This article by Jeff Cremer details why Cuzco, Peru is an ideal shutterbug destination for those studying abroad in Peru.
Cuzco, Peru, the ancient capital of the Incan empire, is one of the top travel destinations in South America. Travelers flock to this famous Peruvian city to witness and photograph its mix of Incan and Spanish colonial architecture and visit Incan ruins both in and outside of Cuzco. Although the Spanish melted down the incredible gold and silver artifacts and sculptures of the Coricancha temple long ago, Cuzco, Peru and the nearby Sacred Valley still offer up a treasure trove of cultural photography opportunities.
Remains of this most important temple in the Incan empire are seen in the intricate Incan stonework that forms the base of the Spanish colonial church of Santo Domingo. The contrast between the dark, powerful looking Incan stonework with their tightly fitted geometric shapes and the simpler, less enduring, lighter colored stonework of the Spanish is an artistic expression of Cuzco's history.
While the Spanish conquerors worked hard to stamp out Incan culture in Cuzco, Peru, they couldn't remove its strong foundation in the region. Evidence that Incan culture has survived into modern times is easily noted when one realizes that Quechua is still the first language of many people in the region, Incan festivals and ceremonies are still celebrated, and colorful, handcrafted indigenous clothes are still commonly worn by many people in the Sacred Valley.
For the cultural photographer, this means that it's pretty easy to find locals who look and dress like people from another time in history and that it's commonplace to see these modern Incans going about their daily lives at markets filled with exotic wares. For photographers lucky enough to book cultural photography tours to Cuzco, Peru during the time of the Inti Raymi, (June 24th-the Incan festival of the sun), they will witness folk dances performed by young people dressed in Incan outfits as they parade through Cuzco, Peru, as well as an Incan sun-worshiping ceremony.
The Sacred Valley, Peru
The valley of the Urubamba river near Cuzco, Peru is called the "Sacred Valley" because the fertile lands of this floodplain played such a principle role in food production for the capital of the Incan Empire. Situated at an elevation that is 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) lower than the 10,912 foot (3,326 meter) elevation of Cuzco, the valley enjoys a more pleasant, warmer climate. The patchwork of green fields, grazing llamas, small colonial towns, and rushing river make the Sacred Valley one of the most scenic places in the Peruvian Andes. Since this bucolic valley is flanked by massive mountains (some of which are snow-capped), this area also presents fantastic opportunities for landscape photography in Peru.
Pisac, Peru: Traditional markets for fantastic cultural photography
One of the first towns reached in the Sacred Valley of Peru after leaving Cuzco is the market town of Pisac. This small colonial town is overlooked by the ruins of an Incan fortress on the slopes of nearby mountains but is most famous for its colorful, traditional markets. People have probably shopped and bartered for fruits, vegetables, and guinea pigs at Pisac since pre-Columbian times and although tourists have also become frequent shoppers at Pisac, Peru, traditionally dressed locals haggling over goods are still the norm.
Some stalls are open every day of the week but the biggest market days are on Thursday and especially on Sunday. The market at Pisac, Peru is at its best on Sunday mornings and tends to wind down by midday. On Sundays, cultural photographers should also make efforts to get photos of the procession that happens after the end of morning church services. This involves locals dressed in traditional clothes blowing horns and the mayor leading the way with a silver staff.
Photography itineraries to Pisac, Peru may also include a visit to the Incan ruins overlooking the town. The walk uphill to the terraced mountainside can be a bit demanding but those fit enough to make it will have a wonderful vantage point for shooting the incredible Andean scenery and the market town of Pisac from above.
Photography opportunities at Pisac, Peru are abundant but keep in mind, that locals should be asked to have their picture taken and some may charge a small amount for this privilege. Photographers on photography tours to Peru should make sure to thank them in Spanish ("Gracias") or Quechua ("Anay").
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Further down the valley from Pisac is the small town of Ollantaytambo. This is a true Incan town that has been inhabited since at least the thirteenth century and is therefore an excellent place to experience and capture both modern and ancient Incan life by exploring the narrow, cobblestone streets, and interacting with traditionally dressed locals.
Ollantaytamo, Peru also housed an Incan temple and fortress, the ruins of which are just above the town. This was the site of one of the only Incan victories against the Spanish and briefly acted as a refuge for Manco Inca Yupanqui, one of the last Incan leaders.
At Peru Photo Tours, we offer the best photography tours in Peru because your trip will be arranged and guided by someone who has years of "boots on the ground" experience and local knowledge necessary to understand the complex nature of this fantastic country. We also know the best sites for amazing yet comfortable photography, are patient and eager to help you in getting publication-worthy portraits, and perhaps most of all, we understand Peruvian cultures and the way things work in this diverse, complicated land.
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