The classic 4-day Inca Trail hiking route from the Peruvian city of Cusco to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most popular treks for its beautiful Andean scenery and compelling history. However, this famous route is just a small part of the extensive network of roads that connected the immense territory of the Inca Empire.
The Inca Empire was the largest ancient civilization in pre-Columbian America. The Incas, who flourished from approximately 1200 to 1533 AD, grew their empire through military conquests and peaceful assimilation, eventually occupying an extensive area in the Andes Mountains in what is now western South America. As a means to traverse this large empire, the Incas built a network of approximately 25,000 miles of roads that covered 1.2 million square miles. Reaching from the northern city of Quito, Ecuador, to modern-day Santiago, Chile, this network included over 20 routes that traversed terrain up to 16,000 feet.
Providing crucial pathways between cities, government centers, agricultural areas and sacred complexes, the road system allowed the Incas to easily move within their extensive empire. While the Inca Trail network was built upon existing roads, some of which were built centuries before, many of the routes were added and upgraded to meet the needs of the flourishing Inca Empire.
While only 25 percent of the Incas’ original road system is visible today, visitors are rewarded with historic treasures scattered along the remaining route. The historic trail features archeological wonders, such as the ruins of Ingapirca in Ecuador, as well as rare flora and fauna and spectacular scenery. Machu Picchu, the most famous remnant of the Inca civilization, was located far off the main roads due to its remote location in Peru’s Urubamba Valley. Yet, the popular 4-day hiking path from Cusco to the ancient complex remains the most popular with adventure travelers for its mesmerizing views of the high Peruvian Andes and its accessible pathway to one of the most incredible remnants of the Inca Empire, the ruins of Machu Picchu.
For active journeyers interested in traveling along the path of the ancient Incas without the crowds of the 4-day Inca Trail, the 7-day Salkantay (Salcantay) route is a great option. Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP), a premier local tour operator, was the first operator in the region to offer a lodge-to-lodge trek along this alternative Inca Trail route. This unique Machu Picchu tour allows hikers to experience adventure-filled days combined with relaxing nights at MLP’s luxury eco-lodges, strategically located along the trail. Built in accordance with traditional Incan construction techniques, this trip ensures travelers will experience the history and mystique of the Inca Empire both on and off the trail.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Mountain Lodges of Peru Partners with Rainforest Alliance
Mountain Lodges of Peru has just signed a project agreement with Rainforest Alliance, an international, non-profit and sustainable development organization.
The agreement began on November 10th, 2009 and includes an evaluation and the improvement of environmental & socio-cultural aspects of Mountain Lodges of Peru’s operation throughout the Salkantay Route. Rainforest Alliance will help MLP improve its practices while sharing the objective of promoting sustainable management in the company and field.
Mountain Lodges of Peru hopes to empower its existing environmental and social sustainability projects which are currently in development by MLP’s Eco-Team and NGO Yanapana Peru.
This alliance means that MLP can now rely on an environmental specialist, Rainforest Alliance, to provide guidance and support in the transition towards cleaner and more renewable energy systems for its own operation, as well as benchmarking proven industry experience for small operational issues which end up making a big difference in the end. This is a form to contribute to the well being of the communities in MLP’s area of influence.
The agreement began on November 10th, 2009 and includes an evaluation and the improvement of environmental & socio-cultural aspects of Mountain Lodges of Peru’s operation throughout the Salkantay Route. Rainforest Alliance will help MLP improve its practices while sharing the objective of promoting sustainable management in the company and field.
Mountain Lodges of Peru hopes to empower its existing environmental and social sustainability projects which are currently in development by MLP’s Eco-Team and NGO Yanapana Peru.
This alliance means that MLP can now rely on an environmental specialist, Rainforest Alliance, to provide guidance and support in the transition towards cleaner and more renewable energy systems for its own operation, as well as benchmarking proven industry experience for small operational issues which end up making a big difference in the end. This is a form to contribute to the well being of the communities in MLP’s area of influence.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Agreement Between Mountain Lodges of Peru and the Missouri Botanical Garden in Association with the Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad of Cusco
Mountain Lodges of Peru has signed an agreement with the Missouri Botanical Garden, a center for botanical research and science education, and the Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad of Cusco.
Both organizations have agreed to develop scientific investigation and furthermore to establish a cooperation agreement. Therefore, they will develop research and conservation projects in the “Salkantay Trail”, which is the area of influence in which Mountain Lodges of Peru operates its Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Trek program.
