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.

The festival was first conceived of after several thousand original sheets of music dating from the 17th and 18th centuries were discovered in the 1970′s during the restoration of the six missions churches at Chiquitos and Moxos. Composed by both European and indigenous composers alike, the works embodied a precious cultural treasure, evidence of the dedication to musical tradition in these fabulously adorned mission churches. The missions were subsequently recognised by UNESCO as “monuments of the cultural heritage of mankind” in 1990.

The idea behind the Baroque Music Festival is to preserve and promote the unique musical tradition of this part of Bolivia. Local people have had an outstanding ability to assimilate complex European musical instruments and scores, showcasing a unique musical revival taking place in one of the world’s least developed regions. And the fascinating concept of live classical music being played in this beautiful and diverse tract of nature is a joyous and glorious occasion, a real treat for those travellers who make the effort to attend.

2012’s festival, the ninth edition, will take place between the 26th of April and the 6th of May. Anybody interested in visiting should contact us to plan their itinerary, as Bolivia Travel Specialists we can not only take you to Santa Cruz in comfort and style but combine your visit with other attractions such as Lake Titicaca and the spectacular Salar de Uyuni salt flats.

Marisol Mosquera

Has been included amongst 133 of

The World’s Top Travel Specialists

as published by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in December 2011.

Marisol has been listed as a Travel Specialist for

Peru and Bolivia

the third year in a row that she has featured on the list and the first year as a specialist for Bolivia.

Naturally we all at Aracari are ecstatic about the news, and look forward to providing Marisol’s travel expertise to readers of one of the world’s most prestigious travel magazines.

The list is drawn up by travel expert Wendy Perrin, who, for the last 20 years, has rigorously screened and interviewed travel experts from across the globe for “The Perrin Report”. The Conde Nast list of Travel Specialists – now in its 12th edition – is her definitive guide to the finest travel agents from every country and region; in her own words “… the most trusted insiders—people who offer the best combination of specialized knowledge (based on firsthand travel experience), local connections, user-friendliness, and value for your dollar.. ”

The above considered, if you would like help on planning an innovative, creative and authentic travel experience in Peru or Bolivia, please do feel free to contact us straight away.

Coca has been consumed by natives of the Andes for thousands of years, estimates range from anywhere between 4000 and 8000 years, since the area was first inhabited. The leaves can be brewed into a beverage with hot water, though the most common form of consumption is directly chewing the leaves.

The coca leaf (source)

No matter the number, the fact remains that Coca is embedded as a significant part of Andean tradition. The Inca’s referred to it as “the divine plant”, partly given its quality to greatly enhance the strength and productivity of those who chew the Coca leaf.

In an often harsh environment and at the high altitudes of the Andes this stimulant was absolutely necessary for partaking in often exhausting tasks. Inca messengers, for example, would chew on the leaf before running excruciatingly long distances along the extensive Inca road system, while coca would allow labourers to enjoy increased strength and energy, to work throughout the day and benefit from a reduction in hunger pangs.

Shaman with coca leaves

Playing such an important role in everyday work, Coca was revered as sacred and vital in Andean belief. On Aracari’s Mystical History Tour, our guests will be able to see the religious significance of Coca first-hand in an authentic experience with a genuine Shaman. To this day the plant is honoured and blessed in ceremonies enacted by religious men: Coca plays a key role in appeasing the gods, asking them for advice and as an offering to the gods and the mountains to help the cycle of Andean life to continue One cannot do justice to this concept in a mere paragraph, so you’ll just have to come on the tour and witness this ceremony with your own eyes.

Upon first arrival to Peru, the Spanish tried to prohibit consumption of Coca due it being a part of what they considered to be heretic and heathen native worship and against the word of God, and not to be understated because it appeared to give natives seemingly supernatural strength. But they soon found that they could not ban the plant outright; without the aid of Coca their newly acquired indigenous labour force could not work nearly as long hours nor with as much energy or resistance to the harsh environment, and it thus became necessary for Spaniards to encourage its use with miners of valuable precious metals, for instance.

Nowadays efforts to ban Coca are ever more vociferous and violent because of the huge popularity of an illegal narcotic obtained from the plant. Nevertheless, safe and traditional consumption of Coca in the Andes continues, and there is strong reaction against those who cultivate the plant for non-altruistic purposes. You can enjoy a cup of Coca tea throughout cafés in the Andes, and it is indeed the best way to combat adverse effects on the body wrought by high altitude, a concern of many of those who travel to Peru.

And the only company permitted to trade Coca internationally? Though not used in the same quantities as when the plant was a major ingredient and stimulant in their popular soft drink (so much so that the brand name is actually directly derived from the plant), Coca Cola still use a minute quantity for flavouring and so are exempt from laws designed to prevent trade of illegal narcotics.

