COSA NOSTRA RESTAURANT

COSA NOSTRA, new restaurant with authentic italian flavour in Cusco
Located in an old town house in the center of Cusco, Cosa Nostra Ristorante has become a ‘must’ for those who know and enjoy good eating. Cosa Nostra offers a suggestive and traditional proposal of Italian cooking in the hands of his owner-chef, Emanuele Gulino.
Governed by good taste, simplicity and elegance, you will find original dishes like Antipasto all’Italiana, Prosciutto Crudo di Parma & Parmigiano Reggiano, Bruschette, Pappardelle ai Funghi Porcini, Risotto al Nero di Seppia, Filletto al’Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Panna Cotta and Tiramisú, a classic... prepared according to the most authentic Italian Cuisine. And, among others, an exclusive Italian Wine & Liquors selection.
Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday Lunch, 12:00 hrs to 15:30 hrs Dinner, 19:00 hrs to 22:30 hrs
Website: http://www.cosanostraristorante.com/

COSA NOSTRA, new restaurant with authentic italian flavour in Cusco
Located in an old town house in the center of Cusco, Cosa Nostra Ristorante has become a ‘must’ for those who know and enjoy good eating. Cosa Nostra offers a suggestive and traditional proposal of Italian cooking in the hands of his owner-chef, Emanuele Gulino.
Governed by good taste, simplicity and elegance, you will find original dishes like Antipasto all’Italiana, Prosciutto Crudo di Parma & Parmigiano Reggiano, Bruschette, Pappardelle ai Funghi Porcini, Risotto al Nero di Seppia, Filletto al’Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Panna Cotta and Tiramisú, a classic... prepared according to the most authentic Italian Cuisine. And, among others, an exclusive Italian Wine & Liquors selection.
Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday Lunch, 12:00 hrs to 15:30 hrs Dinner, 19:00 hrs to 22:30 hrs
Website: http://www.cosanostraristorante.com/

POSADA DE MIKE RAPU, EASTER ISLAND

Posada de Mike Rapu puts a fresh face on legendary island and explora experience,
set in seclusion between ancient volcanoes and the Pacific.

Posada de Mike Rapu, the new outpost for explora
Rapa Nui, recently opened on Easter Island. Situated in
seclusion on the island’s southern edge, the stylish, eyecatching
and soon-to-be green-certified lodge is arrayed
to reflect the philosophy that has made explora one of
the world’s most inspired travel companies. With 30
rooms and a wealth of comforts to go around, Posada
de Mike Rapu will heighten the journey of discovery on
Easter Island, as well as that of the explora experience.

On a landmass with limited accommodation options,
explora’s new addition is a standout. Named for
explora’s local partner, co-owner Mike Rapu, Posada
de Mike Rapu is distinctively remote, looking out on
the roaring Pacific and the ancient Rano Raraku Volcano
where Easter Island’s renowned moai were born. There
are five miles separating the property from the island’s
only town, offering a striking setting to appreciate the
vast dimensions of the water, land and wonder that
surround it.

Guests are greeted at Posada de Mike Rapu by a
welcoming patio and gracious staff. Inside, each of 30
guest rooms, including 4 suites, is designed for subtle
comfort with a sitting area, ultra comfortable beds and
a hydro-massage bathtub. Design accents are created
from indigenous materials such as furniture of local
Rauli wood, bathroom flooring and walls of Piedra
Pizarra stone, and interior Lenga wood paneling. Each
room faces the Pacific, assuring drop-dead sunrise
views and fresh ocean breezes throughout the day.
The lodge is also highlighted by excellent service, a
magnificent restaurant with a glassed-in kitchen, a bar,
inside/outside dining, and Casa de Baños Hare Val, an
inviting outdoor area with pool, massage salon and
open-air Jacuzzis for unwinding after long days of
exploration. A library and a meeting space for up to
30 people are available for business and pleasure, while
a satellite dish provides permanent communication
with Chile and the rest of the world. Of course, Internet
access is available, too.

Plenty to see and do
Not all the delights of Posada de Mike Rapu were in
the plans, however. During the lodge site’s excavation,
explora came across a cave that has since been glassed
over to allow guests a glimpse of the island’s origins
– a typical move for the deluxe tour company, which
revels in the unexpected.

As with all explora properties, Posada de Mike Rapu is
integral to the explora experience on Easter Island.
Guests can expect a thoroughgoing, explora-style stay,
including food and beverages, roundtrip transfers to
the island’s only airport, and guided hikes and bike
rides of all levels with bilingual local guides. The Walk
to Hanga Oteo, for instance, takes in spectacular views,
natural bathing pools and abundant archeological sites
before winding up with a picnic on the beach. The
Climb to Tereveka heads to Easter Island’s highest
point, with extraordinary vistas, coastal ridges and a
swim in the sea. And Te Pito O Te Henua (The Navel
of the World) shimmies along a trail on the island’s
northern coast with views of Ana Okeke and Maunga
Parehe, along with archeological sites, the La Perousse
fishing cove, and interactions with local villages.
Gone Green & Local.

As if all of the above weren’t enough, Posada de Mike
Rapu offers the greenest accommodation experience
in Chile and South America. The property is in the
midst of obtaining full LEED certification from the U.S.
Green Building Council, having recently reached “silver”
level certification, with the possibility of “gold” in mid-
2008. By following LEED recommendations throughout
the construction process, explora assured certification
while protecting the sanctity of the property’s
delicate surroundings.

