Peru's government awards National Geographic

National Geographic was awarded the Orden del Sol del Peru for its assistance in retrieving a collection of artifacts to the citadel. The award is the highest civilian award issued by the Peruvian government. It's generally given to people who have excelled in fields such as arts, literature, culture and politics, or who have provided extraordinary services to Peru. The artifacts include some of the items brought to Yale University by Hiram Bingham. 

You can read the full article here at Living in Peru. 

Don't forget about the llamas!

Photo by: Laura Hare

While the ruins have long been deserted, llamas still wander the citadel and the surrounding areas. The Inca herded these animals and more than likely used their sturdy bodies to assist during the construction of Machu Picchu. It is also speculated that the llamas were used as a source of wool, meat and milk for Pachacuti's Palace. 

Watch the light show that was shown last Thursday

Late thursday night, a light show was projected onto the ruins of Machu Picchu. You can watch a video of it here. Make sure to stay tuned until the beautiful, neon costumes!

Two Videos from the celebration

The first video is from dance portion of the event, that followed traditional dance rituals. 

The second is from the music portion of the event, the band shown is called Los Jaivas and they are a Latin progressive-rock group from Chile. 

Machu Picchu celebrating slideshow

Look at pictures from 100 year anniversary event here. The event was held over the weekend and showcased dance, music fireworks and lights. It was limited to 700 guests due to concerns about damaging the ancient citadel.

Thousands join in Machu Picchu centennial parade in Cusco

Don't miss out on any more celebrations and book a trip to Peru as soon as possible!

"Traditionally dressed dancers representing some thirty institutions such as universities, schools and police departments marched Sunday on the streets, drawing the attention of locals and visitors." 

Read the rest of the article about the parade at Andina.

Packing List

There's only 2 1/2 weeks until the big day, here's a recommendation for what to bring when you travel to Peru.

• Medium to heavy weight cotton pants
• Lightweight pants for mosquito protection
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirt
• 1 windbreaker, rain-jacket
• Medium to heavy weight jacket
• Hat
• Bathing suit
• Socks: bring extra pairs
• Hiking shoes
• Sandals or casual shoes for town or around your lodge
• Binoculars
• Flashlight
• A pocket calculator to assist with currency exchange
• A small backpack for day walks.
• A overnight bag for journeys to Machu Picchu, Amazon, Manu, etc.
• Photocopies of all documentation/passport/tickets
• Prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• Ziplocs

Sun rays reveal a unique Machu Pichu

"Machu Picchu was also "a pilgrimage centre" and "an astronomical observatory" where the elite learned about the cosmos, he said."

Read the rest of the article at The Times of India.

Only 19 days until the anniversary!

You can experience this Incan wonder this summer by booking a trip with Holbrook Travel.

Great video about one woman's heart-wrenching trip to Machu Picchu

Antiquities from Yale's Collection Arrive in Peru's Highlands

Lima –  A first batch of 350 artifacts removed from Machu Picchu and held by Yale University for almost 100 years have been returned to the highland Peruvian city of Cuzco, ancient capital of the Inca empire.

Read more: Here at Fox News Latino

Traveling to the Middle East?

If so, a photo expo is being held in Qatar by the Peruvian Embassy. According to an article by Raynald Rivera, the expo was organized by the recently established Peruvian Mission in Qatar and is titled Machu Picchu: 100 Years of Global Disclosure’ presents the 15^th century ‘Lost City of the Incas.' The photos show various parts of the Inca architecture and will be on display to the public until mid-August at Qatar Photographic Society in Katara.

Free Stuff!

According to the Living in Peru website, tourists visiting Machu Picchu on July 7 will receive gifts made by the local communities. The gifts include, dolls, keychains, posters and other handicrafts. These crafts are meant to greet each visitor who is celebrating the centennial with much joy.  Visitors who plan to explore the site on July 7 will also get to see a light and music show, as well as a traditional Tinkay ceremony.

Interview with the author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Listen to an interview here with Mark Adams, the author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time, discuss his book that retraces Hiram Bingham's journey to Machu Picchu and the allegations and controversy that followed his discovery. 

July is almost upon us!

This July is a very special month, not only because the anniversary of the rediscovery of Machu Picchu, but because this July has five full weekends. This event only happens during July every 823 years, so take your extra weekend and head down to Peru to enjoy the festivities that will be happening month long in celebration of the anniversary!

Machu Picchu Map

Centennial Celebration program

In case you're in the area during July 3-9,  here is a program of events scheduled for the Centennial Celebration for Machu Picchu, according to www.feturperu.info:

Sunday 7/3

-Machu Picchu Centennial Parade 10am

Place: City of Cusco

Wednesday 7/6

-Formal Session 9-11am

 Official ceremony of the Regional Government of Cusco.  Inca Pachacutec Medal  awarded to Peruvian           recipients

 Place: Koricancha

-South American Camelids Festival 12pm-5pm

 Place: Saccsayhuaman

-Welcome cocktail 6pm

  Place: Convent of Santo Domingo

Thursday 7/7

-Twenty-one Gun Salute 6am

 Place: City of Cusco

-Grand Cultural Art Festival in the City of Cusco 9am-6pm

 Places: Joy, Espinar Plaza, Plaza San Fransico, Plaza San Blas, Plaza Santa Teresa, Plaza Los Pumas      and Plaza de Armas

-Welcome to Machu Picchu 10:30am-12:30pm

 Evocation and staging of the traditional Tinkay ceremony and Salute to the “Cuatro Suyos” (Four   Corners).  Interpretation of “Alturas de Machu Picchu” by the Andean group Los Jaivas. 

 Place: Machu PIcchu

-Machu Picchu, history and tribute to a Wonder of the World 6pm-8pm

 Place: Machu Picchu

-The Fiesta is in Cusco 6pm-midnight

 Live broadcasts from Machu Picchu of concerts and a sound and light show.

 Place: Plaza de Armas in Cusco

Friday 7/8

-Dance Competition with participants from the 13 provinces of Cusco 9am-6pm

 Place: Plaza de Armas in Cusco

-Parade with floats 11am-1pm

 Place: Main streets of Cusco

-Presentation by the Andean Symphony Orchestra, The Andean Group and Los Jaivas, as well as a     fireworks display 7pm-midnight

 Place: Plaza de Armas in Cusco

Saturday 7/9

-Music Festival 6pm-midnight

 Including national and foreign artists

 Place: Beer Garden

Jammin' in Machu Picchu

Here are a couple videos of the Andean band Los Jaivas.  They recorded a pretty epic version of the song "Alturas de Machu Picchu" right smack dab in the ancient Incan ruins.  Los Jaivas will be returning to Machu Picchu in July to perform in honor of the historical site's centennial celebration.

Enjoy!

100 facts for 100 years of Machu Picchu

"No. 38 Did the Spaniards know of Machu Picchu? Hiram Bingham didn't think so. 'Yet so far as I have been able to discover, there is no reference in the Spanish chronicles to Machu Picchu. It is possible that not even the conquistadors ever saw this wonderful place.'"

The Los Angeles Times is doing a fact a day leading up to the anniversary of the rediscovery of Machu Picchu. While there are only 43 days left until the anniversary, you can read the facts that have already been posted here.

A History of Machu Picchu and the Inca