Articles tagged with: Andes
The Andean Mountain Range or Sierra
The Peruvian Andes provide the most spectacular views of snow capped mountains and glaciers in the region as it has the largest concentration of them. venerated and respected them, to …
Regions and Microclimates of the Peruvian Andes
define the regions in the Sierra. These regions are grouped according to its altitude above the sea level. Each region has its own particular climate, flora and fauna that …
Why was Machu Picchu built?
The most common conclusion from experts on Inca history and archaeologists is that it was built first and foremost as a retreat for the Inca and his family to worship natural resources, deities and specially the Sun, Inti. In reality things do not have one single purpose and Machu Picchu had a multiplicity of uses and significance.
The city was inhabited for just over one hundred years and no one knows for sure why the Incas abandoned such a magnificent city. It is believed that the civil war between the brothers Atahualpa and Huascar had interrupted the food supply to Machu Picchu. Another possibility is that it was affected by an epidemic that killed its residents.
Machu Picchu Archaeological Sites
As a sacred place a lot of planning was put into its construction; priests, architects and engineers studied how the light of the sun and the moon radiated to each mountain and how the stars aligned to each building. Meticulous architectural and engineering planning was required in order to meet religious standards. Lets not forget that Machu Picchu is located in semi tropical land or highland jungle where rain can be intense and earthquakes frequent. Inca engineers had the knowledge to erect anti seismic buildings and ensure at the same time that the land would not erode.
The Inca Empire
The Inca Empire flourished in the South American continent from 1438 until the Spanish arrived in the continent in 1533. From around 1200 to 1438 the Incas were considered a …
Inca Roads and Chasquis
Andean Road System
The Incas were magnificent engineers, they built the most elaborate network of roads and bridges of any ancient culture, known as Qhapaq Ñan. The success of its empire was …
Economy of the Inca Empire
Central Economy
The Incas had a centrally planned economy, perhaps the most successful ever seen. Its success was in the efficient management of labor and the administration of resources they collected …
Peru’s protected areas
In its effort to guard its natural resources the government has created a national system to protect natural areas in order to contribute to the sustainable development of the country. …
Biodiversity in the Andes
Each section of Andes has specialized fauna and flora that have adapted to its conditions. At higher levels, 14,000 feet/4,267 meters, few animals and plants can survive because of the lack of oxygen. Few people live at this elevation. Life at this altitude is scarce and specialized. Birds are small and small rodents such as the guinea pigs, native of the Andes, are part of the local population’s diet. Trees are almost nonexistent at this level.
Endangered Animals in the Andes
Many Andean animals are in danger of extinction and are protected by Andean government nations and international organizations. Among the some of the endangered animals are:
Andean Condor
The condor is the most …
