You can read an interesting Associated Press article - *Tourism booms amid concerns in Peru* - on the current situation in Peru, particularly in and around Cuzco here:

http://www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci...nclick_check=1

The Misses and I are heading to South America in the fall and while we have no definite route Cuzco and Machu Picchu are in our plans.

The article lists several accommodations in Cuzco that "give back." This is right up our alley... giving back. Does anyone have any experience with these. Thanks in advance.

The following is a quote from the article:

There are places in Peru where your tourism dollars will go to directly help the local population. Some recommendations in Cuzco:

Ninos Hotel, Calle Meloq 442, Cuzco, 011-51-84-231-424, An immaculate, two-star hotel in an old Cuzco mansion. Profits support poor children in the area, who are given housing, schooling or food. Double with private bathroom, $36. Hotel has a lovely courtyard with a fountain and each room is decorated with large paintings by street children.

Hostal San Juan de Dios, Manzanares Avenue 264 in the Urbanizacion Manuel Prado, Cuzco; 011-51-84-240-135. Located a short taxi ride from the Plaza de Armas. Your stay funds the San Juan de Dios Clinic, providing care to underprivileged children with disabilities in Cuzco. Ten double rooms,
$35 a night.

Hostal Marani, Carmen El Alto 194, San Blas, Cuzco, 011-51-84-249-462. Basic hostel whose proceeds help local street children with health and education projects. Double room, $38 a night.

Homestay in Cusco, Cuesta San Blas 561, Cuzco, 011-51-84-242-562. One of dozens of home stay tour operators in Cuzco. Offers visitors a chance to get to know local people, their customs and try the rich local cooking. Love of potatoes a requirement! Week long single bed home stays with a Cuzqueno family for around $90.

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» “What do you expect to find there? Well, if I knew, I wouldn’t go there!” — Jacques Cousteau