And just as local provisions have become the rage in
culinary circles around the world, explora Rapa Nui has
added an orchard and vegetable garden on the hotel
grounds. Expertly tended to provide fresh, homegrown
and sustainable ingredients for hotel dining, the plot
produces a range of produce including bananas,
pineapple, watermelon, potatoes, sweet potatoes
and more.

Easter Island Encapsulated
As with all explora programs, explora Rapa Nui presents
Easter Island in its own unique context: a place of
magnetism and mystery whose cultural origins remain
unknown. Easy to difficult guided walks reveal the
secrets and beauty of the island, especially the numerous
ahus with gigantic moai sculpture that have fascinated
and perplexed for ages.
Rates at Posada de Mike Rapu/explora Rapa Nui for a
three-night stay start at $1,794 per person, double
occupancy for a standard room and $2,334 per person,
double occupancy for a suite. Included in this rate are
airport transfers, accommodations, all meals and bar
and daily explorations with bilingual guides.
For reservations or more information

Please email: eugenio@altatours.com

or call toll free 1-800-338-4191

and ask for Eugenio Ovalle

FIRST LUXURY RAILWAY IN CHILE

1.- “TRANSPACIFICO”…FIRST LUXURY RAILWAY IN CHILE & LATIN AMERICA:
The new product called “Transpacifico Railway Cruise” it is the first luxury Railway in Chile and Latin America and cover over 1.700 kms. crossing 8 regions of the central and south Chile.

Owned by the German signature Evergreen-Express S.A., this spectacular new concept of tourism in Chile offers to his hostesses an attractive mix of feelings, adventure, glamour and culture inside the renewed German coaches of the past century.

The trip starts on a spectacular train restored and environ in the 20´s & 30´s years and it offers two types of category: “Classic” & “Superior” . It has 10 coaches for passengers that include coach-bar and dinning coach room with a great panoramic view.

“Transpacifico Railway Cruise” is a route trough the history and the traditions of Chile. During the trip the staff shows interesting and complete presentations about the Chilean Wine and his culture.

Come and live the experience of the Golden Days of Chile’s Railway with style and comfort…

For further information
please contact:
eugenio@altatours.com

http://www.altatours.com/

THE OTHER INKA TRAIL

SUN TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICHUU ( 5 Days 4 Nights)


An ancient network of trails built by the Incas more than 500 years ago will alow you to make one of the best and more beautiful treks in the world. D not miss this opportuniy to reach Machu Picchue through this path, visitng Inca ruins covered by vegetation, enjoying lunch and snacks while admiring impressive landscapes, camping in unbeatable locatiosn and becoming fascinated with the professionalism, warmth and excellent services of our collaborators.



Itinerary
Day 1: CUSCO – CRUZPATA – SALKANTAYPAMPA.
We leave Cusco early (06.30) and drive, to the village of Mollepata a nice Indian Village situated in a citrus growing area at a subtropical 2803 m. We may have time to visit the Inka Archaeological site of Limatambo (Tarawasi) one of the nicest buildings in the region before getting to Mollepata.
We begin our trek to CRUZ PATA , meeting with the mule handlers who will accompany us on our trek. a spectacular location overlooking the deep valley of the Rio Apurimac. We will arrive to Challacancha for Lunch.
We then begin a slow ascent to our camp at Salkantaypampa near the tiny settlement of Soraypampa. Views of the mountain Humantay (5917 metres) spur us on, and just before our camp the majestic Salkantay appears. We camp at 4000 metres, with possible night time temperatures of 0-40c. ( L-D)



Day 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – QOLLPAPAMPA
Today it will be a long journey , we depart at 06:am This is approximately 8 hours walk .
We hike in close proximity to the glacial moraine of Salkantay (4500m) from and the views are astounding, landscape is beautiful .
We continue and descending to Huaracmachay for a delicious lunch . In this area we can appreciate some portions of Inka Trail (cobbled) . In the afternoon we descend to our campsite at Qollpapampa . From this area onwards we may encounter herders with their alpacas and llamas. (B-L-D)



Day 3: QOLLPAPAMPA - LUCMACHAYOC



After breakfast we will descend through a narrow path toward the banks of the River Cachora (6 hours Walking)
This day we will enjoy a warmer and humid climate, at this altitude there is a marked change in the flora and fauna, it will be good use light suit .. The vegetation begins to change in this area, becoming more verdant and preparing us for the subtropical foliage to come.
Near this area we can find small puddles of thermal waters. Gorgeous scenery ,different kinds of trees ,plants ,flowers we can appreciate a wonderful waterfall with three falls..
we will arrive to PLAYA site to enjoy a delicious Lunch.


In the afternoon we continue close to the banks of the river and we will pass SAHUAYACO a small village less of 20 families. Later we arrive to our campsite at Lucmachayoc (B-L-D)



Day 4: LUCMACHAYOC – HYDRO 5 hours walking
Alter Breakfast we Start walking at 7.30 AM, descending and passing Coffe ,bananas trees , and other fruits … fields. we will pass close to Llactapata ,these ruins are the last on the trail , and their plunging terraces covered by vegetation provide a beautiful spot for a break from hiking. From this point we can sight Machupicchu in the distance..
We continue close to the banks of Aobamba river ,in this point we have lunch and say good bye to our muleteers.
After lunch we finally walk one hour more to the next rail station in order to aboard our train to Aguas Calientes town.. Accommodation in a Hostal ..hot water and a good bed await us . (B-L)



Day 5: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO


Early in the morning we take first bus up to the ruins , our guide takes us on a full guided tour of the site. There is more time to explore on your own after the tour. Return to Aguas Calientes and take the afternoon train back to Cusco. (B ,L)

For current prices, and departure dates

please email: eugenio@altatours.com

www.altatours.com