TREKKING PERU PREMIERE INNS

Transcription

1 TREKKING PERU PREMIERE INNS It s easy to grasp the ancient Inca mindset. Easy, that is, once your lungs adjust to the rarefied Andean air. Once your brain absorbs the heart-stopping splendor of your surroundings. You re atop Salkantay Pass at 15,200 feet. Above you looms snow-mantled Nevado Salkantay, the 20,500-foot monarch of the Vilcabamba range. Towering nearby is colossal Humantay peak. From this vantage point, it s clear why these magnificent pinnacles of rock and ice inspired awe among the region s native inhabitants. And at the apex of this trek, Machu Picchu. You re breathless. Is it the altitude or the views? A little of both. 15WPEIR9A (10/15/14)

2 NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality and we're fully responsible for your great experience. I can t imagine visiting or experiencing Machu Picchu and the Andes any other way. This was PERFECT. Emily Darby - New York, NY Click HERE to read more guest reviews TWO SUPPORT VANS We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take. THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference. THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds. MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions. *95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards. Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index 9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS Click HERE for departure dates and pricing details ROUTE RATING LEVELS 2-4 See below for details TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call 800-GO-ACTIVE ( ) or Open daily 6 a.m. 6 p.m. Pacific time

3 Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leader (wearing a Backroads T-shirt) at 10 a.m. in the courtyard of Hotel Monasterio ( ), located at Calle Palacios 136 in Cusco. Please arrive dressed to walk and bring a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today s hike. Since most of our activities take place at or near 11,000 feet, we highly recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least one full day before the trip starts to become better acclimated to the elevation; arriving any later may keep you from fully enjoying our planned activities. Trekking Options: Temple of the Moon Route: 2.5 Miles* (100 elevation gain; 400 elevation loss) Sacsayhuamán Route: 4 Miles* (100 gain; 700 loss) Monasterio Route: 4.6 Miles (100 gain; 1,100 loss) *with shuttle Bienvenidos a Perú! After meeting at Hotel Monasterio, we spend a little time getting to know each other and talking about the trip. When we re ready to go, we shuttle a short distance into the hills outside of Cusco to the Puca Pucara ruins, once a significant Inca military and administrative center. Set out on foot for our first hike, which is mostly downhill, helping you adjust to Peru s high elevation while delivering stunning views of Cusco Valley. We stop for a picnic lunch, then walk to Temple of the Moon, an ancient religious complex where burials and ceremonial practices took place. You may notice archaeologists and conservationists working Please send a clear scan or photo (cell phone photos are acceptable) of the photo page of your passport to traveldocs@backroads.com. The file cannot be larger than 10 MB and should be sent as soon as possible. to preserve the ruins, recognized as some of the most significant in the area. A bit farther is Q enko, a ritual site marked with rock carvings. And finally, you arrive at Sacsayhuamán, the Stonehenge of the Andes and one of the region s most impressive sites. Overlooking Cusco, this extraordinary structure of massive stone blocks was used for religious and military purposes. This afternoon you have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (included in the trip price), where showrooms of gold crafts, jewelry and unique artifacts illuminate the lives of ancient Peruvian civilizations. We reconvene for a superb dinner of regional dishes at the Monasterio s Illariy restaurant. Lodging: Hotel Monasterio Day 2 Shuttle to Trailhead 3½ 4 Hours Trekking Options: Challacancha Route: 3.2 Miles* (1,000 elevation gain) Marcoccasa Route: 7.4 Miles* (1,600 ) *with shuttle Start the day with Hotel Monasterio s bountiful buffet breakfast, then shuttle to the trailhead for your hike to Soraypampa. En route we stop to explore the Inca ruins of Tarawasi, near the Limatambo River, then continue past the town of Mollepata, which sits above 9,100 feet. Arriving at the trailhead in the rural area of Marcoccasa, lace up those boots and begin your trek one that s sure to get your heart pumping, thanks not only to the elevation gain, but also the breathtaking mountain and valley vistas. (If you d prefer a shorter hike, shuttle a bit farther to Challacancha and follow a serene stretch of flat dirt road.) After the first few miles, round a corner and get your first spectacular look of Humantay Moun- 3 QUESTIONS? Call

