Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Cusco to celebrate Machu Picchu discovery anniversary year-round
Cusco, Feb. 15 (ANDINA). Peruvian authorities in the southeastern Cusco region are preparing a varied calendar of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu throughout the year.
Regional trade and tourism director Carlos Zúñiga said tourism-related organizations will soon meet to finalise and announce the schedule for the year-long celebrations.
The official told Andina that the Centennial events will include fairs, a film festival, conferences, the launch of a commemorative postage stamp and an international photography competition.
These events will be held in addition to other major activities scheduled for July 2011 in Lima.
The pre-Columbian Inca site of Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas, is one of the most famous historical sites in the world.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by thousands each day, Machu Picchu was first revealed to the world when American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the site in 1911.
(END) VVS/JOT/CRB/EEP
Sunday, February 6, 2011
ABOUT BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires is one of the world’s biggest cities in which, including the suburbs, there are over 11,000,000 inhabitants. It is also the most elegant and active city in South America and the one that summarizes the heterogeneous essence of Argentines the best. With a modern, hip structure and dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and endearing corners. Visitors feel fascinated because of its environment, because neighborhoods have all different personalities, and also because people are warm and there is a wide range of shopping and cultural proposals. Buenos Aires is surrounded by the splendid Argentine nature and it is the great cosmopolitan door to South America.
The Province of Buenos Aires invites you to the countryside and its traditions, the sun and the sea, the serenity and the adventure, the delta and its mysteries. There are estancias (large cattle ranches) featuring a great deal of architectural styles, located in the middle of the Pampas Plains— a magical vast area of far-off horizons, where you may breathe history and Creole customs all around. Kilometers of sand caressed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, endless dunes, lonely and crowded beaches, sophisticated and busy nights— everywhere you will be amazed. The peaceful golf courses, the vertigo paragliding rides and the adventure of trekking— everything is possible in the hilly region of Tandil and Ventana. They are very different landscapes from each other and distant from the mouth of the Paraná River, where endless islands also invite you to unwind and live unexpected adventures.
source: Ministerio de turismo
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Best Places to Visit in Argentina
Argentina is known around the worlds for its fabulous costumes, exciting tango and some local cuisines. Other than those, there are many tourist attractions to visit. Let’s identify some of the best cities you can check when you go to this South American country.
Buenos Aires
This city is not only the capital of Argentina but also among the most impressive and most visited cities in the whole continent. Experience a tango show. This is something you can do at night as you sip on some of the tasty liquors offered at fancy or inexpensive restaurants. During the day, you can go to the different historical sites, museums, theaters, shopping centers and so much more.
Salta
Located in northwest of Argentina; Salta is the perfect region to discover the rich culture and history of Argentina. This place is where the ancient Spanish settlers and local native inhabitants mix for the first time. You will be also drawn to hike or stroll on the deserted mountains of the city.
Mendoza
If you are fond of drinking wine and want to try a different taste, you should go to this city. Mendoza is famous worldwide for its many wineries and the quality of their wines. Mendoza is the land of sun and good wine.
Aconcagua: the highest peak in the Andes and the Americas, this volcano is 6,959 m above sea level. This is the perfect spot for activity adventure like trekking especially for nature lovers this could be once in a lifetime opportunity.
There are many things that await you in this region. You can horseback, ski in the Andes Mountains, kayaking on the water and so much more.
Everything you are looking for in a trip is found and can be achieved here.
Iguazu Falls
With a length of 1,210 km, the Iguazu River is born in the Brazilian state of Paraná. This river runs through until it reaches the iguazu falls located at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Iguazu falls is one of the most attractive natural spots in Argentina, taller than Niagara Falls with falls of up to 82 meters and twice as wide.
Patagonia
Ushuaia is the southernmost city of the world, and the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego. This region has a great number of National Parks and reserves
If you are a nature lover this is an ideal destination. Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier is a must with 5 km wide and its height reaches 80 meters above sea level and and its peculiar flora and fauna . An unforgettable place!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun PERU
Father's Day may be over, but Cusqueñans are getting ready to honor the daddy of the Inca world--the Sun God "Inti"--during the annual festival known as Inti Raymi held next Tuesday, June 24. Occurring on the Winter Solstice of the Southern Hemisphere, the celebration today gathers hundreds of thousands of people from around Peru and the world, including celebrities such as last year's attendee Bill Gates. They all come to witness the reenactment of this ancient Inca ceremony which has roots dating as far back as the 13th century.
