Eucalyptus trees in Cusco and Pisaq

     I was very intrigued to learn about the presence of Eucalyptus trees, which originate from Australia, in Cusco and Pisaq. The presence of the Eucalyptus trees in Peru represents cultural fusion, and the replanting of native trees is part of a repurification of Incan culture. The ancient Incan city above Pisaq is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. This is especially significant because the physical environment was very important to the Incas. They celebrated the physical earth, which they called the “Pachamama” with offerings, and they heavily modified their environment by building terraces. Therefore the modification of Inca land by planting non native Eucalyptus trees modifies the Inca culture. However, it could also be claimed, that since the archaeological ancient city of Pisaq is no longer inhabited by Incas, how can it modify Inca culture? Perhaps it does not modify the culture itself, but the perception of the culture. The interaction between the Australian and Inca physical land (and therefore culture), can be seen as a fusion or as a desecration of native land. The latter perspective represents the almost obsessive movement towards repurifying Inca culture, and removing other cultural influences on the Incas. When we were visiting Sacsayhuaman, it was interesting to learn that the Peruvian center for culture is replanting native trees around historical Inca sites. Aside from the environmental reasons to replant indiginous trees, is the removal of Eucalyptus trees in part to honor the Incas? Does it help Peruvians reclaim their indiginous identity? Is it to give the tourist a more authentic experience? 

Additionally, I found it interesting that at the festival of the saint of agriculture that we happened upon in our night in Pisaq that Eucalyptus branches were burned in the bonfire. It is especially interesting to think that the Eucalyptus trees were burnt in a festival that celebrated agriculture. Are the people of Pisaq thankful for the Eucalyptus trees? It could be interesting to think of this event as a fusion between three cultures: remnants of indiginous culture (indigenous clothing, food and instruments), practicing a European religion, while burning an Australian tree. I would be curious to talk to more Peruvians with indigenous descent to ask what their perspective is of the role of the Eucalyptus trees on Inca culture.