As experts in luxury travel to South America, we’re often asked how to plan a trip to the Amazon. Spanning from Peru to the Atlantic, the colossal rainforest stretches into Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and several other nations, unfurling through a network of national parks and protected areas. Each twist of its serpentine rivers relenting new marvels, from rare wildlife to Indigenous cultures upholding a way of life unchanged for millennia. Planning a trip to the Amazon requires a specific set of criteria due to its vast geography. Hallmarks for an authentic Amazon experience, one which is unencumbered by over-tourism or artifice. For us, that planning process begins with our handpicked directory of partners who operate with unparalleled environmental responsibility in this ultra-delicate ecosystem. Ensuring not only the protection and preservation of the Amazon rainforest but facilitating deeply meaningful and unforgettable experiences for those who have traveled thousands of miles to see the great beauty of the forest. A Labyrinth of Forests: Where is the Amazon in South America? Before diving into trip planning, let’s explore the Amazon’s diverse regions. In Peru, Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a rich tapestry of wildlife and cultures amidst its intricate river network and vibrant canopy. Tambopata National Reserve also entices with lush landscapes and vibrant macaw clay licks. In Bolivia, Madidi National Park, entices visitors with its expansive 1.9 million hectares, showcasing a range of habitats from cloud forests to lowland rainforests, home to jaguars, pumas, and over 1,000 bird species, adding another layer of diversity to the Amazon. In Colombia, the largely untouched Amacayacu National Park shelters elusive jaguars and pink river dolphins, with Leticia serving as the gateway for river cruises and forest hikes. Then Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve offer exceptional biodiversity, including giant
As experts in luxury travel to South America, we’re often asked how to plan a trip to the Amazon. Spanning from Peru to the Atlantic, the colossal rainforest stretches into Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and several other nations, unfurling through a network of national parks and protected areas. Each twist of…
As summer rolls into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, a precious window of opportunity to travel to South America during the fall arises. While September might mark the beginning of the end of summer in cities like New York, London, and Stockholm, in South America, quite the opposite is happening. Travel to South America during fall: why go now? Sandwiched between summer and the holidays that charge November and December, fall is without doubt one of the best periods to explore parts of South America. Not only are the conditions favorable – fewer crowds, comfortable heat, more locals – but there’s also a handful of experiences that only take place during place during this window. Where to go in South America during the Fall? To really magnify the beauty of travel to South America during the fall the fall you need specifics. There is no doubt unfettered joy in spending the week in a city like Lima but better still, why not go looking for something niche and nuanced? Whether it’s the hike on a private glacier in Patagonia, a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Mendoza, or a stay on the far-flung ancient Easter Island, with Aracari as your guide we can pinpoint unforgettable experiences that are best explored through travel to South America during the fall. Five of our favorite destinations in South America from September - December So, come with us as we earmark five of the best destinations in South America to visit in the Fall. 1. Iguazu Falls, Argentina: Experience the world’s largest thundering falls between September & October Spanning a 1.7-mile-wide cliff edge—wider than the Niagara and Victoria Falls—the Iguazu Falls are claimed by three different countries that border the falls: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. As far as size
As summer rolls into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, a precious window of opportunity to travel to South America during the fall arises. While September might mark the beginning of the end of summer in cities like New York, London, and Stockholm, in South America, quite the opposite is happening….
Luxury travel Patagonia: for the modern explorer Famed for being one of Earth’s last wildernesses, Patagonia has provided the breathtaking backdrop to many an adventure series. A colossal expanse in southern South America, Patagonia stretches from Pacific Ocean to Atlantic coast, its boundaries seeping into both Chile and Argentina. With its magnitude comes lakes of piercing blue, soaring glaciers, and vast grasslands as raw and rugged as they are sublime and beautiful. What is luxury travel to Patagonia? Travel to Patagonia has only been possible in the last two decades, and luxury travel to Patagonia is even more recent. Yet the definition of luxury here bends to fit the immenseness of the setting. It isn’t always convenient. It isn’t long hours of poolside dwelling or days spent in slippers. Luxury travel to Patagonia is found in the places that unapologetically celebrate the magnificence of their setting. Hotels and lodgings that take a room with a view to a whole new meaning, one beyond your wildest imagination. Longtime partners of Aracari Travel who employ real working gauchos and wildlife researchers to lead guests through the most untouched parts of Patagonia – where few footsteps have trodden. That’s not to say a stay here is without comfort. There are celestial spas, fine dining, and incredibly high-end suites. But the luxuriousness is in the experience. To go somewhere as far away from modern civilization as it looks. Our experience with luxury travel to Patagonia Ever keen to experience a trip for ourselves before recommending it to our clients, Aracari Travel founder headed for her own luxury travel to Patagonia in April 2024. Marisol’s route would zigzag through national parks for two weeks, crossing into the region in both Chile and Argentina. It's an adventure that left a lasting impression. “The beauty of this
