viernes, 29 de mayo de 2015

Peru: Manu National Park draws over 9,000 tourists a year

Peru: Manu National Park draws over 9,000 tourists a year

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    Photo: ANDINA/Percy Hurtado Santillán
10:23.
 Lima, May. 22. More than 9,000 domestic and foreign tourists visit Manu National Park to enjoy its flora and fauna biodiversity in this 2 million hectare natural reserve located in Cusco and Madre de Dios regions.

John Flores Leiva, head of the park, explained that approximately 1,500 tourists come to the Amazon area of Manu river basin, while about 500 visitors are drawn to the Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) zone, located in the Andean part of the reserve.

However, he clarified the greatest flow of tourists is found in the buffer zone, offered by tour operators as Manu National Park or Biosphere Reserve, where about 7,000 visitors come each year.

The main reason of the mass flow into the buffer zone is the low prices and access easy access routes available for tourists.

“Entering Manu river takes three addition days. This is why operators sell different destinations and products such as Bosque Nublado (Cloud Forest), Alto Madre de Dios river basin and a route that runs to Puerto Maldonado through Colorado,” he said.

He said there is an airfield in Fitzcarrald district, in the indigenous community of Diamante. It has been out of service for several years and operators are not making the most of it on the Manu tour.

“The landing field used to easy the entry of tourists into Manu, but now the trip is made by land, mainly accessible from Cusco, and in small groups that take the Puerto Maldonado route through Colorado,” he continued.

The tourist package cost to visit Manu National Park for seven days is about US$2,000; however it varies depending on a series of factors.

Flores explained the price depends on the quality of service, number of days, type of package, operator, distance and tour duration. “Prices vary a lot”.

The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) has deployed 28 forest rangers in different points of the natural reserve, to increase surveillance in the area.

“Seven surveillance posts were created all along the areas where potential threats from agricultural activities have been identified,” he stated.

(END) LIT/MAO/RMB/MVB

Peru: Machu Picchu and Amazon River, favorite destinations for Chinese tourists

Peru: Machu Picchu and Amazon River, favorite destinations for Chinese tourists

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    Photo: ANDINA/Difusión

19:49.
 Mazatlan (Mexico), May. 26.
 Cusco, Iquitos and Lima are the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists visiting the country.

Therefore, these are great-potential attractions in the Asian market, the representative of Beijing Sunny International Travel Agency, Zhang Ji, affirmed at the 2nd Pacific Alliance Tourism Business Macro Roundtable.

Cusco's most relevant tourist attraction is Machu Picchu. With regard to rainforest  Iquitos city, it is the Amazon river, said the Chinese participating at the international meeting that takes place in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Nearly 35% of the Chinese people carry out tourism-related activities, she affirmed.

Tourism data 

“The Chinese citizens who travel the most to South America are the ones, whose ages are over 50 because they have more time and resources to travel longer distances. Whereas, younger Chinese people prefer destinations inside their own country or Asia," Zhang stated.

Every time a Chinese tourist is interested in South American destinations, they tend to plan an itinerary including four countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru, she indicated.

According to the expert, these trips "last approximately 23 days" and people "spend an average US$12,700."

"Machu Picchu is definitely one of the most appreciated destinations by the Chinese tourists," Zhang pointed out.

Tourism Business Macro Round Table 

The 2nd Pacific Alliance Tourism Business Macro Round Table gathers 70 outbound and 120 inbound-tour operators. 36 of them are Peruvian.

The 2nd Pacific Alliance Tourism Business Meeting concludes on Wednesday. It is held at Mazatlan's Convention Center.

sábado, 16 de mayo de 2015

Two Andean condors reintegrated to natural habit in Lima, Peru

Two Andean condors reintegrated to natural habit in Lima, Peru




























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    Photo: ANDINA
1
Lima, May. 14. After a year of medical care, Huascar and Atahualpa, two condors found poisoned in Peru, are back to flying in the Lima sky. This is the first time a condor returns to its natural habitat tagged with satellite trackers to study their behavior.

Both animals spread their wings on Tuesday, May 12 amid adequate height, wind speed and climate conditions of Lima highlands.

This occurred after they recovered from being poisoned following a severe intoxication. 

The two condors were strategically placed on a mountain in San Antonio de Chaclla district located in Huarochiri province. 

Their caretakers watched the release with excitement as they were looking forward to see the results of their efforts.

It should be noted the condor population has been decreasing sharply in Peru and other Andean nations. 

Watching them fly by themselves means they will be able to survive without human assistance, which explains why present researchers breathed in relief.

