Photographer Captures the Elusive and Dazzling ‘Cock-of-the-Rock' in South American Cloud Forests
It's early morning, and Claudia Brasileiro, 48, has arrived from Brasilia, Brazil, where she works at a bank by day, to the Refugio Paz de Las Aves in the Andes to photograph the male Andean cock-of-the-rock during mating season.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
Lares Trek with Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If you've ever dreamed of standing in front of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, surrounded by cloud forest and mountain peaks, you're not alone. Thousands of adventurers travel to Peru every year to follow in the footsteps of the Incas. But not everyone wants the crowded paths of the traditional 4-day trail. That's why two of the most unforgettable and rewarding alternatives are the Lares Trek Peru and the Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu. With Inca Trail Classic, you get the best of both worlds: stunning Andean scenery, authentic cultural experiences, and a more relaxed route to one of the world's greatest wonders. The Lares Trek Peru is a lesser-known, but equally stunning, alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Winding through remote mountain villages, scenic valleys, and peaceful highlands, this route gives trekkers a chance to experience the real Peru — far from the tourist crowds. Unlike the busier trails, the Lares Trek offers a more personal and culturally rich journey. You'll pass through traditional Quechua communities, where locals still live as they have for centuries — farming potatoes, weaving alpaca wool, and herding llamas. Inca Trail Classic organizes small, guided tours that allow you to connect deeply with both the landscape and its people. With knowledgeable guides and well-paced itineraries, the Lares Trek Peru is perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and authenticity. Don't have time for a full 4-day hike? The Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers who want the magic of the Inca Trail in just two days. This trek includes a hike through spectacular cloud forest, access to the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), and a dramatic first view of Machu Picchu. With Inca Trail Classic, this tour includes one day of hiking and one overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the second day. It's a fantastic way to experience the beauty and history of the region, especially for those with limited time or less trekking experience. The Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu is also less physically demanding than longer treks, making it ideal for families, older travelers, or anyone looking for a lighter hiking option. One of the most rewarding aspects of the Lares Trek Peru is the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Unlike more commercialized routes, the Lares trek passes through villages where traditions are still deeply rooted. You'll share meals with locals, learn about ancient weaving techniques, and witness Andean hospitality firsthand. On the Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu, your journey may be shorter, but it's no less rich in beauty. The trail leads past original Inca ruins, lush landscapes, and unforgettable mountain views. You'll walk on ancient stone steps once traveled by Inca messengers, adding a spiritual layer to your journey. Whether you choose the Lares Trek Peru or the Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu, your experience is only as good as your guide. Inca Trail Classic prides itself on expert local guides, top-tier logistics, and a deep commitment to sustainability and community support. Their team ensures that every detail is taken care of — from permits and accommodations to food and safety — so you can focus on enjoying the trek and making memories. Their custom-designed itineraries allow you to travel at your own pace while still seeing all the highlights. Plus, all guides are trained in high-altitude safety and cultural interpretation, ensuring a well-rounded and secure journey. Trying to decide between the Lares Trek Peru and the Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu? Here's a quick breakdown: Choose the Lares Trek Peru if you: Want a culturally immersive quieter, off-the-beaten-path trails. Enjoy high-altitude trekking and camping. Choose the Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu if you: Are short on to experience part of the original Inca Trail. Prefer a mix of hiking and hotel accommodation. Many adventurers actually combine the Lares Trek Peru with the Short Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu, giving them the best of both worlds — rural Andean life and ancient Incan history, all in one trip. Whether you're walking through quiet mountain villages on the Lares Trek Peru or climbing ancient Inca steps toward Machu Picchu on the Short Inca Trail Tour, one thing is certain: this journey will stay with you forever. You'll witness breathtaking scenery, engage with local traditions, and stand in awe before one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites. And with Inca Trail Classic as your guide, you'll do it all with comfort, care, and cultural insight. Don't just visit Peru — experience it. Book your Lares Trek or Short Inca Trail adventure with Inca Trail Classic today and walk in the footsteps of history. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Epoch Times
Photographer Captures the Elusive and Dazzling ‘Cock-of-the-Rock' in South American Cloud Forests
At a mountain wildlife refuge, travelling photographers aim their long lenses amid the muggy, cloud-strewn forests of Ecuador in search of a bright-orange bird performing a spectacular ritual. It's early morning, and Claudia Brasileiro, 48, has arrived from Brasilia, Brazil, where she works at a bank by day, to the Refugio Paz de Las Aves in the Andes to photograph the male Andean cock-of-the-rock during mating season.