4 tain. Later in the day you ll see 20,500-foot, glaciercovered Salkantay Peak, Inca mythology s most sacred mountain. Along the way we ll find a comfortable spot to enjoy lunch accompanied by incredible valley views. Whichever route you choose, your destination is the beautiful Salkantay Lodge, whose architecture blends so seamlessly with its environment that you may not be able to see it until you ve actually arrived! Settle in at the lodge and savor the inspiring scenery of this valley. After dinner, soak in the outdoor whirlpool tub or stake out a spot to watch the sun set as the evening light fades from the snowcapped peaks. On a clear night you may be able to spot the Milky Way in a pristine sky full of stars. Lodging: Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort Day 3 Glacial Lake Route 3.7 Miles (1,200 elevation gain) Today is your day to explore and further acclimatize in preparation for tomorrow s trek over the Salkantay Pass. After a hearty breakfast, set off on a hike through Soraypampa past homes and up to a glacial lake at the base of Humantay Mountain. The initial easy stretch warms up your legs for the steady climb to the lake. Your reward: a sensational panoramic view of the lake surrounded by mountains. Along the way keep your eyes open for condors, massive birds revered by ancient Andean peoples. After a late lunch at Salkantay Lodge, spend the afternoon relaxing. You may want to soak in the whirlpool spa, get a massage at the lodge, take a guided horseback ride or stroll the grounds (massages and horseback riding are not included in the trip price). Another option is to sit by the fireplace with a good book and a cup of coca tea, which was traditionally and still is today used by indigenous Andes tribes to ease altitude sickness. You can count on a delicious dinner in Salkantay s dining room this evening. Lodging: Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort PREMIERE INNS HOTEL MONASTERIO 1 NIGHT (ABOVE) "An outstanding property housed within a converted 16th-century monastery situated just a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas," says Andrew Harper. Travel + Leisure World's Best. Cusco SALKANTAY LODGE & ADVENTURE RESORT 2 NIGHTS Located at 11,800 feet, this stylish mountain lodge welcomes you with a hot tub and incomparable views of Salkantay, the region's highest peak. Soraypampa (Cusco office) WAYRA LODGE 1 NIGHT Overnight at the place where the wind lives and enjoy a hot tub soak at 12,000 feet. Huayraccmachay (Cusco office) KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes may be communicated on trip by your leaders. Peru Trekking 4

5 PREMIERE INNS COLPA LODGE 1 NIGHT This lodge with a hot tub rests in a cloud forest at 10,300 feet in the Collpapampa Valley. Collpapampa (Cusco office) LUCMA LODGE 1 NIGHT Savor spectacular views from this lodge, built right into the mountainside and flanked by an avocado orchard. Lucmabamba (Cusco office) Day 4 Huayraccmachay Route 7.3 Miles (2,600 elevation gain) This is the big day! Gear up early for an exhilarating high-altitude trek to Huayraccmachay via Salkantay Pass, complete with a hot lunch served en route. After fueling up on breakfast, begin hiking up the Río Blanco Valley, circling the vaulting Humantay Peak. You can expect to spend the full morning making your way to the pass, so you ll want to take advantage of the several pampas, or open flat areas, to stop for snacks and to catch your breath. The Seven Snakes series of switchbacks signals the final stretch to Salkantay Pass, which crosses Humantay s spine. At the pass you ll see some of the thousands of apachetas (small stone markers) left by pilgrims as spiritual offerings to Pachamama (or Mother Earth ) for a good trek and good health. When you reach Incachiriaska, the highest point on the trail and the pass at 15,345 feet, pause for stunning views of the Vilcabamba Range and the towering southern face of Mount Salkantay. When you re ready, descend into Huayraccmachay. At our home for the night, the Wayra Lodge (meaning the place where the wind lives ), feel free to hop in the hot tub before we relish a well-deserved dinner. Lodging: Wayra Lodge INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO HOTEL 2 NIGHTS (ABOVE) This hotel with Andean-style casitas is just minutes from the ruins of Machu Picchu. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa) Aguas Calientes QUESTIONS? Call

