told him.

Newcomer told can not build the canal and that he could make overnight, if he indulged in the most beautiful maiden. This was the maiden Evan was taken to the next morning and at the same time introduced the unknown gentleman in his steed, mount offering made under oath that at twelve o'clock that day the canal would be ready. And the stranger disappeared as if by magic.

The next day the canal was ready, lined with stones bordered by leafy trees of a species throughout the area of Matucana only grow on the banks of the canal and the lagoon. They say that in full moon nights you can see Evan on the banks of the lagoon, combing, if you get to see it is better to go long because many people have gone to the bottom of the lagoon for their cause.

If time is short and you can not ask for vacation, think about this destination that is close to Lima and will only need a weekend to visit and also managed to leave behind the stress and worry that the great city of Lima does not offer day day.



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Bodies, a beach full of magic and tranquility

The beautiful beach of the bodies is known for its tranquility, away from American and around sun, sand and sea. The bodies were located only 13 kms south of the resort of Mancora and only two hours from the border between Peru and Ecuador.

The nearest town is Talara and the nearest airport is located in Tumbes to the north and the south of Piura.

Balneario "The Bodies" is made up of wide beaches and attractive appearance. The weather is warm all year for belonging to a tropical zone, the temperature range from 32 degrees, dominant in summer and 26 to 30 degrees for the remaining stations.
Bodies is a tempting alternative for those seeking peace of mind with a people who have the most desired todo.Su beach is known as Punta Sailboats, which houses a small condominium with beautiful beach bungalows and houses that rent for the entire year.In this place is a curious couple of houses in the shape of a pyramid.

The resort of Los Bodies offers three good points for surfing, these are known locally as "Casablanca," "The Codito" or "Organitos" and the wave of name "bodies" or "La Vuelta" (one of the best northern Peru).

Bodies have a diverse range of accommodation and hotels to affordable and private accommodation, and restaurants are beginning to offer their services in and around Punta sailboats.

Bodies has: Companies buses and taxis, ATMs, banks, buses, accommodation in the town and the sea, etc.


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Mangrove San Pedro de Vice, a paradise to be discovered

Mangroves San Pedro de Vice is in the district of Vice (Sechura - Piura) 50 km southwest of the city of Piura and is the largest mangrove shows that there is in the department. Presents an indescribable natural beauty, with a number of birds that grace the blue skies and sunsets, as well as providing fish for 200 families who fish in this paradise.

Mangroves, as RAMSAR International Convention to which Peru is a member, are tropical saltwater wetlands, estuaries and / or lagoon, ie areas where freshwater mixes with salt water, established in intertidal zones. Are considered the most important primary producers in the world, helping to hold the soil where it grows preventing erosion. "The relief is flat in the mangrove and waved around by the presence of dunes.

In this little paradise, located in the lower Piura, you'll see beautiful birds in the region such as the curlew, the white heron, Peruvian pelican, the white Sandpiper and the famous flamenco, as well as several migratory species, such as West Beach, arriving from northern countries like Canada and the United States. These myriad of birds adorn the blue sky and sunsets of this swamp.

The Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve (WHSRN) officially handed the nomination of "Site of Regional Importance" the mangroves of San Pedro, due to the richness and variety of species living in this valuable ecosystem. This designation reaffirms the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem.

The mangroves of San Pedro - Vice, have become the best source of life in the desert. You have to go visit and meet their biodiversity, and find that in this paradise of incomparable beauty and also 100 species of birds, 49 plants and 300 entomofauna.

Peru is a country with a surprising diversity in human and biological. Has between 82 and 84% of the biological world.

Manu National Park

Manu National Park is located in the rainforest of the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, represents the greatest natural treasure of Peru, by the number of species living in and the diversity of ecosystems it protects. Along with the Reserved Area and Cultural Zone is called Manu Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 1977. Manu is one of the few areas of the world where wild animals abound and live in a completely natural state.

Manu Jungle offers a remarkably high density of wildlife, mammal and macaw clay lick where animals are concentrated and easy to watch them. Exotic birds like the Cock, Hormiguero Frentirrufo, Brent. No other area in America offers such excellent sightings of rare or difficult animals to observe.

Recognized as "Natural Heritage of Humanity" and "Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO, the Manu is a sample of intact forest, far from virgin Amazon "Civilization." Entering the maze of rivers and "lakes" (gaps) the traveler enters a world increasingly surprising and charming where, unlike elsewhere in the forest where there has been hunting, there is a lot of animals that are not are fearful of the presence of man.

Manu has become a place of research and study for hundreds of scientists around the world, and cohabit in it more than 20 000 varieties of plants, 1,200 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and an unknown number of reptiles, amphibians and insects. The park also live many tribes, many of which still have no contact with the outside world.


Inside known inhabited by different ethnic groups (Amahuaca, huachipaire, Machiguenga, pyro, and Yaminahua Yora), and others without any contact with the modern world.

In the territory of the Manu National Park, 30 peasant communities are maintaining the language Quechua as their mother tongue and several Amazonian native peoples who inhabit this land from time immemorial, as are the people Matsiguenka, Amahuaca, Yine, Amarakaeri Huashipaire and Nahua.

