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BY  Sibashree May 23, 2023

No, Machu Picchu is not closing in 2026. However, the Inca Trail leading to the Machu Picchu citadel was closed from the 31st January to 1st March 2026.  The Machu Picchu Archaeological Park Management confirmed that the scheduled maintenance is due to conservation and maintenance work.  It’s great to know that the Park Management is doing the maintenance and conservation work in compliance with regulations of the “Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network.”  However, overtourism remains a concern, and that has impacted Machu Picchu’s credibility as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, big time!  Social conflicts and limited conservation initiatives have been the other two reasons that have affected Machu Picchu’s position as a Wonder of the World.  The New7Wonders project organized the event of announcing the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2027.  The same organization shared a Facebook post on 15th September 2025, and the post said,  “The designation implies a shared commitment to the conservation and responsible management of the site, as well as the implementation of international preservation and management standards.”  So, the onus is on the important decision makers of the country to maintain or ruin its reputation as the wonder of the world.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about why there is so much buzz about “Is Machu Pichu is closing?” I will also give you an idea about why Machu Picchu is struggling to maintain its status.  Why Is Machu Picchu Closing? The Official Statement Of Machu Picchu On The Temporary Closure  The official statement from the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park mentioned that the temporary closure of Machu Picchu from the 31st January to 1st March happened because of the maintenance of the walls.  Furthermore, other activities included in the conservation work were: Vegetation Clearance Repairing the Stone Paving Maintenance of the Retaining Walls Maintenance of Ramps, Bridges, and Railings.  Also, maintenance and repair work will go on in the drainage system, floor treatments, and campsite areas.  Cesar Medina, the Chief of Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, also said in an interview with Andina, “In some sections, we will also carry out rock scaling to prevent possible rockfalls.” The National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP) will use geomesh or stabilize the slopes to prevent rockfall and landslides, especially in the monsoon season.  Why Is The World Wonder Status At Stake For Machu Picchu?  While New7Wonders shared its concern and demanded an active endeavor and strategic transformation from the decision makers, the ministers, and authorities said that there has been no change in the status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  However, as of 2026, Machu Picchu is facing massive challenges with tourism bottlenecks. The locals have blocked the railway lines, and they demand changes in the monopoly of function by the bus operator, Consettur.  Furthermore, the protests in late 2025 showed how the evacuation of 1,400 tourists happened.  Despite the attempts of Peru’s Ministry of Commerce and Tourism and tourism associations, and occasional withdrawal of protests, disruptions still continue.  In fact, as recently as 28th January 2026, Lima, Peru, saw Gen Z protestors demanding the closure of many tourist attractions, including the Government Palace, Plaza de Armas, and the historic center.  All the unrest now reminds us of the political upheaval where more than 60 protestors died.  Now, these protests look like recent developments. However, it is a cumulative outburst of years of overtourism, irregular practices of ticket selling, and complacency about the preservation of the heritage site.  Things To Remember Before Visiting Machu Picchu  So, is Machu Picchu closing? No. Do we need to be more careful when going to Machu Picchu now? Yes.  So, here are a few things to remember before visiting Machu Picchu: 1. Select The Best Train Option When you are heading towards Aguas Calientes, you can choose from three trains – Vistadome, Expedition, and the Belmond  Hiram Bingham train. The Expedition train is a standard type of train that features large windows. The Vistadome train is a more refined version, and it has large panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the scenic landscapes. The Bingham train is the most luxurious and has facilities like brunch and lunch. They also have an open-air roof in their wagon. 2. Use Restrooms Before You Enter One thing to know before visiting Machu Picchu is that there are actually no restrooms inside.  This is why you should use the restrooms before entering the premises of Machu Picchu.  After you have passed the entrance of the premises, you can no longer leave the premises and then re-enter. 3. There’s A Fixed Route When on the guided route of the ruins of Machu Picchu, you will, by default, have to follow a fixed route.  Which means that you can only walk in a single direction.  It is certainly not possible to go back and visit one of the previously-visited spots.  This regulation was actually introduced to bring more order to the Machu Picchu tours. 4. Remember To Carry The Correct Equipment If you visit Machu Picchu, you need to make sure that you consider your backpack. It should be of regular size.  You have to adhere to certain parameters of a backpack to get entrance to the premises of Machu Picchu. Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu Here is a list of some of the exciting facts about Machu Picchu: 1. It Is One Of The Best Conserved Inca Cities  Most of the cities built by the Inca civilization were also destroyed during the Spanish conquest.  Machu Picchu is one such attraction that was in a hidden location.  The Spanish explorers did not find it at that time. This makes it one of the best conserved Inca cities and a true archaeological gem. 2. It Was Originally An Astronomical Observatory Machu Picchu was originally an astronomical observatory.  It has a sacred Intihuatana stone known to indicate the two equinoxes accurately.  Twice a year, the Sun hits the rock directly and casts no shadow. 3. Hiram Bingham Discovered The Site In 1911 Machu Picchu was only known in a local manner until the professor of Yale, Hiram Bingham, again discovered the site in the year 1911.  His book “The Lost City Of Incas” was actually based on his findings. 4. A UNESCO World Heritage Site  Situated more than 7000 ft. above sea level in the Andes.  It also symbolizes the Incan Empire, which goes back to 1450 AD.  The site was actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.  It was also named one of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. Read Also: Annapurna Base Camp Vs. Ghorepani Poon Hill: Should You Go All The Way? 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BY  Sibashree Dec 10, 2025

