Peru - Sacred
Valley and Lomas de Lachay Reserve -
Page 7 |
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The salt evaporation ponds of Maras in
the Sacred Valley predate the time of the Incas. Several
hundred ancient ponds are terraced on the side of the mountain. Water soon
evaporates in the small shallow ponds, leaving the salt behind, when
local owners harvest it into big sacks.
7 November 2013. |
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A natural stream
coming out of the ground has high salt concentrations. To test the
salt content, we dipped our fingers in the stream, and as the water
dried salt crystals developed on our fingers. We crossed
the network of ponds on a narrow trail. This was a very exciting
walk, steeped in history. |
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Blue-and-yellow
Tanager at our hotel in Sacred Valley: Posada Del Inca. 7 November
2013. |
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White-bellied Emerald
Hummingbird on the nest at Posada Del Inca Hotel. 7 November 2013. |
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Andean Gull in the
Sacred Valley of the Incas. 7 November 2013. |
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Lomas
de Lachay Reserve |
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Black-chested
Buzzard-Eagle at Lomas de Lachay on 11 November 2013. |
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Located in the foothills, Lomas de Lachay
Reserve is about 100 km north of Lima. This green oasis contrasts
dramatically with the
arid coastal desert along its borders. Plants and animals survive
because they derive moisture from heavy mist, especially during the
humid season from June to November. |
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Pair of Burrowing Owls
at their burrow. We saw about 12 Burrowing Owls from the access road
to the reserve. 11 November 2013. |
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Hooded Siskin on 11
November 2013. |
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Mountain Parakeet on
11 November 2013. |
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Now go to Page 8 |
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