In Conversation with Aracari Founder, Marisol Mosquera. (April 2020) In light of current global events, Aracari’s Founder, Marisol Mosquera speaks openly to our blog editors about the values Aracari was founded upon and why the business is well positioned to restart travel and tourism to Peru, Bolivia and The Galapagos – once travel restrictions around the world are lifted. AT: Marisol, What’s your view on the current pandemic? How is it affecting tourism in Peru, Bolivia and the Galapagos? MM: In Peru at the moment we are on full lockdown. Subsequently, travel and tourism to the country has ground to a halt. It is the same for Bolivia and the Galapagos. Naturally, I am concerned. Though, it isn’t the first time we [Aracari] have confronted shocks to the economy. In the past, 9/11, the 2008 recession and the SARS virus all detrimentally affected visitor numbers to the region. For a shorter duration than today, flights from our key markets - The US, Europe and Asia all fell in these times of crisis. We [Aracari] survived them all and once this crisis passes too, it’s sensible to expect there will be others to face in future. AT: What has been Aracari’s secret, when navigating through these previous crises? MM: Coming from a background in finance, I have always understood the importance of creating a business with a firm financial foundation and strict control of costs. In economic crises, companies that have debts or need to fund their way out of a situation often struggle to survive. Since I started Aracari twenty-three years ago, I’m proud to say, we’ve never taken on a bank loan or any form of outside debt to fund the business’ expansion. If I were to hypothesize why over the last twenty years Aracari is still
In Conversation with Aracari Founder, Marisol Mosquera. (April 2020) In light of current global events, Aracari’s Founder, Marisol Mosquera speaks openly to our blog editors about the values Aracari was founded upon and why the business is well positioned to restart travel and tourism to Peru, Bolivia and The Galapagos…
Peruvian Mountain Climber, Thomas Schilter, Talks To Aracari In the last few years Cusco resident and friend of Aracari, Thomas Schilter has summited over thirty of the world’s highest and most technically challenging mountains. This includes eight peaks with altitudes beyond 6,000m (20,000ft), where debilitation or death from acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a real possibility. Metaphorically speaking, we all have ‘mountains’ to climb in our lives, so who better to ask than Thomas about what it takes to overcome adversity. Earlier this month, Aracari caught up with Thomas shortly before he needed to leave for school. Yes, that’s right … one of South America’s most proficient and well-regarded mountain climbers is just 17-years of age. His parents have been good friends of Aracari’s for many years, as Thomas’ French mother (Petit) and Swiss father (Franz) run the Sol Y Luna Hotel and association in the Sacred Valley. The seven lessons (below) are drawn from our conversation with the acclaimed mountaineer. Forge Your Own Path The most significant moment in Thomas’ career to date has been summiting Peru’s Siula Grande (20,814 ft) via the south east face – a route that no one had previously accomplished. Siula Grande’s infamous reputation across the world is in part due to the film ‘Touching the void’. A documentary that recounts two British climbers’ disastrous 1985 expedition to Siula Grande - one of the highest peaks in the Andes. On his successful expedition last June, Thomas recounts “Several séracs [glacial columns] blocked our original route to the summit. It was getting dark, but the top was so close. The consensus was we could still make it, but only if we adapted our plans. That’s when we decided to summit from the South East face. The decision resulted in a lot of extra hardship and
Peruvian Mountain Climber, Thomas Schilter, Talks To Aracari In the last few years Cusco resident and friend of Aracari, Thomas Schilter has summited over thirty of the world’s highest and most technically challenging mountains. This includes eight peaks with altitudes beyond 6,000m (20,000ft), where debilitation or death from acute mountain…
Bolivia is a mesmerizing and thrilling destination for adventure travelers. It boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world. Travelers can experience soaring mountain peaks, pristine rainforest, extraordinary salt flats and sweeping savannahs, all in one land-locked country. In today’s blog post we’re sharing five of our favourite itinerary stops. Be sure to consider these for your next Bolivian adventure: Uyuni Salt Flats Bolivia’s expansive salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) draw curious travelers from all over the world. The largest salt flat in the world is also one of South America’s greatest natural wonders. As you travel across these pristine plains, you’ll happen upon colorful lagoons, rock gardens, geyser fields and cactus forests. It’s an otherworldly experience you’ll never forget. Aracari can arrange a private excursion to the salt flats as part of your Bolivian itinerary. This intimate tour is led by expert guides who will take you to the most exhilarating spots. The salt flats are located in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes. You can fly to Uyuni from La Paz in less than an hour, which makes it very accessible as part of a wider itinerary. Eduardo de Avaroa National Park Eduardo de Avaroa National Park is another extremely remote but utterly breathtaking location in southwest Bolivia. In fact, the ethereal scenery of the park pairs perfectly with a trip to the salt flats. Eduardo de Avaroa National Park boasts a diverse and complex array of landscapes in just 7,147sq km (2,760 square miles). Mountains, high desert plains, active volcanoes, hot springs, fumaroles and a mysterious red lake are just some of the things you can expect to see. There is also a huge amount of wildlife in the park, including three types of rare flamingo, 10 species of lizard, pumas,
Bolivia is a mesmerizing and thrilling destination for adventure travelers. It boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world. Travelers can experience soaring mountain peaks, pristine rainforest, extraordinary salt flats and sweeping savannahs, all in one land-locked country. In today’s blog post we’re sharing five of…
