The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

Nice 10-minute video by 2 Brits who completed the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Ironic and funny, the film shows both the beauty of Machu Picchu’s landscape and the fatigue and harshness of the trekking route.

Add comment April 10th, 2007

Swimming with Sea Lions at Islas Palomino

Add comment April 9th, 2007

Alerts on damage to Machu Picchu

The recently built bridge of Carrilluchayoc, in the nearby Santa teresa district, is threatening to deteriorate the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. According to Alda Lazo, congresswoman and president of the Culture and Heritage Commission of the Congress, the bridge was built without a decent environmental impact study. And, obviously, despite the objections of government cultural experts.

The threat derives, in first place, from the expected vehicle transit over the bridge, which could seriously damage the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, as well as the citadel itself.

Moreover, the bridge has opened a new, uncontrolled entrance route to the Inca archaeological complex. This new route, involving a daylong bus ride and a seven-mile hike along railroad tracks, targets thrifty backpackers who want to avoid the pricey train tickets. The already stressed-out stone citadel, already at almost top-capacity, could not bear the increased -and much unchecked- tourist flow.

During mid April, UNESCO, which has expressed concern over Machu Picchu’s increasing tourism, will send a delegation to the citadel in order to study the Carrilluchayoc bridge matter.

Add comment April 6th, 2007

Contemporary Jazz and Blues

The Peruvian singer Desiré Mandrile will present her first album “Latin Soul” in Jazz Zone, one of Miraflores’ finest live music bars. The recitals are scheduled for April’s every Thursday: 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Mandrile is a fine interpreter of classic and contemporary Jazz, Blues and Soul. Whilst her first album includes her own compositions, in her concerts she also interprets classic songs “her own way”: a jazzy Tainted Love, for example, or Last Train to London with a soul rhythm. 

The band that accompanies Mandrile gathers some of Peru’s most prestigious musicians: Eduardo Freire, Pedro Luis Pacora, Carlo Calienes, and Fernando Lorca.

Desiré Mandrile in Jazz Zone - Every Thursday of April, 10pm. Cover 15 soles.
Jazz Zone - Av. La Paz 656, Pasaje El Suche - Miraflores (Lima).

Add comment April 5th, 2007