Guide to Peru Attractions

Peru Attractions

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu would mean ˝Old Peak˝. Machu Picchu is one of the world´s most famous and most popular tourist attractions. It dates to the 15th century and it is attributed to the Inca tribe which lived high in the Cusco Region in Peru. The site is located at 2,430 m above sea level, some 80 km awa...

As one of the most important archeological sites in the world Machu Picchu was enlisted on a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 and since then a lot of effort was invested in its restoration and preservation.

I is believed that the construction of the site begun at the beginning of the 15th century for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. At the time of the Spanish conquest the site was abandoned by the Inca.

Machu Picchu consists of a complex of palaces, temples, plazas as well of the homes of ordinary people. Since the site is located so high in the mountains its location has a perfect setting for many occasions such as in case of war, ceremonies to contribute gods and high ranked society as well as for the use of a retreat.

Around the site there are numerous trails and sites that descend from the top in the forest in the Andes. It seems that there is a connection of the monuments and mountains with the astronomical events. This also speaks in favor of the universal purpose of the construction of Machu Picchu.

The magnificence of the site lies in the fact that at the time of the construction the Inca had no iron nor wheels, and yet they succeeded to build such a remarkable site.

The most important things within the site is the Funerary Rock Hut. I is believed that at this place the Incan noble people were mummified.

There is also the Royal Tomb which one can reach by going down stairs. It is in a form of a cave where one can see ceremonial niches and the Inca cross that represents the three levels of existence.

People at the site can enjoy in the views and stories about the Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, the Central Plaza, Intiwatana (post of the sun used for the predication of the solistice), and the Condor Temple.

And, of course, visitors will most probably see Alapaca (an animal very similar to a llama)

Even though today the majority of people are familiar with Machu Picchu, at least from photos and stories, the site somehow managed not to get familiar to the world outside of Peru or Latin America up until the 20th century when the American historian Hiram Bingham made it famous. According to the history resources his trip to the top using the Inca trails lasted six full days.

Today, numerous visitors can use the train to get up there while they can also follow the trails and experience the real climb.

Cathedral of Lima

Basilica Cathedral of Lima is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in the city centre, by the Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas). Its construction started right after the arrival of the conquistadors, in 1535. Since the beginning of the construction until present time the cathedral was several times reconstructed and transformed. The Cathedral of Lima is dedicated to St John. The large fron façade has three doorways of which the central Portada del Perdón is the largest. Two towers appear on each side of the cathedral. The towers are marked by the neoclassical style. Within the cathedral there are 14 side chapels. The inside of the church is decorated by paintings and sculptures describing the lives of the saints.

Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuamán is an archeological site or complex that is situated near the town of Cusco, Peru. It has been on a UNESCO World Heritage Sites List since 1983. This site is located on an altitude of 3,700 m above the sea level. The entire site occupies approximately 3,000 hectares of la...

This is a stone complex that was used for military purposes, It has large walls built of strong stone blocks. The longest wall has about 400 m and it is 6 m high, while it is estimated that the greatest rock has about 300 tonnes of weight. This impressive construction was built without the help of other construction materials, and therefore cement is not present. The technique and the skill of these ancient workers has to be mentioned and remembered. There were located towers and other buildings at the top of the site. Besides the large plaza which was the center of the everyday life and rituals there were also located storage rooms.

There are different theories about the construction of the Sacsayhuamán. The most accepted affirms that the massive stones were dragged with really strong ropes by hundreds of laborers. Since the stones were not fine cut immediately, the laborers would drag them to the place where the stone should go and then they would shape It into their final shape. After that the stones would be positioned in the designated planned place.

Some even mention that there existed some sort of ramps that enabled them to carry the stones from place to place.

Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor is a central city square of the Peru´s capital, Lima. As it is the case with every principal city square, it is surrounded by some of the oldest, most important, and most famous buildings in the city, and in the country, as well. Around the Plaza de Armas one can see the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop´s Palace of Lima, the Municipal palace and the Palace of the Union.

Four avenues surround the square and they are called: Jiron Jnin, Jiron de la Union, Jiron Huallaga, and the Jiron Carabaja. The plaza was planned and built in 1535, Later on, many buildings rose and beautiful fountains were added. The first fountain in the square was built by Francisco de Toledo, who was a viceroy. This first fountain stands even today as the center of the square. By now, it is almost 4 centuries old. As it was in the past, it is also today, the plaza was and remained the centre of the city where many events are organized and held.

Larco Herrera Private Museum - Peruvian Ancient Treasures

The Rafael Larco Herrera Museum is considered one of the top archaeological Museums in Lima and in South America. It was founded in 1926 in the north of Lima near Hacienda Chiclin where the Larco family is originated from but in the 50's the Larco family moved to Lima so that their fantastic collection can be admired by local and foreign visitors. With a display of more than 45,000 piece in the museum, the room which is considered the best and the most spectacular one is the Store room which keeps different pottery from the Mochica, Chimu and Cupisnique civilizations as well as gold and silver objects from the Pre-Hispanic Era.

