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Dear friends: We are once again editing this newsletter
promoting tourism to Peru as well as giving you updated information on
events that might be of your interest . On July 28 and 29 Peruvians
celebrate the 183rd anniversary of the Independence of Peru, our 'Fiestas Patrias' and there will be many activities honoring this important
anniversary. If you are interested in receiving more details please
contact us. We also have the pleasure of communicating that the
Honorable Bill Owens, Governor of the State of Colorado, has signed an
Honorary Proclamation by which the month of July 2004 is declared 'The
Month of Peru' in the State of Colorado. To our American friends our
congratulations on their recent Independence Day, 4th of July celebrations!
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Cajamarca, an Ideal Trekking Location |
The Andes in Cajamarca, located in the
Northern Highlands, are the lowest in Peru making it ideal for soft
trekking. Cajamarca is located 8,900 ft. above sea level. The sunny and
mild conditions found in this equatorial climate provide a splendid
landscape, ideal for nature and adventure lovers. Cajamarca is filled with
tradition and has a history that goes back over 3,000 years Cajamarca is
also known for its churches, hot springs and Inca baths. The city’s
impressive plaza contains a beautiful fountain and sculpted cypress trees.
The Baños del Inca, just 6 kilometers east of Cajamarca, are thermal baths that
were used by the Inca Court when the Spanish conquerors arrived nearly 500
years ago. Another attraction that is not to be missed is the Ransom Room
(El Cuarto del Rescate), the last remaining vestige of Inca architecture
in the city.
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According to legend, Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, was
kidnapped by Francisco Pizarro’s men and the Incas filled one room with
gold and another with silver in exchange for his freedom.
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Sipan Among Best Museums in
the World |
The Royal Tombs of
Sipan Museum (Las Tumbas Reales de Sipán), in Lambayeque, Peru, was voted
one of the 10 best not well known museums in the world by Art News
magazine from New York. The museum opened August 9, 2003 and exhibits the
most important archeological findings of the culture. The museum centers
around the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, a Mochica government leader. The
tomb represents the first intact tomb of a governor preserved to share the
cultural patrimony of Peru with the world.
The Lord of Sipan was found in
a carved wooden sarcophagus, the first in the Americas, and was surrounded
by jewels, gold and animals along with two young girls to accompany him in
the afterlife. The museum displays the artifacts, which were discovered
during the 1987 excavation of the site and restored to their original
splendor. In turning the site into a museum, it can be protected from the
elements and looters, and preserved for future generations to learn from
and enjoy. The tomb dates back nearly 1700 years and provides insight into
the Mochican culture. Located close to the tomb of the Lord of Sipan are
the tomb of the Priest and the tomb of the Old Lord of Sipan, which
pre-dates the Lord of Sipan. As a living example of the activities of the Mochica
culture, a handicraft village is open within the Tombs complex. It
showcases original artisan workshops including gold and silversmiths,
pottery, weaving, medicinal plants and shamanism. |
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Private Reserve
Protects Birds |
The first private reserve in Peru,
named Chaparri, will protect plants and animals, especially birds.
Chaparri is located in the dry forests of Chongoyape in the department of
Lambayeque, in northern Peru. Chaparri will protect many bird species
which are on the brink of extinction. This ecologic reserve is the habitat
of 183 bird species, 64 of them live only in this area, not existing in
other parts of the world.
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Strategic Plan for
Tourism in Peru |
For the first time, the tourism sector
in Peru has developed a growth plan known as PENTUR that will promote
tourism until 2015. Alfredo Ferrero, the minister of International
Commerce and Tourism, introduced the new plan before 200 representatives
of the public and private sectors as well as the regional governments.
PENTUR has two different timelines. One is until 2006 and is dealing with
the immediate problems in the sector. The other is until 2015 and aims to
increase growth in the Peruvian tourism industry. It is being backed by
the Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID), which has provided financing
for the execution of the plan.
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