Not many travellers arrive at Juliaca Airport without heading straight to Lake Titicaca, but this time was to be an exception. We were on our way to another attraction of the Peruvian Altiplano: Hacienda Mallkini, an extensive ranch where Alpacas are raised to produce the most exquisite quality of wool, used to make all manner of different types of garment.
In February last year we reported on the latest hotel news in our blog article Aracari’s rundown of up-and-coming hotels in Peru. Now it’s time to revisit the luxury Peru hotels that we featured, and we’ve been in touch with our contacts to see what progress has been made…
Westin Lima
–> Open for business
Those of you on twitter may recall that in February our good friend Ricky travelled to the Colca Canyon and stayed at Colca Lodge while live tweeting about the experience. Below is his full report of the trip with some great insights and tips for Aracari guests.
A variety of events and processions to mark Holy Week are underway across the country. Friends and family gather for the occasion and attend church together while some also take the opportunity of having two days holiday to travel in Peru, with popular destinations filling up over the weekend.
With vibrant and colorful patterns based on pre-Columbian art and design, “Silvinia Prints” became an institution of fashion in Lima from its opening in 1958. Founded by Silvia von Hagen, wife of the renowned explorer Victor von Hagen, the company was inspired by the iconography and artwork of indigenous cultures that the couple witnessed on their expansive explorations throughout Peru.
These fantastic photographs of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in southern Bolivia were taken by Bolivian contemporary artist Gaston Ugalde, and we’re enamoured with them as the Salar is one of our favourite destinations that we offer in Bolivia.
By Simon and Carlos
Photos by Pedro Chincoa
After some ten minutes of viewing the private art collection of our friend Naguib Ciurlizza at his house in Chacarilla, Lima, it became very clear why many hail this as one of the finest in Peru.
Aracari’s Weekly Insight
The Question
How many different types of dance are on display at this month’s Fiesta de la Candelaria?
The Answer
One of the largest festivals in South America, there are over 200 styles of dance on display at this months Virgen de la Candelaria festival, held annually in the first two weeks of February.
Aracari’s Weekly Insight
The Question:
To which Peruvian cocktail is tomorrow dedicated?
The Answer:
Tomorrow, the first saturday in February, is officially National Pisco Sour Day!

Made from limes, ice, egg white, sugar syrup and Pisco, Peruvians hold an immense deal of pride for this cocktail, to the extent that it is considered to be Peru’s National Drink.
Aracari’s Weekly Insight
The Question:
Where in Bolivia is a Baroque Music Festival held every two years?
The Answer:
Every two years there is a Baroque Music Festival held at the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos in south eastern Bolivia. The festival is a fantastic way to experience the diverse and multilingual culture of the region, with the recital of the works of a variety of classic composers such as Vivaldi, Handel, Bach and Purcell (to name but a few) as well as original compositions by local people in a remote part of the Bolivian rainforest.


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