Lima Historic Downtown District

The historic center of Lima was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for the great concentration of different colonial and replublican-time buildings such as palaces, churches, monasteries, convents most of which show the strong Moorish influence Lima received during the foundation ...

Lima is also know as the CITY OF THE KINGS and invites you to discover all its attractions and culture.

Park of the Legends

Parque de las Leyendas was founded as a first zoo in Peru. It was founded by Felipe Benavides in 1964. This is not only a zoo but also, inside the complex one can enjoy a relaxing walk in the botanical garden. Peru is a land of great plant and animal diversity so the large part of the animals and plants are of the Peru origin. International Zone or Zona Internacional is a one of four parts of the Park where one can enjoy watching many animals from all around the world. There are several museums within the park as well as some monuments. This is really a beautiful park well worth visiting.

Cerro Azul

Cerro Azul is a fishing village and a former trade port. It is located about 130 km from Lima. It is most visited by the tourists during the summer because of the beautiful beaches. Besides swimming, people can enjoy surfing because the sea is adequate for this activity as well as for other water...

Pachacamac

Pachacamac is considered the most important archaeological sanctuary along the Peruvian coast. It was used as a ceremonial and pilgrimage center from 200 a.C up to the arrival of the Incas in the area. Most of the palaces as well as flat-topped pyramids were constructed of adobe bricks

HUCHUY QOSQO

Huchuy Qosqo complex lies perched over the Sacred Valley of the Incas and after Pisac and Ollantaytambo, It is the largest Inca archaeological centre of the Valley.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek & Sacred Valley 2 Days

This trek is ideal for those passengers who really want ...

Huchuy Qosqo complex lies perched over the Sacred Valley of the Incas and after Pisac and Ollantaytambo, It is the largest Inca archaeological centre of the Valley.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek & Sacred Valley 2 Days

This trek is ideal for those passengers who really want to be far in the middle of nowhere with only nature surrounding them as they camp in an area that is scarcely seen by tourists. Huchuy Qosqo (small Cusco) is situated above the Valley of Urubamba and offers very spectacular views over the mountain range Cordillera de Vilcanota. You will have one night camping in the wilderness.

Huchuy Qosqo and Sacred Valley 2 Days Itinerary:

Altitude: 3650 - 4300 m. / 11975 - 14107 f.
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Distance: 14 km
Level of difficulty: Normal (easy)

1st Day: Chinchero (Valley of Cuper) – Pucamarca – Huchuy Qosqo
We begin our journey by departing Cusco, by car, in the direction of the Inca Site known as CChincherohinchero (3760 meters). From here, we will begin trekking up the road as it curves sharply up-hill to reach a pass of near 4200 meters. We will continue to follow the trail down into the valley and towards the small community at the bottom. As we descend along the trail, you will see a beautifully green valley stretching out as far as the eye can see. Passing through the village, the trail takes us up over the second pass (4300 meters) and into high open country. On the way, we will pass by the beautiful Lake Qoricocha (Golden Lake in Quechua). We’ll continue along this rustic trail, with its stellar views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Finally, we’ll descend towards the Huchuy Qoso (3650 meters), where we’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Here, we’ll set up camp and enjoy our supper underneath the great starry sky.

Hiking time: 6 hours
Lunch and dinner included.

2nd Day: Huchuy Qosqo - Lamay – Maras Moray – Salt Mine Maras
Huchuy Qosqo is perched above the Urubamba Valley, overlooking the little town of Lamay, which is a town dedicated to agriculture and raising cattle. Huchuy Qosqo was originally an administrative center, where the Incas buildings had made of stone and adobe which has a great example of Inca style perfectly fitting stones. Continuing along this magnificent path, with Pitusiray looming above us, we will eventually pass an Inca stone and adobe gateway. This was the entrance to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo for people who climbed up from the Urubamba Valley.
Our private transport will pick us up from Lamay drove to Maras Moray, Salt mine and Chinchero where we will visit the Inca’s sites and also the colonial town. We’ll be back in Cusco at around 6pm.
Breakfast and lunch included.