Considered the most important ceremony celebrated in the Inca Empire, the rituals that take place during the event are re-created thanks to the memories of the peasants who still practice them during the year and who have kept the traditions alive for centuries.
The Inca religion, which is based around nature, sees the sun as the most important aspect in daily life. It provides light and warmth, two things which civilizations back then (and today) couldn't live without. Though he was second in-line to Viracocha, the creator of civilization, Inti the Sun God received the most offerings--most especially from farmers who depended on the sun for their harvest. The ruler of the Inca people, Sapa Inca, claimed divine heritage in that he was a direct descendant of Inti.
This devotion and faith to the deity led to the creation of Inti Raymi, which means "resurrection of the sun" in Quechua. Back then, preparation for the festival began with a fast of three days. People fasted from nourishment, as well as refrained from sexual activities and were also not allowed to light fires.
Back then, preparations were carried out in Aucaypata Square, which today is located in Cusco's main square and was larger than it is today. Inca priests and nobility gathered here, all dressed in their most elegant-wear. Once the sun arrived--a special representation consisting of a golden sculpture--Sapa Inca offered two golden tumblers. Right afterwards, he, the priests and spectators made their way to Qorikancha and called for the blessings of the sun god with more offers.
They then made their way back to the square for the ceremony in which they sacrificed a llama. Today the sacrifice is only simulated, but back then, the High Priest had to kill the completely black or white llama by using the ceremonial knife known as "Tumi". Things got a little gory then when the priest had to open the animal's chest and pull out its heart and viscera. He then foretold the future by looking at these entrails and then produced a sacred fire. His fellow priests would then continue the ceremony by offering Sanqhu--a holy bread--made of corn flower and blood from the sacrificed animal.
The ceremony designated the end of the year and the beginning of the new one. And so began the celebration and feast, where attendees drank, danced and had a good time for several days.
Unfortunately, the Spanish came, conquered and eventually banned Inti Raymi celebrations in 1572 during the Viceroy of Francisco de Toledo, stating that it was pagan and contrary to the Catholic religion. The last festival with the Inca Emperor's presence was in 1535.
Today, the celebration is a one-day event that takes place on June 24th which is actually the winter solstice according to the Pacha Unachaq--the sundial used by the Incas. The days leading up to and after this special day are filled with special events such as street fairs, concerts, exhibitions and more, all in Cusco city. However, the big day falls on the 24th for Inti Raymi which is considered the second biggest festival in Latin America, trailing right behind Rio's Carnival.
For the past half century, the festival hasn't been taking place in its original location in Cusco's main square, but at the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán (Sacred House of the Sun) located a few minutes away from the city center. Thousands come to witness the ceremony, but more than 500 actors take part in the reenactment of the rituals.
Once all spectators have reached the Sacsayhuamán fortress and Sapa Inca has made his way from Qorikancha to the hilltop, the nobility, priests and of course, Sapa Inca, all give speeches in the native language of the Incas, Quechua. The ceremony ends with a procession back to Cucco, where Sapa Inca and his wife and sister, Mama Occla, are carried back down on their thrones, proclaiming the beginning of the new year.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to make it to this year's (good luck!) or next year's Inti Raymi festival:
The festival is an all-day event, with at least five hours spent at Sacsayhuamán. Entry is free and you're able to rent chairs, but if you want a reserved seat, you must do so in advance. This year, they range from $45-$90, with special discounts made available if you reserve well-in advance. Reservations include an official guide, map of the venue and radio receiver. For more information, visit Calle Santa Catalina Ancha 333 in Cusco.
The Inca religion, which is based around nature, sees the sun as the most important aspect in daily life. It provides light and warmth, two things which civilizations back then (and today) couldn't live without. Though he was second in-line to Viracocha, the creator of civilization, Inti the Sun God received the most offerings--most especially from farmers who depended on the sun for their harvest. The ruler of the Inca people, Sapa Inca, claimed divine heritage in that he was a direct descendant of Inti.
