Touched and impressed was the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Joachim Gauck after touring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (Cusco region).
The German Head of State arrived in the Machu Picchu Pueblo district at 09:40 AM (local time) on Monday morning.
Upon arrival, Mr. Gauck was welcomed by school students and local authorities.
The Mayor of the district, David Gayoso Garcia, declared him an “Illustrious Visitor” and granted him the “Keys to the City.”
The German Head of State saw the water fountains, the Sacred Plaza, the Main Square and The Three Window Temple, among other interesting Machu Picchu attractions.
He was accompanied by Peruvian Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister, Magali Silva, and officials of Cusco’s Regional Directorate of Culture.
The Machu Picchu archaeological park’s Chief, Fernando Astete, described him as a “simple” and “kind person.”
According to Astete, Mr. Gauck highlighted the preservation and relevance of Machu Picchu in the world.
Cathedral visit
Around 2:00 PM (local time) the President returned to Cusco City.
Mr. Gauck also visited the Basilica Cathedral. There, he was given a Holy Rosary by the city's Archbishopric.
The guest was amazed by the site’s architectonic beauty.
He also thanked Monsignor Richard Alarcon Urrutia (Cusco Archbishop) for joining him throughout the religious tour.
Published: 3/23/2015