Peru

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Myths, secrets and mystery surround the archaeological sites of the Maya and Inca in both Middle and South America. The city of Teotihuac?n is no exception. The founding of this ancient and historically important city probably dates back to the second or third century A.D. when construction of the mighty Sun Pyramid crowned by a temple, was completed. The rain god, Tlaloc, and the Feathered Snake, Quetzalcoatl, were the major deities in the flourishing ancient city in some parts of which the magnificent decoration of various sanctuaries, including beautiful reliefs has been preserved to the present day. In Chich?n Itz? the association between the beautifully decorated ancient monuments and temples and their function as a place of human sacrifice is more than evident. Heavy stone tables and human-shaped sacrificial altars such as the Chac Mool create a rather disturbing and mysterious ambience and even today little is known of the true nature of the horrifying rituals that once took place there. Despite its rather modest size the magnificent location of Tulum, located in the northern part of the Yucat?n Peninsula on the Caribbean coast, is still one of the most popular and well-known Maya sites in the world. Tulum was once entirely surrounded by a massive defensive wall with towers and battlements and in the 14th century the small port developed into one of the most important trading centres in the region. The desolate and extensive desert in Southern Peru hides one of the most spectacular secrets of Nazca culture, the legendary and mysterious geoglyphs engraved on the surface of the desert. There are illustrations of various animals that measure a hundred metres and further images that extend for several kilometres. The precision and huge dimensions of these lines is simply breathtaking. For some time it was believed that they could only be discerned from the sky but the truth is that they can be seen from the neighbouring hills. Perhaps at some time in the future and with the help of more archaeological discoveries there will be further revelations with regard to the mysteries of the Inca people. However, in this region, each discovery leads to a new mystery!

DVD. Globe Trekker. Situated on the northwest corner of America, Peru is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries on earth. Traveler Neil Gibson starts his adventure in Peru's capital Lima. From here he travels north to trek through the glaciers from the Andean city of Huraz. Via the surfing town of Trujula he moves into the Amazon to explore the abundant rain forest wildlife. Taking a flight south he ends his journey in the Inca capital of Cuzco. 55 minutes. Along the way.... $_$_START_LIST ? Climb a glacier 10,000 feet above sea level. ? Eat piranha on an Amazon river trek. ? Witness the spectacular celebrations of the Into Raymi sun festival. ? Trek to the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. ? View the mysterious Nazca Lines. $_$_END_LIST $_$_START_BLOCK The material on this video was previously released under the title of Lonely Planet $_$_END_BLOCK

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Lima is the capital of Peru, the second largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina. The Palacio De Gobierno is also known as Pizzarro, or Government Palace. This Neo-Classic building was completed in 1938 and stands on the foundation of the former Pizzarro Palace. In the palace gardens is the house in which Pizzarro was killed. Lima, the City of Kings, became the capital of the largest region in Spanish South America and was where the viceroys of the Spanish crown resided. During colonial times this city was the largest, most populated, finest and most cultivated city on the continent. Some of the most beautiful colonial buildings in South America are to be found in Lima's old town along with carved balconies of Moorish origin. Huaraz is the 3,050 meter high capital of the Departamento Ancash in the White Mountain range, the Cordillera Blanca. Several natural catastrophes destroyed the majority of the old houses and many people were killed. In 1824 Simon Bolivar built his headquarters there prior to his bloody struggle for Peru's independence. The valley oasis of Nazca which played an important role during the early history of Peru is a desolate area in the south of the country. A small airport is the starting point of a journey to one of the world's greatest mysteries, the enigma of Nazca culture:images of humans, animals and geometric forms scattered over an area of 1,000 km? like the pages of some fantastic historical and astronomical book, created by the Nazca between 500 B.C.and 500 A.D. The 8,300 km? Lake Titicaca is located at an altitude of4,000 m in the Andes Mountains on the border that divides Peru and Bolivia. Then there's Machu Picchu, the Lost City Of The Incas! Peru is a country full of mystery and ancient history. A land of mountains, desert and jungle. A precious gem on the edge of the world!