Seeing elephants in the wild? Wow. Just wow. They’re huge, slow, and somehow look like they know everything. I mean, you watch them, and it’s like, “Yep, this is Africa walking by.” That is, these giant elephants literally showcase the continent’s untamed spirit. If you’re thinking about a safari, you’re probably asking, “Right, but where do I actually go?” There are loads of places.  Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa is one of them. Big herds, easy to spot, and honestly… it feels kind of magical. Watching a whole family cross a dusty plain, or spotting a tiny calf sticking close to its mom… that kind of thing stays with you.  But yeah, luck helps, and knowing a bit about when and where elephants move helps a lot. So, if you are also curious about where to see African elephants in the wild, I have got the perfect guide.  In this blog, I will be highlighting all the famous places where you can find them and experience a journey amidst the wildest nature. So, keep reading to know more! Where To See African Elephants In The Wild? Even though there are countless zoos and sanctuaries to explore, not everywhere can you find an African elephant. That’s why you need to visit the specific regions where these majestic tuskers truly show themselves. So, here’s where to see African elephants in the wild.  1. Botswana: The Mega-Herd Sanctuary If you want numbers that will make your jaw drop, Botswana’s got it. They have the biggest elephant population in the world, and it’s over 130,000. I know, crazy. So, no matter which sanctuary you visit, you will definitely find some friendly elephants walking by. 2. Chobe National Park Chobe is kind of legendary. Especially the riverfront. In the dry season from May to October, elephants just pile in by the thousands. They drink, splash, hang out, just being elephants. Take a boat, get close, watch them play. Honestly, your brain will keep going, “Wait! Is this even real?” Now, the best viewing time is during the summer months of April to October. That’s when you get to see them flooding the riverside in herds.  But during the rainy weather, they migrate and come back again during the dry season of winter.  3. Okavango Delta The Delta is different. Slower, more spread out. Elephants wander through reeds, walk in shallow water.  Sometimes they even swim across little channels. It’s so calm, almost hypnotic. You can just watch for hours, and yeah, it’s peaceful. Unlike the other places, this area is the transition route for the migratory elephants. That is, during the monsoons, they pass through this region for food and water. But the area often faces conflicts between the herds and the local communities. For instance, the herds at times raid the crop fields. Causing havoc and outrage among the local communities. 4. South Africa: Accessible And Diverse Viewing South Africa is great if you want elephants without trekking into the middle of nowhere. The parks are easy to get to, and you can usually spot them without much stress. 5. Addo Elephant National Park Addo, in the Eastern Cape, is perfect. Big herds chill around cars, and their darker color makes them stand out. Plus, you can mix safari with a beach day. It’s like, “Why not, right?” Two awesome things at once. Additionally, it features one of the densest populations of African elephants. So, when you visit the park, you can enjoy the unique elephant viewing along with the biodiversity of the area. But these elephants are characterized by shorter stature and thicker tusks. Making them stand on their hind legs to grab food from taller branches. Another interesting fact about this park is that the herds are led by a matriarch in the group. That is, the female members of the herd lead others to food and shelter. 6. Tanzania: An Elephant Hub Sure, everyone talks about the Great Migration, but Tanzania’s elephants are incredible too. Mainly after the massive poaching crisis, it is finally reviving its herds of elephants to balance the biodiversity. 7. Tarangire National Park Tarangire doesn’t get enough attention. In the dry season, elephants gather around the Tarangire River. And the baobab trees? Massive. Like, movie-set huge. Watching elephants wander under them… wow. Just wow. Moreover, the African elephants choose diverse locations for their habitats such as swamps, savannahs, baobab forests, and even the rocky hills. Since they play a massive role in shaping the park’s ecosystem, they are protected under strict poaching laws. So, the population of the elephants can recover from its below-average levels. 8. Zambia: Walking Among Giants If you want up-close-and-personal, emotional stuff, South Luangwa in Zambia is it. Walking safaris started here. They’re still amazing. Moreover, the concentration is finally starting to grow after the major poaching crisis. Also, the laws are aiming to curb poaching and restore the elephant population in the area. This way, they can maintain the natural connection of the local communities with the elephants. So, the initiatives have started to conserve the giant beings from being eliminated. 9. South Luangwa National Park Guides take you out on foot. Yeah, walking. You’re safe, don’t worry. But when an elephant passes nearby, you feel the ground move. It’s humbling. Slow, personal, and totally sticks with you. Moreover, nearly three-fourths of the entire population of elephants in Zambia resides in South Luangwa. So, when you visit this national park, you will get to see some of the most iconic and brilliant ones. Especially near the riverside, you can spot the elephants crossing in herds. So, this is the only time to view them so closely and vividly without needing your travel binoculars. Visiting African Elephants To Enjoy The Journey Botswana’s endless plains, Addo’s herds, Zambia’s walking safaris… it all matters. Visiting these places helps keep elephants safe.  But honestly, these are the places where you can see the African elephants in the wild. And that’s a memory you keep forever. Future generations deserve that too! Don’t you think?

