OVERVIEW
The Peruvian skies have long been a mystery to all of those who have the privilege of viewing them. Even before Inca times, the planets, stars, sun and moon were the deities of ancient pre-Inca civilizations. The Incas worshipped Inti – the Sun God, Quilla- the moon goddess and even had their own system of star constellations! The rich astronomical heritage can be witnessed today in spectacular temples at famous and not so famous archaeological sites in Peru. If you are fascinated by the nighttime skies and are interested in astro photography, or astro tourism, Peru has to be at the top of your list of destinations. Read on for more information about the magic of Peru’s Andean skies and the Inca’s relationship with the universe. Also, exactly where are the best locations to observe the night sky, head out stargazing and learn all about Inca astronomy on your Peru tours.
Inca Astronomy: On Kallpa Travel´s Astro Guided Tours, we will explain all about the fascinating Andean cosmology, astronomical observations, and the importance of the night sky in Inca heritage, observing the heavens as The Incas saw them! Learn all about the Inca belief systems, deities and their relationship to the night sky.
Andean Astro-Tourism: Discover the top places in Cusco, Peru to observe the night sky and the best times, months, seasons, and moon cycles, for stargazing in the Peruvian Andes, including remote communities, archaeological sites, and observatories.
Exploring the Andean Sky: Astro Tourism in Peru
Peru is famous world-wide for its spectacular archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, is unique and fascinating history, its vibrant cultural heritage, awe-inspiring natural features, has emerged as a premier destination for astro-tourism in South America. This captivating nation offers an unparalleled blend of Inca astronomy, stargazing, and cultural tourism experiences.
Star Gazing In The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley is found in between Cusco and Machu Picchu. This stunning valley is the perfect location to marvel at the Andean sky, especially up in the rural communities of the highlands of The Sacred Valley. Why not combine Astro-Tourism Peru with a homestay in a local Andean community, for the complete Peruvian experience? Find out more here.
If you are heading to Machu Picchu, two of the most important temples inside the Inca citadel are the Intihuatana, an ancient Inca sundial that was used to track the light of the sun, throughout the seasons, and The Sun Gate, which is the entrance to Machu Picchu from the iconic Inca Trail. Andean cosmology was never more important than at Machu Picchu, and these astronomic temples can still be seen today on your Machu Picchu vacation packages.
Cusco’s Astronomical Heritage
Cusco was the ancient Inca capital, and is also an important part of Peru for astro-tourism. The Cusco Planetarium is excellent to help you unwrap the secrets of Inca astronomy, Inca constellations, and insight into Andean cosmology on your Atro-Tourism guided tour in Peru. Their knowledge insight and professional equipment is unparalleled in the region and will offer more understanding of planetary alignment and solar eclipses.
Cusco Planetarium
The Cusco Planetarium is one of Peru’s premier astronomical research centers, offering unparalleled views of the night sky. The Cusco Planetarium is excellent to help you unwrap the secrets of Inca astronomy, Inca constellations, and offers insight into Andean cosmology on your Atro-Tourism guided tour in Peru. Their knowledge insight and professional equipment is unparalleled in the region and will offer more understanding of planetary alignment and solar eclipses, to enhance your understanding of the universe.
Get Off The Beaten Track In The Andes For Clearest Night Time Skies With Zero Light Pollution
The Sacred Mountain Ausangate is in one of the most remote regions of Cusco in the highlands of the Andes. The Vilcanota Mountain Range is home to various Rainbow Mountains, The Apu Ausangate (the highest mountain in Cusco), the traditional Qollor Riti Festival, The Red River, The Red valley and even a stone forest! This awe-inspiring region is mother nature at her most authentic with otherworldly landscapes, remote farming communities, abundant llama and alpaca herds, and home to the clearest mesmerizing night sky with literally no light pollution for optimum stargazing adventures. This impressive region of The Andes is virtually untouched by tourism, offering true insight into Andean Mountain life at its most authentic, making it the perfect spot for astro-tourism Peru for unlimited star gazing opportunities at over 4000 meter/ 13,000 ft. elevation! See more about astro-tourism in The Ausangate region here!
Immerse Yourself in Andean Culture
Peru’s rich traditions and culture are intricately linked to its astronomical belief systems. We recommend that you take the opportunity to visit local communities during your Peru tour and immerse yourself in authentic Andean culture. During your Astro-tourism in Peru trip, you can also stay with a local Andean family in the remote village where we are stargazing, and learn all about this community with its fascinating traditions that include weaving, music, cuisine, as well as insight into the Andean people´s relationship with the constellations above us. These authentic living communities of The Andes offer insight into the intertwined relationship between these Inca descendants and the belief systems of their ancestors, and how important the stars, planets, sun and moon were to the Inca civilization and even the pre Inca civilizations, dating back centuries.
Join the Astro Tourism Community in Peru
Astro-Tourism Peru Tours are an excellent way to connect with other astronomy enthusiasts and experts through stargazing experiences and exchange of local knowledge of the Inca constellations and Andean cosmology. Enthusiasts can share knowledge, stargazing experiences, and their passion for the night sky. You can even share viewing equipment such as telescope rental, the cost of guided tours etc. on your respective Peru tours, as well as knowledge and information about Inca astronomy.
Plan Your Astro-Tourism Adventure In Peru
Luckily Peru is an excellent country to explore the night sky, due to limited light pollution outside of the major cities. There are lots of rural, off the beaten path destinations to visit on your Peru guided stargazing tours with Kallpa Travel, that offer a wide range of astronomical tourism experiences. We can help you choose the right time of year to visit Peru, the best lunar cycles for optimum star gazing opportunities, and astronomic events, as well as deeper insight into Inca heritage and Andean cosmology. We can also help with telescope rental and other essential equipment. We have a wide range of equipment for maximizing your stargazing experience and can offer workshops on cultural tourism, Andean culture, for the compete immersive experience in Cusco, the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu! For more information check out this link.
We had the pleasure of taking the local Peruvian Travel magazine “Rumbos” on one of our Astro-Tourism Peru trips to experience the Andean night sky and learn more about the amazing opportunities we have in Peru. The article is in Spanish, but you can still get an idea about our Astro-Tourism initiatives here.