USER S GUIDE. User s Guide Inkaterra La Casona

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1 User s Guide Inkaterra La Casona 1 USER S GUIDE

2 Meet and mingle with Cusco s local people, mestizo architecture and traditions to explore the different chapters of the city s history. Sense the Cusqueño pride in ancestral culture and notice also how inhabitants have assimilated to international influences. As you walk the cobbled streets, appreciate both Inca and colonial monuments and observe how Cusco s Quechua-speaking inhabitants merge with visitors who enjoy the city s busy local markets and unique nightlife. To understand Cusco is to begin to understand the forces that make up Peru today. In order to make the most of your visit to Cusco, we have prepared this guide to help you prepare for a memorable journey. User s Guide 2

3 INKATERRA LA CASONA La Casona, Cusco s first boutique hotel, reflects the city s mélange of cultures and traditions. A striking 16th century mansion was occupied by the first Conquistadores and their mestizo descendants. This national monument is now an exclusive hotel located in the beautiful Plaza de Las Nazarenas at the heart of the historical city. Inkaterra has meticulously created an 11-suite hotel that maintains the original design and architecture of the original manor. Guests will appreciate the patina of time and tradition seen in colonial furnishings and original murals that blend with lavish contemporary comforts. Suites are fully equipped with open fireplaces, heated floors and extra large bathtubs. The amenities of the manor include sitting and dining rooms, a private spa, reading lounge and outdoor terraces for enjoying Cusco s timeless vibrancy. Inkaterra La Casona may be booked as individual suites, or as an entire Villa, offering a hub from which to discover the region. In addition to luxury services, we can provide access to a private car, driver and guide, as well as an experienced concierge to coordinate excursions. THE EXPERIENCE Re-live traditions at Inkaterra La Casona to experience privileged exposure to Cusco s hybrid history and the secrets surrounding its majestic past. Centrally located on the original Inca settlement and walking-distance from Cusco s present-day main square, Inkaterra La Casona offers you access to lovely streets where you can enjoy the perspective, comfort and exclusivity of those who lived in the manor in centuries past. > 4-Patio, 5- Balcony and 2- Plaza Suites - overlooking the square or patios and furnished with antiques. The suites feature one king or () twin bed, private sitting and dining area with an open fireplace, and individually controlled heated floors > Sumptuously spacious private bathrooms are fully equipped with double basin sinks, separate shower and toilet, extra-soft towels, handmade amenities and an oversized bathtubs. > Each room is equipped with high-count cotton sheets, feathered duvet covers, extra pillows, safe, mini bar, wireless internet, cordless phones, ipod Speakers, and Direct TV. > Lounge and sitting area > Dining room and dining terrace > Massage therapy room > Inkaterra Gallery with Alpaca products and souvenirs SERVICES Inkaterra La Casona services reflect the ultimate in opulent privacy pampering guests, and anticipating their needs. The food is fresh, natural and nutritious; our chefs incorporate local ingredients in order to provide a portal for exploring and discovering indigenous culinary secrets. Private excursions and events may be arranged in advance through our concierge or guest service department. FACILITIES Inkaterra La Casona has been carefully equipped with modern comforts without sacrificing authenticity, capturing the sense of privacy and privilege shared by those who once lived there. The decoration incorporates baroque colonial furniture and grand Spanish splendor; adobe, plaster, tile, fire and water are the main design elements. Guests will experience the tranquility and repose La Casona once offered to illustrious travelers who visited in earlier times. Handsomely appointed and boasting the most exquisite amenities, Inkaterra La Casona includes: User s Guide Inkaterra La Casona 3

4 ADDITIONAL SERVICES: > Lunch and Dinner > Bar and Beverages > International phone calls > Excursions > Andean rituals, mystical lectures, coca leaf reading, or cooking lessons > Additional bed/crib > Nanny service > Children s Explorer Kit > Late checkout > Day use > Laundry service > Special events and celebrations > Medical and hairdresser on call services GUEST SERVICE The Inkaterra Concierge team in Cusco has in-depth local knowledge and expertise to personally assist you throughout your visit, rising to every challenge and exceeding expectations. With our contacts and exclusive partners, we can plan according to personal preferences and requirements, enabling us to create an authentic experience for our guests. CARBON NEUTRAL Inkaterra s commitment to authentic travel includes a legacy of conservation, preservation, and concern for local communities through responsible tourism programs such as Carbon Neutral. Carbon Neutral is a term that indicates the point at which carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are completely offset through high quality renewable energy, energy efficiency and/or reforestation projects. These emissions are measured according to international standards and given a monetary value (US Dollar/ton CO2). This amount may be invested to offset the emissions through Sustainable Travel International (STI). TRANSPORT Cusco can be accessed by plane, by car, by train or trekking. Sport utility vehicles or vans, biking or horseback riding may be used depending on your choice of excursion. Agility is required for visiting ruins and temples conditions are not appropriate for wheelchair or other mobility aids. TO / FROM MACHU PICCHU Please take note that rail companies have imposed luggage limitation on the trains to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes). It is important that you bring only necessary clothing and accessories for your visit to the citadel. User s Guide 4