Huchuy Qosqo and Sacred Valley 2 Days (Private)

Includes:

Transfer in private transport from your hotel to Chinchero (starting point of the trek)
Private transport from Lamay to Maras Moray, Salt Mine and Cusco
Personal tents: 2 people
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
Meals
Cook and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
Porters or horses (Carrying the tents, food and cooking equipment)
Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Entrance to Maras Moray, Salt Mine and Chinchero
Not included:

Breakfast at the first and dinner at the last day
Sleeping bag

Top Peru Tours

$400 Per Day

The Classic Inca Trail – 4 days

Wonderful experience hike short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Get acquainted with the wonders of the Incas in this exhilarating introduction to Peru. Embrace cultures past and present in the hills surrounding Cusco and delight in the amazing views of the Sacred Valley as you travel by rail to Machu Picchu. Taking the train will allow you lots of time to explore ruins and markets. Spectacular view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (Sun Gate); from here descending into the world famous Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day by Day Itinerary

Type Service: Group Tour
Itinerary: Fixed
Destinations: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Activities: Trekking and Walking,Cultural and History,Multi-Activity,Family,Culinary

Day 1 – Transportation to Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Pick up from the Hotel at 6:00am and drive to Km 82 the head of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184 ft) to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba, our first camping.
Meals Included: Box-lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 12 km (7, 47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3000m (9840 ft)

Day 2 – Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo

Breakfast; we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km along this climb. The first pass Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s 4200m/13776 ft) we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. Walking down and cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear. We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. We descend into the Pacaymayo (3600m/11808 ft), where we camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4200m (13776 ft)

Day 3 – Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna

Breakfast; we ascend again past the Inca site of Runkuracay (3970m/13022 ft). As we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. Then we descend towards Yanacocha and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca. This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb to the third pass Phuyupatamarca, continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñay wayna (2650m/8692 ft) where we spend our last camping.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 16 km (9, 94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3900m (12792 ft)

Day 4 – Wiñay wayna – Visit Machu Picchu – Back to Cusco

Breakfast; we wake up at 4:00am an hour later and climb to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) from this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7872 ft). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks.

Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you’ll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.
Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activity by yourself (not included in the price):

1. Climb Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon train departure to Cusco; upon arrival to Cusco reception and transfer to the Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast
Total distance: 4 km (2, 49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2700m (8829 ft)

Depart Cusco

Our representative will assist you and transfer to the airport and say goodbye.

$300 Per Day

FAST INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCCHU 3 DAYS

Fast Inca trail 3 days 2 nights

Day by Day Itinerary

Type Service: Privately Guided
Itinerary: Fixed
Destinations: Inca Trail, Machu picchu
Activities: Trekking and Walking,Cultural and History

Day 1 – Cusco to Llulluchapampa

Fast Inca trail 3 days 2 nights

Day by Day Itinerary

Type Service: Privately Guided
Itinerary: Fixed
Destinations: Inca Trail, Machu picchu
Activities: Trekking and Walking,Cultural and History

Day 1 – Cusco to Llulluchapampa

Pick up from the Hotel at 6:00am and drive to Km 82 the head of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184 ft) to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba. Continuing through the trail, we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, we only climb half way up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we camp and spend the night.
Meals Included: Box-lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 17 km (10, 56 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8-9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3850 m (12628 ft)

Day 2 – Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means “town over the clouds”. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We set our camp in Phuyupatamarca and spend the night there.
Meals Included: Box-lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 15 km (9, 32 miles)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4200m (13776 ft)

Day 3 – Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu / Back to Cusco

Breakfast; we wake up at 4:00am and start our way through the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft) Wiñaywayna is the biggest archaeological site in the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu and consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, offering spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we leave Wiñaywayna to climb to Intipunku (Sun Gate). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon take bus to Aguas Calientes town where we take the train back to Poroy Train Station and transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3600m (11808 ft)

$100 Per Day

Inca Jungle Machu picchu

Inca Jungle is one of the best adventure alternative trek in comparation to the classic Inca Trail, that captures the majestic energy of Machu Picchu through ancient paths designed by the incas and that will make you feel full adrenaline. This tour lasts 4 days and includes adventure sports like biking, rafting, zip line and trekking. During our journey you will have the chance to see recently discovered Inca paths, archaeological complex, amazing mountains that range from the Abra Malaga to the green valley near the Urubamba river that belongs to the basin jungle of Cusco.

INCA JUNGLE DETAILS
Below you will find details of the most famous adventure tour in Cusco: The Inca Jungle. This itinerary describes the activities day by day as well as what is included. The tour won’t face too much crowd as the classic inca trail.
DAY 1: CUSCO – PISPITAYOC (BIKING AND RAFTING)

