The Two Day Lares trek in Peru The two day Lares trek from Patakancha to Lares is a spectacular hike through the Peruvian Andes. One of the most popular alternative hikes to the Inca trail, the Lares trek can be done as a three day / two night trek, or quicker over two days and one night, camping en route. One of the best things about this two day lares trek is that you can avoid the tourist crowds and gain an insight into local culture: while other Peru treks focus exclusively on landscapes, with the two day Lares trek you get to hike through the country's Quechua highlands and pass rural communities along this spectacular hike. Aracari arranges the two day Lares trek on a private basis only, not as a group tour. The village of Patakancha I recently had the chance to take this two day trail through breathtaking landscapes, where life remains much unchanged since the time of the Incas. Our journey began with a drive through the Sacred Valley where upon reaching Olllantaytambo, we climbed our way up a partially-paved road for 45 minutes until reaching the small community of Patakancha. This small village is charming, with thatched roof buildings of stone or adobe bricks and cheery locals making their livings as they have for centuries from weaving textiles and farming and raising animals. Meeting the Porters It was here that we met up with our team of porters and muleteers. Once our mules were loaded and sunscreen had been applied to shield us from the strong Andean sun, we began our walk out from Patakancha. Heading gently upwards through the agricultural terraces and passing flocks of grazing llamas, there was already a feeling that we had escaped the main tourist trail and were experiencing Andean
The Two Day Lares trek in Peru The two day Lares trek from Patakancha to Lares is a spectacular hike through the Peruvian Andes. One of the most popular alternative hikes to the Inca trail, the Lares trek can be done as a three day / two night trek, or…
The natural wonders of Colca Canyon and Valley, are ideal to explore on foot or horseback. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the mountains and abundant flora and fauna of the region than deserting your vehicle for a day of fresh air. I was lucky enough to do just that, and spend a full day in the saddle on an unforgettable horseback ride in Colca to Achoma viewpoint. Aracari also offers a shorter, three hour horseriding experience in Colca that's also suitable for beginners. Achoma Horseback Ride in Colca on Paso Horses At around 9:30 our guide Thomas met us at our hotel, Belmond Las Casitas, with 5 horses in tow. We would be accompanied by his expert Chalans, equestrian guides, who seemed like horse whisperers as they seamlessly dressed the serene horses in gorgeous leather details. The horseriding guides can meet you also at Colca Lodge, if you're staying there, to start your trip. The Peruvian Paso Horse As they saddled up the Peruvian Paso horses, they explained how this world-renowned breed, declared Cultural Patrimony by the National Institute of Culture, has a distinguished, four-beat lateral gait called the paso llano and provides a stable and smooth ride perfect for new riders and experienced horsemen alike. I was pleased to hear this, having only ridden horses a few times on previous vacations, and listened attentively as they explained techniques and tips for handling the horse with the reins. We then hopped on, and began trotting into the valley towards the agricultural town of Achoma. I was impressed to feel the truth in their words about the Peruvian Paso horse's gait, and felt very secure in my saddle. While we traversed rocky paths, streams, and terraced feilds, my horse kept me gracefully upright leaving me to simply enjoy the ride and the sweeping
The natural wonders of Colca Canyon and Valley, are ideal to explore on foot or horseback. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the mountains and abundant flora and fauna of the region than deserting your vehicle for a day of fresh air. I was lucky enough to do just…
In the heart of one of the richest and most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Tambopata National Reserve, lies the most remote Amazon lodge in Peru and an incredible conservation initiative, Wired Amazon. Rainforest Expeditions, the owners of Tambopata Research Center, Refugio Amazonas, and Posada Amazonas, are collaborating with scientists to conduct Wired Amazon, a citizen science project that gets guests involved in the identification of new species, the assessing of botany, and the appraising of biodiversity in the jungle. Aracari is proud to support and promote Wired Amazon. We encourage you to contact us so we can tell you more about the project or help arrange a stay at the lodges as part of a private, tailormade trip to Peru. Wired Amazon: The Projects In 2016 began the Wired Amazon initiative, which is a collection of 3 science projects powered by Rainforest Expeditions. The goal of Wired Amazon is to connect guests with the research that is taking place in the forest, and give them an opportunity to participate in the important scientific data collection. For example, travelers can partake in wildlife investigations with scientists in the field- setting light traps and camera traps or you can help out by counting species. This project is unique in that when the trip is over, the citizen scientists can continue their involvement via their personal computer. Through the Wired Amazon website, people around the world can help identify fauna and flora and new species by watching live videos and photos taken by the camera traps and mini drones across the jungle. Biodiversity Using AmazonCam, the biodiversity element of Wired Amazon studies the species both at canopy level, and on the rainforest floor. The cameras take a picture when they sense the heat of an animal, and citizen scientists help identify the species in the photos. Overseen by Dr. Mark Bowler, check
In the heart of one of the richest and most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Tambopata National Reserve, lies the most remote Amazon lodge in Peru and an incredible conservation initiative, Wired Amazon. Rainforest Expeditions, the owners of Tambopata Research Center, Refugio Amazonas, and Posada Amazonas, are collaborating with scientists…
