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 driver 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 Señores Rossi and 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 Señors Rood and 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.

Location: Urubamba Valley

Having recently had two of their properties voted amongst the best in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller, Orient Express should be feeling confident that their brand of hotels is the very best that Peru has to offer.  Eager to ensure that their Peru luxury hotels stay in touch with what Aracari values most highly, our Sales and Operations Manager Vicky recently inspected their only Sacred Valley hotel the Rio Sagrado, which opened in April 2009.

Travelling in August, Vicky was first struck by the Rio Sagrado’s modern appearance, yet she was most impressed that while maintaining this swish and sophisticated attire, the hotel’s minimalist design allows more natural aspects of the property and its surroundings to still take prominence over the hotel’s ambience. There is a beautiful garden in the property, for instance, which complements the flowing water of the Vilcanota River to create a most peaceful ambience for guests.

A convenient base for exploring the Sacred Valley, the Rio Sagrado is only a one and a half hour drive from Cusco and 15 minutes from the town of Ollantayambo which has an impressive set of ruins of its own, and where there is a train station to travel to Machu Picchu. In the next couple of years Orient Express hope to have a train station at Rio Sagrado that would mean that guests could travel straight from the hotel to Machu Picchu.

Rooms and Suites

Split between four blocks and every single one facing the river, Rio Sagrado’s ten Deluxe rooms and eight Junior Suites are of a very high level of comfort.

Photo by Orient Express

Overhead are large leather bound beams of wood, which together with stone walls and wooden floors keep the interior textures and décor feeling natural; this is helped by the fact that the windows are always facing towards nature, and the outdoor terraces which don natural rock and wild flower arrangements.

The beds are all so positioned in order that guests wake up with a view of the river; Peruvian pima cotton and feather pillows ensure that they are very comfortable. Heated wooden floors are also at hand to keep rooms warm at night.

Photo by Orient Express

Most of the rooms are adorned with beautiful Andean tapestry-style fabrics of vibrant reds and using colorful flower patterns to continue the floral environment of the gardens. Some of the furniture does not yet meet this standard, but Orient Express is working bit by bit to implement room fittings and decorations of good taste in accordance with the standard of the chain.

The advantage of the Junior suites is their larger outdoor terraces and garden with a sitting area which are made private by a row of tall shrubbery on either side. Thankfully these do not obscure the view of the river and the surrounding hills.

There are no televisions in any of the rooms, though this is rather an advantage given that the main draw of the property is the ability to relax in a natural and quiet environment.

The bathrooms are attractively decorated with simple geometric alienation and natural textures of marble and onyx complimented by the occasional plant and flower; the showers – Swiss showers – also have views towards the river. All of the toiletries are made from quinoa, native to the Andes, meaning that all of the replenishing properties of this plant can be enjoyed by simply applying Rio Sagrado’s shampoo, conditioner, and soap or shower gel.

Villas

The two villas, called Capulí and Orquídea after Andean flowers, are an extra step up from the suites for those in search of more flexibility. Both offer all of the same facilities as the suites and are decorated in the same naturally and traditionally influenced style.

Photo by Orient Express

Contained within two two-storey buildings, they are ideal for families who need some space for the kids to run around, both having three bedrooms and ample riverside gardens full of wild flowers.

Photo by Orient Express

There are also fully-equipped kitchens and elegant dining rooms in each, and a living room complete with a toasty fireplace for nighttime, which can get somewhat chilly in the Andes.

The differences: Villa Orquidea has some extra leg room with a Studio style loft space and a spacious covered terrace including an exterior dining room. Also be aware, Capulí has 2 double rooms and 1 twin with 3 ½ bathrooms, while Orquídea has one double room and two twins with 3 bathrooms.

Families wanting to stay at the Rio Sagrado should note that children under 5 stay free if sharing bed with parents though their breakfast is not included. Also note that only one child allowed per room maximum

Facilities

Relaxation is the order of the day at the Rio Sagrado; there is not only a Spa to this end, but various outdoor spaces, in the garden and next to the river, where guests can lie back and soak in the atmosphere. Two hammocks located next to the river are conveniently at hand for this purpose also, and it is possible to have yoga classes which are a particularly enjoyable way of making the most of the peaceful environment.