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. The long lost, forgotten cities of South America always were in the imaginations of the masses. In Peru we can dream ourselves back into the empire of the Incas, into the age of the Sun God and the ruthless conquistadors. We can travel the 1000 year old Inca trail, travel through the Sacred Valley and take a walk in the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu. We can meet kechua and uro indians, we can buy their traditional clothing and listen to their songs and music. From an airplaine, we can try to solve the secret of the Nazca lines, we can take a train to the Altiplano, we can travel through the paradise of the Paracas Paninsula on boat, we can take a look at the monuments of Lima and Cuzco, and follow Thor Heyerdahl's path, when we sit into a boat on the Titicaca lake.

DVD. The Seasoned Traveler. 30 Minutes. It's the third biggest country in South America and home to some amazing sights, not the least of which are the famed archeological sites in the Andes Mountains. We'll travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make our way to one of the most extraordinary ancient sites: Machu Picchu. And along the way, we'll stop in the teeming capital city, Lima, and the former Mayan capital, Cusco. George Bauer's Daughter Lisa joins him for a sojourn in Peru. Their travels take them to Lima and Cusco, and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, site of the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo. The journey culminates at the legendary lost city of Machu Picchu. George Bauer, the Traveler, is a radio and television journalist with 30 years of experience. He's been a reporter and anchor on local stations and national networks in the United States and Great Britain. Now he has decided to change course and give in to a nagging desire--to travel and tell others about exciting places across the globe. The Seasoned Traveler is a unique series created especially for today's over-50 explorer. Award-winning broadcast journalist and travel aficionado George Bauer presents destinations and useful travel tips in a style that is informative, fast-paced and fun. The series caters to both the active explorer and the traveler who prefers a more relaxed pace.

DVD. The Best Of... series Take a voyage across Lake Titicaca where the Incas say man was created. Explore the 3,500 year old temple at Chavin. Fly over the mysterious drawings on the plains of Nazca. Admire Enrique Poli's unrivalled collection of golden artifacts. Marvel at the mystical lost city of Machu Picchu. Visit with Thor Heyerdahl and Walter Alva as they tell of their discoveries. (Also available in Spanish)

VHS. Textbooks tell the dramatic story of the imprisoned Incan Chief who paid a ransom of a roomful of gold to the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro. For most people, this event in 1532 and the subsequent fall of the Inca empire, marks the beginning of the history of Peru. However, today's findings enhance yesterday's knowledge of history. Dr. Dwayne L. Merry, noted anthropologist and archaeologist, demonstrates in this film that the Incas built their civilization on previous cultures dating back more than 3,000 years. Although much of the history of the Chimu, the Nazca, and the Mochica was lost when they were conquered by the Incas, recent archaeological discoveries uncover some of the fascinating history of these pre-Inca civilizations. Travel with Dr. Merry through the snow-covered Andes and the lush jungles of the Amazon in search of the treasures of Peru. Take a voyage across Lake Titicaca, where the Incas say man was created. Explore the 3,500 year-old temple at Chavin. Fly over the mysterious drawings on the plains of Nazca. Admire Enrique Poli's unrivaled collection of gold artifacts. Marvel at the mystical city of Machu Picchu. Visit with Thor Heyerdahl and Walter Alva as they tell of their discoveries of fabulous treasures. And see modern Peru...The cities of Lima, Trujillo and Arequipa... experience the Sunday market at Pisac... The ancient Inti Raymi Festival in Cuzco... Learn about the colorful people while viewing the scenery of this magnificent country. 75 minutes.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. On the journey to Chavin De Huantar, one of the oldest cult locations in Peru, there's the fascinating world of the Andes that seems to touch the clouds. Radiant colour and pure Nature are constant companions on the 109 kilometre route from Huarez to these ancient ruins. The settlement of Chavin De Huantar has a history that dates back 3000 years. Even today little is known of the exact way of life of the Chavin culture as no written history of it has been discovered. Thus, research is restricted to the archaeology that has been uncovered that also includes various stone images. Snakes, animals, and birds engraved in stone have been among the most commonly found images of this mysterious culture. Assisted by beautiful flat reliefs even today numerous temples and fortresses show the artistic talents of Chavin culture. During the first millennium A.D., this seven hectare area was the most important place of pilgrimage in Peru. In the oldest section there are entrances to a subterranean world where an assortment of labyrinth-like passages and rooms extend down almost seven floors. The scant light that manages to find its way into the narrow passageways adds to the mysterious atmosphere of this ancient architectural masterpiece. For the inhabitants of Peru's mountains in the first millennium B.C., Chavin De Huantar symbolised the beginning of a colourful new age and today it is an atmospheric example of a mysterious and fascinating past.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The Iglesia De San Francisco and its adjacent monastery is one of the most important historic monuments in Lima, the capital of Peru. Soon after Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1535 Franciscan friars began to build the monastery. The Iglesia De San Francisco, the Holy Francis Of Assisi Church and the neighbouring monastery, form the country's largest religious complex and date back to the colonial period. The Iglesia De San Francisco's outstandingly beautiful fa?ade and most notably its wonderful porch are unique in the whole of Peru. The decorative sculptures are reminiscent of Baroque design and are highly detailed and extremely precious. The Franciscan monastery is surrounded by two impressive sacred buildings the Mary?s Solitude and the Church Of Our Dear Lady of Miracles.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Today a proud symbol of the Conquistadores, the historic Spanish conquerors, towers over the town of Cuzco in Peru's mountains. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Cuzco lay at the centre of the Inca world and was the capital and religious centre of an immense kingdom. The unique combination of Spanish and Inca culture is apparent in the attractive architecture of the town. Typical characteristics of the houses are the overhanging tiled roofs and beautiful old balconies. One of the town's most extravagant colonial buildings, the Compa??a De Jes?s Church in the Plaza De Armas Square, was built on mighty Inca foundations. Some of Cuzco's streets still display the impressive and sturdy architecture of the Inca people. Attractive houses line the former procession roads of the Inca that led from the main square, today's Plaza De Armas, to the Sun Temple. Although historic, Cuzco is full of mystery and speculation with regard to its famous Inca predecessors.

