There aren't many places in the world where the word unique is an understatement, but it barely does justice to the 35 volcanic islands (and counting) that constitute the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands set 1000km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. With 43% of the wildlife species endemic to the Islands, this UNESCO world heritage site is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and I was lucky enough to spend two weeks investigating the latest cruises, hotels and opportunities on offer earlier this year. Before I give you my top tips, it's worth saying that a visit to the Galapagos is, in my opinion, not to be missed. This is an opportunity to witness what the rest of the world looked like hundred of thousands of years ago a chain of living volcanoes emerging from an underwater platform, where three key oceanic currents meet creating an environment teeming with life. This is a place of extremes where frequently shifting climates can literally decimate animal populations and evolve species rapidly. Tailoring your trip is a must. You could base yourselves on one of the main islands of Isabela or Santa Cruz while we arrange personal motor boat visits to some of the 64 stopping points, or there are also some wonderful cruises in boats of varying sizes on offer. To cruise you need at least four days and there are various themed tours available including diving, naturalist and family focused trips and celebration departures this year on the large boat, the Eclipse. Or you could do both, and perhaps combine with a visit to Peru or Ecuador. In this special year, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the exponent of the theory of evolution, celebrations brought Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall to the Galapagos
There aren’t many places in the world where the word unique is an understatement, but it barely does justice to the 35 volcanic islands (and counting) that constitute the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands set 1000km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. With 43% of the wildlife species endemic to…
Huge swathes of rainforest cover almost two-thirds of Peru. The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest and can be visited either with a luxury Amazon cruise accessed from Iquitos i the north, or basing yourrself in a jungle lodge in Tambopata reserve, accessed from Puerto Maldonado in the south of the country. Luxury Amazon Cruises & Lodges: How to Choose If you're a luxury seeker looking for five-star service and comforts, we recommend you opt for a luxury Amazon cruise. If you're looking for more of an adventure and wildlife-spotting is the main motivation for traveling to the Amazon, we recommend the more remote lodges of Tambopata Research Centre and Refugio Amazonas where the compromise on traditional comforts is compensated by the authenticiy of the experience. Looking for a genuine taste of the Amazon without travelling as far or conceding too much comfort, then Inkaterra's two lodges - Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion - strike the perfect balance. Luxury Amazon Cruises The best luxury Amazon cruises are run by Delfin Amazon Cruises and Aqua Expeditions: Delfin I, Delfin II, Delfin III and the Aqua Expedition’s Aria Amazon. Luxury amazon cruises all depart from Iquitos, a short domestic flight from the captial, Lima. They have fixed departures, but can also be privately chartered for groups and special occasions. These luxury cruises explore the pristine Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. I was lucky enough to experience Delfin's top-notch service and jungle experience first-hand on the maiden voyage of Delfin I back in April 2009. It takes every aspect of river cruising to new heights, from its 280-thread Peruvian cotton sheets, to the finish of its 14 large air-conditioned guest suites and the delicious scope of the gourmet cuisine. Whilst blending in with the awe-inspiring surroundings, the lakes and lagoons of El Bosque de los Espejos, what really sets these cruises apart is their location. Home
Huge swathes of rainforest cover almost two-thirds of Peru. The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and can be visited either with a luxury Amazon cruise accessed from Iquitos i the north, or basing yourrself in a jungle lodge in Tambopata reserve, accessed from Puerto Maldonado in the south of the country….
Named after the shape of giant tortoise shells, the Galapágos Islands are a treasure trove of marine and animal life some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. A trip to this remarkable archipelago of 35 volcanic islands is a truly unforgettable experience, a real, close encounter with extraordinary creatures that have no fear of man. Check out our video below feeding tortoises in the Galapagos Isands. These tortoises are fed once or twice a week at the criadero de tortugas on the island of Isabela. Aracari offers private, tailormade tours to the Galapagos using luxury cruises, lodges for land-based expeditions or a combination of the two. Take a look at our example itinerary, History & Evolution, here.
Named after the shape of giant tortoise shells, the Galapágos Islands are a treasure trove of marine and animal life some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. A trip to this remarkable archipelago of 35 volcanic islands is a truly unforgettable experience, a real, close encounter…
We are starting a new section in our blog called Sights & Sounds of Aracari, where we will upload videos from all our trips. Starting with a charming capture of the grace of the Marinera, a graceful and romantic couple's dance that uses handkerchiefs as props. The dance is an elegant reenactment of courtship, showing a blend of coastal Peruvian culture. You can experience this dance at the home of our contact in Trujillo, an exclusive opportunity for our clients.
We are starting a new section in our blog called Sights & Sounds of Aracari, where we will upload videos from all our trips. Starting with a charming capture of the grace of the Marinera, a graceful and romantic couple’s dance that uses handkerchiefs as props. The dance is an…
About Gaston Acurio Gaston Acurio is considered one of the most important chefs in the world, and is often referred to as the ‘ambassador’ or ‘architect’ of the Peruvian culinary movement. Gaston set up the restaurant Astrid y Gaston, in Lima which is frequently included in the World's Top 50 Restaurant List. To cement his culinary status he has also penned a selection of Peru cookbooks. Astrid y Gastn Restaurant in Lima The top Lims restaurant is nestled in the cozy, upscale neighborhood of San Isidrio and lives in an elegant 17th century hacienda, Casa Moreyra. As the ambassador of Peruvian cuisine abroad and locally, Gaston has managed to instil much pride and a needed sense of identity amongst Peruvians. Dine at Astrid y Gaston by Gaston Acurio as part of Aracari's culinary tour to Peru, Peru with Flavor. More Restaurants by Gaston Acurio He has also founded further restaurants both at home in Peru and abroad, including popular chain Tanta. Elsewhere in Lima he is responsible for seafood restaurant La Mar, the antichuchería Panchita, and Chinese-Peruvian Chifa fusion restaurant called Madam Tusan. Peruvian food in the press On that same note we would love to share an article by Naomi Mapstone, with those Aracari fans who haven't read it yet, "Teaching the world to love Peruvian cuisine". Peru Culinary Travel with Aracari Aracari specializes in culinary and tailormade travel to Peru. Contact us for more information on the best reataurants and culinary experiences in Peru and to speak to an expert travel planner.
About Gaston Acurio Gaston Acurio is considered one of the most important chefs in the world, and is often referred to as the ‘ambassador’ or ‘architect’ of the Peruvian culinary movement. Gaston set up the restaurant Astrid y Gaston, in Lima which is frequently included in the World’s Top 50 Restaurant List….
Aracari client testimonial Traveler Brian Hart shares their Aracari client testimonial following ther luxury travel Peru trip. ''I would like to compliment Aracari for providing us with a wonderful trip and an experience of a lifetime. Your service and the quality of our total trip was excellent. Thank you for all your firm has done for us''. - Brian Hart Read more of Aracari's client testimonials.
Aracari client testimonial Traveler Brian Hart shares their Aracari client testimonial following ther luxury travel Peru trip. ”I would like to compliment Aracari for providing us with a wonderful trip and an experience of a lifetime. Your service and the quality of our total trip was excellent. Thank you for…
