machu picchu tours – The Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu – Worth the Expense?

Posted on by
Reply

The trek to Machu Picchu, the most visited World Heritage Site and the top destination in Peru, is an experience that most international travelers have near the top of their bucket lists. Situated high in the Andes on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is reached only by foot via the Inca Trail, or by bus up a long series of switchbacks on a gravel/dirt road, winding up from the town of Aguas Calientes. Due to the distance and the bus and train schedules, one’s time at Machu Picchu is fairly short unless one stays at The Sanctuary Lodge. The lodge is the only overnight accommodation at Machu Picchu, its front door only steps away from Machu Picchu’s entrance gate. Before you say “it’s a no brainer, we’re staying” be aware that a room in the lodge will put a ding in your Peru travel budget. A one-night stay at The Sanctuary Lodge runs from a low of $795 US all the way up to $1320 US for a suite. The big question – “is it worth it?”

Location, location, location.

The thought of coming up with that kind of coin to stay in a country where the average income is $7600 annually (2007 estimate) somewhat boggles the mind. The cost seems extreme for Peru. Making the decision isn’t based on the normal questions about amenities, softness of beds, and quality of food. In this case, the one deciding factor is location. Sanctuary Lodge has it, and no one else does. Staying at the lodge buys you access to Machu Picchu before sunrise, before the crowds belch from the buses (although some buses do make the climb for the early 6:00 AM opening of the site) and, delightedly, after the crowds have left to catch the last bus that will connect to the afternoon’s departing train. By late afternoon, the only Machu Picchu visitors are Lodge occupants and day hikers from campgrounds. It’s the most solitude you’ll find at the site, which hosts an annual visitor rate of about 400,000 people a year.

Food and drink.

Occupancy at Sanctuary Lodge also buys access to a pleasant lunch in the Tampu restaurant/bar, where one can find lunch without crowds and lines after a long and early Machu Picchu morning watching the morning mists and the rising sun. Day-trippers up from Aguas Calientes must stand in long, snaking lines to eat at the Lodge’s Tinkuy restaurant (a buffet lunch is served) or in a small patio vendor’s area right outside the lodge. This wait takes precious time from your already-short day – but there is no food available inside Machu Picchu itself, and one isn’t supposed to bring food and drink into the site except water in canteens.

Amenities.

Paying for a location that increases your visiting time inside Machu Picchu is the key. The truth is, to maximize your visit here you’d probably sleep on a cot under the stars. Happily, Sanctuary Lodge is no stripped-down hotel – it’s a part of the Orient-Express hotel and train empire. The staff is all about exemplary service to the Lodge’s guests, the beds are the most comfortable we’ve ever slept on anywhere, and the food is five-star. Hotel guests also can enjoy an outside terrace and a walk through the Lodge’s orchid garden, built along a meandering stream and waterfall. Massages are available (although more expensive than anywhere else in Peru that I could find.)

The final decision.

In the end, we decided to book (well ahead of time, as the Lodge has only 29 rooms and 2 suites, 12 of which offer mountain views and are correspondingly higher in price). The ability to expand our time exploring one of the “new” Seven Wonders of the World to a day and a half versus only hours made the hit to our wallet worth it for us.

machu picchu tours – Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Tip: Don’t bother paying for a “view” room as it doesn’t allow a view inside the actual site nor are you in your room that much anyway.

Peru is an enchanting and amazing country, and Machu Picchu is, arguably, its crown jewel. My suggestion – spend the money for the Sanctuary Lodge and maximize your time. For most of us, visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime gig.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-sanctuary-lodge-at-machu-picchu-worth-the-expense-3103203.html

alcatraz tours – 7 Must-visit Places in San Francisco

Posted on by
Reply

No visit to San Francisco is complete without visiting some of the most popular San Francisco tourist destinations. Here is a sampling of seven must-see places you have to check out on your next visit:

1) California Palace of the Legion of Honor

Located at 34th Avenue & Clement Street, The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is an art experience you won’t want to miss. First off, there’s the building itself. Built in 1924, the Legion of Honor is a three-quarter scale replica of the Palais de La Légion d’Honneur in Paris, built to honor the 3,600 Californians who lost their lives on the battlefields of France during World War I.

