Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mountain Lodges of Peru Sustainiblity Programs on Green Living Project!


Mountain Lodges of Peru hosted in April 2009 the Green Living Project crew (http://www.greenlivingproject.com/) which came to film our sustainability projects we are doing in conjunction with NGO Yanapana Peru (http://www.yanapana.org/) and MLP's EcoTeam.

Green Living Project is dedicated to filming sustainability projects worldwide and then tours around the whole United States presenting the projects in this incredible events where you can be able to learn about the projects and if you are interested, see how you can help out in any of the ones you feel like participating in.

Watch the video about Mountain Lodges of Peru's sustainability programs by pressing on this link: http://www.greenlivingproject.com/south-america-projects/mountain-lodges-of-peru/ and learn more as to what MLP does in helping the community and environment in the areas in which we operate.

If you wish any more detailed information about our projects, don't hesitate in emailing us at info@mountainlodgesofperu.com and we will gladly send you more information and participation opportunities.


Monday, October 26, 2009

Machu Picchu: “The Lost City of the Incas”


Perched on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley in the high Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archeological discoveries in the world. This World Heritage site, constructed by the ancient Incas, receives thousands of visitors per day looking to explore the legacy of the largest empire of pre-Columbian South America. While the allure of this site can be attributed in part to its remarkable state of preservation and impressive archeological qualities, it also stems from the mysterious history of “The Lost City of the Incas.”

The Incas built Machu Picchu in approximately 1462 AD at the height of their power, but the site was abandoned less than 100 years later during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. However, despite the invasion, the sacred site was unknown to the Spanish due to its carefully hidden and well-protected location in the high Andean terrain. While other Incan establishments in the lower Urubamba Valley were raided and plundered by the Spanish conquistadors under Francisco Pizarro, Machu Picchu remained concealed amidst the jungle – where it would remain hidden for the next 400 years.

While Andean locals knew of Machu Picchu’s existence, the ancient citadel wasn’t revealed to the rest of the world until American explorer and historian Hiram Bingham “rediscovered” the site in 1911. Bingham, who was in search of the Inca city of Vilcapampa, was led to the hidden citadel by a local Quechua boy. After his discovery, the historian referred to the incredible archeological find as “The Lost City of the Incas.”

Despite a century of examination and scholarship, the purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery. Located 80 kilometers northwest of the Peruvian city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, the most common theory proposes that the site was used as a retreat for the Incan emperor Pachacuti. Due to its location on an impassable ridge 1,300 feet above the Urubamba River, it remains unlikely that the Incas would have used the complex for any type of administrative or commercial purposes. Other theories maintain that the site was used as a military outpost, or as an important religious center.

While the exact function of Machu Picchu remains shrouded in mystery, the ancient site’s superb archaeological ruins and breathtaking Andean setting will surely continue to entice visitors for many years to come.

Monday, October 19, 2009

A Brief History of the Inca Empire


While Peru’s vibrant culture and breathtaking Andean landscapes continue to entice travelers worldwide, the history of the ancient Inca Empire is one of the most alluring draws when opting for a Peru vacation. Whether choosing the popular 4-day Inca Trail trek or a tour of the mesmerizing ruins of Machu Picchu, travelers flock to Peru to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of this mysterious civilization.

The Inca Empire, which flourished from approximately 1200 to 1533 AD, was the largest ancient civilization in pre-Columbian America. Arising from the Andean highlands of Peru sometime in the early 13th century, the Incas established their capital in the city of Cusco, located in modern-day Peru. Through military conquests and peaceful assimilation tactics, the civilization grew to occupy a large territory in the Andes Mountains in what is now western South America. At the height of their power, the Incas ruled a population of approximately 5 to 11 million people. The empire finally fell in the early 16th century after the Spanish Conquest, led by the famous conquistador Francisco Pizarro.

The ancient Incas’ official language was Quechua; however, over seven hundred local dialects were spoken, a reflection of the vast territory the empire occupied. Even without a written language, the Incas accomplished incredible engineering feats, including suspension bridges and roads to cross steep Andean valleys. The Incas also constructed large stone buildings without the use of mortar; the pieces fit together so perfect that even a single knife blade couldn’t pass through the junctures. The ancient complex of Machu Picchu, perched on a cliff above the Urubamba Valley, is one of the most magnificent examples of the Incas’ architectural ingenuity and skill. Due to Machu Picchu’s remote location in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes, the Spanish conquistadors did not know of the sanctuary’s existence, leaving it unharmed during the conquest.

In addition to the Incas’ complex political system and polytheistic religion, there are many more fascinating facts about the Inca Empire. By choosing to visit some of the numerous Inca sites scattered throughout Peru, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, travelers are sure to be rewarded with the rich history of this ancient civilization.

Machu Picchu: An Endangered Species?


The majestic ruins of Machu Picchu sprawl along the edge of a cliff overlooking the Urubamba Valley in Peru, dominating the landscape and proving the site’s prowess as one of the most sought-after locations for travelers. Included on almost every “Top 100 Things to See in Your Lifetime” list, the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu are shrouded in mystery and elegance. However, according to the World Monument Foundation, this locale in Peru is in danger of crumbling down the cliff.

The World Monument Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has composed a list of 93 at-risk sites across 47 countries. WMF helps to raise money to protect cultural heritage sites around the world in an effort to preserve sites for generations to come. According to WMF, this international treasure is slowly being damaged by the unchecked and unmanaged tourism. In total, there are over 2,500 visitors to this location daily, creating a strain on the structures that have withstood the test of time. This once isolated retreat can be accessed by foot, train, and bus, and the local government has put plans in motion to make Machu Picchu even more easily accessible without increasing protection to the site.

With the urbanization of the surrounding area, including the spreading of Cusco, Machu Picchu and other Inca ruins within the area are being eroded by the constant influx of visitors. Stone structures and platforms that have survived wars, earthquakes, and foul weather are being threatened by sightseers. However, Jorge Zegarra, the head of the National Institute of Culture located in Cusco, Peru, has stated that UNESCO is the only organization that can declare a monument at risk. Zegarra claims that the visitors and plans to expand the entrance to Machu Picchu pose no threat to the conservation of the region.

Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand the impact of every step you take as a traveler on the surrounding environment. When traveling to places such as the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, be sure to research what influence your trip will have on the culture, people, and environment. Research and book a trip with an adventure company that gives back to local conservation efforts like Mountain Lodges of Peru. Using local operators, environmentally friendly lodges, and sustainable tourism methods, MLP ensures that each traveler has a minimal impact in order to keep Machu Picchu and the beautiful landscapes of Peru in good condition for years to come.