FASCINATING PERU

The Inca Empire spread from Ecuador and part of Colombia to Northern Chile and Argentina including all of Peru and Bolivia. An empire almost as vast as the Roman empire, the Inca Nation was connected by a network of roads stretching over 14,300 miles. Cusco, the administratice, military and holy center of the Inca empire,is today the oldest inhabited city of the Americas. Cusco is also the departure point for visits to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu ,which can be reached by train or by the Inca Trail from Ollantaitambo. http//www.altatours.com/extras/FascinatinPeru.doc

FAST TRAIN MADRID-BARCELONA

New train has been inaugurated between Madrid and Barcelona
what use to take 8 hrs will now take 2 and 1/2hrs
http//www.altatours.com/spain/pdf2005/8-rail.pdf

COLCHAGUA VALLEY

This Valley is the birth place of our roots,the land of the chilean cowboy or "Huaso", this give the zone its own identity and,of course makes it attractive to tourists .Stretching from San Fernando to Chimbarongo in the South, it can be considered the valley where wine producing has developed most in a few years as has been the case in the Casablanca valley.The vineyards have climbed to the last slopes at the foot of mountain ranges, although most of them are in the area surrounding Peralillo and Santa Cruz, toward the interior of the valley,following the basin of the Tinguirica river. Wineries such us Viu Mannet, Bisquertt, Montes, Clos Apalta.
the area is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carmenere grapes. Its wines are characterized by their intense color, great body and balance,with an agrreable presence of fruit which makes them easy to drink.http://www.altatours.com/chile/w_colchagua.html