6 Day 5 Collpapampa Route 5.5 Miles (200 elevation gain; 3,600 elevation loss) Today we leave the serenity of Huayraccmachay and head into the valley below. As you set out from the lodge, say goodbye to the snow-blanketed mountains and begin descending. You ll notice dramatic differences in vegetation (and significantly warmer temperatures) as you lose elevation. Make your way into the cloud forest one of the world s most fascinating and threatened ecosystems. Amid the Ceja de la Selva (or eyebrow of the jungle ), look for frogs, hummingbirds, parrots and beautiful flowers, including orchids, asters and begonias. Nearing the end of the hike you emerge in a magnificent river valley. Then it s just a short uphill to Colpa Lodge, located in Collpapampa at the confluence of the Santa Teresa, Chalan and Totora Rivers, which are fed by snowmelt from the mountains. For lunch we enjoy a traditional pachamanca, an Andean spread cooked in a large pit covered with hot rocks and dirt. (This is also your opportunity to try the famous cuy, or guinea pig!) Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to explore your new surroundings, curl up by the fire or relax in the hot tub with a cold drink. Another option is to join our local ROUTE RATING INFORMATION The routes on this trip are rated Levels 3 5. LEVEL miles 3 5 hours LEVEL miles 4 6 hours LEVEL miles 5 7+ hours Review the Route Rating section on the web for more details on daily route options. guide for an afternoon hike. At dinner we savor Peruvian and international-inspired cuisine. Before turning in consider one last soak in the hot tub under a starstudded sky. Lodging: Colpa Lodge Day 6 Trekking Options: Lucmabamba Route: 8 Miles* (1,200 elevation gain; 2,500 elevation loss) Playa Route: 10.9 Miles (1,300 gain; 3,200 loss) *with shuttle As you put on your boots this morning you can look forward to a trek through an incredible portion of the Santa Teresa River Valley. Follow the undulating route through a variety of wild highland landscapes to the river, which you ll cross, and then continue along the mountainside. Make your way over bridges, past waterfalls and through streams. Give your legs a break as you munch a tasty catered meal en route to our shuttle point. Then hop in the van to be whisked to our next lodge. If you re feeling especially energetic and up to an additional challenge, you can forgo the lift and continue on foot. Hike an additional hour and a half down a dirt road through the town of Playa, famed for its coffee, fruit and vegetable production, and a great place to taste specialties like giant avocados and exotic granadilla fruit. Whether you travel these few miles by foot or vehicle, we ll all hike the last half-mile on a restored ancient Inca trail that leads up to the serene Lucma Lodge, nestled amid coffee plants and banana, avocado and eucalyptus trees. Lodging: Lucma Lodge Peru Trekking 6

7 Day 7 Train Station via Llactapata Pass Route 7.3 Miles (2,200 elevation gain; 3,300 elevation loss) Train to Aguas Calientes 45 Minutes Today we aim to beat the heat by getting an early start. After fueling up with breakfast, set your sights on the hefty climb to Llactapata Pass. After we reach the pass, the trail descends to a spectacular and rarely visited vantage point offering you your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Few visitors get to see this spectacular vista, which features views of both Machu and Huayna Picchu (or Old and Young Peaks ). We ll also visit the recently restored, terraced Llactapata ruins near the start of the Inca Trail. Llactapata was once a thriving Inca farm village, but the last Inca emperor, Manco Inca Yupanqui, destroyed the town during his retreat to discourage Spanish conquistadors. The sacrifice of the village prevented the Spanish from discovering the Inca Trail and kept Machu Picchu hidden until its rediscovery in After visiting Llactapata we indulge in a lunch of regional fare, including avocados, potatoes and trout, with a view of Machu Picchu. Once you ve eaten your fill and soaked in the beauty and energy around us, begin your final steep descent to the rushing Vilcanota River, passing through dense bamboo forests, coffee plantations and fruit orchards. Your hike ends at the Hidroeléctrica train station, where we embark on a 45- minute scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo) and our home for the next two nights, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. This evening there s time to relax at the hotel or head into town to browse shops and markets. Dine at your leisure at the hotel s restaurant or order room service if you re feeling like a night in. Lodging: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Day 8 Shuttle to/from Machu Picchu 1 Hour Round-Trip Machu Picchu Guided Walk 3 Hours Machu Picchu Mountain Out-&-Back 2 Miles (2,000 elevation gain; 2,000 elevation loss) To take full advantage of our day in Machu Picchu, we set off early from the hotel. Spend the morning walking through the ruins and learning about the history of this incredible site. As you admire painstakingly restored masonry, relish incredible views and explore highlights (including the Inca Drawbridge), a local expert provides insight into the astrological designs created by the sunworshipping Inca, the exquisite stonework of the temples and other structures, and the fascinating story of Machu Picchu s discovery. Or if you re up for a stairstepping challenge, Backroads has secured permits for you to join a Trip Leader on a climb to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, towering above the ruins. A 7 QUESTIONS? Call

