The Inti Raymi (”Festival of the Sun”) was a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of the god Sun, one of the most venerated gods in Inca religion. According to chronicler Garcilazo de la Vega, Sapa Inca Pachacuti created the Inti Raymi to celebrate the winter solstice and a new year in the Andes of the Southern Hemisphere. During the Inca Empire, the Inti Raymi was the most important of four ceremonies celebrated in Cusco. The celebration took place in the Haukaypata or the main plaza in the city. The ceremony was also said to indicate the mythical origin of the Incas, lasting nine days of colorful dances and processions, as well as animal sacrifices to ensure a good cropping season. The last Inti Raymi with the Inca Emperor’s presence was carried out in 1535, after which the Spanish conquest and the Catholic Church suppressed it. Some natives participated in similar ceremonies in the years after, but it was completely prohibited in 1572 by the Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, who claimed it was a pagan ceremony opposed to the Catholic faith.

After four centuries, in 1944, a historical reconstruction of the Inti Raymi was directed by Faustino Espinoza Navarro and indigenous actors. The first reconstruction was largely based on the chronicles of Garcilazo de la Vega and only referred to the religious ceremony with a theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi and took place at Sacksayhuaman, now, in the actuality the festival is developing in three different places, which are Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), Haukaypata (Main square of Cusco) and Sacksayhuaman, attracting thousands of visitors and local people.

The Inti Raymi contemporary version is developed each June 24 since 1944, when the festivities were instituted in Cusco in memory of their ancient origin and cradle of Inca civilization.

Detailed Itinerary:

We leave the hotel at 08:30 am and we walk to the Koricancha temple, according to the program, the ceremony starts at 9:00 am, here begins the festival with the participation of the people that arrives from the Four Suyos, each region dressed with specials costumes for this occasion; then, the Inca makes his entrance accompanied by his entourage to begin the ceremony where gives a greet to Sun God. Then we will transfer to the main square where at 11:00 am the imperial entourage will move to play in scene the second part of the ceremony, the rite, “The Meeting of Two Worlds”.

Completed the second part of the festival, we will transfer our passengers by bus to the esplanade of Sacksayhuaman; the principal scenery to play in scene the Inti Raymi.  in  the place we  take  the  lunch  (box  lunch), while  awaiting the  arrival  of the  Inca  and  his  entourage.  Approximately  at  13:30,  the Inca makes  his  entry  into  the  esplanade  carried  by  his soldiers,  in  the Ushnu  (ceremonial platform),  the  Inca  and  the principal  authorities of the Empire celebrate with offerings, rituals and give worship to the Sun God.

At 15:00 approximately we return to the hotel.

The Condor Travel Team

Galapagos Albatross

The Galapagos or “Waved” Albatross is the largest seabird on the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and an endemic species, only found on the Galapagos Archipelago. To enhance their uniqueness, they exclusively nest on the southern island of Española or Hood. These magnificent birds, masters of the sea and wind currents, come regularly to breed and nest on Española Island, every year, between May and December. The rest of the year, when the islands become warmer in temperature and the inland waters poorer in food sources, they migrate to remote corners of the Pacific.

Such is their importance, that an ongoing field study to monitor them is being conducted for years by the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station, to learn more about their population size, habits, dynamics and threats, in order to guarantee their long-term preservation and appropriate management measures.

Scientists Doctors David Anderson, Kate Huywaert and Jill Awkerman from Colorado State University along with Ecuadorian research associate Gustavo Jimenez have been regularly monitoring the main nesting sites of the Galapagos Albatrosses, since more than a decade. The focal points are both located on the south side of Española Island, at Punta Suarez and Punta Cevallos.

Since 1999, some 4500 albatrosses have been banded and followed to study their flying patterns and distance accomplishments while away from the islands; their feeding habits and habitats while breeding and roosting in the Archipelago, as well as while flying for months over the Ocean. The most recent figures show a relatively stable population, somewhere around 35.000 individuals, with a small declining tendency detected in the last years. This might be related, according to preliminary conclusions of the studies, to the use of dangerous fishing techniques such as the long-lines and, occasionally, to natural phenomena like El Niño events. The study’s predominant aim is to establish and update the species’ population status and their main threats. On the most recent field trip, two hundred individuals were surveyed and a capture-and-recapture program methodology was standardized.

The name “waved” albatross derives from the undulating brown patterns found horizontally along their dazzling white breast, which contrasts with the dark brown of their wings and backs. A very long, sturdy, wide, pointed and hooked beak, of a bright yellow color, makes these birds a marvel to watch, both on land, in flight or sometimes floating adrift, in large numbers, over the ocean’s surface. They nest on the bare ground, preferably close to cliff areas, from where they can take flight making use of the upward wind currents, considering their big body’s weight. They feed on mid-sized fish and squid, captured by plunge diving mostly in open waters, a distance away from their only home island.