Spa Mayu Wilca itself has a lot to offer, with a whole host of treatments such as massages, reflexology or facial treatments alongside facilities including a Jacuzzi and a steam sauna.

Cuisine

Making use of what must be the most local ingredients possible, El Huerto restaurant  takes its name from the onsite vegetable gardens, from where fruits, vegetables and spices are taken to be used in the restaurants range of Peruvian cuisine. El Huerto’s bar has a very privileged location overlooking the river, the tranquil sound of running water is reason enough to keep the bottles flowing and order another round of delicious cocktails.

Perhaps the most fitting dining option, however, is the delightful picnic lunch that can be had in the gardens. Here, guests are served a banquet of niceries; mimosa or juices, sandwiches of various types (salmon, chicharron), a selection of different cheeses, ham and salami and a dessert. This can be enjoyed to the tune of a fruit juice or perhaps a champagne with orange. In the evenings there is dinner on the grill; guests can choose between beef, chicken or trout with salad or cream of potato and pumpkin soup.

It should also be noted that on arrival, guests are not greeted with the Coca tea that can be typically expected in Cusco region hotels, but an equally powerful antidote for the effects of high altidude called muña. This native plant is mixed with orange juice and is quite a delicious welcome to the Rio Sagrado.

The Verdict

As would be expected, this Sacred Valley hotel lives up to the high standard of quality set by the world-renowned Orient Express brand; there are still a few areas for improvement but we are confident Orient Express have been heading in the right direction over the last year or so; they have made great effort to add extra touches of detail such as in the choice of furniture and decoration which we found to be very tasteful.

In short, modern and manufactured touches are kept subtle and discreet, while features such as the lush flower gardens and local textile decorations keep the hotel firmly grounded in the Sacred Valley.

We feel that those of our guests who are looking for something very modern and luxurious on their luxury Peru vacation, while staying in touch with the peaceful natural environment of Peru, will be thrilled, and we continue to recommend Rio Sagrado as one of the best luxury hotels in the Sacred Valley.

Aracari's invited guests enjoy the presentations

Needless to say, Aracari’s presentation went down particularly well; although Marisol wasn’t able to jet off to Asia in person to represent us, she appeared to the audience in video form to describe all of those things that make Aracari a particularly special and unique luxury travel operator. You can view the very same video on our Youtube account.

Aracari's brochures on display at Discovery of the Senses

With the help of some friends, Aracari was able to offer some fabulous awards for the prize draw; Delfin Amazon Cruises, Galapagos Safari Camp and Awasi Hotel in Chile all helped us to provide guests with the opportunity to experience South America in luxurious fashion; all three outfits are renowned for immaculate attention to detail and personal service, the very reason why Aracari collaborates with them. Quite coincidently, two of the prizes were won by invitees of Aracari… congratulations!

Huang Lui, wife of Giam Chin Toon, Ambassador of Singapore to Peru, wins a luxury Amazon cruise aboard the Delfin II

Mr Boris Nordenstrom, also in the Ambassador's party, wins a stay at the Galapagos Safari Camp

Ms Susan Hwee wins a stay at Awasi Hotel in Chile's Atacama desert

We are very pleased that the event was a success and cordially invite all of those at the other side of the Pacific to come and experience an authentic and unique journey to Peru and South America. Marisol will be in Singapore in October, so please get in contact if you would like to get in touch with her during her visit.

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.

Gardens:

Flowing with colour and a blend of endless shades of green, the garden at Naguib’s is a breathtaking feat. Every last detail has been determined by the visual effect of plants; the smells they create; the effect of the sun, the moon and the seasons; and the placement and allocation of water. The arrangement of plants is so done so that there is colour all-year-round, creating different appearances determined by the leaves and flowers.  This meticulous and careful planning has been implemented by masterful Naguib to create the ideal setting for relaxing, reading, reflecting and, most importantly to him, hosting his friends.