8 Arriving & Departing See Day 1 for meeting time and location. All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The standard unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. At the time of printing, 2.91 PEN = 1 USD. journey to the top makes for incredible photo ops and a real test of endurance! Having worked up an appetite, you may want to stop by the snack bar or café near the main entrance for lunch on your own. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you like. Feel free to linger at the ruins and take it all in or hop on one of the regularly scheduled buses to the hotel the hot tub awaits! You can also pamper yourself with a spa treatment (not included in the trip price), shop for souvenirs at the artisan market just steps from our hotel or put your feet up poolside. Later we gather for a final dinner together, toasting our memorable journey and swapping stories of the week s adventures. Lodging: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Day 9 Early-Morning Naturalist Walk 45 Minutes Train & Bus to Cusco 4 Hours After an early breakfast you may decide to take a walk around the hotel grounds with a naturalist, learning about the local orchids, birds and tea plantations. If not, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we board the train for one last scenic ride through the Sacred Valley, passing awe-inspiring 18,600-foot Mount Veronica. Arriving in Ollantaytambo, we hop on a bus for the remainder of our journey back to Cusco. Please see Arriving & Departing for end-of-trip logistics. CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP On the last day of the trip, we travel about 4 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, arriving at Hotel Monasterio between 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. If you plan to fly out of Cusco on the last day of the trip, please book your flight for no earlier than 3:30 p.m. Backroads can help you arrange a taxi to the airport to correspond with your flight time. (Note this is not included in the trip price. Taxi service from Hotel Monasterio to the Cusco airport costs about $10; the hotel s private car service costs around $30.) FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS This trip begins and ends in Cusco. We recommend that you fly into Lima, Peru (airport code: LIM; then catch a connecting flight to Cusco (CUZ). Airlines flying to Lima include American, LAN, United and Delta. It s a 1-hour flight from Lima to Cusco, where our trip begins. You may need to purchase tickets for these flights separately. For your convenience, we suggest that you consider booking a flight into Cusco with LAN or TACA that arrives prior to 10 a.m. We ve found that the earlier flights are subject to fewer weather-related delays than flights arriving later in the day. We also recommend reconfirming your Lima-Cusco flight before you depart. Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to stay overnight in Lima before catching your connection to Cusco. (See Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip for a list of suggested hotels in Lima.) For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Our expert travel advisors are ready to share their PRICES & SCHEDULES All prices and schedules were current at the time of printing, but are subject to change at any time. Peru Trekking 8

9 GROUND TRANSPORTATION IN CUSCO Taxi service from the Cusco airport to the Hotel Monasterio costs about $10. Another option is to call the Hotel Monasterio for private car service when you arrive at the airport (approximately $30). insiders knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800-GO- ACTIVE ( ) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Pacific time. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS The baggage weight limit is 22 pounds per guest on the Salkantay Trail and on the train back to Cusco. Please use the packing list in this Travel Planner to prepare for the trip. On the first day of the trip, your Backroads Trip Leader will provide an additional list to help you repack appropriately for the journey ahead. Any clothing and gear that you leave behind will be stored in Cusco at Hotel Monasterio, where it will be waiting for you on the last day of the trip. If you have any questions about this special arrangement, your leader will be happy to help you. Keep in mind that mules carry our luggage along the trekking trails; please pack your belongings in a soft-sided bag, such as a duffel bag. DEPARTING EARLY OR EXTENDING YOUR STAY IN PERU If you opt to depart early or stay in Peru beyond your Backroads trip, please be aware that you are responsible for coordinating your own transportation to connect with your departing flight. For assistance with making these arrangements, we recommend contacting Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel s travel consultants at the following toll free numbers: From the US: or From Canada: or From Peru: They can provide pre- or post-trip transport services, train tickets and activities in Cusco, Lima or Puerto Maldonado. (Please note that there is a flat per-person fee for any train ticket reservations and they quote custom activities and services depending upon the request.) 9 QUESTIONS? Call

