The Sacred Valley – Peru

The journey in South America begins in the Sacred valley of Cusco, Peru. – “The Navel of the World”

Peru has 84 of the 103 existing ecosystems and 28 of the 32 climates on the planet. Peru is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world and is one of the most awe-inspiring countries in all of South America. It holds a rich and diverse history of native inhabitants, from many different indigenous tribes.

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History of Peru:
It is suggested that the first ever inhabitants of Peru came from Siberia, across the Bering Strait, in 10,000 BCE. Since then the culture diversified and grew into many native tribes speaking roughly 9 languages. The Capital of the Inca empire resided in Cusco, deemed the naval of the Mother Earth. Here, surround by the Andes Mountains, the Incas erected hundreds of communities. and even some untouched by foreign invasion.

Pre-Columbian Era:
Life flourished during the pre-Columbian era. Histories, traditions, lore, culture, and knowledge spread throughout all of Peru. The Inca tribe is the most widely-known due to the conquer other tribes throughout the lifespan of Peru during the pre-Columbian era. The invasion and conquest of the Spanish greatly affected the lasting culture of Peru’s original inhabitants, erasing much of the native way of life. The culture of the Inca empire lasted this invasion. For instance, even though much of the culture was lost it is still prevalent in the 21st century. Even today the native history of Peru is still apparent in its 6,000,000 native inhabitants, which account for 26% of the total population of Peru

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Modern Day Peru:
The valley of the Incas is considered the Sacred Valley and a culture was built here that would last the test of time. Ancient cities like Ollantaytambo and monuments such as Sacsayhuamán, Moray, and Machu Picchu still stand strong today.

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“In the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru artisans practice a way of life that has been passed down through generations from their Inca Ancestors. In the navel of the world American Indian inhabitants create a language of their own through the intricately woven vibrant fabrics that holds the history of their culture. An art form that has been shared through their native Quechua language now holds a place in the rest of the world through the art that they share.”

Inhabited Art

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