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Che Guevara's death, Aracari retraces the last steps of the iconic revolutionary in Bolivia with journalist Sarah Gilbert. Aracari offers a 6 day/5 night trip on the Che Route including full board starting at USD $3,055 Contact Us Ruta del Che, the Che Route 50 years ago, on October 9 1967, Che Guevara was shot in a small town in eastern Bolivia. The historically significant villages and local sites that he visited during his last living days and the first days of his death make up the 'Che Route' or Ruta del Che. Along the route, Che's spirit lives on in colorful memorials and historic sites that can be visited by interested travelers. Read about journalist Sarah Gilbert's experience on The Che Route with Aracari in The Evening Standard, The Independent, Yahoo! Style, and The I. A Brief History of Che Guevara Originally from Argentina, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was a revolutionary and guerrilla leader that worked to spread Marxist and socialist ideals around the world. He rose to fame during the Cuban revolution, when he worked beside the Castro's to overthrow the US backed Batista regime. After assuming many important roles in the new Cuban government, Che left the country to spread the revolution abroad. He made an unsuccessful attempt in Congo before heading to Bolivia where he was captured and executed. To this day Che remains a polarized figure, hated or loved by people around the world. His story and writing were developed into the 2004 international film, The Motorcycle Diaries, and his image, a famous photo of long haired Che Geuvara in a beret looking determined, has become a pop culture symbol for rebellion and standing up to 'the man' and was cited as the most famous photograph in the world. Stops Along the Che Route The Che Route through southern Bolivia has become
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Che Guevara’s death, Aracari retraces the last steps of the iconic revolutionary in Bolivia with journalist Sarah Gilbert. Aracari offers a 6 day/5 night trip on the Che Route including full board starting at USD $3,055 Contact Us Ruta del Che, the Che Route 50 years ago, on October…
Recently back from an incredible trip to The Colca Valley and Canyon, I want to share one of my highlights - a half day hike in Colca Peru to the pre-Incan Madrigal Chimpa Fortress. Sitting high above the Colca Valley (4,412m / 14,475ft), it has kept watch over the lands below since 1,200 AD. The exact history of the ruins remain a mystery to visitors and locals alike, but it is thought to have been the military fortress that divided the clashing Collagua and Cabana cultures of pre-Inca times. Reaching these ruins requires a tough uphill hike - but the views from the top are more than worth it. While there are many hikes in Colca, this one boasts a practically tourist-free trail, deserted ruins, panoramic views of Colca Canyon and an active volcano - and even the chance to sight majestic condors! Getting to the Madrigal Chimpa Fortress hike Traveling with Caroline, our trek to Madrigal Chimpa Fortress began with a scenic drive along the right hand side of the Colca River to the base of the fortress. The river's right hand side is far less visited than the left, so we couldn't help but laugh at the "traffic" that we kept hitting along the way. The roads were completely desolate, apart from donkeys, cows, and llamas! We made a brief stop en route in the town of Lari (3,033m) to take photos of the quaint village and its charming colonial church. As we then approached the foot of the fortress, after about an hour and fifteen minute drive from our hotel, Colca Lodge, the imposing mountains created a definite 'wow' factor. The steep ascent hiking to Chimpa Fortress After applying plenty of sunblock and filling our reusable water bottles we began to ascend, slowly but surely making our way up the side of the mountain with the fortress in
Recently back from an incredible trip to The Colca Valley and Canyon, I want to share one of my highlights – a half day hike in Colca Peru to the pre-Incan Madrigal Chimpa Fortress. Sitting high above the Colca Valley (4,412m / 14,475ft), it has kept watch over the lands below since 1,200…
Pisco is Peru’s national spirit and has been an integral element to Peruvian life and culture for more than 400 years. Outside the city of Arequipa, in Southern Peru, lies a scarcely-visited fertile, green grape-growing region that produces this popular liquor, alongside Peruvian wines. Comprised of around 17 vineyards, Arequipa's Pisco Route – launched as such in 2017 – is reachable as a day trip from Arequipa. I recently had the opportunity to visit a couple of the local bodegas on this route, following the entire production process right through to extensive sampling! It was a non-touristy experience, as I was the only visitor at both wineries I visited. A Day on Arequipa's Pisco Route Crossing swathes of desert driving 2.5-3 hours towards the coast with my guide, I headed to Mages Valley - one of a few valleys that comprise Arequipa's Pisco Route. The (relatively long) road journey eventually led us alongside the meandering River Mages, which flows through this oasis valley, before descending to visit Majes Tradicion and Cepas del Loro bodegas in the disctrict of La Casitlla. During the course of the day I was given a crash-course introduction to Pisco and wine-making. There are 8 types of pisco-producing grape and Arequipa grows all of these. Technically, they can’t claim to make Pisco with the ‘uvina’ variety, as only the regions of Ica and Pisco can, much like the word ‘champagne’ is reserved for a specific region of France. Contact us if you're interested in a private, tailormade trip to Arequipa & Peru The First Stop: Majes Tradición In Arequipa, my first stop was at Majes Tradicion, which characterizes itself as a ‘techno-artisanal’ bodega, i.e. uses some modern machinery and techniques, but still a relatively small scale in terms of production and industrialization. The winery is also known as Viñas
Pisco is Peru’s national spirit and has been an integral element to Peruvian life and culture for more than 400 years. Outside the city of Arequipa, in Southern Peru, lies a scarcely-visited fertile, green grape-growing region that produces this popular liquor, alongside Peruvian wines. Comprised of around 17 vineyards, Arequipa’s Pisco Route –…
