Easter may be observed across the globe, but nobody celebrates it quite like the communities of the Andes. Easter in Peru, commonly known as Holy Week (Semana Santa), offers a time for many sacred events and celebrations throughout the Andes. Friends and family gather together, and many attend church to mark the occasion. Others embrace the national holidays of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (the Thursday and Friday before Easter) as opportunities to get out to parks or landmarks and enjoy in their days off. Ever since Catholicism was brought to Peru by Spanish since the XVI century, the Andes have had a complex (and beautiful) approach to religion. When the Spanish arrived, indigenous Andean communities already had their own established religious beliefs and practices, many of which became a part of their newfound Catholicism. Today, the result is a syncretic relationship between Catholicism and indigenous beliefs, blended into a unique approach to faith. No time is this syncretic relationship more apparent than during Holy Week, when native religion and Catholic rituals are brought to the forefront through commemorations and unique Peru Easter traditions. Holy Week represents the most important days of the year in the Catholic calendar. Easter Sunday, the day that concludes Holy Week, is meant to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week itself also includes important holidays: Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, honors the Last Supper, and Good Friday is a somber day that reflects on Christ’s crucifixion. In many parts of Latin America, Semana Santa is an especially treasured time of year. In the Andes, you’ll find all kinds of special Peru Easter traditions worth traveling for, and thousands of visitors will join locals in the cities that most love to celebrate. The most important Easter in Peru traditions Here’s where to
Easter may be observed across the globe, but nobody celebrates it quite like the communities of the Andes. Easter in Peru, commonly known as Holy Week (Semana Santa), offers a time for many sacred events and celebrations throughout the Andes. Friends and family gather together, and many attend church to…
Peru is home to thousands of unique and beautiful species. Peru wildlife includes 120 birds endemic to Peru, 70 endemic mammals, and 100 endemic reptiles - and that’s just the beginning! If you’re looking to get to know Peru wildlife on a whole new level, here’s where to look. Hummingbirds in Chachapoyas Chachapoyas is a beautiful region of Amazonas known for its cloud forest, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and stunning archaeological sites. At an altitude of 800 - 3,000 meters (2,624 - 9,800 ft) there are breathtaking sights to take in around every corner. Wildlife watching fans love Chachapoyas for its hummingbird population. The region is home to all kinds of rare hummingbirds, including the marvelous spatuletail, an endemic species to Peru. (Yes, marvellous really is part of its name!) The bird’s beautiful violet-blue coloring and distinctive spatula-like tail make it a real stunner - and Peru is the only place in the world you can see it. Avid hummingbird watchers can check into Kentitambo Lodge, which translates to “Hummingbird Inn” in Quechua. Kentitambo’s hummingbird feeders and plantings attract visits from as many as 16 different hummingbird species, along with parrots, toucans, tanagers, warblers, trogons, and other birds. Chachapoyas is also abundant in bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and other beautiful plants, which makes for an added bonus. Flamingoes, Boobies, Terns, and Pelicans on the Pacific Coast When you visit Peru’s Pacific Coast, you’re in for a magical glimpse of unique and distinctive birds. The coastal Paracas National Reserve is home to 215 species of birds, including flamingos, penguins, and Peruvian boobies. At the reserve, you can even take in a glimpse of the beautiful Inca Tern, an endemic species that gathers along the Reserve’s rocky coast. These grey birds are known for their bright coral beaks and feet, and their distinctive
Peru is home to thousands of unique and beautiful species. Peru wildlife includes 120 birds endemic to Peru, 70 endemic mammals, and 100 endemic reptiles – and that’s just the beginning! If you’re looking to get to know Peru wildlife on a whole new level, here’s where to look. Hummingbirds…
The tropical northern beaches of Peru are one of the country’s best kept secrets. With soft sand, year-round sunshine, and a lack of the tropical storms that plague so many other beach destinations, the northern coast is like a pristine private getaway. Peru has 1300 miles of coastline, but few people know much about Peru’s north coast beaches besides the surfers who visit to catch the area’s top-notch waves. You’ll find few crowds, luxurious accommodations, and a stunning natural ambiance. Peru’s northern beaches are the perfect place to spend a beach vacation or relax after a long trek. Thanks to a series of quick flights to the region from Lima, you can reach the beach in a flash, and before you know it, you’ll be lounging alongside a beachfront pool with a drink in your hand. The best northern Peru beaches Where To Go The best northern Peru beaches are near the low-key seaside town of Mancora. Mancora is near two cities: Piura and Tumbes, which can be reached by plane from Lima. The best hotels in Mancora are Arennas and Kichic. Both properties are tucked outside of town on quiet stretches of one of the top beaches in Peru. Arennas is a fantastic luxury option with a resort atmosphere. Here, you’ll love kicking back in front of the shore or next to the property’s large pool. If you’re looking for a wellness retreat experience, you’ll want to hightail it over to Kichic. This boutique hotel features daily yoga classes in their own studio, excellent vegetarian meal options, and serene views of the Pacific. Another great option is staying in one of the private villas of Mancora, which feature private pools and fantastic on-site staff. We recommend Casa Adobe, Casa Kichic, Casa Lino, Casa Tierra, Getting Out On The Water Once you’re settled
The tropical northern beaches of Peru are one of the country’s best kept secrets. With soft sand, year-round sunshine, and a lack of the tropical storms that plague so many other beach destinations, the northern coast is like a pristine private getaway. Peru has 1300 miles of coastline, but few…
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most striking natural sites in the world. Formed more than 40,000 years ago, the salt flats expand across 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 sq mi) in Bolivia at an altitude of 3,656 meters (11,995 ft) above sea level. Amid wide-stretching plains of salt, Salar de Uyuni also has plenty of bright-colored landmarks, like lagoons, geological formations, and cacti. Visiting Salar de Uyuni is a lovely and satisfyingly rugged experience. The landscape’s off-the-beaten path locale can make it tough to reach on your own, so getting there is extra rewarding. Here’s what you need to know about this mystifying destination - and the new lodging that’s about to change the way visitors experience the Salar. When to visit Salar de Uyuni Salar de Uyuni has distinct dry and rainy seasons. Rainy season, from November or December until early April, is a popular time for photographers to visit because of the visual effects the rain creates on the Salar. The rainy season also takes place at the same time as Chinese New Year, which is an especially popular time for visitors, so you’ll want to avoid those dates if you’re looking to steer clear of big crowds. Dry season, which usually lasts from late April through October, is marked by sunshine, clear skies, and colder weather than the rainy season. Things to Keep In Mind When visiting Salar de Uyuni How to access the area. Salar de Uyuni can by accessed by plane from La Paz, or via road access from Potosi and Oruro. On certain days of the week, you can also take a seven-hour train ride from Oruro to Uyuni. On your way, you’ll want to stop off at Colchani, a town near Salar de Uyuni where locals process salt from the flat.
