Recycling – Lima Style

Conserving the environment and recycling has become a major focus among countries around the globe, and Peru is no exception. As populations increase on every continent and the space to support those individuals begins to run out, major cities are beginning to step up their efforts to recycle and reuse everything they can. By doing this, these cities allow their populations to experience cleaner, more enjoyable outdoor spaces, and Lima’s done a great job with one of its parks.

This past February, Basurama, a recycling-focused group that was founded in 2001, began a project to convert ruins from an electric train in Lima to a small park. The ruins are the remnants of a project for lima transportation that was abandoned in 1986 – the project aimed to build the railway for an electric train, but when it was cancelled, the concrete columns for the base of the rails were left standing at the construction spot. Viewing these cement pillars as a potential site for a Lima park rather than a manmade eyesore, Basurama took the lead in converting this area into a beautiful, multi-colored landscape that features numerous activities for children and their families. The park contains swings of all shapes and sizes, zip lines and a plethora of other things to do. And the cement pillars that were once a dismal shade of grey? They now each sport a variety of bright, beautiful colors that give this new park a fresh air of freshness and relaxation.

As expected, the park provides a great spot for families of all ages to spend time with one another and with other Lima residents. The combination of painted colors and now-welcoming pillars creates a unique blend of the urban and rural - a spot where people with all interests can relax and enjoy what Lima has to offer. Due to its one-of-a-kind design and construction history, the park also promises to be a great spot for any tourist that’s arriving to visit Peru’s capital city. So next time you’re in Lima, make sure to stop by this new spot; it’s a wonderful example of Lima’s focus on conserving the landscape, and you’re sure to enjoy the zip lines.

REQUEST FOR DONATIONS ON BEHALF OF THOSE AFFECTED THROUGHOUT THE MOLLEPATA - ALTO SALKANTAY- SANTA TERESA (CUSCO) ROUTE.

TO OUR FRIENDS, CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS:

Cusco, January, 28 2010.

REQUEST FOR DONATIONS ON BEHALF OF THOSE AFFECTED THROUGHOUT THE MOLLEPATA - ALTO SALKANTAY- SANTA TERESA (CUSCO) ROUTE.

As you may already know, between January, 19 and 25 the Cusco area was stricken by heavy rain, unusual in intensity and length, which led to serious damage of the road and railroad infrastructure and homes and land of the rural population of the south Andes of Peru. After this natural disaster, the Central Government declared the affected areas in state of emergency by means of the Urgency Decree 005-2010, taking further action by the Supreme Decree 015-2010 PCM, both promulgated on January, 25.

Even though this natural disaster (increase of the river flow, flooding and landslides) will not affect the opening of the regular tourist season next March, for the affected infrastructure is currently being repaired from and to Machu Picchu, it is clear that the recovery of houses and agricultural land of the population will be a much longer process and the immediate need for food, water, clothing, health-care and other elements is a critic issue, especially on the first days after the disaster.

YANAPANA PERU www.yanapana.org, is a non-profitable association promoted by Mountain Lodges of Peru SAC. www.mountainglodgesofperu.com. This institution has been working for more than four years in the development of programs that involve social responsibility and/or self-sustainable activities throughout the Salkantay route (from Mollepata in the province of Anta, to Santa Teresa in the province of La Convencion) and is duly authorized by means of the R.M 708-2007-EF to receive donations and deduct the amount of money or valued goods received of its Income Tax.

We kindly request our customers, suppliers and friends their help in order to relief the urgent needs of the affected and their families. In the event that you may want to contribute with money or non-perishable food, this is the procedure to follow:

NON-PERISHABLE GOODS

In Lima: We will activate a collection centre to be administered by Mrs. Sylvia Pastor
E-mail: sylvia.pastor@mountainlodgesofperu.com
Phone: (51) (1) 421-8476 or (51) (1) 421-6952 or (51) (1) 9940-94038
Nextel 409*4038
Address: Av. Emilio Cavenecia 225, Oficina 221, San Isidro-Lima

In Cusco: We will activate a collection center to be administered by Mrs. Nathaly Campos
E-mail: nathaly.campos@yanapana.org or Srta. Ines Polo ines.polo@yanapana.org
Phone: (51) (84) 24-3636 ext. 221 or (51) (84) 974-746724, (51) (84) 984-722430
Nextel: 105*3807
Address: Av. Sol 948 of. 403, Cusco.

