The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite travel Erotic Gallery of Museo Larco, Lima Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral in Arequipa The site of Machu Picchu the church the most magnificent in the city but the archbishop of Cuzco argued that its splendour should not rival that of the Cathedral Basilica. Pope Paul III was called upon to arbitrate and voted in favour of the cathedral but by the time word had reached Cuzco, the church was almost finished, completed with an incredi- ble baroque façade and Peru’s biggest altar. Somehow escaping detection by the Spaniards, Machu Picchu meaning ‘Old Mountain’ takes its name from the location of the Incan citadel. Located in the mid- dle of a tropical mountain forest, it is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites and points to the existence of the Inca Empire. The site’s dramatic setting, which encompasses the diverse flora and fauna of the upper Amazon basin, along with its rich history makes this astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site an in- triguing place to visit. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is nurtured by Rio Urubamba which carves a fertile chasm from Pisac in the east to Ollantaytambo in the west. According to the Incas, Rio Urubamba symbolised the flow of life and was guarded by the watchful gaze of numerous ancient citadels perched on the lofty mountain ridge above. It is said to have been the traditional home of the Machiguenga and Piro Indians, indigenous people in the Amazon Basin jungle regions of southeastern Peru. You cannot travel to Peru without seeing the Amazon rainforest covering 60% of the country. Here you will find an amazing 700 types of ferns and more than 7,000 different species of flowering plants. The rainforest is home to approximately 180 reptiles, 262 amphibians, 293 mammals, 697 fish, 806 birds and 2,500 butterflies. If you’re really into nature, then you will be in your ele- ment as you venture through this exhilarating place. It also offers rich indigenous cultures, excellent food and numerous other pleasures.