The latest insights, reviews and travel stories from locally-based Peru travel agency Aracari, the destination specialists in luxury travel Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos.
Food is the beating heart of Peru. Throughout its regions, pockets of unique culinary marvels are waiting to be discovered; from Michelin Star dining rooms to market stall delicacies. Indeed, no luxury vacation to Peru would be complete without sampling the exquisite taste of true Peru. But more than that, foodie travel in Peru is about knowledge and history. Unearthing the story behind Peru’s meteoric rise to becoming the world’s top culinary destination – as voted for by the World Travel Awards, nine years running. At Aracari, we have spent 26 years as Peru travel specialists, and so we’ve witnessed first-hand how the country’s unique foodie scene has exploded on the world stage. Yet, we’ve always known its magic. Our private travel itineraries to Peru include some of the most exclusive foodie experiences in all South America, and we’ve even dedicated entire luxury vacations to Peru’s magnificent gastronomy. Leaning on our decades-long relationship with some of the pioneers of Peruvian cuisine, from the chefs of molecular kitchens to villagers preserving the ancient cooking techniques of the Incas, we’ve curated unique food experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our Itineraries Our Ultimate Guide to Food in Peru Navigating Peru’s culinary landscape during a foodie vacation to Peru can feel overwhelming. How do find the best restaurants in Cusco, for example? Or know an authentic dining spot over those vying for visitor attention? Or find a cooking class led by a real local expert? Thankfully that’s where we come in. Throughout this insider foodie guide, you’ll glean a fascinating insight into what makes Peru’s gastronomic scene so unique. From the exotic fruits of the Amazon to root plants from the Andean heartlands to the succulent shellfish plucked from the South Pacific – you’ll read not only about where to go and
Food is the beating heart of Peru. Throughout its regions, pockets of unique culinary marvels are waiting to be discovered; from Michelin Star dining rooms to market stall delicacies. Indeed, no luxury vacation to Peru would be complete without sampling the exquisite taste of true Peru. But more than that,…
A Peruvian train journey for every type of traveler As luxury South American travel agents, we often get asked what are the best train journeys in Peru. Yet unlike some of its continental neighbors, Peru isn’t a country where train travel is the most common mode of transport. Here, the terrain maps from coastline to rigid mountains, from jungle to sweeping savannahs, and so the challenge of laying down train tracks that crisscross the entire country hasn’t quite yet been realized. However, if you’re connected to those in the know – there exists a mesmerizing Peruvian train journey for every kind of traveler. At Aracari, our 25 years of experience in planning luxury vacations to Peru means we can provide you with the ultimate guide to train travel in Peru. With our expert knowledge, we are privy to it all, from the rarest of routes stretching from Lima to Andean highlands – a schedule that runs just five times a year – to the most luxurious of private charters, carrying you in sublime comfort through the magnificent Sacred Valley to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu… The Five Best Train Journeys in Peru Peru is home to one of the most magnificent train journeys in the world: a railway line that cuts through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, following parts of the Inca Trail itself. Luxury trains to Machu Picchu are an unforgettable experience, passing staggeringly beautiful landscape, before ultimately arriving at the ancient wonder itself, one of the most important historical landmarks the world over. That’s why, within this list, you’ll find three kinds of Machu Picchu trains – each offering a very different experience for a very different traveler. Yet train journeys in Peru extend further than Machu Picchu alone. Across this beautiful country, you can reach
A Peruvian train journey for every type of traveler As luxury South American travel agents, we often get asked what are the best train journeys in Peru. Yet unlike some of its continental neighbors, Peru isn’t a country where train travel is the most common mode of transport. Here, the…
At Aracari, many of our private vacations to Peru begin with a luxury city break in Lima. The country’s fascinating capital is often the gateway to discovering Peru’s most popular travel experiences, whether a luxury train ride to Machu Picchu or guided wildlife walks in the Amazon Rainforest. Yet as Peru travel specialists, we are privy to the secrets of this age-old city, guiding our guests on how to ensure this cosmopolitan metropolis is so much more than a layover. Peru’s coastal capital is brimming with unforgettable experiences, if only you know where to look. Since 1996, Aracari has pioneered personalized travel to the region, bringing clients closer to the essence of this eclectic city, even if travel time is limited. Within our 48-hour travel guide to Lima, gain a glimpse into a luxury vacation to Peru with Aracari. From securing reservations in Peru’s Michelin Star restaurants to unearthing its pre-Columbian past, and from the world-famous surf scene to private gallery visits, and a stay in one of the best luxury hotels in Peru – welcome to 48 hours in Lima, Aracari style. Explore our luxury Peru vacations beginning in Lima Friday: 48 hours in Lima Head from the airport to Atemporal Hotel | 2 pm Tucked away in a 1940s Peruvian mansion, Atemporal is one of the best luxury hotels in Lima for those looking for serenity in the city. Recently refurbished by the awarding-winning team behind some of the top hotels in Peru, the timeless aesthetic offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Lima’s Miraflores district, the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of Lima. There are just 6 guest suites at Atemporal, making it ideal for those seeking the seamless service of a grand hotel but in a much smaller and more intimate setting.
