My trip to the Andes in 2022, with a bit of ethno-historical context
Map of South America showing three distinct climate and cultural zones: the Amazon Basin in the east, the Andes and Altiplano in the center, and the Pacific coastline in the west, with labels for major cities and geographic features.
A timeline titled 'Civilization in the Andes: a timeline' showing the progression of civilizations from 8000 BC to the 1820s, highlighting key cultures like Caral, Chavín, Moche, Nazca, Tiahuanaco, Inca, and Spanish rule, with notes on their characteristics and historical context.
Collage of six images with captions: 1) Musicians playing criolla music and dancing in a Peña club; 2) Colorful mural portrait in Miraflores district; 3) Paragliders flying over the Trans-Pacific highway; 4) Ornate colonial building with Moorish influence; 5) People walking in Barranco district; 6) Two people swimming with sea lions in the Antarctic current.
A collage of archaeological and cultural artifacts from northern tombs and pyramids, including ancient city ruins, Moche warriors, a tomb of the Lord of Sipan, a reed boat fisherman, a mural of the cosmos and daily life, figurines, and a sentry.
An exhibit of Moche artifacts including gold adornments, models of temples, gods, and jewelry such as a sun collar, displayed on a dark background.
A collage of six images showcasing coastal deserts in Paracas. The images include Humboldt Penguins on rocks, a coastal landscape with mountains, a desert road, a group of bobbies on a rocky cliff, a stork in flight over desert, and a large natural rock formation called The Trident.
A collage of photos showcasing dunes, dune buggies, and sandboarding in Huacachina. Includes images of a lake surrounded by trees, sand dunes with people sandboarding, off-road dune buggies, and a sunset scene with silhouetted people.
Collage of images showing Nazca Lines, burial site with mummies, desert landscape, and Nazca aqueducts with steps around 5.5 feet high.
A collage of images depicting Mestizo architecture in Arequipa, including a luxurious room in the Santa Catalina convent, a white marble quarry, the cathedral, and a detailed stone carving with a snake motif.
Photographs of Colca Canyon, showing steep canyon walls, terraced landscapes, condors soaring, a vendor selling textiles, and surrounding mountainous terrain.
A collage of images showcasing Cusco, Peru, including a map of Inca roads, local people in traditional clothing, the Cusco city square with a flag, the Plaza de Armas, and people rehearsing for parades at night.
Collage of scenes from Cusco, Peru, including colorful street parade, historic archway, street with flags and balconies, procession with a float, souvenir vendors, and a person selling handmade crafts on the street.
Informational poster about Sacsayhuaman Fortress near Cusco, Peru, featuring photos of stone walls, the Sun Gate called Inti Punku, and ruins, with accompanying text describing the fortress and its history.
A collage of images depicting the Inca Winter Solstice Festival in Cusco, Peru, with scenes of traditional performances, dancers, and cultural celebrations on June 24.
A collage of images of the Valle Sur east of Cusco, including llamas and sheep, Rainbow Mountain with colorful slopes, Inca agriculture terraces at Tipon, Inca stonework at Tipon, and the interior of a church at Andahuayillas.
Collage of photos depicting an Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu, including mountain biking, hiking through jungle villages, crossing bridges, and scenic views of river and mountains. Text notes the trek from 4,200m to 1,200m and mentions the source of red dye and balancing bridges.
A collage of photos depicting a 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, including scenes of rivers, rainforests, mountain passes, clouds, hiking groups, archaeological sites, lush vegetation, and Machu Picchu ruins from Phuyupatamarka.
Collage of images of Machu Picchu, including the terraces, stone structures, the Sacred Plaza, and llamas. Text notes details about sunrise hikers, the city from the terraces and summit, and the residents.
Collage of Machu Picchu, including the Sun Temple, Urubamba Valley, Temple of the Condor, and Huayna Picchu, with flowers and mountain scenery.
Collage of images from Ollantaytambo, Peru, including Inca ruins, a lush garden, women in traditional clothing, and stone streets in the old town.
Collage of photos showing various landscapes and archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, including Humantay Lake, experimental Inca agriculture at Moray, evening light at Pisac, building on Inca foundations, cliffside tombs at Pisac, salt pools at Salineras, and two children talking in traditional clothing.
Collage of images depicting Lake Titicaca and Aymara culture, including floating islands, traditional clothing, archaeological sites, dancing guests, and a sunset with a caption about declining temperatures.
A collage of photos from Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, including views of Copacabana and Calvary Hill, the island of the sun, a boat on the lake, a hotel, and local people in traditional clothing with llamas, with mountain scenery in the background.
Collage of images depicting La Paz, Bolivia, including street scenes with traditional dancers, colonial architecture, colorful umbrellas hanging overhead, mountain views, and cityscape, highlighting it as the world's highest capital.
A collage of photos showcasing the Valle de las Animais and the Death Road in La Paz, with images of rugged landscapes, cliffs, and mountains. Includes a person riding a bike on a narrow road, and text describing the area and its features.
Collage of ruins of Tiwanaku, including the Ponce Monolith, carved stones, and a traditional village with llama, showcasing ancient architecture and sculptures of the Aymara descendants.
A collage of images showing the salt flats near Uyuni, including a person holding a bottle, a large rock formation, a herd of vicuña and flamingos in a desert lake, a colorful sunset over a salt flat, and mountains with colorful peaks.
Collage of images of Potosi, Bolivia, including historic architecture, street scenes, a silver mountain, and llamas, with text noting the significance of silver mining and tourism in Potosi.
Collage of six photos of Sucre, Bolivia including historical buildings, a night scene with a statue, and a local man in traditional clothing.
Collage of outdoor scenes showing hiking near Sucre in a dry, mineral-rich landscape with crop storage on a farm, dinosaur footprints, and people posing on a mountain trail.
Collage of images showcasing the Peruvian Amazon, including a monkey on a tree, a cormorant bird, a heron, hoatzins birds, an otter, a caiman, a person holding cacao at sunset, people exploring large tree roots, butterflies, and a river scene in the jungle.
A collage illustrating the Peruvian Amazon's wildlife and environment, including river dolphins, parrots, a howler monkey, a walking tree, trees turning from black to white, a person zip-lining, jungle markets, locals drinking from vines, a boat with cooking, and people rafting and exploring the jungle.
Map of Peru showing the Sacred Valley, Nazca, Huacachina, Paracas, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Titicaca, La Paz, and Lima, with a title 'How much time to spend in each place (my 2¢ worth)' and tips for travel.
Thank you message over a photo of tall trees in a forest with sunlight filtering through the leaves.