The latest insights, reviews and travel stories from locally-based peru travel agency Aracari, the destination specialists in luxury travel Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos.
Recently back from an incredible inspection trip to The Colca Valley and Canyon, I want to share one of the highlights of my experience- a half day hike in Colca Peru to the pre-Incan Madrigal Chimpa Fortress. The Madrigal Chimpa Fortress (4,412m) sits high above the Colca Valley, where it has kept watch over the lands below since 1,200 AD. The exact historical meaning of the ruins remains a mystery to visitors and locals alike, but it is thought to have been the military fortress that divided the clashing Collagua and Cabana…
Pisco is Peru’s national spirit and has been an integral element to Peruvian life and culture for more than 400 years. Outside the city of Arequipa lies a scarcely-visited fertile, green grape-growing region that produces this popular liquor, alongside Peruvian wines. Comprised of around 17 vineyards, Arequipa’s Pisco Route – launched as such in 2017 – is reachable as a day trip from Arequipa. I recently had the opportunity to visit a couple of the local bodegas on this route, following the entire production process right through to extensive sampling!…
Stephanie Borios is a French ethno-botonist who was trained in the UK and the US, and currently resides in Lima, Peru. She is an Aracari specialist in cultural anthropology and conducted her PHD research in the rural Lares area of Peru (just north of Cusco). Her education and background in academia, coupled with practical insight into the plants and people of the area having conducted research in remote parts of Peru, makes her one of the top Peru specialists to accompany Aracari guests on treks around Lares as…
Aracari specialist Jimmy McSparron is a wildly versatile, and energetic character with 10 years living, or shall we say adventuring, in Peru. Originally from the UK, and currently serving as the British Vice Consul in Cusco, he spent time in the British Navy before traveling extensively through the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Jimmy is a specialist jungle survival instructor and high mountain engineer with 700+ days spent on expeditions. Aracari can arrange expert guiding in Peru with Jimmy – from learning jungle survival techniques to trekking in the mountains…
Aracari is thrilled to introduce you to our photography and archaeology specialist, Kevin Floerke. With 9 years of experience working in Peru, Kevin is a United States native with a wealth of information on Incan archaeology, and photography techniques for shooting Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Aracari can connect you with Kevin, one of our many top Peru specialists, on any private, tailormade trip to Peru. He is the perfect companion for travelers looking to experience Peru through the eyes (and lens) of a professional photographer and archaeologist. Contact travel@aracari.com now…
Aracari’s founder and CEO, Marisol Mosquera, shares her whale watching and snorkelling experience off the sunny shores of Mancora, northern Peru. The northern beaches of Peru boast year-round sunshine and the opportunity for incredible, up-close whale watching in Peru. Last Sunday I had the chance to head out onto the open seas in the search of humpback whales with my family, taking a shared boat trip from the beach town of Mancora. When to Whale Watch in Peru Whale watching in Peru is seasonal, enjoyed specifically between the months of August and…
Aracari’s founder and CEO, Marisol Mosquera, reviews her top picks of the best private villas Mancora, in northern Peru. I am just back from sunny Mancora in Northern Peru, where I spent time checking out the best private beach villas. Known for its year-round sunshine, Mancora is a chic seaside destination that offers seasonal whale watching, snorkelling and surfing. I highly recommend staying in the luxury beach-front hotels KiChic and Arennas, but for those looking for complete privacy, more space or longer stays should also consider renting a private villa where you are…
Peru is a country rich in cultural history, with ancient civilizations ranging from one of the oldest in the world – the Caral civilization that dates back to 3,200 BC – to the powerful Incan Empire from the 16th century. Last week the Aracari team visited the Pedro de Osma Museum, which helps explain some of the country’s deep history. A treasured collection of colonial paintings, sculpture and silver, Pedro de Osma Museum is housed in a beautiful setting in Barranco with manicured gardens and is one of Lima’s best museums. Here we…
An air of positive energy charged the atelier and showroom of Peruvian fashion designer Chiara Macchiavello, as we entered for a private tour with the designer. A few weeks ago, the Aracari met with Chiara and learn about her beautiful hand-made fashion garments, made using the finest Peruvian textiles. Her atelier, Escudo, is located in the bohemian district of Lima, Barranco. Aracari arranges private visits to Escudo along with other popular fashion houses, shops, galleries and boutiques on any tailormade visit to Lima. For exclusive access to fashion houses as part of…
The Amazon rainforest is magical. Within it, Peru boasts a range of luxury Amazon lodge options to discover its incredible flora and fauna, which Aracari has tried and tested. I recommend Tambopata Research Center (TRC) for the most authentic jungle experience, where the luxury of staying at this remote lodge in pristine rainofrest is the unrivalled opportunity for widlife watching in Peru. My Visit to Tambopata Research Center I first visited Tambopata Research Center, the only lodge within the Tambopata National Reserve, many years ago, and had always longed to go back. I had never forgotten the abundance of…