BY  Abdul Aziz May 1, 2024

Many of the countries in South America are popular for their exquisite and varied cuisine. However, the practices of Paraguay food are not known to many. The Paraguayan Cuisine has been influenced by the local indigenous tribe’s culinary traditions and practices brought by immigrants from Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Being a foodie myself, I love traveling around the world to have a taste of every new variety of food that the world has to offer. Visiting remote areas, meeting with new people, and trying out their traditional dishes is what I have always loved! I was also in your shoes when I first landed in Paraguay, a bit startled and confused. Although, as I began to explore, my first meal at a fancy restaurant in Asuncion changed my entire perception of the state.  Tid-Bits About Paraguay Food Classic Paraguay food includes some of the most exclusive dishes that are bound to beat any of the Peruvian or Argentine preparations. Traditional culinary elements in Paraguay food recipes consist of meat, maize, vegetables, manioc, cheese, fish, milk, and even fruits.  ‘Asado’ is a local term used for barbecue, which is referred to as both a cooking practice and a social event. In Paraguay, barbecuing is the most important mode of cooking their traditional Paraguayan food dishes.  Here in this article, I will elucidate the best dishes and popular foods in Paraguay that you must try in Paraguay this year. The Paraguay famous foods excite your taste buds and have an experience like never before.  1. Kivevé You will be stuck in a dilemma whether to count this as a main course or a dessert. Kieve is the most popular and loved Paraguay food. It is a vegetarian dish that is cooked out of andai (a type of juicy pumpkin), cornmeal, Paraguayan cheese, milk, and sugar. Kieve is a typical food in Paraguay. It has a very creamy and light texture and is orangish in color. This rich-flavored delicacy is served lukewarm and is often consumed as a side dish or even main meal, at breakfasts, and as an evening snack. 2. Chipa Considered a staple Paraguay food, Chipa is a simple bread roll that was invented by the local indigenous people in the 18th century. It is a bun that is made out of manioc or cassava flour, lard, and anise, and beaten eggs and cheese. There are different versions of Chipa available, varying over the regional influences. The bread has a very crunchy crust due to the addition of lard. The crumb is soft and has a unique flavor. It is prepared and consumed by every household in the state.  3. Bori Bori Bori-Bori (Vori-Vori) is a nutritious and flavorful thick soup that is prepared out of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions. It is filled with meat (chicken or beef) and dumplings of cornmeal plus cheese. The prime flavoring ingredients in this soup are bay leaves, cloves, and parsley. The addition of saffron to this hearty broth makes it even more flavorful and rich golden in color. It must be served piping hot, garnished with some parsley and Paraguayan cheese on the side. It is especially popular during the winters.  4. Sopa Paraguaya This specialty is not what it sounds like. Even though SOPA translates to soup in the local language, it is not at all in the vicinity of any soupy preparations. It is the national dish of Paraguay, which resembles a cakey thick bread.  It is crafted out of cornflour, cheese, milk, and eggs. The flavor is inculcated through the use of onions and pork fat. It is usually baked and is often termed solid soup. It has a soft and crumbly texture and is served on special occasions as a side dish.  5. Mbeju Mbeju, when translated to the local Guarani language, means cake. It is a very simple and staple Paraguay food. It is a kind of starchy pancake that is prepared with cassava flour, salt, oil, milk, eggs, crumbled cheese, and even pork fat. The dough is kneaded well and rolled out thickly like a pancake. It is then fried in hot oil. It is usually consumed during breakfast, sometimes dinner, alongside a bitter herbal tea or coffee.  6. Soyo This is another popular Paraguay food, which is a thick unpassed soup. It is made with beef grounded in a mortar, rice, and vegetables, including green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Soyo is another good example of Paraguay’s famous food.  The dish is flavored with garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The name is derived from the native Guarani phrase so’o josopy, meaning crushed meat. A whole bowl of soyo can be considered as a complete meal and has a high calorific value. 