Lodging Highlights

Following are the lodges we use on most trips. From time to time we have to change a lodge, but when that happens we use one that is similar and equivalent to the one noted in our itinerary. All lodges have private hot water bath unless otherwise noted. In Lima our home for the night is La Hacienda Hotel, a modern hotel situated just a few blocks from the lively center of Miraflores, with its shops, nightspots, and sidewalk cafes. Late arrivals may also stay at the Costa del Sol conveniently located at the airport. Casa San Blas in the artisan district, is our home in Cuzco. The Casa San Blas provides easy access to the main square and is in the heart of this ancient, vibrant city, but is situated on a courtyard just off a quiet street. All rooms have private hot water bath.

In Ollantaytambo we stay at the Pakaritampu Hotel, set in a stunning location on the edge of town. It is a five minute walk from the train station, and a ten minute walk from both the ruins and the town plaza. The hotel consists of several different buildings set amid gardens and landscaped grounds; the main lodge building has a restaurant, common room, bar, and fireplace which makes an excellent area to congregate, or relax alone. All rooms have private bath. In Aguas Calientes we stay at the El Mapi Hotel, located in town and a short walk from shops, restaurants, the bus to Machu Picchu, and the train to and from Cuzco. All rooms have private bath.

On the five- day, four-night trek in the High Andes, we’ll stay at “Tambos” (lodges) which are eco-friendly, solid stone-constructions, made with local materials and tastefully decorated with native textiles and local mahogany furniture.  They are fully integrated into the breathtaking landscapes of the towering Andes.  Each lodge houses 10 cozy double occupancy bedrooms, all equipped with thermal duvets and a private bathroom with running cold and hot water tapped from a nearby spring.  There is no electricity in the lodges; propane gas is used for the showers and for cooking, and firewood is burned for heating.  Candles and lanterns enhance the atmosphere and allow you to enjoy the magic of the Andean sky and the myriad of stars and constellations visible on a clear night.

One of your tour guides

Celinda Humilde Meza was born in Maras-Urubamba-Cusco. Her parents moved to the city of Cusco approximately 28 years ago when Celinda was still a little girl. Celinda grew up primarily in Cusco but would spend 3 months each year at her grandparents’ house in the countryside during school vacations. It was here that she improved her Quechua language skills which she now finds come in very handy as a guide. All of her primary and high school studies were done in Cusco. She later obtained her Tour Guide License from “Tupac Amaru” Institute after 3 years of studies and 1 year of practicum. Upon completion of the Tour Guide License program Celinda got married. She has been working in Tourism since 2001 for different several different companies, but particularly enjoys her time with Aventouras guests. She really enjoys learning languages, which is apparent after spending even a short amount of time with her. Her command of English is quite impressive, and she is improving her skills in several other languages as well. Celinda simply loves learning. Learning about other parts of the world from guests and meeting new people from different walks of life really keeps her job fresh and interesting. She also thoroughly enjoys sharing her culture and the history of her country with others. Her parents come from a province where indigenous people still wear the traditional dress and keep the customs they have for many centuries. Celinda really enjoys sharing that with the people that she takes on tours, the simple and hard life of the Peruvians Andes.