- [Narrator] For the perfect Peru vacation,
Inkaterra offers personalized premium services,
Chic Boutique hotels, knowledgeable guides,
innovative excursions, and a sustainable approach
since it's creation in 1975.
(birds chirping)
Casa Andina Hotels, we make Peru
exceed all expectations.
Enjoy the movie.
(calming gentle music)
(people chattering)
Peru, former center of the Inca Empire,
attracts crowds eager for discoveries.
Traces of this ancient civilization
that used to stretch along the Pacific Ocean
are still visible throughout the country.
The best known and most spectacular of these many vestiges
is without a doubt, Machu Picchu.
The city perched among the green mountains
northwest of the former capital, Cusco.
And it isn't the only sight packed with wonders.
There is also the Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Saqsaywaman.
Beyond these unique treasures,
Peru offers a myriad of other exceptional attractions.
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable waterway in the world
with its floating islands and tiny communities
with extraordinary customs.
Colca Canyon, among the deepest anywhere on the planet,
where Andean condors glide above.
The thick Peruvian amazon jungle
and it's rich and colorful flora and fauna.
And the current capital, Lima,
which has no lack of interesting features
and is presently surfing the wave
of a culinary renaissance.
Peru is also a land of traditions
which are reflected in it's food, music, and arts.
In short, let yourself be blown away
by over an hour of breathtaking images
from this fabulous South American country.
Be dazzled by the Inca Sun.
(light music)
(people chattering)
(light guitar instrumental music)
Before we start our journey on the Inca road itself,
we have to stop in the capital, Lima.
Which is becoming more and more
of a cultural and gastronomic standout.
It's tourist sights are also second to none.
The most popular base for tourists
is definitely the Miraflores quarter,
with it's numerous lovely green parks.
One of which was named after John F. Kennedy
and is a favorite destination of locals
and tourists of all ages.
And let's not forget the cats.
Crowds are even bigger in the Plaza de Armas,
Lima's central square.
It's about 30 minutes by car from Miraflores
and you can get there by the road
along the beaches in the lower town
for a chance to admire the Pacific Ocean
and the surfers attacking the waves.
Once you arrive, you'll be surrounded
with great monuments and architecture,
such as the Peruvian Parliament,
Lima City Hall,
and the Cathedral.
If you're there on a weekend,
there's a good chance that you'll be able
to attend a wedding and all the ceremonies
that take place on and around the forecourt.
(bells ringing)
To summarize, there are lots of opportunities
to enjoy the capital to its fullest.
Speaking of enjoyment, Lima is becoming
a Latin American hub of fine cuisine.
There are numerous first-class restaurants
throughout the city.
And one of the most popular is The Central.
This chic restaurant, in operation for over a decade,
recently had to move premises
to meet the enormous demand.
Despite this move, the waiting list is still long,
and it takes about five months to get a seat.
It must be said that it's Chef, Virgilio Martinez Veliz,
is one of the few true masters
who can balance the art of taste and visual presentation.
All your senses will be heightened
while he takes you on a culinary voyage
through the flavors and textures of Peru's 16 ecosystems.
The young Chef is 41, and has designed
the new venue with interior and exterior gardens
where he directly harvests various plants and herbs.
He even has experimental labs.
One of which is dedicated to the potato.
That's no surprise when you realize
that over three quarters of the 4,000
varieties of potatoes available in the world
are found in Peru.
You don't really need to go far from Lima
to find traces of ancient peoples.
In particular, the Huari, Ichma, and Inca.
For over 1500 years, the Pachakamaq archeological site,
about an hour and a half by road, south of the capital,
was the main sanctuary along the Andean coastline.
Right beside the Pacific Ocean.
Before you explore the site,
you absolutely have to visit the museum.
The collection includes astonishing
original funeral masks that used to
cover the faces of victims of human sacrifice.
Various objects, offerings, and textiles,
some dating from the third century,
are also on display throughout the exhibit
capturing the imagination of young and old alike.
(tribal music)
You would be better off visiting the Holy City
and the museum for that matter with a guide,
so as to better understand the activities
and pilgrimages that took place here for centuries.