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Time Business News
Trip Planner by Peru Green Travel
A careful consideration has to be put in place when planning your trip to Peru in 2025. Reserve tickets and hotels 3- 6 months before arrival, especially Machu Picchu and Cusco. It is always good to have the local currency (Peruvian Sol), have downloaded offline maps and have a translation app. Take note of Peru travel tips so as to make the experience an enjoyable one. Dry season (May to October) is also the best season to trek and sightsee, and the skies are clearer and nights cooler. These are the most popular months – July/August – so book in advance to be before the crowds. Wet season (November to April) Wet season is warmer and greener and best suited in coastal cities and Amazon rainforest. There will be expectations of as much as 35 oC (95 oF) in certain areas. Hopefully your Inca Trail will not be closed during February, because the Inca Trail is used as an easy hiking path. U.S and Canadian citizens do not require a visa when staying up to 183 days, but you must have a passport, which is valid 6 months after your exit. Visa requirements, under your nationality, should always be verified. Take your itinerary and airline ticket back copies. If you're planning a trip to Peru and concerned about finding the right trekking partner, worry no more. Peru Green Travel is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a detailed entry guide and expert trekking support tailored to your adventure. There should be travel insurance. Seek policies which stipulate the provisions of emergency evacuation, medical emergencies and adventure sports. It should have emergency evacuation in the event you intend to hike in inaccessible places such as the Andes. Coverage is highly advisable especially when visiting places such as Inca Trail and Amazon jungle tours. Choose from diverse Peru transportation options: Peru is more expensive when it comes to accommodations because Peru offers five star hotel and jungle lodges as well as cheap hotels and homestays. Lima, Cusco as well as Arequipa are big cities that show various possibilities. Splurge on upscale hotels such as Belmond Hotel Monasterio, JW Marriott El Convento and Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. Be prepared to receive the best service, old world ambience and culinary masterpiece. The cheaper accommodation option available by hostels, such as Pariwana Hostel (Cusco) and Kokopelli (Lima), is also available, which has both a dorm or a private accommodation. The rates are between 10 and 40 dollars/night. Reviews regarding safety and cleanliness should be read always. Lake Titicaca, sacred valley and Andean villages as homestays offer a cultural experience. Homestay with families in the Sacred Valley or in the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Take part in local customs and taste home-made Peruvian food. Peru top destinations are: Lima : food and culture of colonial times : food and culture of colonial times Cusco : Cusco is the heart where the Inca empire and the way to Machu Picchu meet. : Cusco is the heart where the Inca empire and the way to Machu Picchu meet. Machu Picchu : World Heritage Site UNESCO : World Heritage Site UNESCO Sacred valley: archaeological and cultural center archaeological and cultural center Lake Titicaca: tallest navigable lake tallest navigable lake Amazon Rainforest: Hotspot of Biodiversity Hotspot of Biodiversity Colca Canyon, Nazca Lines, Arequipa adventure and history Admission is throughout the year. Plan around a long time before to book during high season (JuneAugust). The entry is limited and restricted in terms of time with a daily visitors limit of 4,600-5,650. Some of the circuits need guides. To avoid the crowd, be in early. The entry is time-controlled and there are a restricted number of visitors who may enter everyday so make a reservation. There are some routes that would need a guide to follow. Purchase them via official web-site or an authorized agency. To avoid the crowd, be in early. The entry is time-controlled and there are a restricted number of visitors who may enter everyday so make a reservation. There are some routes that would need a guide to follow. There are 4 circuits. Come with your passport, hardcopy tickets and be punctual. Machu Picchu is constructed at 2,430m above the ground with lands displaying the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana and the Sun