The project will study the flora biodiversity throughout the collection of different species of plants that are non-commercial. MLP will cooperate looking for financial support and will help in providing unique and duplicate exemplary of flowers obtained during the explorations.
This is a small example of the continuous projects that Mountain Lodges of Peru has and that contribute to the well being of the communities and protection of the environment.
Both organizations have agreed to develop scientific investigation and furthermore to establish a cooperation agreement. Therefore, they will develop research and conservation projects in the “Salkantay Trail”, which is the area of influence in which Mountain Lodges of Peru operates its Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Trek program.
The project will study the flora biodiversity throughout the collection of different species of plants that are non-commercial. MLP will cooperate looking for financial support and will help in providing unique and duplicate exemplary of flowers obtained during the explorations.
This is a small example of the continuous projects that Mountain Lodges of Peru has and that contribute to the well being of the communities and protection of the environment.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Off the Beaten Path in Peru: The Moche Civilization
Most travelers automatically associate Peru with the famed Incas and Machu Picchu. However, Peru is a country rich in culture and history – and not all of that legacy belongs to the Incas. Over the past few years, archeologists have begun to focus more attention on ruins scattered in Northern Peru and along the coast, most of which belong to the Moche civilization – a culture that predates the Incas by almost 700 years.
In the late 1980’s, Peruvian archeologist Walter Alva discovered a mummy in an undisturbed tomb, now referred to as the “Lord of Sipan.” This Peruvian region where the Lord of Sipan was discovered, Huaca Rajada, is a known burial location for the Moche and four tombs have been unearthed here. Because of the status and position of ruler that the Lord of Sipan held in Moche culture, he was buried with eight other people, including his wife, two concubines, a watchman, military commander, and child. Beneath his tomb, an older Lord of Sipan was also found along with the tomb of a priest.
Recent discoveries about the Moche civilization has created a buzz throughout Peru. Previously known for producing diverse and intricate pottery, evidence suggests the Moche mass-produced pots and ceramics using molding technology. Over the past few decades, archeologists have begun to investigate the historical importance of the paintings on the ceramics, including pictures of gruesome acts of war and ritual slaughters. The mosaics on the walls of the Huaca de la Luna and the Huaca del Sol, two pyramids located 4 kilometers outside the city of Trujillo in Northern Peru, also display similar pictures.
In recent years, new evidence has surfaced proving these images were much more than creative works of art. During the excavation of a nearby plaza, two layers of human remains were unearthed, one from 150 A.D. and the other from 500 A.D. Forensic evidence suggests that most of the remains belonged to young men who participated in combat regularly. Further investigation revealed that the men died from having their throats slit or had been decapitated, paralleling the images depicted on the walls throughout the region.
Although Peruvian travel has been previously dominated by historical trips to Machu Picchu and various other Inca ruins, the Moche are proving to be an interesting alternative as more historical information is uncovered.
In the late 1980’s, Peruvian archeologist Walter Alva discovered a mummy in an undisturbed tomb, now referred to as the “Lord of Sipan.” This Peruvian region where the Lord of Sipan was discovered, Huaca Rajada, is a known burial location for the Moche and four tombs have been unearthed here. Because of the status and position of ruler that the Lord of Sipan held in Moche culture, he was buried with eight other people, including his wife, two concubines, a watchman, military commander, and child. Beneath his tomb, an older Lord of Sipan was also found along with the tomb of a priest.
Recent discoveries about the Moche civilization has created a buzz throughout Peru. Previously known for producing diverse and intricate pottery, evidence suggests the Moche mass-produced pots and ceramics using molding technology. Over the past few decades, archeologists have begun to investigate the historical importance of the paintings on the ceramics, including pictures of gruesome acts of war and ritual slaughters. The mosaics on the walls of the Huaca de la Luna and the Huaca del Sol, two pyramids located 4 kilometers outside the city of Trujillo in Northern Peru, also display similar pictures.
In recent years, new evidence has surfaced proving these images were much more than creative works of art. During the excavation of a nearby plaza, two layers of human remains were unearthed, one from 150 A.D. and the other from 500 A.D. Forensic evidence suggests that most of the remains belonged to young men who participated in combat regularly. Further investigation revealed that the men died from having their throats slit or had been decapitated, paralleling the images depicted on the walls throughout the region.
Although Peruvian travel has been previously dominated by historical trips to Machu Picchu and various other Inca ruins, the Moche are proving to be an interesting alternative as more historical information is uncovered.
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.
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.
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.
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