11:58.
 Lima, May. 14.
 After a year of medical care, Huascar and Atahualpa, two condors found poisoned in Peru, are back to flying in the Lima sky. This is the first time a condor returns to its natural habitat tagged with satellite trackers to study their behavior.

Both animals spread their wings on Tuesday, May 12 amid adequate height, wind speed and climate conditions of Lima highlands.

This occurred after they recovered from being poisoned following a severe intoxication. 

The two condors were strategically placed on a mountain in San Antonio de Chaclla district located in Huarochiri province. 

Their caretakers watched the release with excitement as they were looking forward to see the results of their efforts.

It should be noted the condor population has been decreasing sharply in Peru and other Andean nations. 

Watching them fly by themselves means they will be able to survive without human assistance, which explains why present researchers breathed in relief.

They expressed their satisfaction, since Peru has now two additional healthy specimens that can breed in their natural habitat.

The flight was of great significance for Peru and marks an important milestone, as this is the first time a condor is returned to its natural habitat with satellite trackers, which will be useful to gather remarkable information about their habits, space they fly through, feed management practices, and where they nest.

The release takes place within the framework of the National Conservation Plan for Andean Condors, passed a few days ago, which establishes different actions to preserve the species.

Locals will be trained and a condor population census will be conducted as part of this plan to prevent the Andean species from becoming extinct.

The solar-powered rechargeable devices attached to their wings will be operational for two years period, during which a detailed monitoring will be carried out.

The event gathered vets and condor experts from the US-based Peregrine Fund, researchers from Ecuador, and the Agriculture Ministry’s Serfor. 

(END) JCR/MAO/RMB/MVB

Peru: ICOM President highlights of Chan Chan touristic compound greatness

Peru: ICOM President highlights of Chan Chan touristic compound greatness

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    Photo: ANDINA/Difusión
19:32.
 Trujillo, May. 14. The President of ICOM (International Council of Museums), Hans-Martin Hinz, visited Chan Chan citadel located in Peru’s La Libertad region and defined the archaeological site architecture as “magnificent” by comparing it to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii (Italy).

"I have a great impression with regard to majesty of the this city [Chan Chan]. The impression is emotional and very strong regarding its structures and iconography. I've had the feeling of being in Pompeii," said Hinz.

During his tour around this Pre-Columbian citadel, the Chairman visited the walled compound called Xllangchican, where he emphasized the enthusiasm and commitment from schoolchildren, who participate in traditional activities such as the adobe-brick manufacturing.

Hans-Martin expressed being satisfied with the reed art- and the matte painting workshops, which promote art and values efforts undertaken by ancient Peruvians.

This activity draw the attention of the delegation composed of the President of ICOM in Peru, Luis Repetto Malaga; and Viviana Munguia, Coordinator at the Office for International Projects at the PUCP (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú).

Hans-Martin arrived in Trujillo to kick off the activities, which commemorate the International Museum Day, celebrated every May 18th since 1977. 

In the framework of this historic visit, the La Libertad Culture Decentralized Administration organized a special reception for the illustrious guests.

Many Peruvian flags welcomed the delegation at the Nikan Palace. At the the walled complex's main square, a Chimu figure was staged.

"This is a historic visit. We thank you for the deference by visiting Chan Chan. [...] We hope you have a pleasant visit," said Cesar Galvez, who serves as deputy director of the Culture Decentralized Administration at La Libertad.

ICOM Chairman and his delegation visited the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna sites, as well.

Also, the city council recognized Mr. Hans Martin Hinz for his work in favor of museums, a "source for development."

It must be noted in 1986 UNESCO declared Chan Chan a World Heritage.

viernes, 8 de mayo de 2015

New lizard species found at Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

New lizard species found at Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

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    Photo: ANDINA/Difusión
























10:55.
 Lima, May. 08.
 A group of Peruvian and foreign scientists, with the support of the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), discovered a new lizard species at the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Sernanp explained this new species, assigned to the genus Proctoporus, inhabits the Wet Puna ecoregion and a montane forest region at an elevation between 2,760–2,800 m.

The new species is distinguishable from all other species of Proctoporus by a unique combination of morphometric, scaling, and color pattern characteristics. Its proposed standard English name is Machu Picchu Andean Lizard.

The montane forest and Wet Puna ecosystems house a biological diversity characterized by its high degree of uniqueness and rarity. In addition, they are seriously threatened throughout their distribution range.

These ecosystems are developed inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in two different settings: Wiñaywayna and Aobamba.

