Living in Peru : your everyday companion

The King and Queen of Spain, Juan Carlos de Borbón and Sofia de Grecia are to visit the archaeological complex Huaca de la Luna ("Shrine of the Moon") in Trujillo, the capital of La Libertad department, on October 28, stated the dean of the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Carlos Sabana Gamarra.

Sabana said that the royal couple accepted the invitation issued by this university to visit the tourist attractions of "The Capital of Eternal Spring", Trujillo, among which is the center of power of the millenary Mochica, a culture that developed from 100 to 900 A.C.

The university authority issued the invitation to the royal couple during a visit to Madrid in March 2005, when Sabana and a delegation of distinguished people of Trujillo, received from the hands of the Queen of Spain the IV Reina Sofia International Award for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage 2005 awarded to the archaeological project of Huaca de la Luna.

Huaca de la Luna, a large adobe brick structure built mainly by the Moche people of northern Peru, together with the Huaca del Sol, is part of Huacas de Moche, the remains of an ancient Moche capital city called Cerro Blanco by modern archaeologists.

News source: ANDINA

A few years ago going beyond La Punta and visiting the coast of Callao was not the first thing people thought of when they wanted to relax and have fun with friends or by themselves. Thankfully, this has changed. Today it is possible to walk down the colorful and lively streets of Chucuito in Callao which have become an attractive spot for locals and tourists alike.

The Italian Influence 
Everything began when the authorities of Peru’s only constitutional province tried to come up with ideas in order to increase and develop tourism. Taking into account that they were not making the most of their advantageous positioning, being near the only international airport and the largest port in the county, they decided they could not let any more opportunities escape them. That is when the image of our own “Caminito chalaco” was born, a Peruvian version of the well known Argentinean neighborhood. Besides their colorful streets both “Caminitos” share that they became the homes to large Italian immigrant communities that managed to fuse their way of life with that of the locals.    
 
In spite of their similarities it is important to realize the fundamental differences between the two. The Genovese styled buildings, made entirely of wood and accompanied with beautiful street lamps, found in Callao contrast the urban style that can be found in La Boca.

A Tour to Remember
The park of Santa Rosa works as a starting point with its statues which pay tribute firstly, to Peru’s naval war heroes and secondly, to the many immigrants that arrived between the XVII and XVIII century to become Peruvian citizens. From here it is easy to observe how perfectly the vibrant colors of the houses on the first seven blocks combine.   
 
After experiencing this visual marvel an expedition down the streets of Chucuito lets its visitors appreciate the cold and calm ocean as well as allowing for the opportunity to board a newly remodeled ship and pretend to be out at sea. Beside the vessel cut-outs of painted mermaids and pirates lead to smiles and laughter as people stand behind them and pretend the bodies of the images are their own.      

The Essentials
Sundays are special in Chucuito. Ever since the plan to increase tourism was put in place there is a food fair in the main square every week. It is its neighbors and a few of the more famous restaurants of the area who are responsible for the menu. They bring a delicious mixture of seafood and Italian delicacies to the table. A live orchestra creates ambiance while additional security provides a safe environment for the festivities. And for dessert a famous “cremolada” from Colorao found on the aledaño boardwalk is a perfect finish to a delicious meal. 

Finally, the old municipal baths have been renovated decorated with a pirate theme and converted into a museum and souvenir shop. Here visitors can get everything from hats to mugs to T-shirts as keepsakes of their day. They can also learn about the history of the port and view pictures and birth certificates of the first migrants to live in Chucuito. This is a worthwhile experience just a few minutes away from the city.   

On Our Way
To get to Chucuito: Head for the entry to Callao, go on to the Guardia Chalaca avenue, pass the Real Felipe and keep going straight. There you will find the entrance with the Chucuito suburb sign.
For further information click here.

Source: El Comercio

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Air France introduces new boarding passes

For a series of specific flights, Air France is now using electronic boarding passes that can be displayed on cellular phone screens. With the new electronic pass, passengers can board planes with just their cellular phone and some type of personal identification. No other paperwork is needed. After registering on the company's website, a bar code is sent to the passenger's cellular phone, which is then used to board the plane.



Visas not needed to travel to Israel

Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Israel have signed an agreement to eliminate the use of visas, thus; Peruvians no longer need a visa to travel to Israel. The measure has been taken to increase tourism between the two nations.



Flights from Iquitos to Miami

Yvan Vásquez Valera, the governor of Loreto announced that LAN Airline Company was willing to consider the possibility of opening flights from Miami to Iquitos. Vásquez affirmed the regional government was evaluating the idea and was willing to help LAN begin these flights. It has been 18 years since there have been direct flights between the United States and Iquitos.

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Citizens in Cusco woke up Monday morning to the roar of over one hundred Harley-Davidson motorcycles touring the city's streets and visiting the Sacred Valley's main tourist attractions.

The Harley-Davidson riders, which were easily recognized in their black leather jackets, chains, jeans and black boots, arrived from Lima on Sunday evening and rode through the streets of Cusco city the following morning.

The group of bikers was received warmly and enthusiastically by locals, who formed large crowds along the streets to get a glimpse of the powerful machines and their riders.

Eduardo Sal y Rosas, president of the Peru Harley-Davidson club explained that this was the sixth time the group had visited Cusco, stating that on this occasion over one hundred riders had participated.

It was reported that in South America alone, the group has ridden through Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and several of Peru's regions.

"We do it for pleasure, because being in Cusco is magical," said Sal y Rosas.

"Arriving on our bikes isn't like traveling in cars; we are a part of the environment. You integrate yourself into the landscape of this beautiful land."

Every year, Chilean citizens spend over one hundred million dollars in Tacna in medical services, Peruvian clothes and other products, local mayor Luis Torres Robledo said today.