Especially when you realize that the area
includes 16 pyramids spread over 465 hectares
and is divided into four quadrants by long
north, south, and east, west arteries.
Moreover, this treasure chest is far from empty.
Even today you'll see numerous excavations
and work to reinforce the ruins already uncovered.
The coastal route continues southward
through somewhat unexpected scenery for Peru.
If the sea on the one side isn't much of a surprise,
the giant sand dunes on the other
are certainly unexpected.
The view continues until Ica,
where the suburbs hold an oasis of beauty and pleasure.
Huacachina.
Huacachina is a meeting spot for the youth,
for lovers, and thrill-seekers who adore
sand boarding or riding a giant dune buggy.
The dune buggy drivers occasionally look like kamikazes,
jumping or making sharp turns on the dunes.
It may not be the most comfortable of excursions,
but the scenery is simply breathtaking.
(engine whirring)
Several stops are scheduled.
And at some of them you can slide on a board
standing or lying on your stomach on these
long sandy slopes for an extraordinary experience.
Except for the few inconvenient grains of sand
that get into your clothes and boots.
The less daring can always take a boat ride on the lake
or stroll through the streets of the village
to gaze at the souvenir stands.
So long as you don't listen to the many hawkers.
All that's left for the evening
is to enjoy the festive atmosphere
and unbeatable views and have an aperitif
or bite to eat.
Especially at sundown.
(plane engine whirring)
(ambient music)
Another uncommon experience you'll be offered in the region
is a visit to the famous Nazca Lines.
These big geoglyphs traced on the ground
two or three millennia ago,
and representing a hummingbird,
a monkey,
and a condor among many others.
Even though some are up to 134 meters long,
they can only be observed from the air.
You need pretty good eyesight to enjoy
the full extent of these creations.
And honestly, at 220 US dollars per person,
it's a bit expensive for drawing.
(light gentle music)
Arequipa is the second largest city in the country
and deserves a visit of several days.
In particular, for the attractions concentrated
in it's historical center
and it's superb views over the many neighboring volcanoes.
It's a fantastic place to start
a journey to the Colca Canyon.
Plaza de Armas square is the central point for any visit.
With about 500 heritage buildings
mostly constructed from white volcanic stone
with splendid arches and vaulted roofs.
Have a drink or meal on one of the second
story terraces to observe the unique ambiance
spread out before your eyes.
Tourists and locals, young and old,
pause here to stop time for a while.
Whether to admire the sublime scenery,
or to take a well deserved break.
The imposing Cathedral dominates
one full side of the square.
Its facade may not be exceptionally flamboyant,
but the many earthquakes that have shaken it
over the centuries, somewhat limit flights of fancy.
This is often the sight of lively
and colorful religious processions that start
from adjoining streets and end in front of the Cathedral.
This beautiful spectacle, exhibits the
unique faith of Peruvians.
(marching band music)
(singing in foreign language)
(audience applauding)
Similarly, the Monastery of Santa Catalina
is perhaps one of the most extravagant of it's type.
Often described as a city inside a city,
the grounds of the religious complex
cover more than 20,000 square meters
and are connected by adobe streets
and squares made lively with bright colors and flowers.
The convent was originally built in 1579
to welcome the second daughters
of rich European families destined to God's service.
To enter, a novice had to be at least
12 years of age and pay a dowery estimated
at 60,000 US dollars in today's money.
The sisters never left the grounds
so the interior contained a multitude of rooms
and conveniences.
Including a laundry, which was quite modern for the time.
These many factors mean that a visit to Santa Catalina
has no equal elsewhere.
At its height, the Monastery could house up to 500 persons,
including 325 servants, which means up to four
for each nun.
Some 80 small houses were reserved for the sisters
and might have included private bedrooms,
kitchens, a dining room, an area for hygiene,
and a space for contemplation.
The servants are now long gone,
and these days, only 20 or so sisters,
age 24 to 74 remain.
A visit is also an opportunity to discover
an impressive collection of works from the Cusco school.
