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 –…
Stephanie Borios is a French ethno-botonist who was trained in the UK and the US, and currently resides in Lima, Peru. She is an Aracari specialist in cultural anthropology and conducted her PHD research in the rural Lares area of Peru (just north of Cusco). Her education and background in academia, coupled with practical insight into the plants and people of the area having conducted research in remote parts of Peru, makes her one of the top Peru specialists to accompany Aracari guests on treks around Lares as a part of a private, tailormade trip to Peru. Contact travel@aracari.com for a private, custom journey led by top Peru specialists. One of Aracari's Top Peru Specialists: Stephanie Borios Stephanie’s background and experience is unique, and crosses many countries. Originally from Southern France, her passion for botany and ecology first blossomed during her studies. She pursued a Masters in France in Biology, before heading to England to pursue another masters in ethno-biology at the University of Kent. During her time at the University of Kent, she headed to Peru for the first time to research the palm leaves in the Amazon. She spent time working and attempting to understand the different uses of the leaves in the jungle, for example why people might choose to make their roofing out of one type versus another. Research in Peru After her masters, she returned to Peru to volunteer and worked for 6 years at the non-profit Instituto del Bien Común. The organization carries out conservation projects for natural resources, as well as cultural resources. The subject interested her for both the social and biological aspects of this work, and Stephanie worked as an environmental educator- working in schools, creating materials, and translating relevant information from her scientist colleagues to local communities. This experience inspired her to head to
Stephanie Borios is a French ethno-botonist who was trained in the UK and the US, and currently resides in Lima, Peru. She is an Aracari specialist in cultural anthropology and conducted her PHD research in the rural Lares area of Peru (just north of Cusco). Her education and background in…
Aracari specialist Jimmy McSparron is a wildly versatile, and energetic character with 10 years living, or shall we say adventuring, in Peru. Originally from the UK, and currently serving as British Consular Agent in Cusco, he spent time in the British Rifles Regiment and Office Training Corps before traveling extensively through the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Jimmy is a specialist jungle survival instructor and high mountain engineer with 700+ days spent on expeditions. Aracari can arrange expert guiding in Peru with Jimmy - from learning jungle survival techniques to trekking in the mountains - as a part any tailormade trip to Peru. Contact travel@aracari.com for a private, custom journey led by top Peru specialists. See Jimmy in Action: Jimmy McSparron: One of Aracari's Top Peru Specialists One of Aracari's top Peru specialists, Jimmy’s expeditions and adventures include kayaking solo down the Amazon, ice climbing in the Andes, living in some of the most remote jungles on the planet and meeting head-hunters and cannibals - documenting their languages and cultures along the way. Not only have these experiences made him an honorary member of several indigenous groups (he has tattoos that were done with sticks to prove it), but they have made him a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, the Explorers Club, and the Royal Anthropological Institute. Jimmy’s adventures have gotten him featured both on and off screen in prestigious outlets like National Geographic and BBC. An Adventurer and Foodie A genuinely curious guy, Jimmy’s adventurous spirit overflows into all aspects of his life, especially food. He is a self-proclaimed foodie, crediting his extensive time in remote parts of Peru for his knowledge and appreciation of all the exotic ingredients and foods the country has to offer. Well-connected in the both the Cusco outdoor adventure and culinary scene, Jimmy is a one of a kind
Aracari specialist Jimmy McSparron is a wildly versatile, and energetic character with 10 years living, or shall we say adventuring, in Peru. Originally from the UK, and currently serving as British Consular Agent in Cusco, he spent time in the British Rifles Regiment and Office Training Corps before traveling extensively…
Aracari is thrilled to introduce you to our photography and archaeology specialist, Kevin Floerke. With 9 years of experience working in Peru, Kevin is a United States native with a wealth of information on Incan archaeology, and photography techniques for shooting Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Aracari can connect you with Kevin, one of our many top Peru specialists, on any private, tailormade trip to Peru. He is the perfect companion for travelers looking to experience Peru through the eyes (and lens) of a professional photographer and archaeologist. Contact travel@aracari.com now for a private, custom journey led by top Peru specialists. Kevin Floerke: One of Aracari's Top Peru Specialists Archaeology Expertise Kevin is a charismatic young professional with extensive accomplishments