The best guiding in Lima is with a local friend Despite all of the guidebooks and web resources out there, there is nothing that comes quite as close as having a friend in the city you're visiting, to see and experience a new place with someone who can show you 'their' city from a local's perspective. Whilst a tour guide might have all the textbook facts, Aracari also has a handpicked selection of 'friends in the city' who can give you this home-away-from-home insider experience. From their insight on Lima, to sharing their favorite hidden local hangouts, restaurants and boutiques, our 'friends in the city' can provide you with a genuine introduction to the places you visit for an alternative city tour. Our friends are also able to accompany you around town if you're looking to do something particular that doesn't need a formal tour guide (we've had guests on a mission to source textiles, lute instruments or just relax with their kids without a pre-planned schedule!), for the ultimate flexible approach to visiting Lima. So that's the concept behind Aracari's 'friend in the city' service, carefully matching guests with interesting people in Lima who are passionate about sharing their city with visitors, providing the best guiding in Lima, with an alternative twist. I met up with Carlos de la Torre, one of Aracari's 'friends' to chat about life in Lima, the way the city has changed, his favorite spots around town, and what it's like to accompany Aracari guests on a day out exploring Lima. Carlos de la Torre - your local friend in Lima I met Carlos at Arabica Espresso Bar - a popular local coffee shop in Miraflores. He's surprised to hear I've never been before, as he rates it as one of the best places in the city to grab a brew. I made a
The best guiding in Lima is with a local friend Despite all of the guidebooks and web resources out there, there is nothing that comes quite as close as having a friend in the city you’re visiting, to see and experience a new place with someone who can show you ‘their’ city…
Expert guiding in Peru We're celebrating the people that are part of the Aracari family throughout our 20 year history. Here's a spotlight on Fernando Silva who offers expert guiding in Cusco and Machu Picchu who first connected with us over twenty years ago! Tell me about yourself and how you got involved in tourism? I’m from Cusco – born and bred and have lived here all my life. I’ve been involved in tourism for over 26 years – I started as an assistant cook, then a cook, then an assistant guide and now I’m an officially registered guide in Cusco. And how did you meet Marisol or get involved with Aracari? I met Marisol more than 20 years ago on one of her trips to Cusco. I was actually her guide on the Inca Trail and we discussed her ideas and vision for starting a travel company to bring people from all over the world to visit Peru. I really agreed with her perspective and drive to do something unique with a focus on authentic experiences and ethical, low-impact tourism and wanted to be part of it. Tell us about those early years and what was different about Aracari Aracari really was the pioneer in the type of experience they offered guests. Marisol scoped out unique places and experiences that no other company took visitors to. I often take guests to Hacienda Huayoccari and tell them that Marisol came here and fell in love with it, and discussed with the owners the possibility of bringing guests here for lunch. Now many other companies have followed suit and the place is very popular. And what’s it like working with Aracari clients? Aracari clients do their homework! They read up beforehand, and also get a lot of information from the Aracari librito (welcome booklet) which
Expert guiding in Peru We’re celebrating the people that are part of the Aracari family throughout our 20 year history. Here’s a spotlight on Fernando Silva who offers expert guiding in Cusco and Machu Picchu who first connected with us over twenty years ago! Tell me about yourself and how you got involved…
