Peru is home to 51 indigenous communities, all of whom have a unique culture and way of life. Among the 31 million people who live in Peru, about 80% identify as either mestizo (a person of combined indigenous and European descent) or indigenous. From the high Andes to the jungles of the Peruvian Amazon, there are many thriving indigenous people of Peru to get to know. Indigenous Mountain People Of Peru Living in the harsh, inhospitable landscape of the Andes requires a special level of toughness and adaptability - and the indigenous people of the Andes have this in spades. These communities have spent centuries living at high altitude, so they have a whole lot to teach us about survival amid harsh climates. Quechua The Quechua are often the first indigenous people of Peru that travelers get to know upon visiting the country. Most Quechua people live in the Peruvian Andes, though there are other Quechua communities in Bolivia and Ecuador as well. The Quechua people predate the Incan Empire, and their way of life continued on long after the empire fell. The Quechua people are the largest indigenous group in South America today. Most Quechua communities are in the high Andes and are focused on farming. The Quechua are known worldwide for their beautifully intricate textile arts, and for their ability to thrive in high-altitude environments. It’s important to note the distinction between the Quechua people and the Quechua language. Around 10 million people speak the language of Quechua, while not nearly as many identify as Quechua themselves. This is because many surrounding indigenous groups adopted the Quechua language over time as their own native languages began to fade out. Today, it’s widely spoken among many indigenous Andean communities. (It was also the language of the Inca!) There are
Peru is home to 51 indigenous communities, all of whom have a unique culture and way of life. Among the 31 million people who live in Peru, about 80% identify as either mestizo (a person of combined indigenous and European descent) or indigenous. From the high Andes to the jungles…
My first steps onto the Inca trail When I took my first steps onto the historic Inca Trail, I was too excited to be nervous about the challenges ahead. I’d received many warnings from my guide, Jose, about what was likely to come: achy knees, shortness of breath as the altitude increased, and maybe even genuine questions of whether I could finish the trek. There was humor in his voice when he shared these warnings, but his message wasn’t a joke: he wanted our group to be prepared for the Inca Trail difficulty ahead. But those first few hours, I wasn’t thinking much about what Jose said. I was too busy chatting with my fellow hikers, oohing and ahhing over the fast-changing microclimates, and getting to know friendly locals along the trail. When we reached our first truly challenging incline a few hours in, my hiking companions and I were tired but determined. Bring it on, we thought. But as the day wore on, and the final hours of the afternoon stretched seemingly forever through endless hills and bridges and complicated mountain turns, we started to doubt ourselves. When we finally reached that evening’s camp, where our porters greeted us with drinks and a warm welcome, we were bone tired. Day One was supposed to be a simple day of acclimating, but it took the wind out of us. Day Two, said to be the toughest part of the trail, loomed large ahead of us - could we do it? From the outset, the Inca Trail might not look too difficult - in relative terms, anyway. It’s 26 miles, the total of a marathon, but instead of crammed into four hours of frantic running, those miles are spread out into four days. Yes, there are steep inclines, we were told, but there were also plenty of even-keeled stretches of the trek. So why, then, do some
My first steps onto the Inca trail When I took my first steps onto the historic Inca Trail, I was too excited to be nervous about the challenges ahead. I’d received many warnings from my guide, Jose, about what was likely to come: achy knees, shortness of breath as the altitude increased,…
Seeing the Amazon River up close is the ultimate bucket list experience - and Peru, where the river begins, is the ideal place to make it happen. You can access the heart of the river from Peru, and of course, once you reach it, the best way to explore is by boat. Enter Aqua Expeditions, a boutique luxury cruise company that introduces travelers to the Amazon in comfort and style. Aqua Expeditions’ newest vessel, the Aqua Nera, will set off on its inaugural Amazon river cruise voyage in October 2020. The brand new river cruise ship will be game changer in onboard luxury, with gorgeous design inspired by the beauty of the Peruvian Amazon and world class amenities so you can cruise in comfort. Onboard, you’ll dine on top-notch cuisine from Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, who is known for his expert ability to craft delicious meals from native Amazonian ingredients. You’ll find indoor and outdoor bars, dining spaces, and cinemas so you can relax wherever you please. You’ll get to take in the stars each night from an observation deck, and enjoy the spa and outdoor deck plunge pool after long afternoons spent exploring the river. The vessel will also be stocked with launch boats, bicycles, and kayaks for you to use on your shore adventures. Your Peruvian Amazon Journey In the meantime, before Aqua Nera’s launch, Aqua Expeditions will continue to offer journeys on another fantastic vessel, the wonderful Aria Amazon. A few types of adventures you can expect on an Aqua Expeditions trip Amazon river cruise: Journey From Your Departure Point The Aqua Nera will depart from the Northeastern Peruvian city of Iquitos, which is just a short flight away from Lima and Cusco. Surrounding Iquitos is the head of the Amazon River, along with the incredible
Seeing the Amazon River up close is the ultimate bucket list experience – and Peru, where the river begins, is the ideal place to make it happen. You can access the heart of the river from Peru, and of course, once you reach it, the best way to explore is…
