Peru: The Beauty of Andean Culture and Nature
Written by Park Tae-sang and Kaitlyn Wachter
In January, the two of us met in South America after four months apart. We made our way first through Bolivia, where we were struck by the otherworldly marvel of nature and the incredible cities built high in the head-splitting altitudes of the Andes Mountains. We then moved west through Peru, where we once again were put in awe by the beauty of Andean culture and the rich beauty of South America’s many terrains.
We chose to eschew the guided tour and take our time wandering the path to Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. Unlike the mountain hikes, this trail does not require an extra fee, but still provides gorgeous views and a number of ruins nestled out of the way of the main citadel.
The Andes Mountains are at once lush and ominous. At any moment, thick fog threatens to roll in and steal the filtered sunlight from the stonework of Machu Picchu.
Perhaps the best choice of our Peruvian trip was hiring a driver to take us through the countryside on our way from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. We had the freedom to stop as we pleased and make some new friends along the way.
The women on Chinchero keep the art of weaving alive in their colorful studios filled with bright textiles and the chirping of guinea pigs.
Copacabana, Bolivia was our last stop before crossing the border back to Peru. Here, we enjoyed a few days of relaxing with some friendly alpaca and taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this waterfront town.
Near Cusco in the town of Maras lies another gift of the Sacred Valley. Here salt mines, which date back before Incan times, drape a surreal quilt of controlled streams and evaporation ponds over the valley.
In the southern Ica desert one can find Huacachina, a green oasis which stands like an island amid the rolling dunes.
Each woven pattern represents something of importance to the people of Chinchero. Traditionally the wool is colored with natural dyes, such as those derived from crushed insects, purple corn, or other botanicals.
Across from the shores of Peru on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca we explored the Isla del Sol. Once again we broke away from the tour groups in order to lie on the sunny hillside take in the sights of this beautiful island.
The last stop on our trip was Ica, Peru. Though tired, broke, and bedraggled, we could not resist visiting one more market before hopping on the bus to the airport.
Photographs by Park Tae-sang
The Author
Park Tae-sang is a freelance photographer and community organizer in Gwangju. He started Dreamers, a music and culture space at Daein Art Market in 2015. Dreamers’ goal is to build a harmonious and unbiased world.