Gate. To avoid the crowd, be there early. There is a time of entry and only a few tourists are taken into the park daily and thus book early. There are routes which require a guide. It is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World too, and is visited by more than 2 million people every year. The capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is currently the primary tourist destination of those who want to go to Machu Picchu. Visit Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha and San Pedro Market. Adapt to lower heights then climb to higher grounds. Cusco combines the contemporary life and wealth of Incas. The limit of the permits is 500 per day. Reserve in advance, months before, the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or Lares Trek. They go at prices of $250-1500. Carry altitude medication, layers and trekking poles. Train on cardio equipment. Tour companies offer food, porters and guides. Begin in Lima. It also happens to be the gastronomic center of the country as it has some of the most renowned restaurants in the world: such as Central and Maido. Visit Miraflores, Barranco, Historic Center. Have fun on food tours or take sections with chefs, such as Gaston Acurio. Go to the Larco Museum and make fresh seafood. Inca Trail Salkantay Trek Lares Trek Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Laguna 69 (Huaraz) Colca Canyon All hikes require acclimatization and physical preparation. Capture epic views at: Machu Picchu (from Huayna Picchu) Rainbow Mountain Salineras de Maras (salt flats) (salt flats) Lake Humantay Cusco's Plaza de Armas Huacachina sand dunes Use wide-angle lenses and shoot during golden hours for the best results. Golden hours include (early morning or late afternoon) Top dishes include: Ceviche: Onions in fresh fish, aj Onions in fresh fish, aj Lomo Saltado: beef rice and fries stir-fried. beef rice and fries stir-fried. Causa: Sliced avocado and yellow potato Sliced avocado and yellow potato Alpaca steak Aj followed by drinks such as Pisco Sour or chicha morada Try food tours or cooking classes to get a personal experience. Peru cultural etiquette includes: Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss (women) Ask before photos Tipping: 5–10% (appreciated in restaurants and for guides ) Dress modestly in rural areas Inti Raymi (June 24, Cusco) (June 24, Cusco) La Fiesta de la Candelaria (February, Puno) (February, Puno) Señor de los Milagros (October, Lima) (October, Lima) Semana Santa, Qoyllur Rit'i, Fiestas Patrias Attend for vibrant parades and cultural insight. (March/April) Spanish is official; Quechua and Aymara are regional. Learn basic terms: Hola = Hello Gracias = Thank you ¿Dónde está el baño? = Where 's the bathroom? ¿Cuánto cuesta? = How much? Promote sustainable tourism: Support local artisans and fair trade Avoid single-use plastics Follow rules at historical sites Respect indigenous traditions To remain conscious when in places filled with people. Do not go on dark alleys at night. Store your belongings in the hotel safes and travel with verified transportation such as Uber. Keep track of the local news. Ordinary above 2,500m. To prevent symptoms, it is recommended to ascend gradually, use coca tea, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid alcohol consumption as well as the missed usage of acetazolamide Emergency Hotline : 105 : 105 Ambulance : 106 : 106 Fire : 116 : 116 Tourist Police : 911 : 911 Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza (Lima) : 01-123-4567 : 01-123-4567 Clínica Internacional Cusco: 084-234-5678 Save numbers in your phone and locate hospitals near your stay. Save numbers in your phone. Most urban hospitals have English-speaking staff. Hostels: $15+/night Hotels: $50–150+ Local food: $3–10/meal Activities: $10–70+ (Machu Picchu ~$70) Local buses: ~$1, taxis: $5–20 Hostel: $10–20 Meals: $3–10 Transport: $2–15 Entry fees: $5–20 Add extra for souvenirs and tips. Use ATMs with low fees. Eat at local markets (Menu del Día) Use public transport Book tours in-country Avoid airport exchange rates Join free walking tours in major cities Visiting Peru is not only about sightseeing, it is also about connection, discovery and change. Hiking Inca trails up to the sky, tasting ceviche in Lima, or sailing on Lake Titicaca, Peru promises to extinguish its unforgettable impression. Never doubt the plan, or be rude, but enjoy the process. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
