the Aracari Blog

Aracari’s Weekly Insight

The Question:

Which is the most hotly anticipated hotel opening in Cusco next year?

The Answer:

The most hotly anticipated hotel in Cusco, due to open in June 2012, Palacio Nazarenas is set to raise the bar for accommodation in Peru higher still. This gorgeous hotel, a colonial convent refurbished by Orient-Express, will be a refined and fashionable property featuring 55 suites lavished in the most luxurious décor and amenities.

by Simon

photos by Martin

On September 23rd 1996 Marisol Mosquera started Aracari Travel with the vision of designing hand-crafted itineraries for those discerning travellers who wanted to explore Peru in comfort and style.

Precisely 15 years later and the company is recognised as one of Peru’s finest tour operators, with awards from Conde Nast Traveler magazine and Travel + Leisure just a few of the plaudits that have been received over the years.

by Simon

While in the Cusco region, I took the opportunity to realise the Lodge-to-Lodge Salkantay trek, a fantastic 6 day trek to Machu Picchu that sees partakers staying each night at sumptuous luxury lodges in between walking along a stunning route that passes beneath the snow covered peak of Salkantay amongst other marvels. You can find out more here.

Almost two weeks since our Trip of the Century drew to a close and we have received some of the most wonderful guest comments that we have had in all of our 15 years of operation. Those who travelled with us have left us with glowing reports and we are all very pleased about this.

The Peruvian Amazon is being embraced by two new luxury cruises to give discerning travellers even more choice for exploring this wildlife-rich region.

Our partners Delfin Amazon Cruises and Aqua Expeditions both have new boats on offer. Delfin have refurbished their original boat the Delfin I to reach an even higher standard of luxury that perhaps even surpasses that of their flagship Delfin II. Aqua Expeditions, meanwhile, are launching the second ship in their fleet, the ultra-modern MV Aria, to complement the MV Aqua.

In such an exciting year for Peru luxury travel, it’s time for Aracari to give our rundown of what hot new hotels are up-and-coming, in the pipeline and on the cards.

There is something of a hotel boom going on at the moment as this recent article from Hotel News Now has outlined, the perfect opportunity for Aracari – always first to be “in the know” – to give our lowdown of what we think will be favourites amongst our guests and discerning travellers.

On a recent trip to the Urubamba Valley, the Aracari team was most pleased to have the opportunity to stay at one of the finest new additions to accommodation in Peru: the New Suites – or Casitas – that were inaugurated by Sol y Luna in June 2010.

In order to spread the word abou luxury travel in Peru to new parts of the world, Aracari has recently participated in a high profile event in Singapore called Discovery of the Senses to expose our services to travellers from Asia. Teaming up with event organisers Quotient Travel Planner, Aracari was presented alongside six other prestigious travel companies from across the world, which included the likes of Relais & Châteaux and Silversea cruises. Guests were by the invitation of participating companies only, and a gourmet dinner was crafted by top Singapore chef Emmanuel Stroobant of St Pierre.

Following a recent visit to the house of Naguib Ciurlizza, the Aracari team was delighted to learn that the distinguished host will soon receive our guests for lunch in his private home.

Located close to Lima, his property contains perhaps the most remarkable garden in Peru, which has been designed with immaculate attention to detail and that makes for a peaceful afternoon relaxing and dining in the company of a captivating conversationalist and story-teller.

Tessa Prieto Valdes, one of Aracari´s very important guests from the Philippines this past April, writes an entertaining and interesting account of her South American Trip and Peru with Aracari.

Please go to inquirer.net for full article