Part of the cultural background of these groups is retained by the petroglyphs Pusharo in Palotoa River region and the ruins of Mameria. There are archaeological remains that have not yet been studied.

The rainy season or low season from January to March, but throughout the year may have unexpected rain, so it is always recommended to carry waterproof. The climate in the lowland areas is an average of 35 º C during the day and 25 º C overnight.

The region's tourist infrastructure is rustic and basic, so you can also opt for camping. Remain in the area seven or eight days, approximate time required to observe a large sample of species of wildlife in the area.


It is very important to always travel with insect repellent and sunscreen. We recommend the use of long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid insect bites. The vaccine against yellow fever is mandatory.

Recommend the services of an experienced company recommended agencies in the region or seek support from local park rangers or guides.

Access to the Manu Biosphere Reserve is through the city of Puerto Maldonado, the same that is sent by air with the cities of Lima and Cusco. There is also a road from the city of Cusco.

Access from abroad is through the city of Lima, by air. From the city of Puerto Maldonado can reach the reserve by land or river.

The beautiful trip to Manu from Cusco takes place through the crest of the Andes - where you can see the sunrise over the jungle from the viewpoint of Tres Cruces - and down all ecological levels to the great plains of the Amazon. Entering National Park Manu upriver, then stay in a tourist lodge or camp on the banks of a river.

Departure from Cusco. Tourist transport hired Atalay (8 hours) or Shintuya (11 hours), then by motorized boat to Boca Manu (8 hours) and Manu Park (8 hours). Flights hired plane from Cusco to Boca Manu. There is no public transport.

The activities can be practiced in this place are ecotourism and wildlife observation that would astonish any visitor, since it is an ecosystem that has evolved over thousands of years unchanged.


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Incahuasi Archaeological Complex: The house of the Inca

Incahuasi whose Castilian translation is "House of the Inca" is the most important and strategic city built by the Incas in Lunahuaná Valley, located in the annex to Paullo, at km 30 the road to Yauyos.



The chronicles and archaeological research later revealed that the Incas to conquer this part of the coast, gave a degree of importance that the area Lunahuaná, that in building Incahuasi City, did the image of the Inca city of Cusco, according to the order of Inca Tupac Yupanqui.



According to tradition, Tupac Yupanqui decided to call this extensive administrative center of Cusco (the navel), just as the capital of Tawantinsuyu, and wanted their streets and squares bear the same names as those in him, but then left for the town Incahuasi current name.



Incahuasi The complex consists of several sectors:

The justice sector, with buildings for the judiciary, prisons, and a central plaza where executed convicts.

The military, with a large enclosure divided in its interior, forming numerous rooms allocated to the hosting of the troop.

The area of the house of the chosen, is the most colorful and is composed of workshops and ceremonial plaza. The women chosen were engaged in spinning and weaving for the Inca.

The Palacio del Inca sector, a trapezoidal-shaped building, which sits on the highest part of the hill, as was customary in Inca constructions, which prevailed around the building.

Between the two sectors is located above the colcas (stores). It has that name because of its shape. It is a large rectangle divided inside by a lot of walls that form numbers and square rectangular rooms have doors that do not communicate. It is also thought that this building was the one that housed the troops.



Public and private institutions signed an agreement for the enhancement of the archaeological site of Incahuasi, which is expected to increase by 40% of visitors arrive Lunahuaná Valley, which now range in the 200 thousand per year.
To reach the archaeological complex Incahuasi, first you must go to Cañete, then go towards Lunahuaná and from there take the vans to take you to your destination. It is located approximately 5 hours from Lima.

To visit the complex recommend that your clothing is light clothing, but to protect you from the sun. Hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and of course a camera.

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Taquile Island, home of the friendly Taquile

Taquile or Intik (in Quechua) is a island located on the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru, 45 km from the city of Puno. It has a population of approximately 1,700 inhabitants. The main villa is located at 3950 meters and its highest point of the island reaches 4050 meters. The inhabitants of this island are known as Taquile and are Quechua.


Intik part of the Inca Empire was so even today you can see some archaeological remains. This island was a late Peruvian locations capitulated against the Spanish in the sixteenth century. He was later taken on behalf of Emperor Charles V and finally went to the court of Pedro Gonzales de Taquile, whose surname is now clear his name. The Spanish banned traditional dress Inca, so that the islanders had to take the peasant dress to wear today.

Taquile is characterized by its friendly people, who maintain their customs, traditions and the old-fashioned dress. The locals are noted for their industrious and fine textiles with symmetrical decorations symbolic of strong colors that reflect their lifestyle, their customs and beliefs of the Andes. Those are among the finest Peruvian handicrafts. It should be noted that the spinning and weaving are made primarily by men.


Taquileños society is based on collective work and the Inca moral code "Ama Suwa llulla loves, loves qilla" (not steal, not lies and not be lazy.) Today its economy is based on fishing, farming potatoes in the platforms and tourism, annually receives 40.000 visitors.