For the travelers, the only place where these marvelous creatures can be seen is in Punta Suarez, on the southwestern extreme of Española Island, an authorized National Park visitor’s site, where, between May and July, a fabulous courtship dance is staged by them, featuring a dramatic and perfectly synchronized “bill-fencing” match between the courting pair, complemented by antics such as bill-hiding under the wing; bill clapping and snatching and curious “uuuuuing” and siren-type sounds. On the following months they will guard the nest, male and female taking turns, while the other bird in the pair searches for food.

After approximately 55 days, the large single egg will hatch and reveal a large, clumsy and somewhat “sloppy” looking good-sized ball of brown fluff, the newly born chick. The pair will also take turns at protecting the chick and bringing in its food, which is provided to them by using the typical sea-bird technique of regurgitating the semi-digested fish oil directly inside the chick’s throat. Towards November, the young birds begin their flying practices, near and along the cliff sides, ready to leave, together with the adults, on their first off-shore voyage, when the scorching January to March heat reaches the islands.

This is a perfect example of how and why the Galapagos are considered a “Living Laboratory of Nature”; providing the scientists and naturalists with great research and studying opportunities; while the tourists, on the right time and itineraries, can be witnesses of one more of the marvels of Galapagos nature, represented by these unique and enchanting birds…

The Condor Travel Team

 Lima – known as the City of Kings during colonial times – has become the Gastronomic Capital of America; so we can call it now the City of Cooking Kings. This deserving award is a way of acknowledging the unquestionable and remarkable attributes of Limean cuisine. The convergence and synergetic fusion of the very best of different cultures and traditions gave birth to one of the best and most recognized cuisines in the world, the Limean cuisine. African, Spanish, Chinese, Moorish, Japanese and Italian influence -just to mention the most important ones- is easily recognized in this cuisine where different techniques and ingredients interact in perfect harmony, combining chili peppers (most important ingredient of Peruvian cuisine), seafood from the Pacific, potatoes, cereals and other ingredients that were part of the nutrition of ancient Peruvian people.
Limean cuisine took the best from each one of these cuisines and made it its own, changing whatever was necessary to make a unique and own expression. This is how cebiches, anticuchos, lomo saltado, ají de gallina and chifa were born, and needless to mention deserts, legacy of Limean colonial convents, whose alfajores and suspiro are their more distinguished representatives.

Lima has always been a melting pot for the Peruvian cuisine which is still reinventing and adapting itself to the demands of the different palates of Lima and the world. Along this path a new trend called the Novoandina Cuisine tendency has born in Lima, the capital of Peru, and nowadays is presented in all restaurants all over Peru. The Novoandina Cuisine intends to use Peruvian ingredients, used by ancient Peruvians, regaining their value by using techniques and elements of the world’s haute cuisine, especially European cuisine.

This article has been written with reference to “Mistura 2010 “, a food fair which will take place in Lima in order to show the importance of this city within Peruvian cuisine. This fair will take place from 7th to 12th of September. As the ultimate event for Limean cooks and diners, it looks for people’s identification with its cuisine, recognition of its diversity as a source of its variety and distinction, as well as the acknowledge of the value of popular cuisine and its infinite expressions.

So, whether you are in Lima or not during Mistura 2010, you cannot miss the opportunity to make your stay a gastronomic adventure. We assure you this will be an experience of extraordinary flavors and variety, your palate will be grateful at the first taste, from the most humble stand in a public market to the most luxurious and prestigious restaurant, each of them has a unique and delicious proposal waiting for you, with its own version of history. What a good way to know about people and their culture just through their cuisine, a cultural expression that goes over the barriers of society and beliefs. So we invite you to enjoy Lima and its excellent cuisine.

The Condor Travel Team

Let’s take a quick look at some of the best of these attractions, first to the south, then to the north of Lima. After reading this, you’ll know that Peru is much more than Machu Picchu.

The South

 
The city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is still open and offers the visitor a wide variety of attractions, including spectacular Incan and Spanish colonial structures, amazing textiles and other handcrafts, museums, fine dining and, on the outskirts, numerous impressive Incan ruins, including the stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman that is now home of the Inti Raymi festival held each year in June.

An hour’s drive from Cusco is the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, once the breadbasket of the empire where today people continue to live much as they did before the conquest. The Sacred Valley is a rural paradise containing some of Peru’s most important Incan ruins and some of the country’s newest and most modern hotels.

Further to the south, straddling the border with Bolivia, is the spectacular Lake Titicaca that, at 12,500 feet, is the highest navigable lake in the world. Its shores and numerous islands are populated by Aymara people who welcome sharing their ancient customs and folkways with visitors.

Another delightful attraction in the southern sierra region is Arequipa, called the “white city” for the white volcanic rock that continues to be widely used for construction Arequipa is a picturesque colonial city and a short drive away from the majestic Colca Canyon, which offers some of the most beautiful scenery in this beautiful country.

