0811, 2012

Colca Canyon, Peru

Scenic Earth
661

Peru’s Colca Canyon spans more than 4800 miles and is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The area around the Colca River features an extremely varied landscape and extraordinary biodiversity. Many inhabitants of this area have pre-Incan ancestry. They have preserved their traditional culture and continue to farm the stepped terraces along the canyon and sell traditional goods to the many tourists that come to enjoy this beautiful and relaxing place on earth. Kim Waters is a jazz multi-instrumentalist primarily known for his saxophone talent. In addition to fronting over a dozen albums, Waters’ chart-topping performances blend jazzy grooves with R&B and have been included on albums by genre greats including Al Green and

1810, 2012

Pia Glacier, Tierra del Fuego

Scenic Earth
609

The Patagonia region of South America (between southern Chile and Argentina) is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, but the alien landscape around the the Pia Glacier might be some of its best. As this river of ice carves its way down its rocky mountain, it spawns an assortment of waterfalls and icebergs in the channel below. Boulders of ice are scattered across the terrain, and lucky visitors may even see the glacier calving– when large pieces break off and crash into the water. This is one of the many glaciers along the Beagle Channel’s “Avenue of Glaciers.” The surrounding area is extremely desolate but a popular destination for cruise ships and adventure excursions. Boney James

2407, 2012

Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego

Scenic Earth
613

One of three passages past South America between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Beagle Channel is surrounded on both sides by remarkable scenery. It was here that Charles Darwin first saw glaciers while accompanying the channel’s namesake, the HMS Beagle, on a hydrological survey of the Tierra del Fuego region. Glaciers can still be spotted along the channel to this day, and though the channel is narrow, smaller boats including excursion cruises can maneuver the waters with ease. They also need not be as cautious as the Beagle was on its voyage: though a survey barque with no military objective, the 19th-century ship was equipped with six cannons. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist.

1505, 2012

Karukinka Natural Park, Chile

Scenic Earth
539

On the Chilean part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago lies the Karukinka Natural Park, offering more than 700,000 acres of untouched wilderness. The park’s private ownership and relative inaccessibility, along with proactive conservation efforts, have kept this area a pristine and therapeutic getaway for nature enthusiasts. The careful stewardship of this land is especially noteworthy given its history. When an American company bought the land in the 1990s, it was for logging purposes. After those plans were spoiled by environmental group opposition, the land was bundled with other assets and sold to investment giant Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs eventually donated the land to the Wildlife Conservation Society, a New York-based nonprofit. This eScapes video shows

2803, 2012

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Tropical Beaches
562

Rio de Janeiro, the most visited city in the Southern Hemisphere, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and festive atmosphere. Even away from the nightclubs and the excitement of Carnival, a good time is never hard to find, thanks to the miles of beaches provided by Rio’s natural setting. This eScapes video highlights Ipanema Beach, one of Rio’s most famous beaches, where progressive beach fashions and fads have been visibly set (and broken) since the 1960s. Ipanema Beach sits just a bit south of the entrance to Guanabara Bay, which was mistakenly identified as a river mouth by Portuguese explorers when they named the area Rio de Janeiro, or “River of January.” Ken Navarro

1309, 2011

Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru

World Cities & Harbors
447

The Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru illustrates the natural setting of Peru along the world’s “Ring of Fire,” the belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its high frequency of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Peru, affected by the Nazca Plate under the Pacific Ocean subjecting beneath the South American plate, lies in an active volcanic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes. This beautiful cathedral was first built in 1540, from sillar, a white volcanic rock common in the area. However, in 1583, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake. The cathedral was rebuilt by 1600 only to be completely destroyed by 1604 by both an earthquake and a volcanic eruption. Since its second rebuilding in 1656, the church

0509, 2011

Lima, Peru (Costa Verde)

World Cities & Harbors
441

Lima, the capital and largest city of Peru, is situated in a unique physical environment. Despite its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, this South American city is located entirely in a desert, making it the world’s second-largest desert city (after Cairo). The interaction of the ocean and the land creates an interesting climate. Lima is usually cloaked in fog or clouds, and the temperature remains in the 60-70 degree range year-round even though it is a tropical desert region. This eScapes video features Lima’s Costa Verde and one of its common sights: paragliders. The cliffs on the coast provide updrafts ideal for paragliding for those looking for the thrill– or relaxation– of flight. Candy Dulfer has

2707, 2011

Santa María del Mar, Peru

Tropical Beaches
433

The Santa María del Mar district of Peru is well known for its beautiful beaches. Just south of the country’s capital of Lima, this relaxation destination seems to have it all– pristine sand, a rolling surf from the Pacific Ocean, and a perfect boating harbor all framed by bold rocky slopes. Farther back from the beach are restaurants, a club, and numerous rental houses and apartments for seasonal visitors. Though there are not many nearby hotels, some apartments and houses can be rented for a daily or weekly term. Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An

2207, 2011

Puno, Peru (Floating Islands)

Scenic Earth, World Cities & Harbors
441

The Puno region of Lake Titicaca in Peru has been home to the Uros people since before the Inca empire. The Uros people are known for their unique floating islands. For hundreds of years, this culture has made its home on artificial islands made from interwoven reeds from the lake. Traditionally an isolated hunting and fishing society, the Uros have in modern times expanded to the mainland, and have found new sources of income in the tourism focused around their islands. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10