Traveling Rockhopper

Cusco (Cuzco or Qosqo) was the capital (religious and administrative) of the Inca Empire.
Now, it’s a lovely town with many attractions for tourists.

I had an idea to write some basics about the Inca Empire. Longer I was thinking about it, I got kind of overwhelmed… More I was reading about Incas, more I was shocked, surprised or impressed. 😉
Inca Empire is quite a complex topic, there are so many different aspects I’d like to talk about, so many details, so many positive as well as negative things. One was clear to me, I’m not able to write a short post and include everything I’d like to. It’s a travel blog at the end, so I decided to skip this idea, and I’ll just point you one interesting website that describes the Inca Empire quite well and quite compact at the same time.

Check, e.g., ancient.eu.

Spanish invasion brought Catholicism to Peru, and these days, about 80% of the total populations are Catholics.

Spanish is mostly spoken in Peru, however Quechua, Aymara and other indigenous languages are also official languages of Peru.
If you don’t speak Spanish at all, visiting Peru may be quite complicated; e.g., people from my hotel in Cuzco didn’t speak English… Well, it’s somehow manageable, but may be challenging.

Coca is a plant that contains variety of nutrition.
When we hear something about “coca”, we usually connect it with drugs.
You change your mind once you visit South America, especially, the Andean region.

People in the Andean region chew coca leaves or drink “coca tea” mostly to overcome altitude sickness!
You can try “coca specialties” while being in Peru, but don’t try to bring any of them to Europe or North America, it could cause some problems with authorities…

Cherimoya (chirimoya or chirimuya) is a fruit I tried first in Chile, however it’s native to Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. If you have a chance, try juice made of cherimoya; yummy 🙂

If you want to believe www.peru.travel, “Peruvian cuisine is considered among the best in the world”. I’m not sure is it completely true, but the richness of culture and variety of regions make the cuisine special.

Colorful buses in South America or Asia – aren’t they nice? 🙂

Peru has lots to offer to tourists!
The Andes, Amazon, coast, Inca ruins, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Chan Chan, Nazca, Peruvian culture or traditions, and many more! Such an interesting country!

I haven’t seen this in many countries, and I believe it’s simply not popular these days any more, but in a few South American countries, I’ve seen people cleaning shoes on the streets.
To me, it somehow looks like not from this century, and has its charm!

In Lima, like in other South American cities (or rather capitals) you’ll find many (Spanish) colonial buildings, Catholic churches and slums.

Lima is the largest city of Peru and its capital.
The city was founded in 1535.

Do you remember how the flag of Peru looks like?
It’s quite simple, red, white, and red (without a pigeon 😉 sorry, it was just flying…).

I usually remember well flags of countries that I’ve visited.
Traveling = the best lesson of geography. 😉

Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a very diverse country in South America.
Have you been to Peru?
It’s definitely worth visiting, even if you only have time to visit Machu Picchu, you’ll still enjoy it a lot. 🙂

Welcome in September!
This month is going to be all about Peru on my blog.

The official travel and tourism portal of Peru (www.peru.travel) says:
“Peru, the richest country in the world”.
So in September, I’ll show you a little bit of the beautiful country that has everything. 🙂

Today, I’m showing you the last picture of Cyprus, this month.
I hope you like this island, “technically” this part of the island; the other part will come later.
And now we’re moving to different continent…
Stay tuned and see you in September! 🙂

The Tombs of the Kings is a large necropolis. Besides its name, no kings were buried there, but mostly rich aristocrats.
I was very impressed by the Tombs of the Kings; they look amazing, and remind me a bit churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia.

Paphos Archaeological Park is a large area that includes different ancient sites, ruins and mosaics; e.g., Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Orpheus, the Four Seasons; the Asklepieion, the Papos Castle ruins, as well the Tombs of the Kings.
Probably, it’s a must-see for everyone visiting Cyprus.

Paphos (or Pafos) is a town with many attractions; it’s also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Paphos used to be a capital of Cyprus.

Amathus or Amathous is an ancient city; a nice place with ruins nearby Limassol.