DVD. Secrets Of Lost Empires Did they do it with mirrors? That's one of the more bizarre explanations NOVA looks into while trying to reconstruct the mysterious building techniques of the Inca, the remarkable civilization who ruled the Peruvian Andes 500 years ago. "The Incas had...no arch, no wheel, no codified mathematics," marvels one anthropologist. "They couldn't even write." So how did they erect their magnificent, earthquake-enduring citadels in the clouds-without mortar, iron tools, or draft animals-out of huge blocks of interlocking stone? Follow a diverse team of experts as they chip away at some theories, using only the traditional tools available to the Incas centuries ago. Hundreds of villagers join in the effort to haul these wieldy blocks across water and steep terrain, armed with long ropes-and collective muscle power. The Incas built breathtaking suspension bridges out of grass, an art still known to a handful of Andean villagers today. watch how (in an astonishing three days!) blades of grass are harvested, twisted into strands, and braided into the cables of a 100-foot gossamer-like bridge, swaying high above the raging river-but sturdy enough for even the queasiest NOVA researcher to walk across.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Lago Titicaca Travelling to Lake Titicaca, and at an altitude of over 3,000m, the train journey across the mountainous terrain of the Puna High Plateau is acknowledged as one of most beautiful railway journeys in Peru. For 3,500 m. the yellowish-brown grassland of the Wetlands of Punapuna dominate the landscape of the truly breathtaking high plateau and after several hours the spectacular journey reaches Lake Titicaca, legendary birthplace of Inca culture. Located in the centre of the Andes and at an altitude of nearly 4,000m., Lake Titicaca covers an area of 8,300 square kilometres and has a depth of almost 300m. The western area of the lake contains a fascinating artificial island world known as the `Floating islands of the ancient people of Uru'. The `islands' are floating mats of dried-out Totora, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the dense areas of the lake's marshy shallows. It is no wonder that the Inca people believed that this watery region was a holy lake. In Inca mythology, the `Children Of The Sun', Manco Capac and Mama 0cllo, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca to create their glorious and mystical empire.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Located high in the Peruvian Andes, the Lost City Of the Inca's, Machu Picchu, is reminiscent of an imaginary castle surrounded by steep ravines and mountains. Sacrificial sun altars and ritualistic monuments testify to the sun cult of its original inhabitants who used human sacrifices to appease the gods. The massive quantity of building materials used, along with the most amazing building techniques, contribute to the association of Machu Picchu with extraterrestrial influences.