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most striking natural sites in the world. Formed more than 40,000 years ago, the salt flats expand across 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 sq mi) in Bolivia at an altitude of 3,656 meters (11,995 ft) above sea level. Amid wide-stretching plains of salt, Salar…
Peru is one of the most coveted culinary destinations in South America - and the world over. As Peru’s restaurants serve up more and more memorable dishes, foodies and chefs alike keep flocking to the region. This all makes perfect sense when you consider the source: Peru’s wide range of unique crops. The Peru agriculture industry produces thousands of varieties of food staples we see on our tables every day, along with all kinds of unique Peruvian crops you can only find in the region. What’s especially exciting is that Peru is a hotspot for a growing number of superfoods, known for their high concentration of powerful nutrients. Peru Agriculture Helps The Culinary Scene Grow You’ll find evidence of this abundance of crops when dining at world famous Peruvian restaurants like MIL, Maido, and ámaZ. MIL, in the Sacred Valley, offers an 8-course experience with ingredients that reflect each of the eight ecosystems of the Andes. Maido, a top Lima eatery, specializes in Peruvian-Japanese fusion that draws on local ingredients. ámaZ, in Lima, serves up acclaimed Amazonian dishes. None of this would be possible without the robust Peru agriculture scene. Here’s everything you need to know about some of the top Peruvian crops, from superfoods to must-have staples. Peruvian potatoes This hearty crop is the most-eaten vegetable on the globe. There are nearly 4,000 varieties of Peruvian potatoes. South America is where the potato first surfaced, and the crop’s history on the continent spans about 13,000 years. In the 1400s, potatoes were brought to Europe from South America, and ultimately became a worldwide staple. A visit to a Peruvian market or restaurant will paint a picture of just how many varieties of Peruvian potatoes there are to sample, and how they can differ in taste and preparation. Some rare and
Peru is one of the most coveted culinary destinations in South America – and the world over. As Peru’s restaurants serve up more and more memorable dishes, foodies and chefs alike keep flocking to the region. This all makes perfect sense when you consider the source: Peru’s wide range of…
In honor of International Women's Day, Aracari is celebrating women who dedicate their lives to leading responsible businesses connected to tourism in Perú. Here, you'll meet Adriana von Hagen of Kentitambo. Adriana von Hagen is the founder of Kentitambo, a series of 5 double bungalows with ensuite facilities located on a hillside overlooking the Museo Leymebamba. Kentitambo is located in the town of Leymebamba in the cloud forest of Chachapoyas, northern Perú. When Adriana arrived, the surrounding natural area was in rough shape. Over the years, she’s transformed it into paradise. “In just over twenty years we have converted a deforested, barren hillside into a lush forest of native species teeming with hummingbirds,” Adriana says. “Thus the name of our lodge, Kentitambo - the hummingbird inn. We have multiple hummingbird feeders as well as plantings that attract as many as 16 species of hummingbirds, in addition to warblers, tanagers, parrots, toucans, and trogons.” Adriana is the author of a number of books on Inca, pre-Inca, and Chachapoyas culture. She has a deep interest in tropical ecology, archaeology, and handicrafts. “I came to Leymebamba in 1997 to help rescue and protect Chachapoya mummies and artifacts from looters at the Laguna de los Condores and was instrumental in creating the Museo Leymebamba.” Built With Care Adriana and her partner Oscar first built their own house in the area, and then decided to have guests visit to view the hummingbirds and relax. As their acclaim grew, they decided to try lodging - and the rest is history. Adriana and Oscar now split their time between Kentitambo, Lima, and the world. Kentitambo’s location is a delight. “It is a stone's-throw from the Museo Leymebamba, considered one of Perú's top five museums as well as its gardens of native flora, over 50 bird
In honor of International Women’s Day, Aracari is celebrating women who dedicate their lives to leading responsible businesses connected to tourism in Perú. Here, you’ll meet Adriana von Hagen of Kentitambo. Adriana von Hagen is the founder of Kentitambo, a series of 5 double bungalows with ensuite facilities located on…
