Nature lovers are invited to visit Apu Pariacaca snow-capped mountain and Alto Cañete basin, the new tourism alternatives at Nor Yauyos Cochas (191 km east of Lima), Peru's very first landscape reserve.
For centuries, the majestic Apu Pariacaca has shaped not only Yauyos' stunning geography and landscape, but also the cultural identity of its population.
Like the peak itself, Pariacaca's influence on the local cosmovision dates back to ancient times: The Incas were the ones who called it an "Apu" or mountain guardian spirit.
Inca trail
In addition, Apu Pariacaca towers over a 40-km stretch of the Inca Trail network, as if overseeing travelers going to and from the Imperial City of Cusco and several Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire) destinations.
The stretch —20 km of which are located within the reserve— offers the perfect setting for various tourist activities like ecotourism, adventure sports, rural and experience tours, as well as historical and mystical tourism.
The Apu Pariacaca and Alto Cañete cultural landscape covers the territories of Tanta (Yauyos) and Huachipampa (Huarochiri province) peasant communities.
Its sacred and cultural significance is not only proof of millennia-old human settlements, but also evidence that humans can raise livestock and use water sustainably, as seen in locals' ancient traditional practices.
Thus, the promotion of these picture-postcard attractions will engage government bodies like the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) and the Culture Ministry.
