The latest insights, reviews and travel stories from locally-based Peru travel agency Aracari, the destination specialists in luxury travel Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos.
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…
At the turn of every new year, the team here at Aracari dedicate hours to curating their travel hotlist for the year ahead. Using our insider knowledge – the product of 25 years’ experience in luxury travel – our experts seek out other industry trailblazers who are pioneering new and innovative ways to experience our region. The criteria for making it onto our travel hotlist is of course very stringent. Marisol and her team continuously pose questions around sustainability, authenticity, and purposeful travel – ensuring that those who make it onto our shortlist do in fact adhere to Aracari’s own core values. And that’s not forgetting the most important criteria of all – you, our guests. From hotels to hikes, from superyachts to superfood restaurants – every entry has been chosen because we believe they are aligned perfectly with the astute Aracari traveler. Destinations and experiences you will want to earmark, assign travel time to, and visit over the next 12 months. So – before you begin to pen your own bucket list for 2022, let us gift ours to you. A shortlist of the very best happenings in luxury travel, and let’s just say – it looks set to be a very happy New Year indeed… 1. Hotel CIRQA, Arequipa The year-round sunny climate of Arequipa makes it the perfect destination for those seeking sunshine alongside some of Peru’s finest culture and cuisine. And this year, our travel hotlist features the perfect base from which to explore the white city. Hotel CIRQA is a beautiful boutique hotel that captures the city’s unique history and architectural style. Opening its doors in 2019, just before the pandemic took hold of international travel, the property was never really afforded the grand opening it deserves! You’ll find just eleven rooms, housed in a
At the turn of every new year, the team here at Aracari dedicate hours to curating their travel hotlist for the year ahead. Using our insider knowledge – the product of 25 years’ experience in luxury travel – our experts seek out other industry trailblazers who are pioneering new and…
After traveling to Peru with Aracari, many of our guests often return home with precious keepsakes – handmade mementos of a special adventure to treasure forever. Of course, that isn’t uncommon for vaccinations to Peru with so much to see and do in the country, however what is unique to Aracari, is our unrivalled connections to the indigenous design and Peru arts and crafts. Our quarter century worth of experience makes it possible to connect our guests to some of the most authentic, and ancient craft practices in the Andean world. Whether that’s traditional weaving in the mountains of the Sacred Valley, or the contemporary pottery work of the Northern coastline. With our privileged access and insight, guests can trace the length and breadth of crafts in Peru discovering genuine collectables they won’t find anywhere else. So, at this festive time of year – we wanted to impart some of our knowledge with you. To show you where to find the very best native crafts in Peru, traversing through desert and coast, mountain and jungle. Think of it as your gift guide to Peru, and the perfect accompanying reading for a browse through Aracari Shop. Showing you what to buy from where during this special season of giving. For exquisite jewellery – follow the coastline Peru’s 1300-mile coastline is awash with must-see destinations. From the white sands of Mancora, home to some of the most luxurious beach houses in all of Peru, to the rich biodiversity of the Ballestas Islands, to the port city of Pisco, the founding home of Peru’s most famous tipple. All of this makes for an incredible vacation along Peru’s coast – but what you’ll also find here is the inspiration behind some of the country’s most prominent jewellery makers. The tradition goes back generations,
After traveling to Peru with Aracari, many of our guests often return home with precious keepsakes – handmade mementos of a special adventure to treasure forever. Of course, that isn’t uncommon for vaccinations to Peru with so much to see and do in the country, however what is unique to…
The allure of Galapagos Island travel has for generations, appealed to the intrepid explorer within all of us. Scattered 1000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, these 35 volcanic islands and the unique wildlife that lives here, are a source of deep fascination, making a vacation to the Galapagos Islands a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Yet as well as being part of their appeal, the remote location of the Galapagos means its destination that requires careful planning. For over a quarter-century, Aracari has been at the forefront of luxury Galapagos Island travel. Our experience means that from the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, to the most recommended hotels, we have the knowledge and contacts to connect you to the perfect Galapagos Island trip. A new era of Galapagos Island travel It’s because of our world-renowned expertise, that when one of our long-standing partners in the region launches a new way to experience the Archipelago, we are one of the first to know. And this latest announcement from Aqua Expeditions, is one that has us head-over-heels for where luxury Galapagos Island travel is headed in 2022. The Galapagos Islands’ first superyacht experience In a ground-breaking new venture, Aqua Expeditions will become the first tour operator to charter a superyacht to cruise the Galapagos Islands. The Aqua Mare will take an iconic trip to the Galapagos Islands to new heights. And quite literally too, its soaring scale and space is 50 metres of the finest Italian craftsmanship. On board, seven large suites, a sun deck, beach club and outdoor dining area, all feature custom interiors designed exclusively by celebrated yacht designer François Zuretti. Finished with immaculate attention to detail, the Aqua Mare makes for the ultimate luxury retreat from which to explore the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Galapagos. Carefully
The allure of Galapagos Island travel has for generations, appealed to the intrepid explorer within all of us. Scattered 1000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, these 35 volcanic islands and the unique wildlife that lives here, are a source of deep fascination, making a vacation to the Galapagos Islands…