Garments using retain much reminiscent of pre-Columbian times in both their quality, design and symbolism.

The woman is wearing a red blouse and many-colored skirts, covered with a large black skirt. The waist is belted with a thin belt cherry. The head and face are protected by a long black cloak that protects from the sun.

Men wear trousers fabric in black, his white shirt is covered with a short jacket, the shape and color determine its role within the community. Also takes a long strip embroidered fabric which describes itself as symbolic of the island, events that have marked the life of the couple. The chullo or finely woven hat, differentiating married men singles. The way you use the tail of chullo points if you are looking couple.


Taquile's history dates back to pre-Inca times. Indeed there are burial towers at that time in the top of the hill called "the island", built entirely in stone carvings. These have the form of small rectangular rooms, and entry, contrary to the tombs of Sillustani, is wide and allow the entry of a person standing.

The island has a maximum length of 5.5 km and a top width of 1.5 km, the second largest island of the Lake (5.72 km ²) in the Peruvian part (after Amantaní). The people of Taquile It is found at 140 m above the lake, 3950 m asl Thanks to the thermocouple effect of the lake in the island there is a microclimate favorable to agriculture.

Taquile also has a radio station that operates on generators, but the locals have decided not to use them and opt for solar panels. A curious fact is that within the island inhabits a dog.

To reach the island you have to take a boat in Puno, which takes three hours to reach the port rudimentary Taquile, where you have to climb over 500 steps to the village. There is the option of taking a full tour or travel on vessels that handle the islanders, which cost about 20 soles, including a visit to the floating islands of Uros.

On the island there are no hotels, roads, electricity, cars, even police bicicleta.Ni not there because they do not commit crimes.


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Rataquenua

The city of Huaraz is the department of Ancash and is the principal city of the Callejón de Huaylas, is known as "the very noble and generous city of Huaraz" and is located 400 km from the city of Lima. A Huaraz can be seen in all its magnitude from the lookout, located next to the Cruz de Rataquenua.

It is the most important center of economy, finance, agricultural sales, and tourism in the Callejon de Huaylas. The central market is the largest in the Alley. Huaraz is a place of arrival of practitioners of extreme sports and high in the snowy mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, as well as tours to the archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar.



El Mirador de Rataquenua is located 7 km southeast of the city of Huaraz on the east side of the hill. Natural Mirador which is a strategic point overlooking the city. It is recommended to go to the lookout during the hours of day and in groups.

The ascent to the cross of "El Mirador" in Rataquenua in the taxi takes about 15 minutes while the track is uncovered at a cost ranging from 5-10 soles not recommended walking up to the viewpoint, since no much to see up-and the road is dusty descarpado.



In Rataquenua, there is a large cross and a building full of graffiti, and of course a magnificent view of Huaraz. But do not just sit there watching the scenery, because here is where the hiking and adventure.

Keep up the road or fix the cab to turn up for two extra soles to a point where there is a eucalyptus forest, which is roughly where they began Rataquenua cliffs. From there, continue walking for about an hour, until the rock wall on your right ends.


From there just go down the roads that look like large fingers to Huaraz. Recommend taking a taxi to the lookout around 3pm, to allow time to walk the walk in stride, just as the sun is not as strong, and be in time to see the beautiful sunset just before the fall, around 6pm. Recommend No download later, because the road becomes dangerous unlit.



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The Desert of Ica and its beautiful dunes

The department of Ica is located on the south central Peruvian coast. He was considered the center where the important pre-Inca Nazca civilization (300 BC) and Paracas (700 BC).

Paracas Men Trephinations practiced in life, with obsidian knives, and reached a great development in textile art.

For its part, the Nazca culture noted for his admirable knowledge of hydraulic engineering, building aqueducts and underground channels reinforced with stone interior walls and ceilings huarango.

Ica is known as the region of the sand and sea, oases and valleys. In addition to pisco, wine and devotions, as the Lord of Luren or Yauca Sanctuary.

Ica offers one of the most beautiful desert landscapes of Peru competing with the height of the Sahara (Africa) and Arabic (Egypt), where we will see impressive dunes of different sizes in this tour enjoy landscapes and mirrors offered by scorching desert sands bordering El Oasis de Huacachina.




Ica dunes are the best place to practice sandbording. Ica is the birthplace of the tour and tours in practice Buggies and Sandboarding in Peru, which is why the rides in these powerful machines are one of the most popular tours on weekends, when many land travel to Lima to Ica find adventure and excitement in the tours, or sand buggies.




The city is well served by the Pan American Highway. Journey Lima - Ica (300 km) on the South Pan American Highway for a period of 4 h approx. car.

It also has a small airport, from where expeditions to largely leave the Nazca Lines. There is an air taxi service operating from Lima to Ica. Also flying over the Nazca Lines locally.

There are two airports in the department of Ica:
- Airfield near the Hotel Las Dunas, 5 km from Ica.
- Maria Reiche Neuman Aerodrome at km 447 of the Pan American Highway South (Nazca).


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