After being wowed by the building, you will probably want to view the collection of Rodin sculptures, as well as some other notable acquisitions, including Claude Monet’s “The Grand Canal, Venice,” 1908 and El Greco’s “St. John the Baptist,” circa 1600.

2) Alcatraz

Who knew touring a former prison could become so popular?

Alcatraz is a an island a few miles off the coast of San Francisco which had been used as a military prison in 1907, then as a Federal prison in the 1930s, housing the most hardened criminals. Some of its most famous prisoners include: George Kelly, bank robber and kidnapper, also known as “Machine Gun Kelly;” Floyd Hamilton, driver for Bonnie and Clyde; and Al Capone, Chicago Mob Boss, known as “Scarface.”

In 1973, Alcatraz was incorporated into the National Parks system and became a tourist attraction. Since then, over 14 million visitors have taken the 10-minute boat ride from Pier 41 in San Francisco to see ‘The Rock’. Tickets generally sell out, sometimes weeks in advance.

3) Chinatown

Chinatown is home to the largest Asian population outside China, and is located in an area near North Beach, bound roughly by Grant Avenue and Bush Street, Broadway and Larkin Street. Here you’ll find shopping and great food, including Mee Mee Bakery at 1328 Stockton between Broadway and Vallejo. Mee Mee’s is reputed to be the originator of the fortune cookie. For great seafood, one of your best bets would be Yuet Lee at 1300 Stockton Street, near where North Beach and Chinatown merge.

4) Golden Gate Park

You can easily spend an entire day at Golden Gate Park – and you should. It’s great to just go there and walk, or sit and enjoy the day. But, if you’re into exploring, there’s certainly enough for you to explore, such as:

The Strybing Arboretum – 70 acres of gardens with trails, blooming trees and redwoods, herbs, flowers and duck ponds.

Stow Lake – where you can rent paddleboats and bicycles.

Spreckels Lake – where you can watch the miniature radio-controlled boat races.

Bison Paddock – Located along John F. Kennedy Dr., the Bison Paddock is an exhibit of the San Francisco Zoo where you can see, what else, bison!

5) Union Square

Union Square is the place to go for serious shopping. Bound by Stockton, Powell, Post and Geary, several buses run to the area and it’s a short walk from many of the most commonly used hotels. There’s also a BART and Muni (subway) exit at Market Street.
Or, you can stay at the Grand Hyatt on Union Square and just walk from your room.

Everywhere you walk in the Union Square area you’ll find store after store after store, such as: Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Giorgiao Armani, H&M, Hermes, Baccarat and Gianni Versace.

6) Haight Ashbury (“The Haight”)

Well, it’s not Union Square, but it might not be what you’d expect either. While Haight Ashbury was the center of “hippiedom” in the 1960s, the Haight today is home to exclusive boutiques, high-end vintage-clothing shops, hip clubs and cafés. No matter what you’re into you’ll find something you like in the Haight, whether it’s a hemp bracelet, collectible kitchenware, punk t-shirts, skateboard gear, a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or a vintage gown costing over $1,000.

While you’re in the neighborhood you can walk by former houses of 1960s musicians, including the former home of the members of the Grateful Dead at 710 Ashbury, the former home of Janis Joplin at 112 Lyon, and the former home of the Jefferson Airplane at 2400 Fulton.

7) Neighborhoods on the Muni Metro and Bus Lines

Of course, San Francisco is more than just popular tourist spots. People actually do live there. Why not go to some not-so-touristy areas located along the bus and Muni Metro line routes and check out some really fun and unique neighborhoods, most of which have their own shopping areas?

alcatraz tours – For anyone who is visiting San Francisco, a particular spot you just can’t pass up is the infamous Alcatraz prison. Spending some time to take one of the numerous Alcatraz tours might be the most memorable part of your vacation.

Neighborhoods you might want to visit and experience include: the Castro, which is the predominately gay neighborhood with many unique and fun shops along Castro Street; Noe Valley, a neighborhood of Victorians with a great shopping district along 24th Street; and the Inner Richmond, which many consider the “New Chinatown,” with a great abundance of good Asian restaurants. You’ll also find an old-time Irish pub, Irelands 32 at 3920 Geary Blvd., where you can enjoy live music any day of the week and live telecasts of sporting events from Ireland.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/7-mustvisit-places-in-san-francisco-136233.html

Things to Remember When Choosing a Kissimmee Florida Vacation Package

Posted on by
Reply

If you are planning something special for the family, then Disney World, Sea World, or Universal Studios are great choices for an adventure you would never forget. These attractions would never fail to surprise and amaze you with everything they have to offer. To enjoy all these attractions would cost you a lot of money for traveling, accommodation, meals, admission tickets, and more incidentals. You need to be smart about this and look for ways where you can save money but still have all the fun and excitement for the duration of your vacation.

