Dear Explorer,

Join us for a monthly intense virtual discovery of Peru. Metropolitan Touring's July-August SPOTLIGHT highlights the Amazon as the world's longest river, Peru´s Independence and the "Lord of Sipan" movie.

News Update First anniversary of Machu Picchu as one of World’s new 7 wonders Exactly one year ago, Peruvians and fans around the world joyfully celebrated the declaration of Machu Picchu, a Peruvian cultural icon, as a New World Wonder. This past year, interest in this Historic Sanctuary and Archeological site has grown all around the globe and even though there have been speculations that large crowds can be a threat to the site, UNESCO has cleared the picture by not including Machu Picchu on its list of World Heritages at Risk. [+] Peruvian Independence Day July 28th, 2008 commemorates the independence of Peru from Spanish ruling, accomplished by General José de San Martín who, 187 years ago, established a new nation: The Republic of Peru. The dawn of Peru’s Independence Day is traditionally greeted with the shooting of 21 cannons, as a prelude to the ceremony of raising the flag. [+] The Amazon River is longer than the Nile The Amazon River has traditionally been considered the second longest in the world, after the Nile; yet, until today, a general consensus on what the acceptable measurement points should be has never existed. According to recent research done by specialists at the National Institute of Space Research (INPE - Brazil), the Amazon River has 4,344.66 miles in length, while the Nile is 4,257.73 miles long. [+] The Lord of Sipan Movie National Geographic purchased the rights to broadcast the film "The Lord of Sipan," in South America, a motion picture by Spanish producer Jose Manuel Novoa, who wrote the screenplay along with Walter Alva, the famous Peruvian archaeologist who discovered the tomb in 1987 in northern Peru. The film will reveal, for the first time ever, research and new findings in the area where this Pre Inca governor, called the Tutankhamen of America, was buried 1,700 years ago. [+] Travel Tip: Pack Light Nowadays, traveling light is not just an option, but practically an obligation imposed by airlines on travelers worldwide. The benefits? First, supporting the environment and combating global warming as the smaller the load, the less fuel the plane uses and the less greenhouse gas it emits. Second, is comfort, as less baggage means fewer packages to handle both at airports and once you land. Third, save money by not paying for an extra suitcase and save it for an additional special tour at your destination point. [+] Previous news : Inti Raymi Festivity honors the Sun: The Main Inca God Machu Picchu Eco Reserve candidate for World Wonder of Nature Indiana Adventures in Peru San Pedro’s Market: Experience a unique side of Cusco In 2007, over 300 thousand tourists visited the museums in Lambayeque, Peru