DVD. Terra Mystica. 26 Minutes. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is located high in the Peruvian Andes and is reminiscent of an imaginary castle surrounded by steep ravines and mountains. Sacrificial sun altars and ritualistic monuments testify to the sun cult of its original inhabitants who used human sacrifices to appease the gods. The massive quantity of building materials used, along with the most amazing building techniques, contribute to the association of Machu Picchu with extraterrestrial influences.

DVD. Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes Deep within the Peruvian Rainforest, on the western edge of the Amazon Basin, is one of the most impressive nature reservations in the world, the Manu Biosphere Reservation. The Manu National Park covers an area of more than 18,000 square kilometres and is one of the largest untouched rainforests in South America. Very few settlers live in the almost inaccessible tropical rainforests in the southeast of Peru. Apart from natural rainfall, the park's most important supply of water comes from the Manu River, its source being 4,000 metres up in the Paucartambo Mountains, a section of the Andes. The Manu River is one of the final refuges and breeding areas for the threatened River Turtle. Along the river's tributaries, there is another rare and threatened species, the Kabibaras, the world's largest rodent. As the day draws to a close in the glowing light of the setting sun, one realizes that to experience this fascinating natural world is a very special privilege and one that will remain in the memory for a very long time.

DVD. ABCD. 53 Minutes. South America used to be the home to many Indian cultures, but one of them stood apart from the rest - the Inca Empire. The empire spanned from the south border of today's Colombia up to the Maule River in central Chile and led from the sandy coast of the Pacific Ocean over the grand Andes mountains all the way to the very edge of the Amazon jungle. Although the legacy of the Incas attracts scientists from around the world, much of their life style is veiled with mystery. Today researchers rely only on archeological findings and reports from the first chroniclers. One of these chroniclers was Felipe Guam?n Poma de Ayala, whose images from the famous "First Chronicles and Good Governing" were the motives of this film. You'll visit not only the archeological localities - Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuam?n and Ollantaytambo, but will explore the less familiar places inhabited by the Incas in Peru and the neighboring Ecuador as well.High in the Peruvian Andes you will take part in the traditional holidays and welcome the New Year in Recay, Bolivia.The adventurous journey to get to know the mysterious life of the Incas will come to an end on the eastern side of the Andes, at the very edge of the Amazon jungle, in the lost city of Espiritu Pampa.