What you need to do is to look for a place to stay within the Kissimmee area to make your vacation as memorable as possible. Check for Kissimmee Florida vacation packages and see what package deals they are offering. There are many Kissimmee Florida packages for you to choose from but you need to decide first how long your vacation is, how many are coming, and how much can you afford. You have to consider whether it would be more economical and convenient to stay in a condominium, vacation home, or hotel.

Since the entertainment and adventure to be had at Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World are many and varied, you need to discuss among your group or family members what each one would be most interested in. Kissimmee Florida vacation packages differ in what they offer in terms of prices and the kind of amusement that are included. Determine which would suit you best. For example, if you want to go to Disney World’s major theme parks and water parks, then you have to choose a package deal that includes free or discounted admission tickets to that particular theme park. Look for the right combination that would meet your needs and preferences.

disney vacation packages – Planning vacations? Check News and Information about disney vacation packages.

Make sure that the package deals also include free transportation to your preferred destination, back and forth. Look for lower rates for your accommodation especially if you are planning to stay long or you are getting several rooms in a hotel or a big condominium unit. The kind of amenities or facilities would also affect the price of vacation homes. Study your options and look over your plans on how you want to spend your vacation. If you just plan to use your place for sleep and rest, then you might just need the basic stuff. For example, if you plan to devote most of your time outdoors to go for exciting rides, shows, tours, and activities, then you probably would not need a place with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, several TV sets, and other excesses.

When you look for Kissimmee Florida packages, do not disregard other attractions that they are offering. Kissimmee is a place where you can find lots of things to see and do other than the famous theme parks. Check them out to see if you might find some attractions and activities that sound interesting like taking a Boggy Creek Airboat ride to see the wonders of Florida Everglades – alligators and all. You might also want to enjoy a meal and a show at Medieval Times where you will see knights in a jousting competition. You will be truly transported to the medieval times in this place.

maternity clothes – Chic Maternity Clothes The Choice of Fashion Editors Celebrities 4 95 for 48 Hour US Delivery Free Returns Shop For Stylish Maternity Wear Now!

3 Reasons to Visit Peru in 2011

Posted on by
Reply

Are you trying to plan your next vacation but don't know yet where you want to go? Latin America is easily accessible, relatively cheap, and home to extraordinary countries filled with history, amazing culture and congenial people. But where to go? Unless you actually plan on traveling for months at a time, there is no way you'll be able to see it all in one trip, so you have to pick a specific destination to start your explorations in South America. Read this guide and learn 3 reasons to choose to travel to Peru in the next months.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or this is your first trip abroad, you should always be concerned about airport security and facilities as you travel. It may not seem like a priority, but you may end up staying for a while in airports as you travel around. Layovers and delays are always part of a trip. Well you need not worry about Peru's international airport in Lima, which has recently been declared the best in South America for the third consecutive year by Skytrax Research at the 2011 World Airport Awards held in Copenhagen. The Jorge Chavez airport is the gateway to Peru and is indeed very efficient, easy to navigate, with friendly services and plenty of opportunities for shopping and eating to keep you entertained as you wait for your next flight.

April is a particularly interesting month to be traveling in Peru, as the celebrations of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Easter generally overtake the entire country and are truly a sight to behold. Make sure to make your reservations in advance as this time of year is generally busy. Hotel Peru. However, you are guaranteed to get a unique experience and real insights into the Peruvian culture. Processions, fairs, and other festivities characterize this period. Make sure to be in Peru on April 28th-30th to attend the 12th Peru Gift Show, an international handmade gift and home accessories held yearly, which includes hundreds of companies from Peru and abroad.

This year, Peru is celebrating the centennial of the re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is the perfect time to visit this newly appointed World Wonder and catch a glimpse of the Incas' extraordinary might and technological skills. Even the world-recognized magazine National Geographic invites you to explore the citadel, which is featured on the cover of its April issue.

This guide to 3 reasons to discover Peru was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Peru tours.