Come on the Mystical History Tour to learn more.

Although the Incas were very advanced and did in fact know about the concept of the wheel, they never developed it in practice, This was, quite simply put, because their empire spanned the world’s second highest mountain range.

In it’s heyday – right at the time of the Spanish Conquest in the 1530′s – the Inca Empire stretched all the way from northern Argentina to Southern Colombia, an area defined chiefly by high peaks, narrow valleys and barren rocky terrain. Carrying goods was thus far more convenient by porters and on pack animals, such as llamas, who were well attuned to traversing tricky mountain slopes with heavy loads…. far easier than dragging a wagon up a mountain I’m sure you’ll agree!

In order to make travel by foot easier, the Incas developed an extensive and complex system of roads for transportation and communications, which they called Khapaq Ñan. This covered the vast majority of their  Empire, the total length of road incorporated is thought to have been around 25,000 miles, the same as the Earth’s diameter. The most famous stretch of road is, of course, The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

We here at Aracari encourage you to try out the time-honoured tradition of navigating the Andes by foot. Have a look at our Trekking in the Andes page for some more ideas.

This fantastic map of the Inca road system comes from Wikipedia:

September’s testimonials are still rolling in, and we saw notable congratulations for our ability to handle last minute requests. The Lawrence family said “Thank you very much for putting together such a wonderful trip on such short notice.  We had a lot of fun.” They said that they had a “fantastic trip” and they “will use Aracari again. ¡Muchas gracias!”

In similar vein, guests Katie Alberts and Ben Werschkul told us that “The speed and professionalism with which everything was organized at the last minute was truly impressive” showing that even the booking requests of those travelling imminently are more than welcome at Aracari.

And they adored their trip: “Everything was perfect, the most looked-after we’ve ever felt on vacation! Incredibly kind guide and best hotel we’ve experienced. Stunning drives, wonderful weaving demonstration and delicious lunch.” They are now “considering a future trip to Bolivia. Thank you Ruben, Caitlin and Suzy”

Susy Dyson of Ticllabamba

We were also complimented on a personal recommendation that was given to visit the community of Luquina Chico on Lake Titicaca, as featured in our blog recently.  Giorgia Aresu told us “Thank you for suggesting us the visit and the night in Luquina peninsula – the owners of the house, the accommodation, the food, the landscape and the people – in general these were amazing.” The Aresu’s also sent us a number of wonderful pictures from their stay, and you can also read a personal letter that they sent on our Luquina Chico webpage.

Thanks very much for those beautiful pictures!

Joseph Meyers also enjoyed his trip to Lake Titicaca, saying that the “floating islands were unique, people at Llachon very hospitable”

Moving on, and our guides are rarely not given a word in the testimonials we receive; The Lawrence Family said that “Sofia is a great guide, having everything taken care of was great”

Joseph Meyers, meanwhile, said of their trekking guide that “Manuel was very patient, he allowed us to stop and rest frequently and found herbs to inhale … very knowledgeable about local herbs, culture and history”

And the Mack family said that “Ruben was fantastic, great with the kids – very knowledgeable and you can tell that he totally enjoys his work.”

Expert guide Ruben talks to our porters on a Peru trek

In addition, we have again received numerous general words of thanks for Aracari’s services from those on Peru vacations with us.

Jeannie Snoeyink told us that “We loved our trip, all the accomodations, and our guide and driver.  Everything was great and it was a good compromise between my husband enjoying relaxing but also all the wonderful sights we saw.  We especially appreciated adding Ollantaytambo and an afternoon in Cusco to our list.  We were very glad that we saw Machu Picchu…”

Of Hacienda Huayo Ccari, an exclusive, insider experience in the Urubamba Valley, our guests Katie Alberts and Ben Werschkul said that their lunch was very accommodating of vegetarians and that “the museum was a treat”.

The Mack family told us that “Machu Picchu was fantastic … we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would happily recommend Aracari to others.”

Parker Roe also loved the Inca citadel: “Machu Picchu was amazing of course, however we loved it all! We would most certainly recommend this trip for anyone with a taste for Peruvian adventure! ¡Gracias por todo amigos!”

¡Gracias a ustedes! (thanks to you all)

In particular, Aracari’s highly personalized greeting and transfer service came under the spotlight over the last month. The Behar family told us that “Henry our driver in Cusco was wonderful.  Raul, who took us to and from the airport, was also fantastic! He made sure we were where we needed to be to get our trip moving!  He met us at 4:00 am at our hotel in the airport to make sure we made it home back to the States.”

