In August of 2010 my husband and I traveled to Peru with two friends. We first stayed in Lima, at a hotel right on the ocean. We would walk along the boardwalk and through the quaint residential neighborhoods to seaside restaurants of Lima’s Miraflores district. There were dramatic clifftop views of the Pacific Ocean and there was a vibrant culinary scene, particularly for seafood dishes like ceviche.
Lima’s coastal location makes it particularly susceptible to the El Niño and La Niña phenomena, which are part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. These oceanic and atmospheric patterns originate in the tropical Pacific off the coast of Peru and can have significant impacts on local and global weather patterns.
During an El Niño event waters off the Peruvian coast become warmer than usual. This can lead to increased rainfall in Peru’s coastal regions, including Lima. Fish populations that thrive in the usually cold, nutrient-rich waters may decline, affecting the local fishing industry and potentially the availability of fresh seafood for dishes like ceviche.
During a La Niña event waters off the Peruvian coast become colder than usual. This often results in drier conditions in coastal Peru. The colder waters typically bring an abundance of fish, which can be beneficial for the fishing industry and local cuisine.
Impact on Climate
These cycles have always influenced Peru’s climate and marine ecosystem, but their importance has grown in the context of global warming. Climate change is believed to be intensifying the ENSO cycle, potentially leading to:
1. More frequent and intense El Niño and La Niña events
2. Greater unpredictability in weather patterns
3. Increased risk of extreme weather events like floods and droughts
4. More significant impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries
For coastal cities like Lima, these changes could mean an increased risk of coastal flooding and erosion. As global warming continues, understanding and adapting to these complex weather patterns becomes increasingly crucial for coastal communities like Lima. It affects not just the day-to-day experiences of residents and visitors, but also long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, near Peru’s ancient city, Cusco, is a region rich in archaeological sites and history. This area, situated between Cusco and Machu Picchu, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient cultural heritage. The following images are just a few I took during our visit.
The Peruvian people in this region, particularly in rural areas, often maintain strong connections to their Incan heritage. While Spanish is widely spoken, many people also speak Quechua, the language of the Incas.
Machu Picchu: While not in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu is an iconic site is the crown jewel of Inca archaeology, featuring intricate stonework, terraces, and astronomically aligned structures.
Sacsayhuamán is an ancient walled complex near Cusco, known for its massive stone blocks fitted together with incredible precision.
You can see the relative size of the blocks in comparison to me standing at the base of one of the walls. Sacsayhuamán (often spelled Saksaywaman) is a significant Incan archaeological site located on the northern outskirts of Cusco, Peru.
It was likely built as a fortress to protect Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. Its strategic location on high ground overlooking Cusco made it an ideal defensive position. During the Spanish conquest, Sacsayhuamán was the site of a major battle in 1536. Inca forces led by Manco Inca made their last significant stand against the Spanish here. As part of the City of Cusco, Sacsayhuamán was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
This high-altitude environment creates unique agricultural conditions, allowing for the cultivation of crops like potatoes, corn, and quinoa. Terrace farming, an Inca technique, is still practiced.
Many families engage in subsistence farming. The site pictured here, known as Moray, illustrates unique circular terraces believed to be an agricultural laboratory where the Incas studied the effects of different microclimates on crops.
To give you a sense of the scale of this site, there are three people standing at the bottom of the terraces, barely visible from my vantage point when I took the photo.
Traditional weaving techniques are preserved, with colorful textiles being both functional and for artistic expressions.
Weekly markets in towns like Pisac are important social and economic events, where traditional goods are traded. Traditional celebrations like Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) help the indigenous people maintain cultural connections to their Inca past.
The people of this region face challenges balancing modernization with traditional ways of life. Many communities are working to preserve their cultural heritage while also embracing economic opportunities brought by tourism and global connections.
You must be logged in to post a comment.