CASH DONATIONS

These donations can be made through any local or foreign bank, with the following information:
Bank: BANCO SCOTIABANK S.A.A
Address: Agencia Cusco, PERU
Swift Code: BSUDPEPL
Account Number: 0002814936 US$
Beneficiary / Account holders name is: Asociación Civil Yanapana Peru.

If you need any assistance in English language, please contact:
Ms. Denise Cooper
denise.cooper@mountainlodgesofperu.com (51) (84) 243636 ext. 206

If you want to make a Donation with IRS tax deduction (USA) please:
Make checks payable to “Philanthropic Ventures Foundation” and put in memo note on the check or in cover note that it is for Generosity in Action/Yanapana Project.

http://www.generosityinaction.org/Yanapana.htm

Checks should be sent to:
Generosity in Action c/o Philanthropic Ventures Foundation
1222 Preservation Park Way
Oakland, CA 94612-1201

Once a donation is received at PVF it will be acknowledged and the donor sent a confirmation letter indicating that Generosity in Action/PVF is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation and that the donation is tax deductible in the US.

You can also make donations by credit card over the internet. They will be linked to Groundspring https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=12832 and complete the form providing credit card information on-line. Once again it is imperative that they specify “Yanapana Project” in the section asking for which PVF program the donation is intended. We provide this internet service through GroundSpring which is in itself a 501(c)3 organization. Groundspring will confirm the donation and provide the necessary tax-deductibility confirmation.

DONATORS WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE IN EVERY CASE AND PROOF OF THE DIRECT RECEPTION OF THE DONATION BY THE AFFECTED.

Should you require any further explanation on this information, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Nathaly Campos:
E-mail: nathaly.campos@yanapana.org
Phone: (51) (84) 24-3636 ext. 221 or (51) (84) 974-746724, (51) (84) 984-722430
Nextel: 105*3807
Address: Av. Sol 948 of. 403, Cusco.
Thank you very much in advance for your prayers and solidarity with the affected population.

Maria Nathaly Campos Ch.
YANAPANA PERU

CUSCO & MACHU PICCHU ON THE WAY TO PROMPT RECOVERY

Turn of events in PERU
CUSCO & MACHU PICCHU ON THE WAY TO PROMPT RECOVERY
Cusco, 02 February 2010, 12:00m

In regards to the unusual heavy rains in Cusco last week, though we understand (and tolerate) the inherent nature of the media and its need to utilize the shock value to keep us – the audience – on our toes, we feel that it is our responsibility to “tell it like it is” and provide up to date input to unfounded rumors and news of continuing tragedy and devastation, which is certainly not the case.

Here is a list of what’s official, what’s rumor and our take on each.

Machu Picchu and the Town of Machu Picchu (a.k.a. Aguas Calientes) are different things. Unfortunately, the media is not being clear in making the distinction between the two, when this case clearly merits it. ‘Machu Picchu’ is the archeological site or Inca citadel. The ‘Town of Machu Picchu’ or ‘Aguas Calientes’ (which are one of the same) is the town located at the bottom of the mountain on which ‘Machu Picchu’ is located.

Is Machu Picchu going to be ‘closed’ during February and March, or onwards? The answer is NO. Officially, the archeological site of Machu Picchu was only ‘closed’ for 3 days last week. Today, Machu Picchu is not ‘closed’ but ‘inaccessible’. Machu Picchu will not be ‘closed’ during February and March. In fact, by the 3rd week of February 2010 – OR SOONER – Machu Picchu will become accessible again and Machu Picchu will be ‘open to the public’.

