Aracari's favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas National Geographic Traveler's April 2009 edition places a spotlight on our two favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas: San Augustin de Callo ("There's enough historical wattage around this hacienda to send a few shivers up my spine") and Zuleta ("The feeling? As though I had ridden right into a fable, to a time-honored hacienda that now seems like home") in its feature "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Antisana Volcano Last September we revisited Quito and the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the capital's surrounding highlands. The mission was to scope out the optimal travel experiences for the Aracari client in this stunning region, and after spending a few nights at both Zuleta and San Augustin de Callo we came to the same conclusion as Charles Kulander: "Still owned by Ecuador's former aristocracy and known for their ranch-style hospitality, they offer a glimpse of authentic hacienda life, a lifestyle that includes fine horses, regal accommodations, and bountiful meals." As seekers of the truly "authentic", we consider these properties to be ideal components of Aracari's portofolio of Andean travel experiences. Sights and sounds of Zuleta Since we have a wonderful relationship with the owners of both haciendas and our clients have consistently given rave reviews on both properties, it's always a pleasure to incorporate stays at Zuleta and San Augustin into any Aracari journey. For instance a hacienda stay at the beginning or end of a Galapagos cruise is one of our top Ecuador travel recommendations. Check out the Ecuador Photo Gallery on National Geographic Traveler's website. It gives a colorful glimpse of Hacienda life at these unique properties.
Aracari’s favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas National Geographic Traveler’s April 2009 edition places a spotlight on our two favorite Ecuadorian Haciendas: San Augustin de Callo (“There’s enough historical wattage around this hacienda to send a few shivers up my spine”) and Zuleta (“The feeling? As though I had ridden right into a…
We posted a behind the scenes look at Northern Chile from the James Bond installment Quantum of Solace (2008). While at first glance it might seem a little moonlike and "dry" to say the least, this place has so much to offer and is the best starting point for an adventure to the salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia, a truly magical place. But back to Chile, it is in San Pedro de Atacama that one can truly experience a desert that is very much alive. With gorgeous sunsets in the valley of the moon, you can reminisce in luxury at a number of hotels in this charming desert oasis. The rooms at the plush Explora hotel are filled with quality linens and custom-designed furniture. There are four inter-connecting pools and saunas, and the food and wine are superb - enjoyed with spectacular views of the Licancabur Volcano. Perhaps the chicest and coziest choice is the fabulous Awasi hotel with its 8 private cottages and individualized excursions. The new Tierra Atacama is another option that boasts a unique Andean spa, priceless Volcano views and personalized service. No matter which hotel you select, a visit to the Atacama is very James Bond...
We posted a behind the scenes look at Northern Chile from the James Bond installment Quantum of Solace (2008). While at first glance it might seem a little moonlike and “dry” to say the least, this place has so much to offer and is the best starting point for an…
Choquequirao has appeared in our blog in the past, and it is only relevant to bring it up one more time as we noticed its appearance in the latest Conde Nast Traveler. Aracari has finally answered the hard question of how to bridge the gap between trekking and a fair-deal to those supporting us with their services, and so far so good. At Aracari we can arrange a trek to Choquequirao which is considered the most difficult of our treks. It is ideal for those wanting to get that "undiscovered" feeling. Be sure to read another amazing article in the New York Times from 2007. More on our different treks click here
Choquequirao has appeared in our blog in the past, and it is only relevant to bring it up one more time as we noticed its appearance in the latest Conde Nast Traveler. Aracari has finally answered the hard question of how to bridge the gap between trekking and a fair-deal…
Photo Credit: eaganj (Flickr) 10 years ago, Peru had one train running from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, it was very likely that one had to travel next to a chicken and suffer constant interruptions along the way. Then Peru Rail happened, they came in and totally revamped the system. Yesterday they celebrated their anniversary amongst the most important people in the travel industry including Aracari. The event began with dancing shadows emulating the different aspects of the 3 different trains, Backpackers, Vistadome and Hiram Bingham. The more executive people gave speeches about what had been accomplished in 2008 and improvements coming in the current year. There was also a presentation about the new logos being used by the company giving it a very chic edge. Aracari is a strong partner of the Peru Rail system as most of our guests travel on these trains when in the Cuzco area. For more info about our trains, contact us!
Photo Credit: eaganj (Flickr) 10 years ago, Peru had one train running from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, it was very likely that one had to travel next to a chicken and suffer constant interruptions along the way. Then Peru Rail happened, they came in and totally revamped the system. Yesterday they…
Kuelap sits leering over the dreamlike clouds of the Peruvian high jungle. When you are there you feel as though you've been let in on a secret and you have it all to yourself. What most people don't know is that the Chachapoyas culture has had it's fair share of mentions, yet still manages to keep most of the tourist flock away, much of this has to do with it's inaccessibility and that isn't a bad thing. The Warriors of the Clouds lived in what is today the Amazonas region, 10 hours to the nearest airport. The clip is from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). In this scene Indiana captures the precious golden idol belonging to the Hovito indians, inspired by you guess it, the Chachapoyas. We might not be able to provide you with this type of heart stopping danger but that does not mean we can't provide something just as thrilling! Here's our suggested itinerary for your own Indiana Jones adventure (without the hassles): Chachapoya's Best Kept Secret
Kuelap sits leering over the dreamlike clouds of the Peruvian high jungle. When you are there you feel as though you’ve been let in on a secret and you have it all to yourself. What most people don’t know is that the Chachapoyas culture has had it’s fair share of mentions, yet still…
As have continuously touted the merits of Peru's culinary treasures and are thrilled to see the Financial Times echo are sentiments! Aracari's very own Marisol Mosquera is quoted in below article. **** After Machu Picchu, try Lima's tacu tacu By Naomi Mapstone Published: November 7 2008 19:50 | Last updated: November 7 2008 19:50 It's lunchtime at El Rincón que no Conoces, one of Lima's best criollo restaurants, and the restaurant floor is packed. Diners, eyes glinting with anticipation, sip on chicha morada, a juice made from purple corn, quince, cinnamon and cloves, and watch great steaming plates pass by. There is tacu tacu (refried beans and rice), carapulco con cerdo (dried potato stew with pork) and pickled pigs feet. The buzz of conversation stills for a moment as an elderly woman dressed in a long purple robe steps into the room from the kitchen. The robe marks Teresa Izquierdo out as a devout Christian (who, like many others in Lima) wears purple for a month each year to venerate the Lord of Miracles, a mural painted by a slave on to the only wall of a church to survive a devastating earthquake in the 17th century. Izquierdo opened this restaurant 31 years ago, calling it 'the corner that nobody knows' because it was her first venture as a cook beyond the homes of Peru's elite families. Now in her 70s, Izquierdo has been cooking since she was eight, and she is renowned for her faithful and painstaking approach to cooking the criollo cuisine developed by African slaves brought to Peru by the Spanish conquistadores from the 16th century until the abolition of slavery in 1856. "My mother wanted me to be a midwife," Izquierdo says, laughing. "She said there would always be work." Seeing a child born put an
As have continuously touted the merits of Peru’s culinary treasures and are thrilled to see the Financial Times echo are sentiments! Aracari’s very own Marisol Mosquera is quoted in below article. **** After Machu Picchu, try Lima’s tacu tacu By Naomi Mapstone Published: November 7 2008 19:50 | Last updated:…
