🌀 My trip to Peru was very impulsive – I felt a sudden urge, and it took only two weeks until I was on a plane to Lima. So this modern interpretation of the Chakana replaced my talisman six years ago.

⛰️ I bought this Andean cross from an old man on a hill in Sacsayhuaman. My intuition led me, on my first day in Cusco directly to this mysterious place, where an estimated 20,000 people once worked on its construction. I sat with the man on the hill for about half an hour, and he explained his interpretation of the Chakana to me, along with this site, which was likely used for military and ritual purposes.

🌐 The original Chakana existed about 2,000 years before the rise of the Inca Empire. The triangle is a modern variation for tourists; however, it symbolizes the trinity of the condor (upper world), puma (this world), and snake (underworld), and perhaps the three moral principles "do not lie", "do not steal", and "do not be lazy". The four planes represent the cardinal directions, seasons, and stages of life. It has 12 edges, like the months of the year. In the center, as a unifying element of origin, is the sun, a central deity.

🏔 The traces of the Inca were visible throughout my entire journey. Rock carvings, often with animal motifs, can be found on almost every mountain. Every mountain is alive, and many are sacred. It was a deeply nature-connected, inquisitive, organized, and spiritual culture. In Quechua, "Chakana" roughly means "acting as a bridge". The old man told me – even if it was his imagination – that the Inca at Sacsayhuaman would repeatedly undergo ritual cycles of the cosmos here before setting out to other places, like Machu Picchu. My journey also led me toward Machu Picchu a few days later, and the pendant accompanied me on this exciting adventure.

🧭 A few months later, I created "megagroundsloth," and to this day, I wear this pendant daily because, for me, it’s not only a powerful memory but also a symbol of guidance and encounter.

🌄🚌 This picture was taken in Huertahuayco, during my bus ride from Ica (Atacama Desert) to Cusco (Andes). The election posters were for the regional and local elections in 2018.

When I started using Instagram, I just came back from my best trip ever. I spontaneously traveled alone through Peru for 16 days and took a few thousand photos.😄🇵🇪❤️

👀 Until then, I had only used Instagram passively. I had a little problem because its name means "instant camera telegram" and from my point of view that's how it was primarily used. But that didn't fit my needs well... 🧃🐌

💡This is how I came up with the idea of ​​a timeless Instagram, led by a giant sloth. It's so relaxed, grounded and full of adventure.😜

🕵️ The posts have been spread across the years and - unfortunately - Instagram deactivated the guides in December, but you can still view all Peru posts on my website (link in bio) at any time. Simply click on “Topics” and then “Peru” in the menu.

There might be a few more pictures to come.
Sometime.

Where the sun is tied. The Intihuatana Pyramid in Machu Picchu. 🌄

Some selfies when I was hiking in the Peruvian Cloud Forest near of Machu Picchu. Only 1% of the global woodland consists of cloud forests. It's the habitat of numerous unique animal and plant species. Cloud forests are among the most endangered terrestrial ecosystems on earth. They are particularly dependent on constant climatic conditions (e.g. leaves that are very drought-sensitive), which will change as a result of climate change. Many cloud forest regions are important agricultural production areas due to their always humid and mild climate.

Taxi ride to the Lima Airport.🚖🛫

The Atacama desert is the driest place on earth. 🦥🏜️

That's on my way from Ica to Cusco, somewhere in the Andes. I think it was between Abancay and Cusco. With a duration of 18 hours, this was only my second longest bus trip in Peru. Ica is located near the coast in the Atacama Desert, Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters in the Andes. I traveled very long distances with the bus company Cruz del Sur. The service is comparable to that of an airline. There is food, internet, electricity, screen, movies, music and more. In addition, all bus stops are guarded and secured.
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Good idea!
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(seen at my hostel)

A little farm near Sacsayhuaman.
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I still find photos of my very favorite travel ever 😊
Taken at Laguna de Piuray!🗻

Oh Peru.. such a beautiful country! 🤎
Not only these alpacas are dreaming far away...
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