Luxury travel Patagonia: for the modern explorer Famed for being one of Earth’s last wildernesses, Patagonia has provided the breathtaking backdrop to many an adventure series. A colossal expanse in southern South America, Patagonia stretches from Pacific Ocean to Atlantic coast, its boundaries seeping into both Chile and Argentina. With…
As a budding new travel trend, group trips to South America are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last year, we’ve seen a steady climb in those choosing to visit our region as a group of more than four. A shift that shows group trips to South America becoming a means of spending time together with people outside of our immediate familial circle. Providing the grounds to reconnect in a different environment, enjoying shared moments that foster togetherness and build bonds that activate core memories, perhaps with people we aren’t often afforded the luxury of spending more than a day with. Group Trips to South America with Aracari Travel At Aracari Travel, group trips to South America are about far more than plane tickets and hotel suites. Every one of our bespoke vacations is delivered in detail for individual travelers. And that’s what makes this growing travel trend really exciting for us. Within our portfolio of remarkable experiences, there are a handful that are even more special when enjoyed as a group. Whether that’s because you can make them entirely private – such as chartering your own cruise down the Amazon River – or because they take place in a scenery so sublime, that the involuntary effect is a feeling of humble appreciation, a gratefulness to find yourself in that very spot with those you love. Travel for the purpose of connection. As luck would have it, we also have some exclusive intel. You may remember our friend Mirjam Peternek-McCartney who has spent the last seven months in South America on a family sabbatical. As has been the case throughout Mirjam’s journey, we have kept in touch – sharing mutual travel tips and tricks as she zigzags through our region. Given a sabbatical is perhaps the ultimate of group trips to
As a budding new travel trend, group trips to South America are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last year, we’ve seen a steady climb in those choosing to visit our region as a group of more than four. A shift that shows group trips to South America becoming a means…
As top Peru specialists, we have spent almost three decades honing our craft. Today, our luxury travel takes in some of the country’s most tremendous wonders and hidden treasures, but place alone is not enough. Our longevity derives not from our ‘where’ and ‘what’ but rather our ‘who’ and ‘how’. Who are the faces of Aracari? As many know, Aracari is the brainchild of Marisol Mosquera, who, after becoming disillusioned with the corporate world of investment banking, founded Aracari in 1997 on a quest to share the brilliance of her birth country with likeminded, astute travelers. Marisol remains at the helm of our business, steering our ship – but there are many other faces who without, Aracari would not be nearing its 30th birthday. The Aracari family is made up of scholars, artists, historians, architects, designers, well-connected locals, chefs, conservationists, and many more. They are first and foremost subject specialists, and as a by-product of their respect for our business and founder, have become Aracari guides. Their unrivaled knowledge and expertise open doors to our travelers. It is the luxury of access to places and experiences understood in human stories – and not just recited facts. So who are these people? And how do we tell you the stories of our trailblazing family? Paint a picture of those you will meet during your time in South America before you get there. Because whilst the bespoke itinerary might be pure magic, on paper it is only half the story – brought into vibrant color by the faces of Aracari. Introducing the people who make us top Peru specialists Meet Raul Varela: Our wonderful Lima-based Concierge Raul has been with Aracari since day dot. He is the welcoming smile that greets each of our clients in Lima, escorting them to their private
As top Peru specialists, we have spent almost three decades honing our craft. Today, our luxury travel takes in some of the country’s most tremendous wonders and hidden treasures, but place alone is not enough. Our longevity derives not from our ‘where’ and ‘what’ but rather our ‘who’ and ‘how’….
At Aracari, many of our private vacations to Peru begin with a luxury city break in Lima. The country’s enchanting capital is often the gateway to discovering Peru’s most popular travel experiences, whether a luxury train ride to Machu Picchu or guided wildlife walks in the Amazon Rainforest. Yet as Peru travel specialists, we are privy to the secrets of this age-old city, guiding our guests on how to ensure this cosmopolitan metropolis is so much more than a layover. Peru’s coastal capital is brimming with unforgettable experiences if only you know where to look. Since 1996, Aracari has pioneered personalized travel to the region, bringing clients closer to the essence of this eclectic city, even if travel time is limited to 48 hours in Lima. So as we clock through two days' worth of hours spent in the coastal capital, gain a glimpse into a luxury vacation to Peru with Aracari. From securing reservations in Peru’s acclaimed restaurants such as Central - to unearthing its pre-Columbian past, and from the world-famous surf scene to private gallery visits, and a stay in one of the best luxury hotels in Peru – welcome to 48 hours in Lima, Aracari style. Explore our luxury Peru vacations beginning in Lima Friday: 48 hours in Lima Head from the airport to Atemporal Hotel | 2 pm Tucked away in a 1940s Peruvian mansion, Atemporal is one of the best luxury hotels in Lima for those looking for serenity in the city. Recently refurbished by the awarding-winning team behind some of the top hotels in Peru, the timeless aesthetic offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Lima’s Miraflores district, the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of Lima. There are just 6 guest suites at Atemporal, making it ideal for those
At Aracari, many of our private vacations to Peru begin with a luxury city break in Lima. The country’s enchanting capital is often the gateway to discovering Peru’s most popular travel experiences, whether a luxury train ride to Machu Picchu or guided wildlife walks in the Amazon Rainforest. Yet as…