Naguib in his fabulous garden.

The garden is split into three sections: a higher Andean garden at the top end; a Peruvian garden around the house in the middle; and a Colonial Garden at the bottom. These all have their own style, with regard to the respective cultures on which their design is based. The Andean garden, for example, utilizes stone terracing and chiefly native plants while the Peruvian garden has a flat grass lawn that was incorporated due to British influence on Peruvian gentry. The colonial garden, meanwhile, has organized stone walkways separating colourful flower beds, Romanesque statues and makes creative use of fountains and water features.

Naguib reveals his gardens to the Aracari team

Lunch:

Mr. Ciurlizza was notably the first ever male chef to appear on Peruvian television, and the exquisite taste of his fare comes both naturally to him and through his experience. He was proud to tell us that he designs a new dish every week, and the result for his guests is a most unique meal that combines a diverse range of ingredients to encapsulate a rich and sophisticated flavour; this is not least ensured by the fact that the host is hands-on in the kitchen to make sure that his dishes are prepared to a very high standard. This is a sign of his being the most attentive and caring of hosts, making sure that every one of his guests is catered for to the fullest extent.

Simon, Cristina and Caitlin await a delicious lunch

In the build up to the meal, a tasty assortment of Naguib’s own aperitifs are accompanied by house cocktails in the environs of the garden. Guests are then led to the dining area, which is naturally surrounded by plants and has a grand wooden table with comfortable seating. Dinner is accompanied by fine wine of the host’s selection, served in antique Mexican goblets. Afterwards, coffee is enjoyed in whatever part of the garden is most suited, and accompanied by sweets, of course crafted by Mr. Ciurlizza.

Raul relaxes in Naguib's garden before lunch

House and Art Collection:

If enough has not already been said about why a visit to Naguib’s house would be a pleasure to those who travel to Peru with Aracari, then an expose of the protagonist’s house itself is definitely an order. This colonial style building is far from being of pretentious grandeur; on the contrary, nothing but its refined and modest attire would fit in better with the surrounding nature of the gardens.

But it is the contents of this country house that are particularly intriguing: Mr. Ciurlizza holds a small part of his art collection here including some fantastic originals from the likes of Picasso, Salvador Dali and Gauguin. There is also some pre-Columbian ceramics and art from many notable modern Latin American Artists such as Bolivian sculptor Marina Núñez del Prado. Mr. Ciurlizza takes great pride in showing his collection to guests, and recounts many stories of how it has been acquired and compiled.

Logistics:

If you are interested in a visit to this house and garden, then this exclusive opportunity will be available through Aracari beginning in January. Please get in contact with us if your luxury tour of Peru falls next year and you want to pay a visit.

The journey from Lima will be approximately 35 minutes by private transportation and Naguib will be able to receive groups of up to 12 people; please note that prior arrangement is mandatory so get in touch as soon as possible.

Needless to say, if Aracari guests require an expert eye to help them pick out artwork in Lima, they should contact us to enlist Naguib’s expert assistance during their luxury Lima tour. Please also visit Naguib’s website at www.naguibciurlizza.com to dip into some of his poetry.

Photo by Inkaterra

Rating: 3 stars

Location: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Altitude: (1900m./6000feet)

Formally known as the Machu Picchu Inn, Inkaterra’s El Mapi has undergone more than just a change in name and ownership as Aracari team member Cristina found out on a recent inspection of the hotel. The new proprietors have completely renovated the property to give it a shiny, modern looking appearance that is evident from the first approach right through to the smart, stylish and contemporary interior. The adornment of colourful flowers in both the garden and the interiors is a nice touch which is inkeeping with the natural materials used throughout the interior and exterior design.  But perhaps the key draw of the property is its convenient location just a few minutes’ walk from the train station “Puente Ruinas” from where trains arrive from Cusco and buses leave for Machu Picchu.

