Peru, a country with a rich history and breathtaking landscapes, hosts an impressive biocultural diversity. From the majestic Andes in the highlands to the lush rainforests of the Amazon basin, Peru offers a wide range of ecosystems and habitats. The flora is characterized by a variety of plant species, including countless medicinal plants in the Amazon region, as well as endemic flowers and cacti in the dry desert regions. The fauna is equally diverse, with an abundance of exotic birds like macaws and toucans in the rainforest, as well as large mammals such as pumas and tapirs. Peru's indigenous peoples, such as the Quechua and the Asháninka, have developed a close relationship with nature over centuries, preserving traditional knowledge about the use and protection of the environment. Despite challenges posed by deforestation, mining, and climate change, the protection and preservation of this diversity remain crucial for Peru's future and the well-being of its people and all humanity.
I took many blurry photos during my 18 hour bus ride from Ica to Cusco. Here we drove through the Limatambo District in the Cusco Region at an altitude of around 2,600 meters. The people in the district are mainly indigenous citizens of Quechua descent.
I took many blurry photos during my 18 hour bus ride from Ica to Cusco. Here we drove through the Curahuasi District in the Apurímac Region at an altitude of around 2,700 meters. The people in the district are mainly indigenous citizens of Quechua descent.
I took many blurry photos during my 18 hour bus ride from Ica to Cusco. Here we drove through the Curahuasi District in the Apurímac Region at an altitude of around 2,700 meters. The people in the district are mainly indigenous citizens of Quechua descent.
It's been almost a year. Actually, I wanted to return to Peru this year, because I really enjoyed it and there's still so much to discover. Won't work! But next year for sure (together with Ecuador)! Don't think that I'm done with the travel pictures. The ground sloth stream is like a timeless dream.
🔎🐧💡 At Centro de Interpretación, Paracas, Peru: In the coastal desert around Paracas, numerous fossils were found. Including various penguin species, such as the Inkayacu pictured here. It lived around 36 million years ago. The 2008 discovered skeleton is the first one with fossilized feathers attached to it. The feathers are so well preserved that it's even possible to draw conclusions about the coloring. They had similar feathers as modern penguins, but more gray or brownish.
The other prehistoric bird in the picture is a pseudotooth bird (pelagornithid). These birds reached a wing span of up to 6 meters and were thus about twice as large as the Andean condor. They were probably related to pelicans or storks and lived all around the world. The fossils found around Paracas are attributed to the same era as the Inkayacu.
In October 2018 I've explored Peru by myself. After my arrival in Lima I took the bus for Paracas (Ica) and visited the Paracas National Reserve. It's a protected area for desert and marine ecosystems. We started early around 9 o'clock. There was a very good tour guide, she explained everything in English and in Spanish. She took me from my hostel (Hospedaje Mary) and brought us to the haven. We went by boat to the Ballestas Islands. It was cool and a bit foggy, which are the best prepositions to see all the animals. I've seen all the animals I wanted to see and much more. South American sea lions and fur seals, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies and pelicans, Guanay shags, Inca terns and beautiful sea stars. After this boat trip we've had a little break and then explored the Atacama Desert. There was a small nature museum, very interesting! I searched for the Paracas gecko. How sad I have never seen one. At Playa Roja (red beach) my smartphone went out of energy and off course (!) I had forgotten my charger. But I've seen so many beautiful things! Peru is absolutely worth a thousand visits!
West of the village of Maras are these unusual Inca ruins. Their depth, design and orientation creates a temperature difference of as much as 15°C (27°F) between the top and the bottom. The purpose is uncertain, but it may have been used for agricultural experiments. It has been discovered that the soil of the terraces comes from different places. The Inca have produced countless varieties of potatoes, quinoa and corn. Until 50 years ago, potatoes and barley were grown here.
