The airport taxes for flights leaving or arriving to following airports Arequipa, Tacna, Juliaca and Puerto Maldonado will be automatically included from May 1st 2012 in the air fare. The new regulation applies to all the (reissued) tickets from January 1st 2012.

Taxes included will be as follows:
Arequipa: 4.25 USD
Tacna/ Juliaca/ Puerto Maldonado: 3.45 USD

Fires broke out at the Torres del Paine park in the Chilean Patagonia on December 27th obliging to evacuate travelers accommodated in the hotels of the the park. No properties were damaged by the fire and on January 4th 80% of the park (100.000 hectares) has been reopened to the public. Though, following access remained closed until further notice from the authorities: Lago Grey, Lago Pehoe, Lago Sarmiento, camping area Pehoe and Serrano River as well as Hotel Explora and Hosteria Lago Grey. The highlights of the park the so called ‘Horns’ and ‘Towers’ of the Paine have been not damaged and 90 km of trails for trekkers are again operating with a limited capacity of 80 visitors daily.

From January 1st 2012 the Ecuadorian governmental will no longer subsidize the fuel for domestic flights. Consequently air fares to/from the Galapagos Islands and other national destinations are suffering an increment. AEROGAL is charging on the route to/from the Galapagos Islands (Baltra and San Cristóbal) USD 50 each way p/p. For other local destinations such as Cuenca, Coca and Manta air fares the fuel surcharge is USD 15 each way p/p. This regulation affects all flights in 2012, regardless if the ticket has been already issued.

Since January 2nd 2012, TACA offers direct flights from Cusco to Arequipa (daily) and to Puerto Maldonado (3 times a week). Besides these new connections there will also be the resumption of the route Lima – Juliaca, which is operated once a day.

The experience-restaurant Wayra has launched an artistic show ‘Achuma’ for the first time ever in the Sacred Valley. In a mix of theatre, circus art and music ‘Achuma’ performed by 5 artists, tells the story of a shaman and his apprentice, who, with the help of the sacred cactus plant Achuma, travels into other worlds. The show is offered WED, THU, FRI and SAT at 06:30 pm at Wayra restaurant starting APRIL 2012. The rate will include a full meal, a glass of wine and Achuma presentation.

During our last inspection trip we drop by the new CHOCOMUSEO located in Cusco’s historic center. This is a place to learn about the history of cacao and its production but also about the role it plays for Cusco and Peru (Peruvian cacao raised a broader awareness since it was awarded in the prestigious Salon du Chocolate in Paris). Entrance is free. But 2-hour workshops are also offered that include the preparation and taste of your own chocolate. Definitely a fun experience for kids too. The museum is already ranked among the most popular attractions by TRIPADVISOR in Cusco.

Peru has been listed among the best trips for 2012 by the National Geographic Traveler magazine. Beside unique archaeological sites as Machu Picchu the magazine mentiones Peru’s incredible biodiversity that is reflected on its varied gastronomy. Last but not least FutureBrand released its renowned Country Brand Index announcing Peru under the Top 10 Country Brands for Heritage and Culture.

The hotel announced that from November 2011 all rooms will be equipped with mini bar, new bedding and new bed linen and skin care line. Non-alcoholic beverages (up to 6 per stay) are included in the new rate.