Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu from irenaVision on Vimeo.

Perú

Visual Diary: Peru from Jimmy Raymond on Vimeo.

Road To Machu Picchu

Inside Perú

Perú

Peru from Andy Dubrowsky on Vimeo.

Perú Objects To Warning

Resource: New York Times

By: The Associated Press

A United States Embassy warning to American tourists about a potential kidnapping threat in the Cuzco region of Peru, which includes the Incan citadel Machu Picchu, drew vehement objections from Peruvian officials on Friday.

But a United States Embassy official said credible evidence existed of a threat from a Peruvian terrorist group.

The official confirmed a report in La República, a Peruvian newspaper, that said that leaders of the Shining Path guerrilla group had discussed kidnapping foreigners, particularly Americans, in intercepted communications. Tens of thousands of Americans visit Peru each year.

The official agreed to discuss the report only if not quoted by name because of the political delicacy of the warning.

La República said its sources about the interceptions included members of Peru’s military high command, but the country’s military chief, Adm. José Cueto, said that he had no such information.

“Perhaps it is information that they alone have and have not shared,” Admiral Cueto said of the United States government.

The embassy warning that mentioned Peru’s biggest tourist draw was posted on the embassy’s Facebook page on Thursday. Dated Feb. 13, it was also posted on the embassy’s Web site.

Read more...

Threat For Machu Picchu Travelers

Resource:  Miami Herald
By Frank Bajak
Associated Press

A U.S. Embassy warning to U.S. tourists of a potential kidnapping threat in the Cuzco region, including the famed Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, drew vehement objections from Peruvian officials Friday.

But a U.S. Embassy official said credible evidence exists of a threat from a Peruvian terrorist group.

The official confirmed a report in the Peruvian newspaper La Republica that said leaders of the cocaine-financed Shining Path outlaw band discussed kidnapping foreigners, principally Americans, in intercepted communications. Tens of thousands of Americans visit Peru each year.

The official agreed to discuss the report only if not quoted by name due to the political sensitivity of the warning.

La Republica cited sources about the interceptions including members of Peru's military high command, but the country's military chief, Adm. Jose Cueto, told The Associated Press that he had no such information.

"Perhaps it is information that they alone have and have not shared," Cueto said of the U.S. government.

The embassy warning that mentioned Peru's biggest tourist draw was posted on the U.S. Embassy's Facebook page Thursday. Dated Feb. 13, it was also posted on the embassy's website.

Read more...

Avondale Senoir High Mission Team Returns From Perú

The Senior High mission team from Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina has recently returned from a visit and work in and around Cusco and at the Seminaro Biblico Iep in Sicuani.  After their mission work was done the group enjoyed a 4 day trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

Peru Mission 12 from Zach Chambers on Vimeo.

Avondale Perú Presentation

On Sunday August 26, at 10:00AM, the Avondale Presbyterian Senior High Mission team will be giving a presentation of their recent trip to Perú.  The presentation will consist of descriptions of their hard work at the Seminario Biblico Iep Sicuani, other work in and around Cusco and their trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Join them at Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Road, Charlotte, North Carolina (704) 333-6194.

Avondale Group Returns To Charlotte

Hey Van!

We had an amazing time in Sicuani and I think all the youth were in some way transformed. It was definitely out of their comfort zone and some of them didn't speak any Spanish, but they did great and made new friends and came home with a new outlook on life. I think we all feel more connected to the world. They witnessed the warm spirit of the Peruvian people and it was good for all of us to see the strength of their evangelism. I think our time there and our work did make a real difference to the people of the seminary and for future students as well. But it's impossible to ignore the impact that they've had on us as well. I pray that this experience will stay with these youth for a long time. And I really hope that we can continue to support a bridge between us and them in the future.

We will probably do a presentation to the church at some point and I will let you know when I find out.

My love to the Sharon crew!

Thanks,
Shea Chambers

Avondale Senior High Mission

The mission group from Avondale Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina has returned back home.  We all are glad they are back safe and sound.  We look forward to hearing about their wonderful trip to Cusco, Peru and the 4 day trek on the Inca trail.

The Amazing Andes

The mysterious grandeur of Machu Picchu and timeless village life calls out to the adventurous.

Perched on a high, rugged Andean mountain ridge, the Inca site Machu Picchu took my breath away. I'm sure American Hiram Bingham would have felt the same when he "discovered" this engineering and archaeological marvel in 1911. Huge terraces line the mountainsides on the 30-hectare site; a veritable metropolis of residences and temples sits atop the mountain. I could sense in the whistling wind the spirits of those who once lived here.

Full story...

Machu Picchu Visits

A few of our Sharon Presbyterian mission group this year will be visiting Machu Picchu.  One team will be leaving Charlotte early and joining us in Lima.  Another team will stay behind after our mission trip to enjoy a 4 day trek on the Inca Trail.  Please keep both groups in your prayers for safe and wonderful journeys.



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Avondale Senior High Mission Trip

July 8, the Senior High School Youth group from Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte will be leaving for a once in a lifetime trip to Perú.  The 8 high school students and 4 very brave adults will be enjoying time together in the Peruvian highlands.

In the days preceding their Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, everyone will be working at the Biblical Institute of Theology in Sicuani and Cusco. The group will be working alongside students and members of the local Presbytery to help repair and expand the seminary facility.

The team is scheduled to return to Charlotte on July 22.

Please keep these young people and adults in your prayers. We pray that the coming few weeks will be a rewarding and wonderful experience that will help shape our future leaders.

Adventures In Travel

From the ice walls of Antarctica to the gorilla habitats of Africa and the mountains of sub-Siberian Mongolia, TIME takes a look at destinations that are more than a vacation — they're life-changing.

Why Peru's Inca Trail Is One Of The World's Greatest Hikes