The southern coastal region features Paracas, Ica and Nazca. The best known attraction in the zone is the Nazca line drawings, etched in over 1,000 square kilometers of the sandy plains north of Nazca. Constructed from about 400 BC to 600 AD, the Nazca line drawings are geoglyphs that characterize several species of birds, a fish, a spider, a monkey, and plants within a labyrinth of straight lines, spirals, triangles, and other shapes. The Nazca line drawings are best appreciated from the air, though they may also be viewed on-site from specially constructed towers.

Ica – famous for its warm, dry and sunny climate – is the center of Peru’s wine industry. Other attractions include the Huacachina oasis, with its palm-lined lagoon having medicinal sulfurous waters, and the world-class Las Dunas resort.

The nearby Paracas Bay and adjoining Paracas National Reserve are both teeming with marine and bird life. Be sure to take the boat ride out to the Ballestas Islands, where seals, sea lions, and countless bird species can be viewed in their natural habitat. The three new luxurious bayside Hotels: Libertador Paracas, Doubletree and La Hacienda are now the talk of Lima, so be sure to make reservations early.

Paracas, Ica and Nazca are sunny and warm year-round. Don’t forget to come with your bathing suit and plenty of sun block!

The North

 
A short drive north of Lima is Caral, a fascinating archeological site believed to be 5,000 years old and so, is commonly called the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. A couple of hours to the north, near the prosperous and attractive city of Trujillo, are the ruins of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the hemisphere. Another couple of hours up the coast is Chiclayo, is where the Lord of Sipan was discovered. With the help of the National Geographic Society, a museum – possibly the finest in Peru – was built in the nearby city of Lambayeque to house the impressive golden and jeweled archeological remains.

Perhaps the most impressive archeological site in the north of Peru is the mountaintop fortress of Kuelap in the high jungle region near the picturesque city of Chachapoyas. The countryside around Chachapoyas feature numerous cliffside burial sites, many of which were found with mummies, and two of the world’s tallest waterfalls.

Higher into the northern Andes, the city of Cajamarca holds the so-called Incan baths, still-functioning thermal baths where the Incan king Atahualpa was bathing when he was taken prisoner and eventually killed by the Spanish conquerors lead by Francisco Pizarro. Cajamarca is also home to the Yanacocha gold mine, one of the world’s largest, and a variety of pre-Colombian ruins set in the beautiful mountain scenery of northern Peru.

The tallest mountains in northern Peru surround the Callejón de Hualylas. The snow-peaked Cordillera Blanca that defines the eastern side of this lovely mountain valley is a haven for mountain climbers and anyone seeking unsurpassed scenery of mountain peaks and glacier-fed mountain lakes.

 The northern coast also features Peru’s finest beaches. Perhaps the best known is Mancora, a party town that has become a haven for Peru’s budding surfing scene. The rich Pacific fishing waters, once famous as a favorite fishing haunt of Ernest Hemmingway, today provide the raw ingredients for some of the finest cuisine on the planet.

The Jungle

 
The rainy season in the jungle extends through April, but the mornings and early afternoons are normally dry. Peru’s jungle is formed by the Amazon River, the longest river in the world, which starts in the mountains of southern Peru, then rambles through Peru’s vast jungle region en route to Brazil. Visitors can begin a tour of the Peruvian Amazon in the jungle cities of Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos. Peru’s Amazon region features unequalled nature reserves, including the Manu National Park, and the Tambopata Candamo and Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserves.

So now you know that Peru is much more than Machu Picchu. Whether you seek a mountain or jungle adventure, unparalleled archaeological riches, or simply want to relax on the beach or at poolside while enjoying a pisco sour along with some of the finest and freshest food you’ve ever tasted, Peru is the place to be. Believe me, I know because I live there. Machu Picchu can wait.

Jim Rudolph
Writer

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Cusco, Peru. December 15, 2009 – Hundreds of travel agencies in Cusco compete annually for the Q’ente award.

 The Q´ente award, offered by the Cusco Commerce and Tourism Regional Office (Dircetur) and SGS international certifiers, is the maximum prize awarded at regional level to companies, people and organizations in the tourism industry that have the best quality in tourism services, business management, as well as social and environmental responsibility. Winners of this award are considered to be leaders in the industry and examples worth following.

 The objective of this award is to promote and encourage the adoption of excellent procedures and corporate responsibility, improve the tourist experience to strengthen the Cusco brand, and reduce poverty.

We are proud to tell you that this year’s Golden Q´ente Award for the Best Wholesale Agency in Cusco went to Condor Travel!

 Our General Manager, Mr. Sammy Niego, declared that, “it is gratifying to be recognized for our work but the most important thing is that we really manage to carry out our jobs with passion and total dedication. That is what makes us different “.

Mr. Jaime Carrillo, who is currently in charge of Condor Travel’s Cusco office, added that “ this distinction reinforces our leadership in the sector but also our commitment to work harder and further improve our operational standards in 2010”.

So spread the news, you are working with the best and we are striving to serve you even better.

 For further information about this topic please visit our website www.condortravel.com.

The Condor Travel Team

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