6-PK. Questar Video. DVD. 6 Hours. Come embark on an adventure of the soul. Academy Award nominee Edward James Olmos narrates this mesmerizing thirteen-part series that guides viewers on an epic journey to some of the world's most sacred places. Reverent, historically accurate, and beautifully photographed, Mystic Lands chronicles a diverse array of spiritual practices around the world, including the established monotheistic practices of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Viewers will also experience the spirit life of devout ancient cultures, such as the Inca, Maya, and the pantheon of Olympic gods, as well as the Theraveda Buddhist and Nat worship practices of Myanmar, Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan, Hinduism in Bali and India, Voodoo in Haiti, and the mysterious Dreamtime rituals of Australia's aboriginal people. Disc 1: Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon - Discover an ancient world of magic and mystery that is nearly untouched by the modern age. Greece: Isle of Revelation - In this land of great beauty, the gods of old are an integral part of the culture. Extra Feature: Series director Chip Duncan introduces this compelling exploration of faith, religion, natural creation myths and celebrations of life and death. ** Disc 2: Peru: Kingdom in the Clouds ** - Unearth secrets of an ancient nation among the ruins of Machu Picchu. Egypt: Cycle of Life - Lavish tombs are testament to the pharaohs' quest for immortality. Extra Feature: Series director Chip Duncan reflects on the inspiration behind Mystic Lands, and the challenges and rewards of creating the series. Disc 3: Myanmar (Burma): Triumph of the Spirit - Faith and quiet devotion are a way of life in this reclusive nation, once known as Burma, shackled by military dictatorship and depression. The Taj Mahal: Heaven on Earth - The symbol of intensely spiritual India is the Taj Mahal, considered by many to be "the most beautiful building in the world." Extra Feature: Series composer Chris Spheeris talks about opening his ears and heart to the indigenous music on the series' evocative soundtrack. Disc 4: Anasazi: The Ancient Ones - Through oral traditions and the discovery of crumbled cities and villages, the story of the Anasazi is only beginning to unfold in the North American southwest. Haiti: Dance of the Spirit - This provocative program reveals the truth behind the mystical practice of the religion, Voodoo. Disc 5: Bali: Isle of 1,000 Temples - Observe the sacred ceremonies and rites with which the Balinese honor the powerful forces they believe govern life. Australia: Dreamtime - Australia's aboriginal people have a spiritual bond with the land based on myths, legends, mystical rites and exotic ceremonies. Disc 6: Maya: Messages in Stone - This powerful episode unearths the grand ruins and spiritual beliefs of the Maya in Central America. Jerusalem: Mosaic of Faith - The holy city of Jerusalem is a spiritual crossroads for the devout, and a wellspring of all that is sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Varanasi: City of Light - This fascinating program explores beliefs, rituals and ceremonies observed in the Hindus' journey toward enlightenment.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Approximately 450 kilometres south of Peru's capital of Lima a desolate road leads into the vast terrain of the scant, desert-like highlands. In the midst of this almost lifeless world and surrounded by sandy mountains is the small airport of Nazca. Indeed, a single aircraft once made this region famous. One day while flying here in 1939, American Paul Kosok made an amazing discovery: long drawn-out lines that extend across the ground that are the traces of a mysterious pre-Columbian culture. These strange hundred metre lines were created by the Nazca culture and according to archaeological research date back to the sixth or seventh century B.C. Since their discovery they have created much controversy with regard to their origin, function and significance. There are more than a hundred lines and figures within the surrounding plains and mountains. Most of the markings were revealed by the removal of the top layer of dark stones from the ground. In recent years one of the images known as the Astronaut has captured the imagination more than any other. The proportions and geometric precision of the different images raise numerous questions. How could the Nazca people have created these gigantic designs? Recently a further image of perfect proportions and measuring a hundred metres was also discovered. But how were those who created these enormous images able to gain a true perspective of their work? Is it possible that a precursor of the hot-air balloon existed in those bygone times?

DVD. ABCD. 53 Minutes. The Amazon is one of the greatest natural phenomena on the Earth. This greatest and longest river of our planet springs high in the Peruvian Andes in an altitude of over 16,400 feet. The river basin spanning almost 3 million square miles represents more than 40 percent of the total area of the South American continent. Initially, the river forces its way through mountain valleys and changes its name many times before it spills out into the never ending space of the Amazon jungle. Venture along with Vladimir and Kamila ?imek onto a long sail along the Amazon. You will get to know places high in the grand Andes Mountains where the first springs, which give birth to a great major river, converge. You will sail in a chiseled canoe through a flooded rainforest with the native, on large ships and a cargo tug. You will fly above the Amazon rainforest in a storm and to a secluded tiny village on the bank of a small river. In a Columbian reservation you will admire the flower Victoria Amazonica. You will also walk through an Amazon market in a busy metropolitan harbor and take a peek at a school directly on water. You are awaited by a traditional fishing on a Barbasco and many other interesting encounters with exotic nature and interesting people.

DVD. Digging for the Truth. 180 Minutes. Intrepid explorer Josh Bernstein uncovers history's greatest mysteries as he deciphers the meaning of the Mayan pyramids, follows the trail of one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, searching for the legendary lost city of El Dorado, and travels deep into Peru to unravel the secrets of the Nasca Lines. Passage to the Maya Underworld Determined to uncover the secrets of the Mayan pyramids, Josh explores ancient tombs, flooded caverns, and a sacred area of the Guatemalan jungle. The Lost Tribe of Israel Join Josh in Southern Africa as he examines DNA evidence that could prove the existence of one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Secrets of the Nasca Lines Venture into the deserts of Southern Peru to learn who built the mysterious figures and lines of Nasca and why. The Search For El Dorado Follow Josh from the high Andes to the Amazon jungle in search of the legendary "City of Gold."