5 LUGGAGE TRANSPORT ALLOWANCE Peru Rail Inca Rail Maximum hand-carried allowance 5 kilos / 11 lbs. 8 kilos / 17.5 lbs. Measuring not more than (per passenger) 62 inch /157 cm. (height, length & width) 50 cm. length 40 cm. width and 25 cm. height WEATHER AND WHAT TO WEAR During the rainy season (November-March) the weather is usually clear and dry most mornings with outbursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically 18 C, (64ºF) with a slight drop at night, to about 15 C (50ºF) During the dry season (April-October) the weather is generally sunny with hot, dry days (20-25 C/68º-77ºF) and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July. It is recommended that you bring a waterproof coat and warm clothes for nights and time spent inside unheated buildings. The Andean sun is strong, and sun block is strongly recommended. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING: - Comfortable clothes for walking, a light jacket and rain gear. - Walking or trekking shoes. - Binoculars. - Sunblock, sunhat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent and lip balm. - Electricity voltage is 220v - Some converters are available at the hotel but it would be advantageous to bring your own converter. - Contact lenses solution and an extra set of contact lenses (if required). - Extra batteries or chargers for your camera & video equipment. HEALTH/INSURANCE Although no vaccinations are officially required, visitors are advised to take precautions, especially if traveling to Amazonic regions. The most common ailments for travelers are diarrhea and altitude sickness. Health care is limited in jungle areas, so safety measures must be taken regarding food and alcohol intake. Please see Altitude Sickness Prevention. ACCLIMATIZATION Acclimatization is the process of the body adjusting to the decreased availability of oxygen at high altitudes. Considering the varying altitudes of destinations in Peru, travelers should try to begin their trip at lower altitude destinations before ascending to higher altitude destinations like Cusco. Given enough time, your body will adapt to the decreased oxygen in Cusco. User s Guide Inkaterra La Casona 5

6 ALTITUDE SICKNESS PREVENTION Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) or soroche is a pathological condition that is caused by acute exposure to low air pressure usually above 2,400 meters (approximately 8,000 feet). Cusco is located at 3300 meters/ 10,800 feet above sea level. The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly; symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness and sleep disorder. Before your travel to a high altitude destination, avoid eating too much. If you stay at a high altitude, rest. Limit any walking or activity; you can explore the area, but take it easy especially on the first day. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages.. CURRENCY/FOREIGN EXCHANGE The official currency is the Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100 céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club, American Express and MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Traveler s checks may be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange, and many restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept US Dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaus) often give better rates than hotels and banks, and can be found in the city center as well as ATMs. COMMUNICATION/TELEPHONE When making international calls from Peru, dial 00 + country code + city code + telephone number. For inter-city calls: 0 + city code + telephone number. Public telephones accept coins and cards, which can be bought in kiosks and supermarkets. Ensure that the card you buy is for the telephone company you wish to use. Mobile phones for making local as well as international calls while traveling in Peru are available for rental at the Lima airport. Internet connection is available in most Peruvian hotels. SECURITY While traveling in Cusco, please keep a careful watch on your personal belongings as you would in any cosmopolitan area. Please take common sense precautions for your security and safety: watch out for pickpockets and thieves especially in busy tourist areas such as markets; do not leave your camera or wallet out on a table at a café; do not walk down dark alleyways or in areas you do not know well by yourself. Try to learn a few key phrases in Spanish before you travel to help yourself get by and to seem like a more conscientious and careful traveler to locals. User s Guide 6

7 SUGGESTED READING In addition to the information available on our website we have selected a list of books and links that may be of interest to you. DESTINATION INFORMATION BOOKS > Footprints South American Handbook > Moon Peru Handbooks > Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming > The Inca Trail, Cusco & Machu Picchu, 3rd: Includes the Vilcabamba Trek & Lima City Guide (Inca Trail, Cusco & Machu Picchu: Includes Santa Teresa Trek) by Richard Danbury and Alexander Stewart DESTINATION INFORMATION WEB LINKS User s Guide Inkaterra La Casona 7

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