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.
The many street dogs in Peru aren't very interested in humans. They just do their own thing. This one stayed only for a short time to scratch itself behind the ear. Then he made himself comfy under my seat, while I waited for the train to Hidroeléctrica. I couldn't find any sick or otherwise conspicuous animals, but couldn't see people caring for the animals as well. With the exception of Paracas in the Atacama Desert, where the locals gave them water. That's actually a good thing, because otherwise the dogs would only multiply more and also lose their ignorance towards people. A pack of uneducated and hungry dogs, which associate people with food, can be dangerous. In addition, rabies is still a big issue in Peru.
I spent a day more in Aguas Calientes than planned. I actually wanted to go to Santa Teresa first, but I fell asleep during the trip and when I was in Hidroeléctrica, I just hiked right over the tracks to Aguas Calientes. There is a small thermal bath, which did my sore muscles very well. It wasn't very crowded, so I had my peace. In Santa Teresa there is also a thermal bath, which is larger, but I didn't like it so much.
I haven't seen many animals on my way from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. It already was dusk when I almost reached my destination. That's the time of owl butterflies! They are pretty large (65 - 200 mm). The name comes from those eye spots on their wings. Do you know the purpose of those spots?
Aguas Calientes is a typical tourist destination. Each of the many restaurants offers a hot spot for internet. Aguas Calientes means "hot water". There are thermal baths, which I found quite pleasant. You get to them by following the Rio Aguas Calientes towards the well. That's the river in this video. It flows on the outskirts into the Urubamba river. Aguas Calientes is very lovingly decorated and always kept clean. Probably you shouldn't take a room right on the Rio Aguas Calientes. This is very loud!
A train in the rain. It often drizzled in Aguas Calientes. It's called rainforest anyhow. You need the rain to feel right in the rainforest! At least there were hardly any mosquitoes. They first discovered me in Santa Teresa. This train was coming from Hidroeléctrica. On my return journey I took this train.
At the Hidroelectrica train station. You can reach Machu Picchu only via train or on foot. On my way to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) I walked from Hidroelectrica along the railroad tracks. On my way back I took the train. I had a first class ticket, but didn't even know about that. I didn't notice that I entered the wrong compartment. We already started when I figured it out. After about half of the journey the train had to make a stop and a train attendant ran with me to my compartment. There I was completely alone except for two other passengers and the service staff.😁