Is Machu Picchu accessible right now? Machu Picchu has 2 entry points. Imagine a donut with Cusco at the bottom and Machu Picchu at the top. The left semi-circle is the access to Machu Picchu via the town of Santa Teresa/Hydroelectric, where there is a train station. The train tracks from the Hydroelectric Train Station to the TOWN of Machu Picchu have suffered damages, BUT THIS PORTION IS SAID (OFFICIALLY BY THE TRAIN TRACK OPERATOR, AS WELL AS THE TRAIN SERVICE OPERATOR) TO BE OPERATIONAL BY THE 3RD WEEK IN FEBRUARY. Unofficially, we have learned that after a 2nd inspection to determine repair work, they have estimated a new time frame for repairs of 10 DAYS – OR LESS, for the train tracks that go from the Hydroelectric Train Station to the Town of Machu Picchu. The access road from Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa is transitable, but is still being currently repaired by the Government. The right semi-circle is the access to Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo). The train tracks from Ollantaytambo to the TOWN of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) have suffered damages and this portion is said (officially by the train track operator, as well as the train service operator) to be operational by the 3rd week in March – OR SOONER.

The train track repairs and subsequent restoration of the train service are not temporary measures. Safety and security are guaranteed for the train service by the train and track operators, for each portion of the train track that will be re-opened in the course of the next 60 days.

Has Machu Picchu suffered any damages? The Tourism Minister and local Archeological/Cultural authorities (INC) categorically say “NO”. They have officially stated that it is “in perfect condition”.

Has the Town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) suffered any damages – how about the hotels? Yes, the Town has suffered damages but mostly in accessibility which – as explained – will be restored soon. Otherwise, the river has affected the riverside boardwalk, but this does not make the town ‘un-walkable’ or unsafe. There are still plenty of main and side streets to transit the town. The hotels are in good condition and have not been affected.

Rumor of permanent helicopter access for Machu Picchu visits (during the first 3 weeks in February) until ground access is restored (3rd week in February). This was an idea proposed by some industry leaders, but was discarded by the Government. Off the record, during the first 3 weeks in February the air space to Machu Picchu will only be usable for emergencies.

The city of Cusco and the archeological sites of Saccsayhuaman, Pisac and Ollantaytambo (to name the main ones) are currently fully operational, fully accessible and in perfect conditions. In fact, they are being visited by many tourists right now.

What is being shown in the news (video/photo) of houses collapsing, floods and broken train tracks is what happened ONE WEEK AGO in some communities in the region of Cusco. Today, this is not happening anymore. The water levels have decreased significantly (allowing for much quicker repair/restoration work everywhere), the floods have drained and significant amounts of relief efforts are being provided to those affected, on a daily basis.

Cusco depends heavily on Tourism and – especially – on Machu Picchu. Yes. This is why there are significant amounts of resources being deployed to QUICKLY restore things to normal and there is ample confidence that there will be (ITS ALREADY HAPPENING) significant advances to bring things back to normal in the next 30 days.

Should I cancel or postpone my trip? No. By the time our (Mountain Lodges of Peru) trips begin for the season (5th March 2010) we anticipate that Machu Picchu will be fully operational and accessible. MLP is not canceling any of its departures, as the current conditions and reparation estimates present sufficient time frames for MLP to consider that by the beginning of the season MLP will be able to offer the standard schedule, including the visit to Machu Picchu and the standard activities.

Has the Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu been affected? The Salkantay Trail is affected every year by the rainy season. Therefore, every year before the beginning of the trekking season, MLP and the local authorities commit to trail maintenance. This year is no different. The trails have only been moderately affected, as expected and as always. There has not been severe damage on the trail and by the 5th of March, we anticipate offering normal trekking operations.

Have the MLP lodges been affected? No. The lodges are being monitored on a daily basis and are currently in perfect conditions due to strategic placement as well as reliable construction materials and methods.