Photo by Inkaterra

Bedrooms

Each of the neatly furnished and very comfortable rooms has an amazing panoramic view of the towering tree covered hills that surround, and all are complete with a flat screen TV of 32 inches; the bathrooms have a hair dryer, various amenities, bathrobes, safe, telephone. There are 48 rooms in total; 40 of these are superior while the remaining 8 are classified as superior deluxe which are larger, have extra seating area with a sofa and a complimentary bar. All rooms are available with twin, double or king sized beds.

Photo by Inkaterra

Facilities

The hotel has hot water pool where guests are able to relax amongst other facilities. Also onsite is a gift shop with various bits and peices and quite handily a computing area where guests can check emails and print a document if they feel so inclined.

Cuisine

The food isn’t exactly the strongest aspect of El Mapi, but then it is generally difficult to find cuisine of the quality of Lima or Cusco in Aguas Calientes except at the highest end luxury properties. Nevertheless, the breakfast is tasty, and is composed of a nutritious buffet with fresh fruit, cereals, juices, waffles, sausages amongst other foods. Later in the day, the cafeteria menu is varied and is complete with main dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches and more.

Photo by Inkaterra

And even later in the day, depending on preference, there is a well stocked bar with ample space to sit and enjoy a snack and a drink, perhaps a cocktail, while a plasma screen TV beams entertainment from above.

Photo by Inkaterra

Sustainability

Cristina was most impressed with El Mapi’s conciousness towards caring for the environment. Such initiatives as recycling and reusing materials in their facilities are an indication of this, a delightful chandelier made of recycled bottles above the lobby being one good example. They also make a valient effort to encourage guests to reuse their towels, while natural materials are used in many aspects of the hotel design.

Photo by Inkaterra

The Verdict

A good option for those looking to stay as close to the train station and Machu Picchu buses as is physically possible, though in all honesty most Machu Picchu Hotels in Aguas Calientes are within easy reach of the town’s transport system. Full plaudits to Inkaterra in their refurbishment efforts; this outfit continues to promote renovation of tourism and hotels in Peru and has gone all out to give the design of El Mapi an extra special touch, and it is great that they are attempting to impact the surrounding environment as little as possible.

To begin with, travellers Piotr Piecha and Liam Browne wrote team member Yasmin a glowing report giving special mention to a number of our friends and exclusive contacts within Peru who had helped them to enjoy their trip.

“There is Penelope teaching us how to make ceviche, there is the expert guidance of Luis around the sublime Larco museum that on its own makes a trip to Peru worthwhile, there is delightful Susy in her exquisite home in the Sacred Valley [Ticllabamba], there is the proud and passionate Adriel Villcas taking care of us in the Andes, and eccentric Mari in her treasure house in Barranco [Las Pallas] – not mentioning of course the Aracari team that made it all possible everywhere!”

Liam Browne learns how to cook Peruvian style

Mari Solari of Las Pallas, friend of Aracari

Susy Dyson, proprietor of Ticllabamba and close Aracari friend

Of similar accord, Aracari’s expert Peru travel guides once again swept in the plaudits.

“I loved my experience in the jungle at Tambopata,” wrote Kathryn Kenith to travel consultant Vera. “Fino, my guide was wonderful and helped to make that experience so great.”

Kathryn was also was very pleased with her guides on the Inca Trail, saying that the “I could not have made it without Gilmar and my team.  They really took care of me, nurtured me, and cheered for me when things got challenging.   Gilmar was there to guide me, teach me, and was  always mindful of what I needed and when I needed it.  He was the most  incredibly professional, but also vastly knowledgeable,  guide I have ever experienced—-for Inca knowledge as well as Peruvian culture.”

And she continued: “Also the Hacienda and horseback riding was amazing. Such a beautiful home and grounds. And I have to also mention my rafting adventure.   Even more adventurous than I had expected, but so great, as were my guides Aaron and Allen. Amazing!!!”

Peter Stein said of a tour arranged for his spouse “I want to thank the whole Aracari team for the spectacular way in which their tours were conducted for Sarah, she is truly happy. Maria Eugenia was a spectacular guide, always telling historical anecdotes that related to all of the places they visited. Thank you very much.”