At Aracari, many of our private vacations to Peru begin with a luxury city break in Lima. The country’s fascinating capital is often the gateway to discovering Peru’s most popular travel experiences, whether a luxury train ride to Machu Picchu or guided wildlife walks in the Amazon Rainforest. Yet as…
Luxury travel. What do you think of when you hear those two words? A deserted beach, a sumptuous suite? An ocean-front pool, a secluded rainforest lodge? But beyond that, what’s the feeling you think of? As a Peru luxury travel agent, we understand that luxury travel to Peru is not only about a place or property but about the feeling you have when you’re there. Think about it – one could be in the most premium of hotels, or aboard the most luxurious of yachts, or dining in the most exclusive of restaurants – but if the atmosphere is out of kilter, then the effect will be less luxurious and more lackluster. At Aracari, luxury travel to Peru is about access and not excess. After a quarter-century in the business, and 14 Conde Nast Travel Specialist Awards later – the latest of which was awarded just last month – we pride ourselves in connecting our clients to experiences that go beyond the standardized tourist trail. And it’s not as simple as lavishness alone. Of course – premium comforts feature in all our itineraries – but more than that, we offer the luxury of deeply meaningful travel. And meaningful travel is not one-size-fits-all, but rather meaningfulness is in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps to one person, it’s about connecting with culture, thoroughly grasping what it is to belong to certain indigenous communities. Whilst to another, it might mean being guided through the rural churches of the Sacred Valley by a professor in religious art history – rather than a more typical tour guide. And again, to another, it could be tasting the coastal cuisine of Peru cooked by a private chef in a private beachfront villa, rather than at a restaurant. True luxury travel is a whole range of factors, and
Luxury travel. What do you think of when you hear those two words? A deserted beach, a sumptuous suite? An ocean-front pool, a secluded rainforest lodge? But beyond that, what’s the feeling you think of? As a Peru luxury travel agent, we understand that luxury travel to Peru is not…
Across the globe, green stays are fast becoming a top travel trend. More travelers are now seeking out eco-friendly travel, the kind of vacations that have a positive impact on the planet and its people. At Aracari this is nothing new to us. For over two decades our team of travel experts has connected clients to the best eco-friendly tourism in Peru, Bolivia, and the Galapagos. Having always put a huge emphasis on ensuring that the trips we offer truly are a greener way to travel. However, we also know that the buck doesn’t stop with us. Gaging just how sustainable a trip is, can be difficult to decipher. It goes beyond Aracari’s sustainability pledge and forces us to look closer at what our partners are doing – whether that’s a hotel or a hike operator. A Guide to the Green Stays of Peru That’s where our Report The Green Stays of Peru comes in. Published just this month, in March 2022, it compiles everything you need to make an informed choice on where, and with whom, you want to spend your money when you travel with Aracari. Taking our team the best part of a year to produce, it outlines incredible stories of sustainability, from initiatives to preserve ancient cultures, to projects helping protect endangered wildlife. We’re proud to have gone beyond certifications and accolades, probing deeper into what businesses are doing to ensure that decades from now, precious countries, cultures, and communities can be enjoyed by the next generation of explorers. Your next eco-friendly trip: our top 5 green stays But before you delve into the complete guide, we’ve curated an exclusive highlight list. These are the pinnacle of eco-friendly travel, green stays that offer guests not only an enriching experience of their own but the opportunity to
Across the globe, green stays are fast becoming a top travel trend. More travelers are now seeking out eco-friendly travel, the kind of vacations that have a positive impact on the planet and its people. At Aracari this is nothing new to us. For over two decades our team of…
Bolivia and Peru offer up some of the most breathtaking trekking routes in the world, so it’s no wonder that an Andean trek makes it on to so many bucket lists. Trekking in Peru or Bolivia is serious business; you must be fit, healthy and well-prepared to get the most of your adventure. At Aracari, we’ve been planning treks in Peru and hiking in Bolivia for over 25 years, so when it comes to how to prepare for a trek in the Andes, our insider knowledge is the best around. Choosing A Trek There are many different types of trek in Peru and Bolivia. You probably already know about the world-famous Inca Trail, but that’s not all this region has to offer. The diverse climate and landscapes of the Andes make it one of the most exciting places to hike. You can choose a high-altitude mountain hike over multiple days, or take a half-day trail through the jungle. You can visit tourist-free Incan ruins and traditional villages; take in turquoise lakes and rainbow-hued mountains; walk amongst wildlife and fantastic scenery. All you must do is choose what you want to see first – since once you’ve done one, you’ll definitely be back for more. The trek you choose should be based on your level of fitness and experience, and how much time you have. There’s a trek for most abilities and timescales, and Aracari’s adventure specialists can guide you on the one they deem most suitable based on all the above factors. Essential Information When you’ve chosen and booked your trip, the following information will help you prepare for it. Be sure to follow all the advice below, this way you can get the most out of your trek in the Andes. Health and Fitness A moderate level of fitness
Bolivia and Peru offer up some of the most breathtaking trekking routes in the world, so it’s no wonder that an Andean trek makes it on to so many bucket lists. Trekking in Peru or Bolivia is serious business; you must be fit, healthy and well-prepared to get the most…