What does it mean that Cusco has been declared in a ‘state of emergency’ by the Peruvian Government? This is a legal mechanism through which resources are heavily deployed to a certain activity, situation or area. In this case, the need of declaring Cusco in a ‘state of emergency’ served the goal of liberating and assigning significant amount of funding to restore things to normal and to provide aid to those affected. The ‘state of emergency’ should not be interpreted as a safety/security risk.

We always recommend (as usual, regardless of this specific situation) purchasing travel insurance, through your trusted provider.

We hope that this alleviates some of the confusion created around varying – but infrequent – reports on the situation. Please know that this is only MLP’s assessment based on our daily and constant monitoring of the situation, through industry contacts, Government agencies and officials and our own team on the field.

Also, please note that we have purposely focused on what is being done to restore things to normal, instead of continuing to focus on what already happened, which we are sure you will continue to obtain information about through the media. We kindly ask that you handle and interpret this information and the information offered by the media, responsibly.

We will continue to keep you updated/informed as information comes in, but with previous discernment on our behalf.

Warm regards,

The Mountain Lodges of Peru Family

MLP's Special Promotion Coming to an End!!

Mountain Lodges of Peru's 2009 Season's End special promotion is coming to an end this January 31st! Take advantage of this spectacular opportunity and book this exclusive trip for a reduced price! These are the terms of the special promotion:

1st guest in a room: US$2,500 per guest… but NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS APPLY!

2nd guest in a room (double occupancy): US$1,500 for this guest…
A 40% DISCOUNT OFF THE RACK RATE!

3rd guest in a room (triple occupancy): US$1,000 for this guest…
A 60% DISCOUNT OFF THE RACK RATE!

Notes, Special Terms & Conditions
• Valid for MLP’s “Fixed Departure Program” (7D/6N; Cusco-Cusco).
• Deposit, Payment, Cancellation and Transfer policies apply the same as for the regular MLP Fixed Departure program.
• Offer valid only for new bookings made between October 1st, 2009 and January 31st, 2010 for travels between 1st October 2009 and April 15th 2010 on selected departure dates.

The opportunity to book this special offer ends on February 1st, 2010 at 6pm Eastern Standard Time. Any calls or inquiries received after that deadline will not be considered for the promotion.

Enjoy the mountains of Peru, visit Machu Picchu, and cave in to the comforts of our exclusive lodges throughout this spectacular Inca trail, the Salkantay Route!!!

Inquiries and questions: info@mountainlodgesofperu.com

See you on the trail!!

Lake Titicaca – South America’s “Rock Puma”

Lake Titicaca, one of South America’s most recognizable landmarks, is located on the Peru-Bolivia border in the Andes Mountains. Visitors to the lake continue to discover that as expected, this basin’s location and surrounding vistas are some of the most impressive in the world. The origin of Lake Titicaca’s name remains unknown, although it has been translated a few ways, including “Rock Puma”, which comes from the lake’s unique shape that looks very much like a puma chasing a rabbit. Lake Titicaca’s altitude of over 3,800 meters makes it one of the highest navigable lakes on the globe, and in terms of water volume, it has the most of any lake in South America.

The lake’s history is nearly as fascinating as its geographic location, and as travelers visit Lake Titicaca, they immerse themselves in a place that was very sacred to the Incas. The Incas credit the lake as the location where the world was created, when the god Viracocha emerged from its waters and made the sun and the stars. After this, Viracocha created man before eventually walking across the Pacific Ocean; he then wandered the world as a beggar and taught people many lessons. According to the Incas, Lake Titicaca was possibly also the birthplace of Manco Capac, a very famous person in Inca legends, and this is another reason that the lake always had a great deal of importance in the Incas’ lives.

As Lake Titicaca tourism has continued to increase, the artificial floating islands (called “Uros”) draw fascinated travelers that come to the lake to discover its rare beauty. The Uros are man-made, and are built from floating reeds. Although the islands were originally built for protective measures, they’ve recently become very unique destinations for people visiting Lake Titicaca. Some islands offer the chance for visitors to walk through the villages and to spend the evening enjoying home-cooked food and traditional dancing.