Meanwhile, after talking to well travelled guest Mr. Small, an Aracari representative said “that of all his travels, that his guides (Fernando, Lissy, Maria, etc.) throughout Peru were the best he’s ever had.  This is a true testament to [the Aracari] team as his expectations for Peru were quite high!”

Another satisfied guest, Diane Rhea, simply stated that guide “Adriel Villcas was outstanding.”

Guide Adriel Villcas with the Rhea family

Mary Mackintosh and Allison Samson commented that “Jose Ayerbe was amazing – knowledgeable, caring and flexible with diverse groups” and the Martinsons also stated that “The guide from Cusco was really terrific.”

Aracaris choice of accommodation for guests was also met with gratitude. Mrs. Kenith said that her “experience at Hotel Ninos was very good.  The owner has an amazing story about the children that she has taken and continues to take care of. I asked to go, and was taken on a tour of her facilities and schools that take care of extremely poor children.  And their staff is also so wonderful, friendly and helpful.  The place is very cosy and inviting  with the fireplace lit morning and night in the common area, and the beautiful courtyard was a great place to spend time.”

As we here at Aracari well know, it is the personal touches that make a Peru vacation extra special. Piotr Piecha was delighted with our approach, saying that “on the day of my birthday I woke up at 4.30 am at the altitude of 3500m to the sound of busy kitchen.  I wondered why someone was making scrambled eggs so early in the morning? Little I knew that our delightful porters were making my birthday cake!”

Piotr Piecha and Liam Browne with Aracari expert guides, porters and chef who baked his birthday cake!

Of their tour of Machu Picchu, Piotr Piecha and Liam Browne said “Of course nothing prepared us for the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu itself – the most magical and mystical site ever…” and rounded off their report by saying “For sure we are thinking about coming back – perhaps Amazon next time…”

Mrs Kenith was also very pleased with our attainment of an extremely high quality of service: “I wanted to thank you again for helping me to put together such an incredible trip in Peru.  Everything was absolutely perfect!!! I had plenty of time on my own, but also never had to worry about anything because you had made sure there were people there to gently handle everything and guide me through my journey.”

On behalf of another Aracari client, one commentator remarked “All of the arrangements were flawless.  Thank you once again for another job well done!  There is no doubt in my mind of Aracari’s ability to satisfy the demands of the most discerning clients.”

Sandra Won Sohn, who organized a trip for her parents through Aracari, told our travel consultant Carmen, “Thank you so much for all of your wonderful help with the planning of the trip.  My parents had a fabulous time… they were impressed with Aracari’s services.” She added that she “rested much easier while my parents were in Peru knowing that you and the rest of Aracari’s staff were taking care of them.”

Diane Rhea said “The trip was absolutely amazing … Thanks again for an absolutely wonderful vacation!” and went on to ask “Do you work exclusively in South America?”

The Rhea family enjoy a Peru vacation with Aracari

And another Aracari rep reported that the Vesrtaeten Party “had the trip of their life! It was fantastic. They thought Namibia was the best they ever experienced but after this trip they are in doubt. It’s among their top 3 trips!! Aracari is the best!”

The Martinsons also enjoyed their trip, saying that “the Andes are really spectacular. Thanks so much for your help. You made everything much easier and kept us busy and we really didn’t have to think or plan which made it so much more enjoyable.

Finally, Kathryn Kenith stated that her “Inca Trail experience was my highlight. I wish I could have stopped time!!” For anyone who has been on a Peru luxury tour with Aracari, we’re sure they know that feeling.

The key Libertador for Peru was an Argentinean Army Captain called Don Jose San Martin, who was at the head of a liberation expedition to attain independence for the country. It is said that while sleeping underneath a tree on a beach in Pisco – just after disembarking on the “Expedition Libertadora” to Peru – he had a dream during which he saw red flamingos against the backdrop of a white sky. It is from here, allegedly, that the colours of the Peruvian flag were derived, though it is also said that the rich red colour represents the blood shed while fighting for independence. The flag is obligatorily draped across Peruvian towns and cities throughout the month of July.

