Living in Peru : your everyday companion

The King and Queen of Spain, Juan Carlos de Borbón and Sofia de Grecia, will visit the Peruvian archaeological complex Huaca de la Luna ("Shrine of the Moon") in Trujillo, on Tuesday October 28, reported Tuesday the regional president of La Libertad, José Murguía Zannier.

He said that Queen Sofia was very interested in learning about Mochica remains, after the invitation made by the dean of the National University of Trujillo, Víctor Carlos Sabana Gamarra, and Huacas del Valle Moche Committee in 2006.

The regional authority remarked that the visit of the royal couple would help to promote tourism in Trujillo, exhibiting Peru's northern city to the eyes of the world.

“This is an important event for the city, because the visit was motivated by the Huaca de la Luna, which restoration work was recognized with the IV Reina Sofia International Award for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage 2005”, he said.

In regard to the royal couple's agenda, Murguía indicated “they will be three to four hours in Trujillo. After their air arrival, they will go to Trujillo’s Main Square to be welcomed by people of the city, and immediately they will be taken to the Huaca del Sol and La Luna”.

In this last place, they will have a guided visit in charge of coordinators of the Huacas de Moche project, then they will be honored with a luncheon and then return to airport”, he stated.

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.

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Budget cuts made by Peru's Ministry of Finance are forcing organizations to stop conservation, restoration and management work taking place at the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and at other important archaeological monuments that are of touristic importance.

In a letter sent by Cecilia Bákula, the head of the National Institute for Culture (INC), the Minister of Finance, Luis Valdivieso, was warned that budget cuts were obligating organizations to stop work on historical sites and even impairing their management.

Furthermore, it was reported that these reductions in costs would keep the INC from fulfilling agreements Peru had made with UNESCO.

The effects of these reductions were recently felt when the INC had to halt reparation work after a forest fire damaged areas in Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is not the only site that will be affected, said the INC, affirming the conservation of other archaeological sites in Cusco along with the maintenance of museums across the region would be suspended.

These reductions will even affect the maintenance of Cusco's famous Inca Trail, an attraction that has brought thousands of tourists to the country, said the INC.

The drastic budget reduction has also cost a massive number of INC professionals in Lima, Cusco, Ica, Arequipa, and Trujillo their jobs, reported La Republica newspaper.

INC museums will no longer have security or maintenance services.

In addition, the Institute for Culture has had to stop the repatriation of archaeological artifacts recently recovered from Spain as well as from the United States, France, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador and Chile.

Ten Peruvians are seriously interested in traveling to space as tourists paying a cost of 200 thousand dollars, after the travel agency Agencia Rosario Florez launched yesterday the sale of space tours, reported the director of this agency, Rosario Florez.

This travel agency is the exclusive representative in Peru of the space line Virgin Galactic, the only company in the world authorized to offer this type of trips.

“There are many Peruvians who have been calling to ask, but only 10 have requested information repeatedly. Though they have not paid the 200 thousand dollars, they have showed their true and firm interest to live this exceptional experience", she said.

She added that, even though up to now no Peruvian has spent this amount, some have considered that 200 thousand dollars is a relatively accessible amount compared with previous years, when these spaceflights could cost up to two million dollars.

Florez said to Andina news agency, that the date of departure to space will depend on the form of the trip’s payment.

For example, if the traveler pays in installments and makes a down payment of 20 thousand dollars, the person will be able to have a seat in about five years.

On the other hand, if the passenger pays the 200 thousand dollars in the next days, he or she will have a place for the coming trips, one of them is scheduled for October or November of 2010.

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz


International Tourism Forum

Over 1,800 tourism projects are being presented at this year's 3rd Annual Tourism Forum, which is being held in Huánuco, one of Peru's central regions.

This year the forum has been organized to improve tourist destinations in the Andean country's central regions, as opposed to the country's coastal and jungle areas.

35 billion soles are needed to carry out these projects, said the Vice Minister of Tourism, Pablo López de Romaña Cáceres. The projects, which are to improve several of the countries central regions, are to take place in the regions of Ancash, Huánuco, Junín, Pasco and Ucayali.

They will benefit approximately 5.5 million Peruvians living in these regions, said the vice minister.

The projects include improving roads that will take tourists to sites as well as revamping the infrastructure at these sites. The forum is being held to attract national as well as foreign investors.


Tourism fair organized in Lima

In an effort to share and promote the country's national treasures, Prom Peru - Peru's national tourism promotion agency - has organized a tourism fair in which the nation's regions will display their finest handicrafts along with their most popular touristic attractions.

Event organizers affirmed that the goal was to motivate citizens to break their everyday routines and travel within the country. The fair is to be inaugurated on Friday October 10 at 6:45 p.m. at Mega Plaza shopping center.

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