Editorial in Peru

The Hacienda San José was built at the end of the 17th century, it used to be one of the main haciendas along the Peruvian coast, not because of the important production of sugar cane but also because of the number of slaves who worked there and who converted it in one of the most prosperous lands of the time. These days it is used as a tourist hotel, where many stories and vestiges show how Afro-Peruvian immigrants used to live in this part of Peru. However, in all honesty it is not what is in the farm or what is around it that makes it so interesting, it is what is underneath that makes it simply amazing!

The Paracas National Reserve consists of the Paracas Peninsula, coastal areas and tropical deserts. It provides a sanctuary of more than 74 species of plants that grows in this extremely arid area, and 216 species of birds, 16 types of mammals, 10 species of reptiles and 193 species of fish. The marine protected area covers about 3350 square meters, 65% is sea and 35% is land and islands. It is considered as one of the richest and uncommon ecosystems in the world. But in all honesty the attraction is not only the wildlife, but the beauty of the desert and ocean landscapes.

Before continuing, let me tell you that to get to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), without being Peruvian or foreign resident in the country, you can take the tourist trains of the Peru Rail or Inka Rail companies that operate in this area. I traveled as a Peruvian with Peru Rail for the previous opportunities that I went to Machu Picchu, since by time or ignorance, I could not buy the tickets for the local train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.