10 Climate May to October is the dry season and winter in the Peruvian highlands, and days are generally pleasant and sunny. From November through April, the area is wetter and greener. However, some claim that the region can experience all four seasons in a single day so come prepared! Despite the potential for cold weather at the higher elevations, it s important to note that beginning on Day 5, temperatures rise considerably as we descend into the lower valleys. Don t forget to pack some warm weather items as well. No matter what time of year you visit Peru, high-quality breathable rain gear is a must. And don t forget a hat with a brim for protection from the sun, cold and rain. You ll definitely want to bring warmer clothing if your trip is in June, July or August; it s been known to snow in Cusco. Please be ready for all types of weather to ensure that your trip is enjoyable. See Suggested Packing List in your Travel Planner for more details on clothing and gear. Cusco Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun High F Low F Precip. inches Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High F Low F Precip. inches Temperatures in Peru are measured in degrees Celsius. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For a quick conversion, double the Celsius reading and add 30 to determine the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip For help making hotel reservations for before and after your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE ( ) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Pacific time. Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accommodations sidebar for details. Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting doubleoccupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the internet and/or best available rates, which were accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are always subject to change. Also be aware that some hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend that you consult directly with the hotels for specific details, as these requirements can change depending on the season and time of the week. Book early, especially during peak travel season! CUSCO Hotel Monasterio (Our meeting/drop-off location & first night s accommodation) The colonial Renaissance-style San Antonio Abad seminary, built more than 300 years ago, is an elegant member of Leading Hotels of the World. Ten minutes from the airport and two blocks from Plaza de Armas, the Monasterio is close to Cusco s most enticing cultural attractions. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014; Travel + Leisure World s Best 2014 Calle Palacios 136, Plazoleta Nazarenas (from the US) or rooms & suites Rates: Inkaterra - La Casona Cusco Hotel This painstakingly restored 16th-century manor house is now a carbon-neutral boutique hotel in the heart of Cusco s historic district, just across the plaza from our meeting and drop-off location. A Relais & Châteaux member. Travel + Leisure World s Best 2014 Plaza Nazarenas Peru Trekking 10

11 (from the US) or suites Rates: Casa Cartagena The all-suite Casa Cartagena is a fine choice: its prime location near the Plaza de Armas makes it an excellent base from which to discover Cusco, while its fine dining, Qoya spa and butler service render it an ideal retreat after a day of exploration. (spa) Pumacurco suites Rates: Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco Situated just three blocks from central Plaza de Armas, this 18th-century mansion is a welcoming place in which to unwind. Casa Andina offers plenty of modern amenities while maintaining its historic charm. Plazoleta Limacpampa Chico (from the US) or rooms & suites Rates: Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco Hotel Situated in the city center, across from the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) and just four blocks from Cusco s cathedral and the main plaza, it is an ideal central base for your exploration of Cusco. Plazoleta Santo Domingo (from the US) or rooms & suites Rates: Picoaga Hotel Former home of the Spanish Marquis of Picoaga, this 17th-century manor home, adorned with graceful stone archways, Spanish columns and serene courtyards, is situated mere steps from Plaza de Armas, Cusco s main square. Santa Teresa rooms Rates: SPECIAL HOTEL SAVINGS Backroads has negotiated special rates for our guests at many hotels around the world. To find hotels with these exclusive Backroads savings, please visit The Garden House Just a 10-minute drive from downtown, this intimate hotel offers respite from the hustle and bustle of Cusco. The hotel also features a library with stunning views of Cusco, a beautiful garden and orchard, sitting rooms with open wood fires and a serene atmosphere. Los Alamos B-6, Larapa rooms & suites Rates: LIMA Layovers in Lima: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a long layover or need to stay overnight in Lima before catching your connecting flight to Cusco. If you d like to leave the airport and explore the city during your layover, 24-hour secure luggage storage is available in the domestic terminal. Central Lima is a 20- minute taxi ride from the airport. (Note: You should only use official registered taxis; kiosks for registered taxis are located inside the terminal.) Most hotels listed in this section offer day-use rates for guests with long layovers. Where to stay in Lima: Though central Lima has numerous hotels, most travelers head to the seaside suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, which have fewer sights but are generally safer and offer newer hotels. Both suburbs are a minute taxi ride from the airport. With beaches and shopping close by, they re ideal for exploration. B Arts Boutique Hotel (Barranco District) Located in the bohemian Barranco district, the hotel is only two blocks from the beach and perfect destination for travelers looking for a deeper understanding of Lima s contemporary social, art and cultural scene. San Martin (from the US) or rooms Rates: Country Club Lima Hotel (San Isidro district) Built in 1927 in the distinguished San Isidro district, this refurbished five-star hotel is a national monument. A 11 QUESTIONS? Call