A form of art practiced from the 16th to 18th
centuries by Andean painters
hired by the Spanish to teach the
new religion through images.
Despite a short but exhausting climb,
the terrace beside the dome is also worth
the effort for it's views over the city.
Especially at sundown.
For a completely different visit,
the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries displays various objects
such as textiles, ceramics, and statuettes
left atop the mountains in southern Peru,
following Inca sacrifices, offerings, and rituals.
(ambient music)
The masterpiece of the exhibit is definitely
the frozen body of a young girl nicknamed Juanita,
discovered almost intact in the crater
of the Ampato Volcano in 1995.
This discovery was a chance for scientists
and researchers from around the world
to analyze the lifestyle of this people in the 15th century
as the museum's director, Ruddy Perea Chavez notes.
The body is therefore maintained in a
sort of special freezer at minus 19 degrees celsius
to preserve this unique artifact of Andean culture
for many years to come.
No matter where you are in Arequipa,
you'll have an unbeatable view of the El Misti Volcano
and its giant neighbors.
One of the best places to observe it
in all it's dimensions is the lookout
in the suburb of Yanahuara.
Especially at the end of the day
when the Sun gives way to the night.
The way that leads to and stretches after the Colca Canyon
is one of the most spectacular roads.
Even though it is damaged in some places
and steeply curved in others, the views are extraordinary.
And it's hairy, wooly inhabitants,
add a certain charm to the trip.
(slow light music)
The slender vicunas are probably the most special.
These wild camelids stroll across the plain
looking for a few twigs.
There are herds along the road.
Including at the entrance to the
Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
They are joined by their cousins,
the llamas and the alpacas.
Not to mention sheep.
And none of them are shy about
blocking the road when they need to.
So you best be careful.
On the subject of being careful,
even with the police keeping an eye out for you,
pay close attention behind the wheel
or make sure you take a reputable transportation company
because there are plenty of remnants of accidents
reminding you that a simple distraction
can lead to an enormous tragedy.
So drive slowly and appreciate the beauty of the canyon.
You don't want to become part of the future landscape.
Once you're officially in Colca,
after paying your access fee,
you have to stop in the village of Chivay.
It's small central square is lively
with many locals going about their daily affairs.
Others are in a more celebratory mood,
dancing to festive music on this wedding day.
(upbeat music)
The signs of the 2016 earthquake are still visible.
Including the little neighboring church,
still propped up by wooden posts.
(slow light music)
Some visitors come to Chivay for it's hot springs,
but they have admittedly lost some of their luster.
Those at Yanqi are much more idyllic.
The center of the village is much quieter,
but the pastural surroundings are better suited for hiking.
It's another reason to stop over for a bit longer.
The road continues showing off its splendors
all the way to Cabanaconde.
You have to spend the night there so that at dawn,
you can admire the peaceful rhythm of it's inhabitants
and the superb flight of the condors
right above your head.
(slow paced music)
Hard to miss, these huge birds prefer
to be a little farther east.
A favorite spot for the prey
they will eat for breakfast.
The canyon walls and the rocks are also
excellent perches on which to rest for the next hunt.
These Andean vultures have a phenomenal wingspan,
especially when they glide just a
few meters above your head.
Their wings can stretch up to 3.3 meters,
enough to amaze anyone.
Their importance in Andean folklore is also
highlighted in many places.
Whether as statues
or in children's parks.
(light music)
Puno has few attractions
and is mainly a base camp for visiting
Lake Titicaca and it's islands.
Such as Uros and Taquile.
(male speaking in foreign language)
If it hadn't been for the political demonstrations
and parades downtown, and the admittedly
magnificent view from the lookout point,
we wouldn't have had that much to do.
Once everyone is onboard a boat at the dock,
the tour can begin on the highest navigable
waterway in the world.
Set at an altitude of 3,812 meters,
with it's 5800 square kilometer watershed,
it feels more like a sea than a lake.
The horizon seems infinitely far away.
The first stop, while it's a little too much
like a carnival to please tourists
and the wallets of the locals,
is the floating islands of Uros.
