Page 3 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Winter 2016

ExTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS IN CHILE & PERU
By Judie Karhan
Torres del Paine, Chile
The culturally and geographically diverse South American countries of Peru and Chile present travelers with an amazing array of experiences. In Peru, explore the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and stroll along cobblestone streets of well-preserved colonial towns. In Chile, Peru’s southern neighbor, witness the beauty of sheer walls of rock rising high above while cruising through the Chilean fjordland, and capture the vibrant spirit of Santiago, surrounded by the magnificent Andean mountains. There are many treasures to be discovered in these exotic lands.
Peruvian Wonders
Peru is a land of distinctive, timeless beauty.
This is, perhaps, most evident in Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This revered Incan site is dramatically nestled 8,000 feet above sea level in the midst of the Peruvian Andes, surrounded by lush vegetation and skimmed by clouds so close they appear to be within reach. This lost city of ruins was forgotten for centuries before its rediscovery in 1911, abandoned for an unknown reason sometime around the 16th century.
A trip to Peru would not be complete without exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu. Visitors to the ruins also have the opportunity to hike up Huayna Picchu, a mountain that overlooks the citadel.
Cherished as the Incas’
“Sacred City” and named
a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1983, the
historical city of Cusco
is another must-see
destination for travelers.
Settled by indigenous
people several centuries
before the Inca arrived,
the holy city has retained
remarkably built stone
walls, incorporated into
other structures, like those of Qurikancha, the most important Inca temple. While Cusco might be thought
of as a city dedicated to archaeological preservation, it is also quite contemporary, with many luxury hotels. Tourism has, in fact, made it one of the fastest-growing cities in South America.
Less than 20 miles north of Cusco is Chinchero, a village that sits at an elevation of nearly 12,350 feet and has been seemingly untouched for centuries. The locals here cling to their traditional clothing and customs, including the time-honored practices of alpaca-wool weaving, potato farming, and bartering for goods.
Lima, situated in a prime location on Peru’s central western coast and poised above a coastline of cliffs, is a buzzing city with a rich colonial history that reportedly began in
the mid-16th century. While Lima maintains its history as a center
of modern trade, entertainment
and tourism, the influence of the pre-colonial Incas remains strong. Discovering the historic influences of the city is still possible via visits to archaeological sites, such as Pachacamac, a religious area of extreme importance to the region’s ancient civilizations.
Sensational Chile
Chile, a country that stretches 2,700 miles along the southwestern coast of South America (a distance approximately the same as that from San Francisco to New York),
can be daunting when it comes to making travel plans, yet inevitably worth the effort.
One of Chile’s most compelling regions is its Lake District. It is a land of startling natural beauty, where azure, mirrored lakes hold the reflections of ice-capped volcanoes, ancient trees, and the Andes mountains. There are 12 principal lakes in the district, providing some of the best freshwater fishing in the country.
Chile has several national parks, but none quite as famous as the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine with its towering mountains. In the valley, nature lovers are treated to views of sparkling blue lakes, tumbling creeks and rivers, cascading waterfalls, huge glaciers, impenetrable forests, and copious plant and animal species. The park has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting the guanaco that graze on the steppes, as well as the Chilean deer. There are 105 species of birds living here – flamingos, condors, eagles and black-necked swans among them – and 25 different species of mammals, including guanacos, armadillos, foxes and pumas.
The city of Santiago, surrounded by the snowcapped Andes, is a delightful blend of 19th century European, Spanish colonial, and modern architecture. In the major downtown shopping area, many streets have become paseos, nicely landscaped and adorned with sculptures.
Over the years, many coffeehouses, wine bars and restaurants have sprung up in Santiago, particularly in the Barrio Bellavista where art galleries and experimental theaters add a bohemian flavor to this lovely old neighborhood.
While visiting Santiago, many travelers make side trips outside the city. The vineyard region is particularly favored, as is the Lake District to the south. In summertime, you might head for the seaside playground of Vina del Mar, where you can enjoy some superb fish dishes. During colder months, head for the ski slopes at nearby resorts such as Valle Nevado and Portillo.
Machu Picchu
winter 2016
3