So those that decide to visit Lake Titicaca have the opportunity to discover a place that like many locations in South America, is both beautiful and richly historic. The Incas credit the lake with the creation of the world, and Lake Titicaca continues to satisfy travelers as they explore the breathtaking Andes region.

Exploring Peru: An Adventure in 28 Climates

Peru’s amazingly diverse geography and climatic zones boast a variety of weather patterns, whose splendor is matched only by the fascinating history inscribed throughout the country’s landscape. As home to 28 of the world’s 32 climates, Peru’s biodiversity makes it a unique destination to anyone looking for a truly memorable experience. Although Peru is located very close to the equator, weather patterns are also strongly affected by the Humboldt Current and the Andes Mountains.
The Humboldt Current is an ocean current that flows along the South American coast from Chile up to Peru. It flows in the direction of equator, and has a very large effect on Peru’s rainfall and temperatures along the coast. Primarily, the presence of the Humboldt Current keeps Peru’s central and southern coast extremely dry, while the northern coast still receives somewhat regular rainfall. The Humboldt Current is also a very strong upwelling current (water moves from deeper depths towards the surface), which brings cold, nutrient-packed water to the surface and results in a rich ecosystem along the Peruvian Coast. Because the water in the Current is quite cold, the water cools the marine air, and thus prevents it from creating much rain along Peru’s central and southern coastline.
The Andes are the longest exposed mountain range on the planet and have an average height of approximately 13,000 feet. They stretch across seven countries in South America (Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela), and Aconcagua is their tallest peak at 22,840 feet. Because this mountain range stretches through a variety of climates and weather patterns, the climatic diversity offers adventurous travelers the chance to explore a myriad of geographies within Peru. The weather patterns in the Andes range from humid with high rainfall, which can be found in northern Peru, to areas that are very arid and have less precipitation, which is common in the southern regions in the country.
Peru’s biodiversity is continually affected by the presence of the Humboldt Current and that of the Andes, and this combination results in weather patterns and climates that continue to amaze those individuals that travel to Peru to explore its natural wonders. The temperatures vary greatly depending on the specific region, and this variety adds even more excitement to an already fascinating country.

The Mysterious Chachapoya Mummies of Peru

Located in the Andes Mountains of Northern Peru, there once existed a culture that thrived in their independent dwellings. A short time before the Spanish invaded South America and conquered the Inca Empire, the Incas had conquered the Chachapoya people, assimilating them into their massive fold. It is for this reason that the Chachapoya culture remains mysterious – there is very little direct information about this ancient Peruvian people. Most of the available information is either from the Incas or the Spanish – and we all know history is written by the winners.
In the past few years, the mystery of the “People of the Clouds” has resurfaced because of pertinent archeological discoveries, including the discovery of an enclave of well preserved mummies in the Utcubamba Valley. Over the course of the last 15 years, over 200 Chachapoya mummies have been discovered. The ones that weren’t looted or moved by government officials are in remarkable shape; each one was wrapped and preserved with herbs, all internal organs were removed and the facial orifices were stuffed with cotton.
Although mummification is so closely tied with Egyptian culture, the misconception exists that the Egyptians were also the first known culture to intentionally mummify their deceased. This is actually not the case. The oldest artificial mummies were discovered in Northern Chile and Southern Peru. The earliest Chincorro mummies date back to 5,000 B.C. which predates the first Egyptian mummies by almost 1,500 years. The tradition of mummification is well known in South America and archeologists are still discovering this tradition spread far and wide across the continent.
The amazing Chachapoya mummies can be found at the Museo Leymebamba, located high in the Northern Andes of Peru. Showcasing some ancient Inca artifacts, the museum mainly focuses on the funerary practices of the Chachapoya and has over 100 mummies from the Lake of the Condors, the largest known Chachapoya burial site in Peru.