Don't adjust your screen, you heard correctly.
These islands float.
Although this was originally a strategy
to quickly flee from their enemies,
these mobile platforms are also very useful
to these fishing villages.
Instead of rowing for hours everyday
to find the shoals of fish,
they just move the whole village.
The soil of these islands is made of
about three meters of reeds anchored
solidly to the lake bottom.
When the reeds rot at the bottom from the moisture,
about every three months,
they add another layer to the top.
Brilliant right?
In fact, the environment of Uros is
practically all made of reeds.
The huts, although they now sport solar panels
to prevent the fires caused by candles,
they also have boats with Puma heads,
some with smaller feline heads,
that chase away evil spirits from the lake.
Reeds are even a rich dietary source of iodine.
About 60 islands, each on average 15 square meters in size,
lie together about five kilometers from Puno
in the western end of the lake.
The population is estimated at 3000 souls
because the Uros suffer from the exodus of youth,
as well as the reduction in fish stocks
due to the introduction of carnivorous species
like trout, and king, or Spanish mackerel.
So now tourism has taken over in many respects.
From welcoming foreigners to demonstrations
of traditional lifestyles including fashion shows
of superb colorful costumes,
to selling handicrafts.
Yet, the scenes from the daily life,
away from the guides and tourist groups
are the highlight of the visit.
Especially the charm of local children
and domestic animals.
The excursion continues on Lake Titicaca,
with a longer leg to Taquile Island,
located about 40 kilometers east of Puno.
Everything here feels authentic.
The inhabitants real life is displayed before your eyes.
Especially if you spend the night
after the groups of tourists leave.
Even though the lodging is rudimentary,
the children's smiles in (speaking foreign language)
are in themselves worth the trip
and will soon make you forget the rustic comforts.
The climb is definitely difficult,
especially with the high altitude.
But it has many rewards.
The island is barely six square kilometers in size,
but there are six kilometers of pure joy.
At least if you like traditional lifestyles
and breathtaking views.
Particularly the infinite view of the lake
and the mountains of the Cordillera Real in the distance.
All the stone or dirt paths
lead to the charming central square
with it's small church and stone arcades,
some of which date from before the Spanish arrived.
The silence is total.
Broken only occasionally by the bleating of a sheep
or a goat.
(sheep bleating)
Most of the 2200 residents still wear
original costumes and live on the basis
of community mutual assistance.
The men wear a hat or chullo,
which is a different color
depending on whether they are married or not.
After marriage, they wear a chumpi.
A broad sash given by the bride at the wedding,
and to which is attached a pouch for coca leaves.
Agriculture plays a crucial role on the island.
Given the terrain, terrace farming is the best way
to grow potatoes, corn, and quinoa.
Oddly, the men wield the needles
while the women spin and dye the yarn.
Local textiles are recognized for their exceptional,
even unparalleled quality.
So maintaining the traditions is of
crucial importance of the islands residents
as Pedro Quispe Flores explains.
If you want an even more calming experience,
but not quite as colorful and unique,
neighboring Amantani Island is also a good choice.
(light inspiring music)
(slow light music)
Peruvians are skilled and creative with their hands,
and this is reflected in their art.
Maximo Laura is a master weaver,
acclaimed around the world for his tapestries.
In 40 year career, he has been part of
200 exhibitions in over 65 countries around the world.
30 or so people work with him in his workshop,
studying the textures and colors of the fibers used.
The results are impressive.
With splendid works that mix culture,
traditions, and modern aesthetics.
(slow paced music)
(insects chirping)
(slow paced music)
The real life works of art are just as impressive.
Especially in the lush Peruvian Amazon Jungle.
At the Eastern extremity of the country,
by the Bolivian border,
the village of Puerto Maldonado is the perfect
starting point for a stay in a nearby lodge
where you can enjoy all the flora
and fauna in the area.
You can linger if you're on a tight budget
and want to visit the local butterfly farm.
For more variety, luxury, and comfort,
the Hacienda Concepcion from Inkaterra,
represents the perfect mix with the greatest
respect for the environment.