This discovery took place during the research project conducted by Luis Mamani and Juan Carlos Chaparro of the Museum of Natural History at Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco and by Noemi Goicochea of the National Museum of Natural Sciences of Spain, under the support of forest rangers in the protected area.

miércoles, 6 de mayo de 2015

Peru: Air Canada Rouge inaugurates direct flights to Lima

Peru: Air Canada Rouge inaugurates direct flights to Lima

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  • Photo: ANDINA/Difusión
13:29.
 Lima, May. 05.
 Air Canada Rouge has just inaugurated its direct flights service from Toronto to Lima, which broadens the air connectivity to Peru and benefits incoming tourism, Peru's Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva affirmed.

The opening flight was carried out on May, 2. It travelled from Toronto's Pearson International Airport to Lima's Jorge Chavez.

The Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry, through the Peruvian commercial office located in Toronto, organized a promotional activity addressed to 280 passengers and specialized media, which covered the event from the boarding gate.

The passengers enjoyed Peruvian music and dances performed at the airport. They also received free cotton-made t-shirts and information about the Peru's tourist destinations. Amazed, tourists took several pictures at the event.

The direct flights are now available for tourists and entrepreneurs at competitive prices.

Members of Air Canada Rouge Board of Directors and Peru's trade advisor, Jose Luis Peroni, also attended the opening flight ceremony in Toronto.

Visitors’ center to be built near Machu Picchu

Visitors’ center to be built near Machu Picchu

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  • Photo: ANDINA/Difusión
14:35.
 Lima, May. 06.
 A visitors' center will be built shortly in the valley close to Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in order to accommodate domestic and international tourists willing to admire this archaeological monument while in this area.

According to the director of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, Fernando Astete, the center will be erected where Machu Picchu site museum is currently located.

The construction responds to the need of ways to enhance conservation of the historic sanctuary. 

“The tour of Machu Picchu will start here, rather than in the place close to the monument, as it has been so far. The start will be downhill,” Astete was quoted as saying by Andina news agency.

The project to execute this work has already been endorsed by the Regional Government of Cusco (GRC) and the Municipality of Machu Picchu, based on the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Culture.

Visitors will be able to reach the Inca city on foot or by vehicle.

“Tourists shall stop at this place for about 15 minutes to be informed about Machu Picchu. This way, many questions will have been answered by the time they are at the monument itself,” he said.
   
“The idea of Ministry of Culture is to implement the works through the Work for Taxes Mode,” he added. 

Works for Taxes is a mode of payment of income tax available to any companies (Law N° 29230), which consists of 'paying' the tax through the execution of public works projects in a municipal or regional community. 

(END) LIT/MAO/RMB

Published: 06/05/2015

Magali Silva: Long weekend getaways in Peru grow up to 7%

Magali Silva: Long weekend getaways in Peru grow up to 7%

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  • Photo: ANDINA/Héctor Vinces
11:27.
 Lima, May. 02.
 Tourism industry posts 6% to 7% growth during long weekend breaks in Peru, affirmed Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) Magali Silva.

The year started off very well, she said, because inbound tourism experienced 11% growth, compared to the same period last year. 

"We found out 800,000 people have travelled this weekend, which means long weekend getaways have increased by about 6% to 7%, generating income for the economy, thus providing employment and business opportunities," she pointed out.

Silva explained the advertising platform ¿Y tu que planes? has assisted ordinary Peruvian people and foreigners in their quest for the country’s most popular destinations for holiday season.

This weekend, on the sidelines of the International Workers’ Day, most travelers flocked to the central region, as they were not able to reach it on Holy Week due to landslides on the road.

Travelers have opted for places such as San Ramon town in Chanchamayo Province and the Andean jungle, going through the high mountain pass of Ticlio and enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way.

She also commented on the importance of the new campaign "Más Peruano Que" (More Peruvian than...), which made lots of Peruvians (77%, according to international surveys) indentify with the country brand.

Dakar to respect the Peru's heritage

Dakar to respect the Peru's heritage

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  • Photo: ANDINA/Juan Carlos Guzmán

14:10.
 Lima, Apr. 24.
 Dakar Rally director Etienne Lavigne said Peru's environment and cultural heritage will be respected thanks to the joint work to be conducted by the Amaury Sport Organisation and local authorities.

"We will work respecting the environment and the national heritage at the same time, [...] we expect to be supported by all institutions in charge of those affairs [environmental and heritage protection] because respecting the territory is a priority," he told Andina news agency.

Lavigne said Peru was chosen as the point of departure, basically due to its geography. Northern Peru will remain a "possible" scenario for future editions, but "not for 2016."

"In the future, we will discuss the possibility of including the Northern side of the country […]," he told.

This is the third time Dakar Rally includes Peruvian cities.

(END) JAP/RGR/MVB