This devotion and faith to the deity led to the creation of Inti Raymi, which means "resurrection of the sun" in Quechua. Back then, preparation for the festival began with a fast of three days. People fasted from nourishment, as well as refrained from sexual activities and were also not allowed to light fires.
Back then, preparations were carried out in Aucaypata Square, which today is located in Cusco's main square and was larger than it is today. Inca priests and nobility gathered here, all dressed in their most elegant-wear. Once the sun arrived--a special representation consisting of a golden sculpture--Sapa Inca offered two golden tumblers. Right afterwards, he, the priests and spectators made their way to Qorikancha and called for the blessings of the sun god with more offers.
They then made their way back to the square for the ceremony in which they sacrificed a llama. Today the sacrifice is only simulated, but back then, the High Priest had to kill the completely black or white llama by using the ceremonial knife known as "Tumi". Things got a little gory then when the priest had to open the animal's chest and pull out its heart and viscera. He then foretold the future by looking at these entrails and then produced a sacred fire. His fellow priests would then continue the ceremony by offering Sanqhu--a holy bread--made of corn flower and blood from the sacrificed animal.The ceremony designated the end of the year and the beginning of the new one. And so began the celebration and feast, where attendees drank, danced and had a good time for several days.
Unfortunately, the Spanish came, conquered and eventually banned Inti Raymi celebrations in 1572 during the Viceroy of Francisco de Toledo, stating that it was pagan and contrary to the Catholic religion. The last festival with the Inca Emperor's presence was in 1535.
Today, the celebration is a one-day event that takes place on June 24th which is actually the winter solstice according to the Pacha Unachaq--the sundial used by the Incas. The days leading up to and after this special day are filled with special events such as street fairs, concerts, exhibitions and more, all in Cusco city. However, the big day falls on the 24th for Inti Raymi which is considered the second biggest festival in Latin America, trailing right behind Rio's Carnival.
For the past half century, the festival hasn't been taking place in its original location in Cusco's main square, but at the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán (Sacred House of the Sun) located a few minutes away from the city center. Thousands come to witness the ceremony, but more than 500 actors take part in the reenactment of the rituals.
Once all spectators have reached the Sacsayhuamán fortress and Sapa Inca has made his way from Qorikancha to the hilltop, the nobility, priests and of course, Sapa Inca, all give speeches in the native language of the Incas, Quechua. The ceremony ends with a procession back to Cucco, where Sapa Inca and his wife and sister, Mama Occla, are carried back down on their thrones, proclaiming the beginning of the new year.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to make it to this year's (good luck!) or next year's Inti Raymi festival:
The festival is an all-day event, with at least five hours spent at Sacsayhuamán. Entry is free and you're able to rent chairs, but if you want a reserved seat, you must do so in advance. This year, they range from $45-$90, with special discounts made available if you reserve well-in advance. Reservations include an official guide, map of the venue and radio receiver. For more information, visit Calle Santa Catalina Ancha 333 in Cusco.
By Diana P. Olano
source: www.livingperu.com
For packages to Peru visit www.absolutelatinamerica.com
Thursday, December 30, 2010
TANGO AND NIGHTLIFE IN BUENOS AIRES
Tango came into being in the 19th century from the combination of different styles danced in the poor areas of the town. In the beginning it was danced by male couples and played with a flute, a violin and a guitar. Flute was later on replaced by a type of accordion called “bandoneón”, which ultimately gave tango its distinctive hallmark. Tango developed with the nostalgia and melancholy contributed by immigrants, and gave rise to most important songwriters and performers such as Astor Piazzolla and Aníbal Troilo.
The greatest tango singer of all times has always been and will always be Carlos Gardel. There is a tourist itinerary that evokes the importance of the so called “Zorzal Criollo” (Creole Thrush) in the life of Buenos Aires. The tour includes his house, turned now into a museum, in the Abasto neighborhood (where he lived from 1927 to 1933), his mausoleum at the Chacarita cemetery, the Hipódromo Argentino (Argentine Course for Horse Races) in Palermo very frequently attended by Gardel who was keen on turf, the Luna Park Stadium (the greatest boxing venue where his wake was held), and the Tortoni Café, where Gardel sang during an evening tribute to Luigi Pirandello. The Academia Nacional del Tango (National Tango Academy) is run on the first floor of this historic café.