Located about 30 minutes by boat
along the Madre de Dios River,
the sight at the edge of the Tambopata National Reserve
is simply magical.
Many activities are available at the sight itself
in the adjacent reserve or on the groups other properties.
At the site, marked trails allow guests to walk around
and admire the 450 species of birds
found in the area.
You don't even need to go far
because you can observe them even more comfortably
through the barred walls of your hut.
In a small boat, you can glide along
a network of canals to catch a closer
glimpse of the crested hoatzins.
Large feathered vertebrates that are
symbols of the region.
The animals aren't bothered in the least
by your presence.
Even these bats sleeping soundly.
The turtles may be a little more nervous
as your boat approaches.
And this Caiman who doesn't seem happy
to have his routine disturbed.
(water splashing)
(ambient music)
Farther down river, the Tambopata Reserve
hides great surprises for the inquisitive eye.
(birds chirping)
Brightly colored Macaws perch atop dead trees,
and agile monkeys swing from branch to branch
or lounge behind the leaves.
You may even surprise mothers and babies.
But watch where you put your feet.
The trails may be muddy,
and you don't want to disturb the hardworking ants.
But the show doesn't end there,
because a canoe takes you to Lake Sandoval.
Which is surrounded by wildlife.
The best part is always the family
of giant otters joyously splish splashing around.
(slow paced music)
The scenery is identical on the way back.
But the incredible heat and humidity
limit the oh's and ah's.
Except perhaps at the site
of the many butterflies tanning in the sun near the dock.
(birds chirping)
Unless you have bionic eyes
or a super powerful telescope,
a visit to Colpa de Loros will leave you unsatisfied.
Especially when you consider the astronomical prices.
The parrots perch far away on the rocks
and they're hard to pick out with the naked eye
or even binoculars.
In other words, you'll hear them
more than you'll see them.
You'll have to hope that a sloth
pokes it's nose out on the way back
so that you'll feel that you got something for your money.
(slow paced music)
Thrill-seekers will definitely prefer
the circuit of suspension bridges
rising up to 35 meters in the air.
The view of the Rainforest from above the canopy
gives a fascinating perspective.
But if you're uncomfortable with heights,
don't attempt it.
Once you've set foot on these rickety platforms,
it's hard to go back.
Night excursions are worth their weight in gold.
You can observe more cooperative Caimans by boat.
Or if you're lucky, see the biggest rodent on the planet.
A 60 kilo capybara that will make
your stay unforgettable.
But you don't need to go out on the water
to meet nocturnal fauna,
because the paths at the lodge
have a variety of critters that won't
exactly please all adventurers.
The snakes are fine, the scorpions are scarier,
but they're nothing compared to the aggressive tarantula.
And if these images and words aren't enough,
let local guide Mirko Arguedas persuade you.
(slow paced music)
Travelers looking for adventure
dream about the day when they will finally see Cuzco.
The former capital of the Inca Empire
still fascinates with it's grandeur and riches.
It's tourist sites are exceptional,
indeed, unique in the world.
Not to mention it's adobe streets,
it's Inca foundations,
and it's colored murals.
(horns honking)
This incomparable beauty attracts
over a million people a year.
Overcrowding some sites and attracting numerous solicitors.
The central point in the city, Plaza de Armas,
formally known as the Warrior Square,
is to some extent the starting point for any tour.
The enormous public square reflects the scope
of the city with its flights of stairs
leading to a raised platform topped by the Cathedral.
There you can see the magnificent,
delicately sculpted fountain
and colonial-style buildings
complete with arcades and balconies.
It's always flooded with people,
especially tourists and solicitors of all sorts.
La Coricancha is a must-see on the list
of top things not to be missed.
This former palace was once a sanctuary
to Inti, the Sun God, and thus home
to the Inca's gold and precious gems.
There isn't much left of the original site,
except a partial wall overlooking a great green space.
Spanish invaders raised it and built the
convent of Santo Domingo on site.
