TRAVEL+LEISURE Article

[omegaet]

TRAVEL+LEISURE September 2009 has a nice article on three recently opened (actually the Orient ExpressLas Casitas Del Colca was just renovated and reopened)hotels in Peru, one of which is currently feature in an auction on LL and the other two have been offered in the past and could be offered in the future.

Anyone having an interest in visiting Peru in general or specificallyMachu Picchu might wish to review the article before bidding:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/three-new-peru-hotels/

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

http://www.luxurylink.com/luxury-hotels/sumaq-machu-picchu-hotel.html?pid=112383&oid=221591



Message Edited by omegaet on 08-22-2008 11:31 AM

[bonniejoy03]

Thanks O. Haven't had a chance to read the mag yet. Thanks for bringing the article to our attention. Nice to see the properties on LL also highlighted in the magazine.

[travel2fun]

Theonly thing that would keep me from using eitherthe Simaq or the Inkaterra properties for a Machu Picchu visit, is the fact they are both located in Aguas Caliente. One of my business associates just returned from twelve days in Peru, including time in Lima, Cusco and Aguas Caliente. She said if she had it to do all over again, she would pay the extra money and stay at least one night at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Her reason being that too many tourist loaded hotels and restaurants have been built in Aguas Caliente over the past few years. She said the tiny streets were crowded and the buses were jammed headed up or downthe mountain most of the day.



In her opinion, the Peruvian government should put a cap on development in the area, substantially increase the park entrance feesand drastically reduce the number of visitors allowed to enter the park each day.

[danaa70]

Travel2Fun, We stayed in the Inkaterra property in AC in May. Staying on the 5hectre property you do not even know the town of AC is around you. It is a small paradise with walking trails, a tea plantation, flower gardens, falling water - truly special..

I agree the town is something that I did not even care to walk to, but staying at Inkaterra is really NOT staying in downtown AC.



We met many people while waiting to go into MP early in the morning and struck up a few conversations. Several people were staying at the Sanctuary lodge and were very disappointed. Observing it and its' surroundings while in line I could see why. It was full of the tourists "bused" up the mountain having breakfast or lunch later in the day. They said it gets totally overrun - while at Inkaterra they have a cafe along the rail tracks (not even close to the rooms,etc) that they open up to the public.



You may know from my previous postings about my problems with Inkaterra that I was a bit hesitant about even going to any of their properties - well, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo lodge was awesome. The total package it presents upon your arrival is one of serenity, beauty and we felt it was very spiritual. They have guides that will take you on pathways throughout the property and tell you tales of old. We loved it.



I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Dana

[travel2fun]

danaa70, the intent of my original posting was not to denigrate either the Simaq or Inkaterra properties, not did it reflect upon your decision to stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Lodge. My commentary simply indicated my associates opinion "if she had it to do all over again, she would pay the extra money and stay at least one night at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge." She did not travel to Aguas Caliente in anticipation of experiencing a relaxing serene time overlooking the rail tracks nor tourist crowded tiny streets. Heregrets of not stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge were based upon not having physical access to the ruins the hours prior to and immediately following the arrival and departure of the tourist busses from Aguas Caliente.

Those are the experiences she missed, as did you and every other traveler who elects to stay in town. The crowds, which probably exist in the common areas of the Sanctuary Lodge during the day, would be irrelevant, since she would have been touring and hiking the full dayin the Citadel of Machu Picchu.

So it is nice to know you enjoyed and remain supportive of the Inkaterra property. This may be the experience may visitors wish to enjoy.

When I travel to Machu Picchu, I intend to spend at least one night at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, willingly pay the exorbitant Orient-Express rate and fully appreciate both the sunrise and sunset in the serene tourist depleted surroundings of the citadel.



"Theonly thing that would keep me from using eitherthe Simaq or the Inkaterra properties for a Machu Picchu visit, is the fact they are both located in Aguas Caliente. One of my business associates just returned from twelve days in Peru, including time in Lima, Cusco and Aguas Caliente. She said if she had it to do all over again, she would pay the extra money and stay at least one night at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Her reason being that too many tourist loaded hotels and restaurants have been built in Aguas Caliente over the past few years. She said the tiny streets were crowded and the buses were jammed headed up or downthe mountain most of the day.

In her opinion, the Peruvian government should put a cap on development in the area, substantially increase the park entrance feesand drastically reduce the number of visitors allowed to enter the park each day."

[danaa70]

T-2F

No problem; I guess I just misinterpreted your posting and thought you were interested in hearing someone's experience stayingin AC, but not really having to deal with the issues of the congested town.



I hope you enjoy your stay at the Sanctuary and that it is everything you hope it to be. Machu Picchu truly is a "wonder" and I am so glad I did get to experience the 2 days I spent there.



I did hear while we were there in May that a "cap" will be placed in the near future on those tourists coming into AC.. We went on a Sunday (Mothers Day) and we were pleasantly surprised at the small number visiting that day.



Happy travels to you,

Dana

[jsattapr2]

I supposed it is beyond hope to believe luxury link might offer these Orient-Express properties again. Other than their expensive rates, I never seem to see anyone having anything negative to say about their destinations.

[travel2fun]

just having read the article, which prompted myvisiting the Orient Express web site, I am so impressed with Las Casitas Del Colca.