In 2009, the tango was incorporated on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The main place where nightlife can be enjoyed in Buenos Aires is Corrientes Avenue, which is full of cinemas, theaters, entertainment halls, restaurants and pizzerias open all night long. Santa Fe Avenue is also always bustling with the activity of various cultural centers (General San Martín, Borges, Recoleta, Paseo La Plaza) as well as different recreational and cuisine areas such as Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermo Viejo, Palermo Hollywood, Las Cañitas, Paseo de la Infanta, Arcos del Sol and Costanera Norte.
source: Ministerio de Turismo
For more information about Argentina visit: www.absolutelatinamerica.com
The greatest tango singer of all times has always been and will always be Carlos Gardel. There is a tourist itinerary that evokes the importance of the so called “Zorzal Criollo” (Creole Thrush) in the life of Buenos Aires. The tour includes his house, turned now into a museum, in the Abasto neighborhood (where he lived from 1927 to 1933), his mausoleum at the Chacarita cemetery, the Hipódromo Argentino (Argentine Course for Horse Races) in Palermo very frequently attended by Gardel who was keen on turf, the Luna Park Stadium (the greatest boxing venue where his wake was held), and the Tortoni Café, where Gardel sang during an evening tribute to Luigi Pirandello. The Academia Nacional del Tango (National Tango Academy) is run on the first floor of this historic café.
In 2009, the tango was incorporated on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The main place where nightlife can be enjoyed in Buenos Aires is Corrientes Avenue, which is full of cinemas, theaters, entertainment halls, restaurants and pizzerias open all night long. Santa Fe Avenue is also always bustling with the activity of various cultural centers (General San Martín, Borges, Recoleta, Paseo La Plaza) as well as different recreational and cuisine areas such as Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermo Viejo, Palermo Hollywood, Las Cañitas, Paseo de la Infanta, Arcos del Sol and Costanera Norte.
source: Ministerio de Turismo
For more information about Argentina visit: www.absolutelatinamerica.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
Welcome to RIO Carnival!
More than a festival, the Carnival season is a celebration of joy. And the city of Rio de Janeiro is its privileged setting. In order to make the most of this intense experience, it's important to be well informed.
There are nearly 100 Samba Schools in Rio. They all compete during the Carnival but only a few ones parade in the Sambadrome.
Schools are ranked hierarchically into 6 levels or groups: SPECIAL, A, B, C, D and E. Each group contains between 8 and 15 Schools which compete among themselves to be the group-champion of the year. There is also the JUNIOR Schools group, which is currently composed by 18 Schools.
The top groups to parade in the Sambadrome are the SPECIAL one plus A and B groups.
Every year the champion Schools of each group are promoted to the immediately superior groups and the Schools to score the least points are downgraded to the immediately inferior group.
Therefore all Schools strive to improve their positions within the general contest and to become group champions. The champion of the Carnival is the champion of the SPECIAL GROUP.
It may take years for a School to reach the top groups since all Samba Schools begin in the lower ranks. School members are passionately committed to their Schools. They take it as a serious responsibility to make their School sparkle in the parades and rise in rank.
It is a life philosophy.
Each Samba School represents a different neighborhood or a social club. The grand Carnival parade is not a simple parade, but a competition among the schools in which the music, lyrics, themes, choreography and costumes are at stake. Schools present themselves along the Sambadrome with thousands of participants split into sections of dancers, musicians and floats.
The preparation starts as early as March or April of the previous year. Each Samba School mobilizes thousands of supporters to create the various aspects of the School's show. A theme is chosen, the music is written, costumes are created, floats are built, while the "carnavalesco" (the carnival designer) sets the choreography. By December, rehearsals begin and by Christmas, the sambas are recorded and released to record shops.
When the parading day at the Sambadrome finally comes, Schools must present their long awaited show within a strict span of time: between 65 to 85 minutes. They will be judged by more than 40 judges spread along the avenue who allocate points according to specific criteria.
When a Samba School's parade has just finished at Sambadrome, concerns about the next carnival have already started. TheLIESA (Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba, responsible for the Samba Parade's organization) and members of Samba Schools guild have the main purpose of making better parades year after year. The next year's parade has to be better than the last one. It is a very hard work which requires much planning of professionals and artists who are wholeheartedly committed to this project.
