We are delighted to announce that on April 3rd, Oscar winning actress Susan Sarandon achieved a career first by re-opening Machu Picchu to visitors. After an around-the-clock two month effort to repair a 17 mile section of the railroad track, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief as the sun shone down as the first visitors made their way into the ancient city. Traditionally seen as the ‘crown jewel of Peru’, the whole country suffered 66 days of closure after torrential rains damaged the railway, which other than by foot is the only way to access the fabled ancient city. With no damage to the site itself, the reopening is massively welcome, not least for the poor families who rely on their income from this UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there is a sliver of a silver lining to this cloud. With no Machu Picchu to rely upon the diversification of tourism marketing in Peru which was already taking place has sped up, and this, the most varied and exciting of South American nations is starting to display its multi-faceted wealth and beauty which extends way beyond the Inca civilization and their mountainous enclaves. The word ‘diverse’ is often as over-used as ‘magical’ to describe a destination, yet Peruvian geology, cuisine, culture, ecology and history is genuinely as diverse (and as magical) as it comes. Split by the magnificent Andes mountain range that ripples down the length of the country, Peru is home to over half a million square kilometers of Amazon rainforest and almost 2,500 kilometers of dry, arid coastline. If that boggles the mind, then imagine the thousands of species of birds, animals and plants that live here. Just as there are many species still left to be discovered, this is one of the richest areas of archaeology
We are delighted to announce that on April 3rd, Oscar winning actress Susan Sarandon achieved a career first by re-opening Machu Picchu to visitors. After an around-the-clock two month effort to repair a 17 mile section of the railroad track, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief as the sun…
First accounts of the existence of Machu Picchu, as described in the revised edition of John Hemming's book, "Monuments of the Incas" (2010 Thames & Hudson), date as far back as 1875 in a book by travel writer Charles Wiener. He said that local people spoke to him of "other towns of Huaina Pitcho and Matcho Piccho towards the east." Whilst the UNESO World Heritage site is now famous the world, over, how to spell Machu Picchu is can remain a challenge. Hiram Bingham, the Yale-educated American explorer credited with the "discovery" of Machu Picchu, stumbled upon the site first on July 24 1911. He was only two days out of Ollantaytambo, when a local muleteer called Melchor Arteaga asked their purpose. When told they were after Inca Ruins, he said there were excellent ones called Macchu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on top of the opposite precipice. Bingham left and unforgettable account of his excitement that afternoon, of the dreamlike experience of entering the untouched forestand seeing archaeological wonders: "I suddenly found myself in a maze of beautiful granite houses! They were covered with trees and mosse and the growth of centuries, but in the dense shadow, hiding in bamboo thickets and tangled vines, could be seen, here and there, walls of white granite ashlars most carefully cut and exquisitely fitted together." Hiram Bingham, upon his discovery of Machu Picchu, 24 July 1911 How to Spell Machu Picchu How to spell Machu Picchu incorrectly often includes variants such as: Machu Pichu, Macchu Picchu, Machupichu, Machupicchu, Matchu Pitchu or Macchupicchu............. spelling monthly frequency* Machu Picchu 1.500.000 machu pichu 450.000 machupicchu 201.000 machupichu 90.500 macchu picchu 60.500 matchu pitchu 18.100 macchu pichu 14.800 inca trail machu 14.800 machu piccu 14.800 the inca trail 12.100 inka trail 9.900 manchu picchu 9.900 huayna picchu
First accounts of the existence of Machu Picchu, as described in the revised edition of John Hemming’s book, “Monuments of the Incas” (2010 Thames & Hudson), date as far back as 1875 in a book by travel writer Charles Wiener. He said that local people spoke to him of “other…
Aracari's very own Marisol Mosquera was quoted in today's Financial Times, found at the following link. The article speaks about how Peru coped when its greatest attraction was forced to close for a period exceeding 2 months! Thankfully, Machu Picchu is now open for business and as breathtaking as ever. We will be publishing our Spring newsletter next week which touches on the same topic. Machu Picchu's 66 day closure had a devastating effect on the local economy and the Peruvians need tourists now more than ever. Just as the article states, Peru was already working towards diversifying their portfolio of offerings since there is no end to the attractions found in Peru. Aracari has known this for years. We recommend going beyond Peru's most famous post card picture and exploring the broader picture. Stay tuned for our newsletter and thanks for reading!
Aracari’s very own Marisol Mosquera was quoted in today’s Financial Times, found at the following link. The article speaks about how Peru coped when its greatest attraction was forced to close for a period exceeding 2 months! Thankfully, Machu Picchu is now open for business and as breathtaking as ever….
We just came across this link on Youtube and thought you might enjoy James A. Fitzpatrick's "Traveltalks; The Voice of the Globe: 1937 Glimpses Of Peru. We can recommend memorable visits that will give you a glimpse of the Peru featured in this video - hidden treasures that bring to light onto those days gone by.
We just came across this link on Youtube and thought you might enjoy James A. Fitzpatrick’s “Traveltalks; The Voice of the Globe: 1937 Glimpses Of Peru. We can recommend memorable visits that will give you a glimpse of the Peru featured in this video – hidden treasures that bring to…
Yahoo travel published an article last week labeling Machu Picchu one of the 5 most overrated tourist destinations in the world. Coincidentally, this article was published at a time when visiting Machu Picchu is not option since the train tracks to the sacred site have yet to be fully repaired. Check out these Aracari deals and alternatives currently available as a result of Machu Picchu being closed. While we adore Machu Picchu, the unique circumstance might be a very good thing for those seeking value for an unforgettable journey.
Yahoo travel published an article last week labeling Machu Picchu one of the 5 most overrated tourist destinations in the world. Coincidentally, this article was published at a time when visiting Machu Picchu is not option since the train tracks to the sacred site have yet to be fully repaired….
Travel + Leisure's World's Top Adventure Trips ''T+L has surveyed the field to create the ultimate directory of adventure trips around the globe, each listed with a top outfitter.'' Aracari's 'Handcrafted Peru' trip is feature in Travel + Leisure's roundup of the World's Top Adventure Trips in March 2010. T + L writes that the Peru itinerary "revels in the sheer, exuberant abundance of Peru". Peru: Regional Specialists Visit Inca ruins and artists’ workshops as you travel the length of the country. Go with: Aracari, a Peruvian-owned and -operated boutique firm, offers treks with access to Andean regions of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Year-round departures; 16 days from $7,499 Aracari in the press Read more top publications that have reviewed or featured Aracari's trips to Peru and Bolivia. Looking to experience the world's top adventure trips? Contact us for more information on travelling to Peru and to plan a tailormade trip.
Travel + Leisure’s World’s Top Adventure Trips ”T+L has surveyed the field to create the ultimate directory of adventure trips around the globe, each listed with a top outfitter.” Aracari’s ‘Handcrafted Peru’ trip is feature in Travel + Leisure’s roundup of the World’s Top Adventure Trips in March 2010. T +…