12 variety of leisure activities are available, from relaxing in the sauna to playing golf (with exclusive guest privileges) at the adjacent Lima Golf Club. (pool, golf) Los Eucaliptos rooms & suites Rates: Miraflores Park Hotel (Miraflores district) This Leading Hotels of the World member is tucked away in the park-filled Miraflores district, features ocean views and is designed to exceed your every expectation. (pool, spa) Avenida Malecón de la Reserva (from the US) or rooms Rates: Tierra Viva Miraflores Larco Within walking distance to the Pacific Ocean, in the heart of the Miraflores district, this hotel is ideally located for exploring Lima. Calle Bolivar (from the US) or rooms Rates: Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores With a central location in the Miraflores district, just two blocks from Parque Central, the Casa Andina features 17 stories of rooms and suites with modern décor which include flat screen televisions and hightech soundproofing. (pool) Avenida La Paz (from the US) or rooms & suites Rates: JW Marriott Hotel Lima (Miraflores district) Plush guest rooms offer ocean views and provide a sanctuary from the bustling Miraflores district. Fun is only an elevator ride away: a casino, fitness center, sauna, outdoor pool, shops and two restaurants provide entertainment. (pool) Malecón de la Reserva (from the US) or rooms & suites Rates: Ramada Costa del Sol (Lima international airport) Situated just steps from the main terminal of Jorge Chávez International Airport, this hotel is a great choice if you re mostly focused on convenience. Day rates available. (pool, spa) Avenida Elmer Faucett S/N (from the US) or rooms & suites Rates: Lima Recommended Restaurants (Miraflores district) La Rosa Náutica: An incomparable location at the edge of the sea combines with five-star cuisine to produce a truly memorable dining experience. Located at the end of Pier 4, La Rosa Náutica serves Peruvian seafood specialties; the food is nearly as artful as the ornate architecture and those infinite views. Reservations are highly recommended. Espigón 4 Circuito de Playas or Huaca Pucllana: For flavorful new Andean dishes and unique and impressive views, visit Huaca Pucllana, which faces the ruins of a 1,500-year-old Inca pyramid. By day, archaeologists toil at the site; by night, the area is quiet and beautifully illuminated. To cap off the evening, walk off your dinner with a tour of the excavation site. Reservations are highly recommended. Avenida General Borgoña, Cuadra Peru Trekking 12

13 Extending Your Vacation Although Machu Picchu is the country's the most wellknown attraction, Peru boasts a wealth of fascinating cities, archaeological sites and natural wonders that we highly recommend visiting before or after your Backroads trip. Among the most popular spots are the Colca Canyon, which is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US; Lake Titicaca, a high-altitude lake surrounded by thriving indigenous communities; Arequipa, a beautiful colonial city in the south; and the Nazca lines, ancient geoglyphs best seen from the air. You can find a full list of Backroads savings in these areas and more at CUSCO Cusco is a great place to start your Peruvian adventure, and it s small enough to explore entirely on foot. The city is packed with shops, restaurants and cafés. Take a coffee break on a café balcony overlooking the Plaza de Armas, visit artists workshops in the colorful San Blas neighborhood and wander through the market. For excursions in and beyond Cusco before or after our Backroads trip, we suggest contacting: Inkaterra s Travel Consultants: From the US: or From Canada: or From Peru: Cusco Hiking (Backroads ground support operator): Auqui Mountain Spirit: THE SACRED VALLEY The Sacred Valley sits 9,200 feet above sea level (significantly lower in elevation than Cusco) and is an excellent area to visit before or after your Backroads Trip. Highlights include the ruins and market of Pisac, the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, the Moray archaeological site and the Maras salineras or salt pans. If your time is limited, many tour operators offer day trip excursions from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. If you choose to stay in the Sacred Valley, we recommend these accommodation options in Urubamba: Hotel Sol y Luna: Hotel Rio Sagrado by Orient-Express: PERUVIAN AMAZON Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica & Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción: Located close to the Peruvian/Bolivian border on private ecological reserves near Tambopata National Park. Daily flights depart from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the nearest town. Programs include all meals, naturalist guided excursions and transfers to and from the Puerto Maldonado airport (from the US) or QUESTIONS? Call