The program of Inca Jungle tour starts when we pick you up at your hotel from 6:30 to 7.00 am. then we head towards the sacred valley of the Incas, along the way we will see picturesque villages and beautiful landscapes, arriving at Ollantaytambo, after a break we will continue with the trip by bus. After 1hr. aprox. we will arrive at the Abra Malaga around 11 am. (4350 mt.), point of departure with the bikes, we will descend for 3 hrs., passing through small villages, orchards, rivers and streams, reaching the town Huamanmarca around 1:30 pm. Aprox. Then our private bus will take the group for 30 min. to the town of Santa Maria, where we will have lunch. After a short break, we will begin a new adventure, the rafting trip will lasts around 2 hrs., encountering rapids class III and IV, always accompanied by a professional safety kayak that will take care of the group all the time. Travelers that didn’t book the rafting tour will go with an assistant guide in our private bus for 20 min. to the next town of Santa Rosa, from this point we will walk for 45 min. aprox. until reaching the eco lodge called “La Choza”. Then they will have free time to explore by their own. At the end of the rafting adventure, the bus will be waiting for this group to take it to the town of Santa Rosa and they will walk for 45 min. aprox. until arriving at the ecological lodge La Choza, located in the village of Pispitayoc to spend the first night surrounded by vegetation and beautiful landscapes.
Includes: lunch – dinner
Rafting Inca Jungle
DAY 2: PISPITAYOC – SANTA TERESA (HIKING)
We got up around 6:00 a.m. to enjoy a typical breakfast in the middle of nature, then we start the walking along the banks of the river and start climbing for 30 min. aprox. part of this trek will go through the original inca trail. On our way we will see small coffee plantations, fruit trees, among others. The area is surrounded by many types of birds and orchids; this ecosystem belongs to the high forest and is one of the most rich in terms of biodiversity of the Inca jungle. Once on top we will see the whole valley of the lower Urubamba. The group will walk down the mountain for 2.30 hrs. aprox. until arriving at the village of Qellomayo, to have the meal. After a break we continue walking for 3 hrs. crossing farms, waterfalls and rivers until arriving at the hot water springs of Santa Teresa, and after a relaxing bath, the group will continue walking for 40 min. until reaching the town of Santa Teresa to sleep in one of the rural lodges. After the dinner we all are invited to visit one of the bars to hang out with the members of the group.
Includes: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Inca Jungle
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES (HIKING AND ZIP LINE)
Around 7 am., after a typical breakfast we will get ready to continue exploring the roads that were followed by the first expeditionaries that discovered Machu Pichu and other important archaeological complex. The next journey will start in Santa Teresa. Those who reserved in advance will make the zipline (and later this group will be taken by bus to the area known as the hydroelectric), the rest of the group will continue the trek of 3 hrs. aprox. through the valley until reaching the hydroelectric too, where the entire group will get together again. Here we will enjoy of a great lunch. And after a break we will continue walking along this great inca jungle tour for 3 hrs., enjoying beautiful waterfalls, going through coca and coffee farms along the railway until arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes around 4 pm. Here the group will spend the night in a hostel. At night we all will get together in a local restaurant to enjoy a great dinner and have a briefing about our next excursion to Machu Picchu and the group will receive some snacks.
Includes: breakfast – lunch – dinner
zip line inca jungle
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (WALKING AND VISIT THE INCA CITADEL)
Finally in last day of our inca jungle tour we get up around 4:00 am. we get ready to head to Machu Picchu, our trek will follow an ascending path through the high forest, hopefully we could have the opportunity to see the sunrise on our way, after registering in the control entrance around 6:00 am. we will have a private guide leading us within the Inca citadel, and after 2 hrs. aprox. the group will be free to enjoy Machu Picchu by its own. Those travelers that booked the hiking to Huayna Picchu will be able to start this journey, the climbing lasts around 45 min. the way up is very steppy at some points but it’s worth it because the view from this area is breathtaking. Although this trek is not recommended for people that suffer of dizziness. In the afternoon, according to the departure of the train ticket, we will descend walking to the town of Aguas Calientes to get the train back to Ollantaytambo where the group will be picked up and transferred to Cusco city. Remember to be at least 30 min. at the train station before departure. End of our journey in the plaza de armas.
Includes: breakfast
Machupicchu Inca Jungle
INCLUDES:
Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and the return to Cusco
Train Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
A private bilingual professional guide specialized in the inca jungle
Full suspension mountain bikes, helmets and gloves
The following meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian options)
2 nights in a local-rural house with basic service
1 night of lodging (with private bathrooms and hot water)
Booking the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
A complete first aid box
Taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
The up or down bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (US $ 19.00)
The breakfast in the first day, the lunch and dinner in the last day
All personal care ítems
Tips for the guide
WE SUGGEST TO BRING:
Strong walking shoes or tennis shoes
Sweater and thick jacket
Hat or cap
Just one bottle of water
A good rain coat
Long sleeve shirts
Long and short pants
Insect repellent
A sunblock with a forty degrees UV
Lipstick
Toilet paper
Protein snack bar
Binoculars
Lantern
Sunglasses, plastic bags
Medical or personal items
A lightweight backpack per person
Camera and charger
Some cash in small denominations (preferably soles)

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