It is important to emphasize that Carnival reveals itself as a very rich cultural manifestation in Brazil. The Samba Schools' parade, for example, brings up, with their plots, themes deeply related to Brazilian history or geography; social and political criticism and so on. It brings all marvelously together: poetry, dancing, theatre, music, fine arts. In addition, there's something very interesting about Carnival: the massive participation of people who make part of the communities represented by the Schools. These communities are very poor and they are not printed on the postal cards of Rio de Janeiro city.
The great event counts on many Samba Schools' participation, being distributed among the groups: Special, A, B, C, D and E. The first three ones present themselves at Sambadrome; on Carnival Saturday group A, on Carnival Sunday and Monday Special group, on Carnival Tuesday group B. The demands for the Special Group exhibition days are the highest since the most traditional schools of Rio's Carnival belong to this group; they always provide such a fantastic show!
By this time of the year, ten of the thirteen Samba Schools from the Special group have already chosen their plots and they start to define all the costumes and allegories which will be composing the Carnival 2011.
It would be also useful to remember that the carnival date is flexible because it depends on the Christian calendar to be determined, more precisely on the Easter Sunday. Does it sound difficult? Just a little! Forty-six days before the Easter Sunday we find the last carnival's day on Wednesday; here in brazil we call it "Quarta-feira de Cinzas"(Ash Wednesday). Thus, the carnival will start a Saturday before, that is, four days before this Wednesday. Well, the really important thing to know is: the 2011 Carnival will be from the 4th to the 8th of February and the Special Group's parade will be on February 6th (Sunday) and 7th (Monday).
Be aware of the chosen plot themes as well as dates and time when each School from the Special Group will present itself. Start to think right now which schools you want to watch or parade in. It will be the best Carnival that ever happened!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Colombia. what to do?
Nature tourism in Colombia
Colombia is the second most diverse country on the planet. Protected ecosystems, where scientific research or the simple delight of contemplating and experiencing are possible, make our country an exceptional nature destination.
An unforgettable adventure for a new reencounter with nature
Colombia’s continental platform includes 53 million hectares of natural forests, 22 million hectares of savannas, arid zones, wetlands, and snow peaks, and one million hectares of continental waters. Fourteen percent of the country consists of protected national parks, natural parks, and sanctuaries.
Information and figures concerning nature in Colombia do not cease to amaze us: we have 20% of the bird species of the world, 17% of amphibians, 8% of freshwater fish, 8% of reptiles, 16% of diurnal butterflies, and 10% of mammals.
Colombia is first in the world with
- 1,876 bird species, equivalent to 20% of the world total
- 258 species of palm trees, the highest number in the world
Colombia is third in the world with
- 2.890 species of vertebrates
- 222 species of saurians
Over and above numbers, nature tourists will find a true source of wonder and amazement for a reencounter with human essence and tranquillity.
Textos extraidos de el Portal Oficial de Turismo de Colombia: www.colombia.travel
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the world’s biggest cities in which, including the suburbs, there are over 11,000,000 inhabitants. It is also the most elegant and active city in South America and the one that summarizes the heterogeneous essence of Argentines the best. With a modern, hip structure and dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and endearing corners. Visitors feel fascinated because of its environment, because neighborhoods have all different personalities, and also because people are warm and there is a wide range of shopping and cultural proposals. Buenos Aires is surrounded by the splendid Argentine nature and it is the great cosmopolitan door to South America.
The Province of Buenos Aires invites you to the countryside and its traditions, the sun and the sea, the serenity and the adventure, the delta and its mysteries. There are estancias (large cattle ranches) featuring a great deal of architectural styles, located in the middle of the Pampas Plains— a magical vast area of far-off horizons, where you may breathe history and Creole customs all around. Kilometers of sand caressed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, endless dunes, lonely and crowded beaches, sophisticated and busy nights— everywhere you will be amazed.
The peaceful golf courses, the vertigo paragliding rides and the adventure of trekking— everything is possible in the hilly region of Tandil and Ventana. They are very different landscapes from each other and distant from the mouth of the Paraná River, where endless islands also invite you to unwind and live unexpected adventures.
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