In his statements to Andina news agency, mayor Torres mentioned that visitors mostly spent money on hotels, restaurants and handicrafts among other things.

Torres Robledo detailed that over three thousand Chilean tourists visit Tacna everyday and spend an average of one hundred dollars per day.

Torres said Chileans consider medical services provided in Tacna as cheaper and of better quality than those offered in their country.

In that regard, he added that many Chileans cross the boarder to visit Peruvian dentists, opticians, cardiologists and gynecologists.

Torres Robledo participated this weekend in the First International Gastronomic Fair of Lima “Peru, Mucho Gusto”, which ended on Sunday 28.

During this gastronomic fair, Tacna's mayor said that every year one million Chileans visit Peru’s southernmost coastal city of Tacna to enjoy local traditional dishes and grape-based pisco.

Tacna offers visitors colorful dishes exquisitely combined and abundantly served. The picante a la Tacneña and patazca Tacneña belong to this region.

Corn and cheese, chicharrones with toasted corn, cuy or guinea pig chactado, corn cake with peanuts and raisins, baked pork, grilled lamb, are also local specialties.

To drink, Tacna has macerated Brussels apricot, frutilla or tumbo, as well as pisco and wines produced in the local vineyards.

News source: ANDINA

The Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism (PromPerú) will promote Peru's tourist attractions during the Salon International du Tourisme et des Voyages - SITV 2008 (International Tourism and Travel Show) to be held from October 24 to 26.

This show, which is targeted at tour operators and Canadian market consumers, will be attended by Peruvian business professionals and PromPerú representatives who will distribute promotional material.

PromPerú's participation aims to answer the questions that visitors may have about Peru, help show them to plan their next dream vacation in the Andean country and meet the agents and major players of the travel industry in Montreal.

News source: ANDINA

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

In an effort to invite the world to experience the joys and treasures Peru has to offer, the country's tourism promotion agency, PromPeru, has launched a new publicity campaign.

The new campaign portrays the Andean country as not just an exquisite place to visit, but as an experience that must be lived, an experience with cultures that have stood the test of time and continue to bewilder modern man.

"Peru, Live the Legend", shows the world that the country is a place where one will come into contact with sacred archaeological ruins and hidden natural wonders that were sites where legends took place.

The campaign assures Peru is a privileged place to visit because of the combination of its rich culture, diverse natural wonders and uniqueness in the world.

The objective of "Peru, Live the Legend" is to present our country as the best destination for trips in markets in the United States, Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil and Chile, said PromPeru.

Furthermore, the tourism promotion body announced that the campaign would reach 350 million people around the world as well as an additional 160 million through a deal made with One World.

After a rigorous investigation, it was decided that the previous campaign, "Pack your six senses, come to Peru", needed to be modified to fit an ever changing market, said PromPeru.

Click here to see a video from the new campaign.

About 2.1 million foreign tourists are to visit Peru this year, a 10 percent increase compared to 2007, the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) said today.

Canatur president Eduardo Arrarte said the current U.S. financial crisis will not affect the country's tourism growth; although the number of U.S. tourists has begun to drop, but it has been offset by the increased inflow of tourists from Latin America, Europe and Asia.

In that regard, he noted the importance to tourism international summits such as the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) Summit held last May in Lima and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings held throughout the year across the country.

Arrarte mentioned that in the first six months of 2008, tourist arrivals increased 13 percent compared to the same period last year.

He also stressed the need for coordinated work between local and regional authorities to join efforts and improve existing tourism infrastructure and facilities and thus maintain growth rates exceeding 10 percent annually.

News source: ANDINA

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

In an effort to further promote Peruvian treasures around the world and encourage tourists to visit the Andean country, an exhibition called 'El Oro de los Incas' was inaugurated at the Caen International Fair, one of France's most important trade fairs.

PromPeru, Peru's tourism promotion agency supported its participants and took advantage of the fact that approximately 250,000 people would be visiting this year's Caen International Fair.

With Andean music and dances, El Oro de los Incas exhibition was inaugurated at the fair on September 19.

Recognizing Machu Picchu, the sacred city of the Incas, as a historical and valuable find, the display has a considerable amount of space that displays everything from the train that takes tourists to Machu Picchu to what Hiram Bingham's campsite looked like.

In an effort to make the fair more than a commercial event, organizers have affirmed they are focusing more on national treasures.

"We are trying to give the fair a cultural dimension with a high artistic value, a space of quality, of rigorous discovery, of evasion and information," said Philippe Bertin, the general director of the International Caen Fair.

While China was the center of attention of the fair in 2007, this year Peru and its Inca civilization are the guests of honor.

"It's a story Europeans love and one we want to propose to those visiting the fair. Personally, I had great desires to share the emotions I felt during my visit to Peru when I went to prepare this grand exhibition," said Bertin.

Before the year ends, a Tourism Police detachment will be set up in Chivay, capital of the province of Caylloma, in order to intensify security in the Colca Valley and its surroundings, and supervise services offered by different operators, reported today the commander of the National Police (PNP) and head of Tourism department, Oscar Orihuela.

The creation of this detachment will be coordinated with the municipality of Caylloma, which allowed the police to implement an office at the terminal of Chivay.

Orihuela said they have requested to implement other offices at the main square of Chivay, in order to increase contact with tourists who visit this locality, and they are waiting for response.

"The mayor of Chivay promised to answer our request in a few weeks, we are waiting for it in order to protect tourists in this area as soon as possible", pointed out Orihuela.

Police security along the small towns in Colca Valley, and the supervision of services offered by different tourist operators in this area will be developed by the personnel of this detachment.

Orihuela explained that the supervision of tourist services offered by different operators is very important because there cases in which tourist services are not working properly and visitors do not have where to complain and enforce their rights.

News source: ANDINA