Is is true in many other places,
Christ is depicted in a sometimes bloody fashion
because the Spanish wanted to show their new subjects
how much this man suffered to save them from all sin.
The sun blast neighborhood is also worth a detour.
With it's steep picturesque alleys
and it's art boutiques.
(people chattering)
The square and the church,
dating from 1563 are also charming.
The Saksaywaman archeological complex
is definitely the most grandiose
and popular in the area.
With it's terraced walls formed from polish stones
laid in zig zags.
The longest is about 400 meters
and the stones may weigh up to 200 tons.
The enormous square is still used today
to celebrate Inti Raymi.
An Inca festival in honor of the Sun God,
held every June 24th to mark the winter solstice.
(determined music)
The Citadel, overlooking the city,
about two kilometers away on it's north slope,
offers unbeatable views.
As does a little lower,
the terrace of San Cristobal's church.
Locals and lovers often meet there
as entry to the latter is free.
(slow paced music)
Other Inca ruins in the area,
like Tambomachay and Puka Pukara are worth a stop.
Especially if you've picked up
a (speaking foreign language).
Traditions are firmly anchored in all areas
of daily life for Peruvians.
They take various shapes,
including music, dance, and food.
To live these three dimensions to the full,
visit La Cusquenita restaurant in Cuzco.
(upbeat music)
Despite it's touristy side,
it's surprising to see how many locals
fill the tables in the big dining room.
While the Chef's and their assistants prepare everything,
the wait staff swiftly moves around the room
to deliver the many traditional Andean dishes
and beverages to customers
who can watch entertaining performances as they wait.
It's Chef Julio Cesar Cahuana,
has set for himself a very targeted mission.
To highlight the cuisine of his ancestors
and spread the word all over the planet
about it's textured, flavorful dishes.
The new Peruvian gastronomy is strongly
influenced by it's origins
and even the country's greatest Chef's
recognize the importance of these traditional
dishes in the fusion of modern, trendy cuisine.
Traditional food yes, but also, traditional beverages.
Chicha de jora is a traditional Andean corn alcohol.
It's called (speaking foreign language) in Quechua.
And it comes in several varieties
and locals drink it particularly
during certain festivals
because it represents luck and harmony.
Various ancestral, religious, and social rights
are maintained thanks to this locally brewed beer.
The first glasses are offered to the spirits
and in thanks to Mother Earth, Pachamama,
for her fertility.
(male speaks foreign language)
Manufacturing takes a long time.
Two or three weeks to hydrate the famous yellow corn, jora.
Dry it and sprout it on straw to maintain
it's humidity level.
Grind it.
Boil it.
Filter it and let it ferment.
The result is a refreshing nutritious tonic,
rich in sugars and minerals.
All that's left is to taste it
while saying (speaking foreign language).
Here's to you.
(speaking foreign language)
The area around Cuzco is just as beautiful.
The Sacred Valley is filled with striking landscapes,
including those on the way to the ruins
and market at Pisac.
(slow paced music)
The Pisac archeological site,
perched on the mountain is very interesting.
At least when parts of it aren't closed
because of unstable ground.
It gives an excellent presentation
of how the Inca's were masters in the art
of erecting their buildings and farming on terraces.
A number of small, old stone houses
have stood the test of time.
Delighting tourists who can take advantage
of superb views over the surrounding mountains.
Lower, in the village, the Pisac market
is famous among tourists.
Even though it has lost much of it's original
charm over the years to mercantilism.
It's actually an enormous flea market
full of stands where merchants sell
at high prices, fine handicrafts,
or factory production line rubbish.
(light music)
Adults and children in the traditional costumes
of neighboring tribes are often seen in the square.
Even the family goat comes along.
Be careful though, because they are bait
to get a few coins from tourists
who want to photograph them.
It's best to fall back on the traditional
cooking of the famous (speaking foreign language),
guinea pigs grilled over wood fire.
Urubamba is a good central area
from which to explore the attractions
of the Sacred Valley.
Two of which are about 30 minutes away by car
and deserve a short stop.
The Moray archeological site is one of them.