Rubi Van der Sluijs also enthused that “All of the transport service was first class, from the pickup up to the transfer to the airport with Raul, we felt very comfortable and safe and I think this is what foreign travellers  appreciate the most when they come to Peru.”

And the Behar family, too, were impressed: “We appreciated all the small details that Aracari provided for us – down to the bottled water and snacks in the minivan. Thanks again”

Our much-valued Guest Relations Rep. Raul who greets Aracari guests in Lima

Of their vacations to Peru and Bolivia in general, our guests spoke very highly. “Now that we are home and the laundry is almost done,” wrote Pamela Behar, “I wanted to take the time to thank you for amazing trip!!  We enjoyed every minute! … As the trip planner in our family – I am the one who “works” while we are on vacation, but this trip allowed me to sit back and relax and enjoy the ride along with my family.”

The Behar Family

Steve Berkley, who visited the Bolivian half of Lake Titicaca with Aracari, told us that “Travel was comfortable. All my expectations were met! … The tour included all the sights I wished to visit. Well done!” Thanks Steve.

Rubi Van der Sluijs wrote “Many thanks for everything, everyone enjoyed the trip, it went beautifully. Everything was very well organized … the recommended restaurants were very good and all of the places that we visited were very beautiful.”

And The Tholen family told us that the Huchuy Qosqo trek “was wonderful, campsite was spectacular … definitely a highlight of our trip”. Aracari also accompanied the Tholens on a fantastic half day tour off the coast of Lima to swim with sea lions at the Palomino Islands: see our Facebook photo album for more pictures and details.

Aracari and The Tholens swim with Sea Lions

Aracari’s guides and porters also received their usual numerous and favourable mentions.

The Behar family told us that “We all learned so much about all things Peru.  John in Lima and Gilmar in Cusco were amazing sources of knowledge that never ceased to amaze us.  Our children’s are now richer with memory of what they experienced on our vacation … I didn’t even open the Peru book I bought at Barnes and Noble, our guides were a better source!! “

Likewise in Bolivia, Steve Berkley said that he “learned a great deal. My guide was very helpful, friendly & full of knowledge.”

Rubi Van der Sluijs told us that “our guides were stupendous: Vanessa in Lima, Ivo in Puerto Maldonado, Sofia in Cuzco, Puno and Jose Alvaro in Arequipa.” and Mrs. Rossi and Mrs. Rood were also very pleased, stating that “Sofia and Jaime were both great and very accommodating”.

And as experienced bikers, The Tholens enjoyed our guidance for mountain biking in the Sacred Valley, saying that it was “really fun. We loved it. Carlos is a great guide.” Of their trek to Huchuy Qosqo, the Tholens said of their porters that “all staff worked very hard and were very professional … we loved the chef outfit”. Aracari are inclined to agree:

Aracari's porters before the Huchuy Qosqo trek

Our choice of Peru accommodation was also to the liking of guests. The Tholens, again, were pleased, saying that they “loved the food and ambience of Willka Tika … Casa Cartagena – very fun.” And Mrs. Rood and Mrs. Rossi were also happy with Aracari’s hotel recommendations; “loved Tambo del Inka – beautiful food served. Loved Inkaterra Machu Picchu”. Rubi Van der Sluijs said that her party “had a very comfortable stay in all places, the hotels were very comfortable, the breakfasts were excellent”

Something special to finish: after writing a short note to us last month, we received a detailed and glowing testimonial from Sandra Won Sohn, who organized a trip for her parents in July:

“I can tell you that they LOVED their trip.  They said everything was perfectly planned, and they could not have changed any detail of their itinerary.  They visited me a few weeks ago, and they gave me a wonderful slide show of their wonderful journey to Machu Picchu.  They both called it a trip of a lifetime.  Thank you so much for doing everything possible to make their 40th anniversary celebration such a special one.  My parents had a glow from all of their enjoyment of their time in Peru.  I could not be happier with your services.  We will definitely keep you in mind for any future trips and certainly will recommend you to others looking for similar trips to South America.  Please give my thanks and appreciation to Nila as well.”

Our expert guide Juan with the Won Sohns

Thank you, Sandra, and thanks to everyone who has enjoyed a custom designed and personalised Peru travel itinerary this summer.

Bolivia: South America's hidden jewel

We’ve been planning journeys to Bolivia since Aracari was founded because we’ve always believed it was well worth a visit. Just at Pia says in her article, Bolivian travel in not for the faint at heart but for those willing to “rough it” the rewards are countless and the memories will last a lifetime. Take a look at Pia Chatterjee’s take on travel in Bolivia in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Galapagos

Amazon

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