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Paddington in Peru: The beloved British Bear Arrives in Machu Picchu

Posted On: 24 January 2025 #TierrasVivas 157

Paddington Bear, the iconic British-born teddy bear, has made a heartwarming arrival in the city of Machu Picchu in the form of a newly unveiled statue. The installation celebrates the recent release of the movie Paddington in Peru, which takes the beloved character on an adventure to the Andean country of Peru, including the iconic Machu Picchu. The unveiling was officially announced by local and international sources on Thursday.

Visitors can now meet Paddington in a charming setting: sitting on a bench, wearing his signature red hat and blue coat, and enjoying his favorite snack - an orange marmalade sandwich. The statue is located on Alameda Los Artesanos, one of the main streets in the city of Machu Picchu. The area connects to the bustling Aguas Calientes craft market and is close to the bus station that leads to the Inca citadel, making it a prime spot for visitors to stop and take photos before heading to the famous Inca site.

"Today, together with Ambassador Gavin Cook, we inaugurated a statue of Paddington Bear in the beautiful city of Machu Picchu. It is a legacy of the Paddington film in Peru for the city's residents and visitors," said the British Embassy in Peru. The embassy also shared a video of the unveiling on Instagram.

The statue was made possible through the collaboration of the British Embassy, the language institute El Británico, and the production company Andes Films.

The film Paddington in Peru premiered in Peru on January 16 and has been well received, with strong box office results in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

The Story Behind Paddington in Peru

The third film in the Paddington series follows the adventurous bear as he travels to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy. Along the way, he meets memorable characters, including a guitar-playing nun (played by Olivia Colman) and a sailor (played by Antonio Banderas), who help him find his loved one after she mysteriously disappears during a scientific mission.

To bring this enchanting story to life, the cast and crew filmed on location in Peru and Colombia, while also constructing elaborate sets in the UK. Despite the global scale of the production, Ben Whishaw, the voice of Paddington, humorously revealed that he recorded his lines in a London basement.

 

Who is Paddington Bear?

Paddington Bear is a beloved character in English children's literature. Created by British author Michael Bond in 1958, the character has delighted audiences in numerous books, TV series and films. Paddington became a global icon when he appeared in a memorable skit with the late Queen Elizabeth II during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, where they shared tea and, of course, marmalade sandwiches.

Now Paddington's adventures continue in Peru, uniting fans from around the world to celebrate the charm of this lovable bear and the beauty of the Andean country. Be sure to visit his statue in Machu Picchu and take a piece of Paddington's magic home with you.

 

Paddington Peru: The Andean Spectacled Bear

The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), also known as the Andean bear, is the only species of bear native to South America. Found primarily in the Andes, these remarkable creatures inhabit countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela. While they thrive in cloud forests and montane forests, they can adapt to drier landscapes if necessary.

Medium-sized compared to other bear species, male Andean bears typically weigh between 130 and 440 pounds (60 to 200 kilograms), while females are smaller. Their most distinctive feature is the bright markings around their eyes and face, which resemble eyeglasses and are unique to each individual. These markings give them their iconic name.

Andean bears are omnivorous, with a diet consisting primarily of plants. They feed on fruits, cacti, bromeliads, and other vegetation, although they will occasionally eat small animals or insects. Known for their climbing abilities, they often build tree nests for resting and foraging. Naturally shy and solitary, Andean bears tend to avoid contact with humans.

Unfortunately, spectacled bears are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are threatened by habitat loss, hunting and illegal poaching. Conservation efforts aim to protect their habitat and raise awareness of their ecological importance to ensure the survival of this unique species.

 

Paddington Peruvian: Cultural significance

The Andean spectacled bear holds a special place in Andean culture and has gained international recognition as the inspiration for Paddington Bear. This beloved fictional character has helped connect the world to Peru's rich cultural and natural heritage, drawing attention to the beauty and importance of the Andean region and its wildlife.

Edwin Caviedes Profesional guide

Edwin Caviedes is the founder and manager of Tierras Vivas, a company that benefits native people communities.