With it's circular terraced ruins
buried up to 30 meters in the earth.
Exactly what it was used for remains unknown.
But even so, this construction represents
another example of Inca architectural genius.
(slow light music)
At least as interesting, if not more so,
is the route to the site, especially the mountains.
Pastural valleys, and especially the trip
through the village of Maras.
Scenes of daily life here are simply hallucinating.
Peasants walking all kinds of animals through
the narrow streets of the town.
There's no use hurrying or honking your horn,
take your time and admire the unique improvised parade.
If you're lucky, you may even be able
to attend an odd, colorful, equestrian show.
(upbeat music)
(light music)
The other even more striking tourist attraction
is the Salineras de Maras.
100s of salt marshes sculpted into terraces.
Views from their geographical location are breathtaking.
It's best to visit early or late in the day
because the site gets busy with tourists at rush hours.
That makes the experience a bit less pleasant
because space is tight in the narrow pathways.
This way you can stay longer
to feel the splendor of the crystally mineral.
One of the most typical cities in terms of Inca ruins
is Ollantaytambo, which has been inhabited
since the late 15th century.
It's hard to miss the enormous centuries old stones
that form the old walls lying everywhere.
(slow paced music)
The streets are full of people traveling
or lounging traditional costumes.
No, it's not a carnival.
Here, it's everyday life.
The ruins clinging to the sides of the mountains
are a beautiful sight.
This strategic location made them basically impenetrable.
This was in fact the last bastion
taken by the Spanish Conquistadors
during their battles against the troops
of Manco Inca Yupanqui.
Who flooded the plain using an ingenious
system of channels that prevented the attackers
horses from advancing quickly.
(slow paced music)
The temple hill section attracts the most
visitors to the ex-fortress.
The climb is quite steep,
but it lets you admire the vastness of these terraces.
Not to mention the view of the village
and its surroundings.
Once you reach the summit,
the Sun Temple appears before you.
On the way back, stop at the baths and fountains
used in the irrigation system and for religious ceremonies.
Ollantaytambo is also the departure point
for the train to the village of Aguas Calientes.
Better known as Machu Picchu village.
The area around the station is a bit chaotic,
but once you're out of the crowd you can catch your breath,
and calmly climb aboard your train car.
A few rail lines provide transportation
to the mythical site.
To get the most from the journey,
PeruRails Vistadome, with its huge windows and roof,
gives the best panoramic views.
Comfort and service make the experience even better.
The train runs along the Urubamba River
and then slowly through fields, villages, and mountains.
Giving you lots of time to take in the scenery.
(people chattering)
In under two hours, here you are in Aguas Calientes,
the base for you long awaited visit to Machu Picchu.
There's no reason to spend much time in town
because it's basically a collection of businesses
located on both sides of the rail line
to serve the tourists.
(birds chirping)
You do have to leave your luggage at the hotel
and take a bus over eight kilometers
of rocky road to the gate of the Inca Citadel.
The entrance lines may be long,
even though you now have to obtain
a ticket in advance for a set schedule.
It's easy to believe when you realize
that over 1.4 million tourists
visit the site every year.
- No please, this way.
Follow me, where are you going?
- [Narrator] In any case, your encounter
with this unimaginable complex will leave you speechless.
(slow paced music) (slow humming)
The site is definitely magical
with some 200 buildings of all types
and steep terraces scattered throughout the site
and Huayna Picchu Mountain as a backdrop.
Indeed, the city seems straight out of a fairytale
with it's almost constant mist
and luxurious vegetation.
Even if there are many tour opportunities,
the Sun Gate is still not to be missed.
Even though the climb is arduous,
especially in the rain.
A llama might give you a bit of encouragement,
but the effort will quickly be rewarded
once you reach the summit.
With images like this, there's nothing left to say.
(birds chirping)
Our pilgrimage to Peru is already coming to an end.
It's archeological sites, dynamic cities,
and unique scenery make it a choice destination
for any traveler.
(light gentle music)
Head on out, it's up to you now
to taste the Inca Sun to its fullest.
(slow paced music)
(slow light music)