The proclamation of independence was a grand affair, as the story goes. Accompanied by a delegation of religious, military and noblemen in Lima’s main square on Saturday, 28th of July 1821, General San Martin hoisted the Peruvian flag and declared “From this moment, Peru is free and independent at the behest of the general public and for the justice of a cause that is defended by god.” Later, still brandishing the flag, he shouted “Long live the country! Long live liberty! Long live independence!”

Beginning with a speech by the president that accounts the country’s progress over the last year, celebrations of many different forms occur across the nation, including military parades, religious ceremonies, firework displays and concerts. In Lima there is a mass held at the cathedral by the Archbishop of Lima to which major dignitaries and politicians attend. Two days of national holidays are enjoyed by Peruvians who often use the time off work and school to travel to other parts of the country, so bear that in mind if you take vacations in Peru in July.

MARISOL MOSQUERA

has been included in Conde Nast’s list of the

WORLD’S TOP TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

for the

second year running.

Being the only Peruvian to hold this distinction, Marisol is very proud of being awarded the accolade twice in a row, a recognition of all of her hard work in providing the very best of tours to Peru over the last 13 years.

Don’t just take our word for it; here’s what Conde Nast have to say:

“Lima-based Mosquera’s carefully chosen guides bring Peruvian culture to life for her clients, whether by participating in an excavation of Chiclayo’s ruins with an archaeologist, scouring Lima’s boutiques with a local designer, or examining Cusco Baroque art with a curator. Peru native Mosquera not only knows the best restaurants but connects her clients with chefs for cooking trips across the country. She also has exclusive access to private haciendas and mansions, including the Sacred Valley’s Ticllabamba Maison d’Hôtes, a sixteenth-century property believed to have first belonged to the daughter of the Incan emperor Huayna-Capac.”

If you want to benefit from this  unrivalled insider knowledge, contact Aracari and have us arrange a Peru luxury itinerary for you.

Entitled La esposa del Rey de las Curvas, the new book recounts phases of hardship during the writer’s life and is wrought with “little revenges” against various people whom he has encountered. In exploration of the human condition, the twelve stand-alone stories all have a strong autobiographical component, as well as searing nostalgia towards the writer’s homeland. Notwithstanding, they include a generous smattering of the writer’s typically ironic, humorous and digressive style.

Born in Lima, Peru, in 1939, Bryce has lamented the fact that he has written in the shadow of other prominent Peruvian and Latin American novelists such as Mario Vargas Llosa and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He stated at the opening of the new book in Bolivia that he had “arrived late for the boom that lifted this genre, and I came with something distinct, with some novels that were very long and some that were very ludicrous.”

His writing is tempered by a tumultuous life experience, which has featured self-aggrandised bouts of heavy alcohol abuse and agonising solitude, such as a painful experience at a psychiatric hospital in Montpellier, France. Though his loneliness may well have been the key to his prolificacy; ”I’ve always been a person of great solitude who has lived in excellent company,” he explained ironically during a recent interview in Barcelona. “My solitude has been chosen yet very patient, although it has allowed me to write and read a lot.”.

La esposa del Rey de las Curvas, published by Anagram, was presented at the opening of the 6^th Meeting of Ibero-American Writers which took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia earlier this month. The meeting saw six Latin American writers discuss Humour and Literature at the city’s Centro Patino.

Visit the official website of Alfredo Bryce Echenique for more information on his works, which include such titles as Un mundo para Julius, Tantas veces Pedro and Reo de nocturnidad.

For non-Spanish speakers, many of Bryce’s books have been translated into English, so be sure to have a dip in if you are interested in his profile.

In addition, the airline has announced an exciting new service from Lima to Easter Island that is set to begin on the 5th January 2011 – the first commercial flight to the island from a South American country other than Chile. The flight will run two times a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, giving a direct option for travellers to integrate a tour of the island into a Peru itinerary. This will also save time for those from North America and Europe who want to travel to Easter Island without having to go through Santiago.

Subject to official permission, a new service will also begin between Lima and Iguazu in Argentina starting in January, allowing yet more flexibility for those travelling across the continent.