Are you a fashion-focused traveler? Do you have a taste for arts, culture, and all things style? Then Lima is the city for you. Lima’s ever-growing fashion and arts scene always inspires, and is attracting the talents of new artists and creative makers all the time. Shoppers who know where to look can find one-of-a-kind treasures they’ll be thrilled to take back home with them. Below are some of Lima’s top arts and fashion hotspots, many of which you’ll find on our popular Fashion Forward Lima tour. From world class museums to tiny tucked-away boutiques, art and shopping in Lima has it all. Fashionable Museums In Lima AMANO Pre-Columbian Textile Museum This breathtaking museum takes you on a stunning 5,000-year journey of Peruvian textile history. Because the conditions of the Peruvian desert beautifully lend themselves to preservation, the fabrics and pieces you’ll see will have a remarkable vibrance to them despite being centuries old. Here, you’ll get an up-close glimpse of the role of textiles in Peruvian culture and history, and what they’ve meant to local communities over time. MATE Mario Testino Museum At MATE, you’ll explore the largest collection of photos by lauded Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino. Among his high fashion pieces, Testino’s work features photos of traditional Andean clothes worn in Peruvian highlands. The museum, housed in a 19th century townhouse, is a work of art in itself. There is care and intention in every detail, right down to the museum carpet that Testino himself designed. Shopping In Lima For Fashionistas AYNI Atelier AYNI is the brainchild of co-founders Adriana Cachay and Laerke Skyum. The designers are Peruvian and Danish respectively, and their creations reflect two major sources of inspiration by combining signature Danish minimalism with the finest quality Peruvian textiles. Since launching their first showroom in
Are you a fashion-focused traveler? Do you have a taste for arts, culture, and all things style? Then Lima is the city for you. Lima’s ever-growing fashion and arts scene always inspires, and is attracting the talents of new artists and creative makers all the time. Shoppers who know where…
Get to know a whole new side of Peru with a visit to Arequipa and Colca Canyon, two regions rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this less-visited region of Peru. What To See In Arequipa Located in the foothills of Misti Volcano, the magical city of Arequipa is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City. The metropolis is often known as “The White City” for its use of white volcanic stone called sillar as a building material. The result is a series of striking architectural creations you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here are some top things to do in Arequipa. Santa Catalina A massive (and beautiful) monastery that serves as something of a city within a city. Founded in 1580, the space is known for its brightly colored walls, gardens, and art pieces. Santa Teresa Monastery This stunning site, built in 1710, doubles as a museum and functioning monastery. The monastery's lovely Museum of Virceregal Art features more than 300 art pieces from the 16th through 19th centuries and a tranquil garden. The monastery is also home to 15 practicing Carmelite nuns, who do not interact with the outside world, but whose peaceful chants can be heard around the building at certain times of the day. Santuarios Andinos Museum This museum is home to Juanita, an Inca mummy of a young girl who was killed in the 1400s as a ceremonial sacrifice to the gods. Juanita is strikingly well-preserved, and on a visit to the museum, you’ll get to learn the context and history of her role in the Inca empire. The Sillar Route Get to know the origins of Arequipa’s famous sillar by exploring the Sillar Route on the city’s outskirts. Visit a local sillar quarry,
Get to know a whole new side of Peru with a visit to Arequipa and Colca Canyon, two regions rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this less-visited region of Peru. What To See In Arequipa Located in the foothills…
Why Potatoes are so important to Peruvian culture and where to find the best dishes. None of Peru’s many delicious and valuable crops shines as bright as the potato. This hardy crop is the most eaten vegetable in the world, but for those seeking cultural food in Peru – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single ingredient used more often in the famous food of Peru. Peru’s fertile land makes for especially delicious potatoes – and the experimentation of innovative farmers and agriculturists has meant that today there are now more than 4,000 kinds of potatoes grown in Peru. Here at Aracari, we have spent more than two decades connecting our clients to cultural Peruvian food – much of which features the many different kinds of Peruvian potatoes. From the agricultural highlands of the Sacred Valley to the famous food of Lima, our privileged access allows our clients to gain an unforgettable insight into why potatoes are so important to Peruvian culture, and of course – where to find the best dishes. Within this exclusive guide, you’ll learn how to spot one variety of Peruvian potato from another and hear of just a few of the exclusive foodie experiences available only to Aracari guests. All are designed to whet your appetite for your next food adventure to Peru with Aracari. View of Foodie Itineraries Cultural Peruvian Food: The History of the Peruvian Potato Scientists believe that potatoes grew in the Andean highlands of Peru, Bolivia and Chile as far back as 13,000 years ago. But it was around 7,000 years ago, that people living in the Andes were harvesting the crop, successfully growing the vegetable in the challenging climates of the mountains. Then in the 1500s, potatoes were exported to Europe by the Spanish, and whilst the crop was initially
Why Potatoes are so important to Peruvian culture and where to find the best dishes. None of Peru’s many delicious and valuable crops shines as bright as the potato. This hardy crop is the most eaten vegetable in the world, but for those seeking cultural food in Peru – you’ll…
