They, along with the National Peruvian Army, were responsible for the death of approximately 70,000 people, including many innocent civilians during all of the 1980's, lasting up until the peace treaty was signed in 1992.
The Central Peruvian jungle, my destination for this trip, was one of the hotbeds for Shining Path recruitment and activity throughout the 12+ years of conflict, and, thus, was a flashpoint for later violence and war with the Peruvian Military.
I ventured forth, anxiously, vulnerably, trembling from my arrival to this novel climate and geography, a milieu I had only envisioned in rabid daydreams and impromptu meditations. Visual clips cut from travel shows in both English and Spanish raged through my mind. The brackish waters, suffocating humidity, and perpetual predatorial surveillance.
My anxiously anticipated journey commenced from the central Peruvian city of Huancayo (10,692 ft.). Located on the perched and hugely extensive Andean valley of Mantaro, Huancayo is an ideal city to visit if you desire a feeling of the Andes without the tourist traffic of Cuzco. Its mountains are more tame and its climate slightly drier than its Cuzquenan counterpart.
I ventured forth, anxiously, vulnerably, trembling from my arrival to this novel climate and geography, a milieu I had only envisioned in rabid daydreams and impromptu meditations. Visual clips cut from travel shows in both English and Spanish raged through my mind. The brackish waters, suffocating humidity, and perpetual predatorial surveillance.
Certainly, my habitual tendency to leap into the unknown has most always been a wonderful asset, blossoming and attracting opportunities to discover new worlds. In this current case, an entrance into the Amazon jungle was on tap. An audacious meeting that would've otherwise been shut out had I not been channeling my innate bravery.
Launching Pad
Launching Pad
My anxiously anticipated journey commenced from the central Peruvian city of Huancayo (10,692 ft.). Located on the perched and hugely extensive Andean valley of Mantaro, Huancayo is an ideal city to visit if you desire a feeling of the Andes without the tourist traffic of Cuzco. Its mountains are more tame and its climate slightly drier than its Cuzquenan counterpart.
I was lucky enough to get to know this city from my Lima-to-Huancayo bus-trip acquaintance Pamela, and her son Josue. A couple of days' touring the sights was sufficient to orient myself to this mostly toned-down city. We explored the historical and cultural sites: the impressive cathedral, a trio of churches, and one fascinating regional history museum. We also mixed it up, delving into a number of restaurants and music clubs during our evenings together.
