The Cusco region in Peru, known for its impressive landscape and rich cultural history, also offers remarkable biocultural diversity. Stretching from the majestic Andes in the highlands to the deep gorges of the Urubamba Valley, this area encompasses a variety of ecosystems and habitats. The flora ranges from characteristic Andean plants like Queñua trees and Puya Raimondii to the diverse plant species of the cloud forest. The fauna is equally diverse, including endemic species such as the spectacled bear and the Andean condor, as well as a wealth of bird species like hummingbirds and toucans. The indigenous peoples of the region, 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 from climate change and tourism, the protection and preservation of this biocultural diversity remain crucial for the future of the Cusco region and the well-being of its inhabitants.
My last day in Cusco was spent exploring the museums included in the tourist ticket. Almost by chance I came past the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo. What luck! Spontaneously, I lined up in the queue. I didn't know what to expect. Beside me in the queue an older man spoke to me. As a Swiss, he was able to talk to me in German. When we introduced ourselves by name, there was some confusion because we both are called Freddy. 😅
We enjoyed the one-hour dance performance together and had a very interesting conversation. He's married to a Peruvian for 9 years and told me a lot about country and people.
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.
