The Aracari Story

By Marisol Mosquera, Founder & CEO

A Vision Born from Curiosity and Purpose

When I founded Aracari in 1996, experiential, tailor-made travel in Peru was virtually unheard of. The country was only beginning to open up after years of political unrest, and I saw the chance to redefine what travel here could be — not simply as a means of discovery, but as a bridge between cultures.

Born in Peru and raised in Barcelona, my early career led me far from home. I spent a decade thriving as an investment banker in London — until I realized I was craving something more meaningful. In 1993, I left finance behind and embarked on a year-long journey across Asia that changed the course of my life. 

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Marisol Mosquera, Founder & CEO

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Immersed in ancient traditions, design, and craftsmanship, I found inspiration in the way travel could both reveal and preserve the essence of a place. I returned to Peru with a vision: to create a travel company that celebrated authenticity and connection, grounded in respect for local culture, heritage, and people.

Pioneering Bespoke Travel in South America

That vision became Aracari — one of the first companies in South America to design bespoke, insider-led journeys. From the beginning, we’ve worked hand in hand with local experts, artisans, and guides — many of whom remain part of our network today — to curate immersive experiences that go beyond the expected.

For three decades, we’ve introduced travelers from around the world to the depth and richness of Peru, Bolivia and the Galapagos Islands, and now to new corners of South America, always with the same ethos of care, craftsmanship, and curiosity.

Aracari has evolved from a pioneering operator into an international team spanning continents — from our on-the-ground experts in Lima and La Paz, to our travel designers in Europe and beyond. Together, we continue to craft journeys that are deeply personal and thoughtfully executed, reflecting both the spirit of the region and the discerning tastes of our travelers.

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Three Decades of Connection and Craftsmanship

What began as a dream to reimagine travel in my homeland has become a community of like-minded individuals — travelers, hosts, artisans, and storytellers — united by shared values of integrity, creativity, and connection. We remain dedicated to delivering travel that not only transforms those who experience it, but also uplifts the people and places that make it possible.We invite you to become part of The Aracari Story — to travel with purpose, with curiosity, and with us.

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1996

Aracari was founded

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1997

First trip to Cusco with Dr. John Hemmin

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1998

Launched Aracari website version 1.0

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1999

Hosted our first ever press trip with House + Garden

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2000

First trip to the Galapagos Islands.

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2009

Included in Condé Nast Traveler’s “World’s Best Travel
Specialists” list.

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2011

Organized “The Trip of the Century” to commemorate
the 100th anniversary of Machu Picchu’s rediscovery.

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2013

Named “Best Tours in Peru for Discerning Travelers” by
Travel + Leisure.

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2015

National Geographic “Aracari’s Unique Approach to
Experiential Travel in the Andes.”

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2018

Launched Community Tourism Projects

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2021

Launched Aracari Shop offering Andean luxury online

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2022

Expanded services to South America: Argentina, Brazil,
Chile, and Colombia.

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2024

Introduced “Deeper and Different” collection.