7. Tereré Since the climate in Paraguay tends to grow hotter every summer, Terere acts as a relief to many. It is a cold-brewed herbal tea that is bitter in taste and is commonly known as yerba mate.  Terere is one of the essential elements of export, and the natives can be seen carrying around a thermos flask, guampa (a spherical mug), and bombilla (a silver straw) everywhere they go. It is a very healthy and refreshing drink and has high caffeine content. 8. Dulce de Mamon Here comes our most awaited syrupy sweet dessert in the list of top Paraguay food you must try! Dulce de Mamon is one of the oldest and most traditional preparations of Paraguay, which has only two major ingredients. It is cooked by boiling small cut wedges of papaya in sugar syrup. The mixture is simmered for almost 2 hours in order for the papaya to achieve a soft texture. You can even add some cloves, lemon zest, and a little orange juice to enhance the flavors.  9. Pira Caldo Another most favored Paraguay food includes Pira Caldo. It is basically a light fish stew made with freshwater catches such as surubi, mandi’y, and tare’y. I have never in my life tasted such meaty textured fishes with a tinge of saltiness in them. Initially, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, leeks, celery, bell peppers, and carrots are fried in pork or beef fat and are cooked with other spices. It is then combined with milk and soft white cheese to improve the thickness and flavor. 10. Bife Koygua Bife Koygua, or hidden steak as it is known, is another popular Paraguay food that is a must-try.  It is a heavy preparation in which the beef steaks are covered with onions and tomatoes. Hence the name. According to the local language, bife means beef, and koygua means shy or hidden. The recipe calls for the steak to be pounded first with spices, then fried with onions and topped with tomatoes. Towards the end, an egg or two is added at the top, and the dish is garnished with parsley. Puchero Paraguayo Recipe The Paraguayan version of a traditional meat stew is called Puchero paraguayo. This stew has its origins in Spain and is now prepared in several countries throughout South America and the Philippines. The name of the stew, Puchero, comes from the Spanish word meaning "stewpot". Course: Main Course Cuisine: Latin American, Paraguayan Servings: 4 people Author: Nita Ragoonanan Ingredients 1½ lb beef (skirt or flank steak, cut into pieces) 3 cloves garlic, cut in half 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 carrots 10 oz. pumpkin, cubed 2 potatoes, cubed ½ cup rice 6 tablespoons olive oil Salt Pepper Equipment Pressure cooker Instructions To start, get a large pot and fill it with 10 cups (2.5L) of water. Add in some onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Set it aside. Next, heat some olive oil in a pressure cooker and add in some garlic and meat. Saute over high heat while stirring constantly until the meat is browned. Pour in the reserved broth and vegetables and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 45 minutes on medium-low heat. While waiting, rinse the rice. After 45 minutes, open the pressure cooker and add in the rice, potatoes, and pumpkin. Close the pressure cooker again and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs): Q1. What Is The Traditional Dessert In Paraguay? Ans: Mazamorra also known as Kaguyjy is one of the most popular traditional deserts in Paraguay. it is made of corn and sugar, mixed with honey or milk. Ka'i Ladrillo is a candy made of peanuts and molasses. Q2. What Is Paraguay's National Dish? Ans: Sopa Paraguaya is the national dish of Paraguay. it is similar to cornbread and made up of corn flour, pig fat, or butter, with cheese and milk. it is very spongy and is rich in calories and protein. Q3. What Is The National Drink Of Paraguay? Ans: Yerba mate tea is prepared with cold water. different variations of terre can be found in Brazil and Argentina. Its birthplace is Paraguay. Final Thoughts These are some of the most exotic preparations from Paraguay that made their way into my Top 10 list. Thanks to those Guarani friends that I had over there who guided me through to the best of their culinary traditions. And if you are hesitating about visiting this place, trust me, the experience is worthwhile. It is not only about their food but also their culture, traditions, and heritage. This beautiful country deserves all the appreciation in the world.