Callao, a colorful district on the north-western edge of Lima, is quickly gaining a reputation as the center for urban art in Peru. Where else in the world is there a wait list to graffiti the streets. Local youths and some of South America’s leading street artists alike are all pining for the opportunity of a lifetime, to make their mark on this barrio’s historic streets. Callao was once the chief seaport in all South America. For centuries all goods transported to Spain and Europe were required to travel through its’ docks. The neighborhoods’ elegant colonial architecture reflects the immense wealth that was created during this time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to last. After the port’s monopoly collapsed, the people of this community quickly fell into impoverishment and disregard by society. Until just four years ago Callao was considered; a ’red zone’, deprived, deadly and with a crime ridden reputation, too dangerous for tourists to stroll. However, upon the walls of the neglected shopping arcades, townhouses and civic centers were the seeds of rejuvenation, empty canvases for expression for grassroots graffiti and urban artists. How Urban Art Leads To Urban Revival At the heart of this recent urban revival has been an initiative called ‘Callao Monumental’, which was set up by a friend of Aracari, called Angie Pelosi. She is a local activist, who has become a highly regarded figure across Lima. Supported by a private organization called ‘Fugaz’ (meaning ‘Fleeting’ in English), her work has consisted of reviving a five block area of Callao through the creation of workshops, exhibition and artistic spaces for local people to work, learn, bond and express themselves through art. This started with the transformation of the famous Ronald Building in central Callao. The imposing colonial style building was converted into a home for Callao
Callao, a colorful district on the north-western edge of Lima, is quickly gaining a reputation as the center for urban art in Peru. Where else in the world is there a wait list to graffiti the streets. Local youths and some of South America’s leading street artists alike are all…
Here is an update from Jonathan Stack, the documentarian who is working on the campaign to stop the building of Chinchero airport, which we are supporting with the help of many friends and clients. Jonathan was caught in the lockdown in Cusco and is still there... Despite being separated from his own family back in New York, he is fully committed to this vital work and his experience invites us to reflect on the events we are all experiencing right now. A message from Jonathan Stack First off, I know these are scary times on planet earth, so we pray you and your loved ones are healthy and in a place of safety during the pandemic. It has been an intense few weeks here in Cusco as well, but fortunately, with press credentials and the kind support of a few very generous and brave individuals, we have been able to arrange nearly a dozen interviews, visit Chinchero and film possible alternative sites for the airport. Of course, we realize that the timing for the project might seem misguided. There is enormous suffering everywhere and an airport in Cusco, is not anyone’s first concern. I myself, with family back home in NYC (though my parents, my daughter, my son and sister are safely removed from the madness) have felt mixed emotions, yet I remain resolute that a story to stop the destruction of one of the world’s most magnificent places, one steeped in sacredness, has everything to do with the inherent imbalance of human civilization. Do we believe there is no limit to development and that we don´t pay a price for the destruction? Do we think increasing the population of the planet from 2 billion people to nearly 8 billion in less than 100 years comes with no price? Or
Here is an update from Jonathan Stack, the documentarian who is working on the campaign to stop the building of Chinchero airport, which we are supporting with the help of many friends and clients. Jonathan was caught in the lockdown in Cusco and is still there… Despite being separated from…
An Exploration of the Sacred Valley: Our Team’s Experiences in Cusco The Aracari team is always on the lookout for unique experiences to offer our guests. Just before the lockdown, our team visited Cusco and Sacred Valley in search of unique experiences for our guests. They returned with many ideas for exciting excursions combining art, learning and giving back. Today we’re sharing five stories from our team of travel designers, all of whom experienced fun and exciting adventures in Cusco which we have no doubt will be a hit among our guests. Traditional Andean Weaving Blanca, Aracari’s community manager, and a weaver herself, was the chosen one to explore several weaving communities in the Cusco region. “I enjoyed the experience so much that it’s hard to put it in words. The affection with which we were greeted by the community was incredible. As soon as we arrived, we were generously offered fresh muña tea to stave off altitude sickness. At first they were hesitant to let me weave my own piece. Once they realized that I knew how to weave on a backstrap loom, a very special bond was created. We just became comrades. There was no language barrier. No Quechua or Spanish, just one universal language: weaving. We also had the chance to experience the process of natural dyeing. Once the wool is spun, it is washed and dyed with natural products. We got to experience some of the generations of botanical knowledge. They use stems, roots, plants and flowers to achieve the vibrant colors that are so characteristic of the region.” Magical Realism in the Andes - the Bulls of Pucara In Cusco, Monica learned all about the Bulls of Pucara and tried her hand at decorating her own. “The ceramic Pucara bulls are symbols of happiness,
An Exploration of the Sacred Valley: Our Team’s Experiences in Cusco The Aracari team is always on the lookout for unique experiences to offer our guests. Just before the lockdown, our team visited Cusco and Sacred Valley in search of unique experiences for our guests. They returned with many ideas…
