about the area.

Cusco

 

Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru, situated in the Andes mountain range. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, historic sites, and vibrant culture.

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One of the most popular attractions in Cusco is the Plaza de Armas, a large public square that is home to several historic buildings, including the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. The cathedral is an impressive structure that was built in the 16th century and features beautiful artwork and intricate carvings. The Church of La Compañía de Jesús is another notable landmark in the city, with its stunning Baroque architecture and ornate interior.

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Another must-visit site in Cusco is Sacsayhuamán, a fortress and temple complex located just outside the city. It is believed to have been built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and is known for its impressive stonework and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

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Cusco – Santa Theresa

One of the increasingly popular routes to Machu Picchu is the Cusco-Santa Theresa route. The journey takes about five hours by car and passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where towns like Pisac and Ollantaytambo offer beautiful textiles, local goods, and preserved Inca architecture. Abra Malaga, a mountain pass over Veronica, is the highest point on this route at 4330 meters above sea level. The snow-covered peaks of Veronica are visible on a clear day, and the area is protected by the state because of its qhapaq ñan and Inca trail. Huayopata, located in the cloud forest, is famous for being the main producer of tea in all of Peru. The area also produces coffee, cinnamon, citrus, avocado, yucca, banana, mango, and passion fruit. 

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Abra Malaga

 

Abra Malaga is a breathtaking mountain pass situated over Veronica, with stunning views of snow-covered peaks and picturesque hillsides. The pass stands at an altitude of 4330 meters above sea level, making it the highest point on the route. The route is well-known for its flocks of alpaca and sheep that graze on the hillsides. There is often snow at the top of the peak.

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This area is protected by the state due to the existence of a qhapaq ñan and Inca trail. It is also home to many endemic species, making it an important ecological area. As you reach the crest, a magnificent view of the Quillabamba Valley can be seen. The valley is a lush jungle nestled in a cloud forest, which adds to the stunning views of the area.

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After crossing the mountain, you can see Huayopata, one of the ten districts of the province of La Convencion. As you descend, you will pass several fascinating Inca archaeological sites such as Huamanmarca, which means "place of the eagle" in Quechua, and Inkatambo, which translates as a resting place. These sites are located on the left bank of the main river of the valley called Lucumayu. The area is rich in history and culture, and it is worth taking the time to explore the ancient ruins and learn about the Inca civilization.

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Huayopata

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In the cloud forest is where the town of Huyro is. It is a town famous for being the main producer of tea in all of Peru. The district of Huayopata has more than 11 ecological floors that They range from 4300 meters to 1500 meters. Coffee, cinnamon, citrus, avocado, yucca, banana, mango,  passion fruit are also produced in the area. The production of tea and coffee is the main one in the area.

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The tea from the area is harvested in the mountains. High elevation tea grown throughout the world is known as the best. Huayopata is the tea center in Peru. The tea harvest in recent times brought tourism as an alternative for development in Huayopata.

 

Orchids of all kinds and colors are present in the Huayopata area. The area is abundant with a variety of bird species and frequented by many bird watchers. A rare bird is the cock of the rock (rupícola peruvianus) and an attraction of the area. It is  the national bird of Peru there are several "lex" or life zones where the cock of the rock lives. The males with their reddish feathers dance around the female so that she chooses the best dancer, this event attracts many visitors, a camera with a good lens is essential, among other birds that the area houses are the watchmaker (momotus aequatorialis), the bluebird (thraupis episcopus).

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Santa Theresa - Hot Springs

Continuing on the Cusco - Santa Theresa route, just an hour from our project is Santa Teresa. Santa Theresa is known for its famous hot springs called Cocalmayo thermal baths.

 

The Hidroeléctrica is 20 minutes by car from Santa Teresa.  The walk to Agua Calientes, the pueblo of Machu Picchu is gorgeous. It takes just and two and a half hours to get there. The walk is along the banks of the Urubamba river, or Willcamayu, which means sacred river. The route is magnificent for nature lovers.

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Agua Calientes - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, which means old mountain, located in the province of Urubamba, has not ceased to amaze the world since its discovery in 1911, thousands are captivated by visiting it year after year. A World Heritage Site since 1983, it is a place of charm that dazzles us with its architecture, respecting the nature that surrounds it. Machu Picchu captures us with its energy, giving us a unique and unforgettable experience.

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Quillabamba

Quillabamba, which means pampa of the moon, also called the city of eternal summer, it is the capital of the province of La Convencion. Matshiguenga territory that is one of the main and most respected ethnic groups of Peru. in the time of the Incas it was called The Antisuyo, was a strategic place since the coca leaf came from this place which was highly valued by the Inca people.

 

After the conquest the haciendas were formed sugar cane was grown. The cane was extracted and the cane liquor was made, a period that lasted until the mid-1960s. Quillabamba was always a productive city and is currently producing coffee and chocolate. Quillabamba is a very active city with interesting attractions such as the waterfall with 7 pools,  a diversity of plant species, the Potrero farm, an old farm that grows sugar cane, and Tunkimayo a protected area for the rare bird the cock of the rock.

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