and energy that make him a great guide and specialist on a tailormade trip to Peru. A graduate from UCLA, Kevin's archaeology accolades include working with the Smithsonian Institute to help create the most extensive map of the Inca Road system in the Cusco Valley to date, leading explorations and excavations in the Yanama Valley north of Choquequirao, directing data collection and mapmaking for The Great Inca Trail expedition, and accompanying National Geographic sponsored expeditions in Peru. Photography Expertise Over the course of time he has spent exploring the Andes on these archaeological expeditions, including challenging hikes over little-visited terrain, Kevin simultaneously pursued his professional photography and filmmaking passions. Kevin’s media work has been featured in prestigious outlets such as BBC Travel, and the Outdoor Channel. Kevin’s passion for photography and archaeology may seem like standalone talents, but interestingly enough they go perfectly hand in hand. When he joined the team for The Great Inca Trail project- which was hiking for 5 months with a llama train from Cuenca, Ecuador to Cusco, Peru- the expedition welcomed him aboard to collect archaeological data on the
Aracari is thrilled to introduce you to our photography and archaeology specialist, Kevin Floerke. With 9 years of experience working in Peru, Kevin is a United States native with a wealth of information on Incan archaeology, and photography techniques for shooting Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Aracari can connect you…
Aracari’s founder and CEO, Marisol Mosquera, shares her whale watching and snorkelling experience off the sunny shores of Mancora, northern Peru. The northern beaches of Peru boast year-round sunshine and the opportunity for incredible, up-close whale watching in Peru. Last Sunday I had the chance to head out onto the open seas in the search of humpback whales with my family, taking a shared boat trip from the beach town of Mancora. When to go Whale Watching in Peru Whale watching in Peru is seasonal, enjoyed specifically between the months of August and early November. During this time, whales arrive from Antarctica to reproduce and give birth to their calves. The warm waters from the equatorial system provide the perfect environment for this, and there is an 80% chance of sighting the whales during the season. I can't stress strongly enough how this is an absolute not-to-be-missed experience in July, August, September and October! Whale watching in Peru with marine biologists I headed out by boat from Los Organos, around a 15 minute drive south from the popular beach resorts of Mancora, with a team of experts who conduct scientific investigation into the abundant marine life of Peru’s Pacific Ocean, focusing on whales, their behaviour, population and distribution. The guides who accompanied us were trained marine biologists who, as well as explaining the basics to visitors, were simultaneously conducting their own investigation projects. Whale watching boating excursions with Aracari always include one, or even two, marine biologists aboard. Contact us today to book a whale watching trip as part of a private, tailormade trip to Peru Dolphins, frigate birds and sealions As we sped out on to the water, we came across a group of dolphins, plenty of birdlife such as the frigate bird, as well as a group of sea lions chilling out on an
Aracari’s founder and CEO, Marisol Mosquera, shares her whale watching and snorkelling experience off the sunny shores of Mancora, northern Peru. The northern beaches of Peru boast year-round sunshine and the opportunity for incredible, up-close whale watching in Peru. Last Sunday I had the chance to head out onto the open seas in the…
Aracari's founder and CEO, Marisol Mosquera, reviews her top picks of the best private villas Mancora, in northern Peru. I am just back from sunny Mancora in Northern Peru, where I spent time checking out the best private beach villas. Known for its year-round sunshine, Mancora is a chic seaside destination that offers seasonal whale watching, snorkelling and surfing. I highly recommend staying in the luxury beach-front hotels KiChic and Arennas, but for those looking for complete privacy, more space or longer stays should also consider renting a private villa where you are guaranteed seclusion, peace and quiet and fantastic food rustled up by your dedicated villa staff. From sumptuous, secluded boltholes, to family-friendly beach pads, there are no shortage of options in our beach villa portfolio to suit your tastes and budget. Here I share my handpicked roundup of the very best beach villas - all of which can be booked through Aracari as part of any tailormade trip to Peru. Best Private Villas Mancora All of the villas on my carefully selected list are located on a gorgeous, wide stretch of beach that is absent of both rocks and people. Almost always deserted, the area allows for a truly peaceful, quiet, relaxing beach retreat in a location that maintains luxury and natural rawness. This is a place to come to and simply kick back. The best private villas Mancora are commonly equipped with beach views, air-conditioning in the bedrooms, on-site staff (including a private chef to cook fresh fish and seafood!), a private pool, and gorgeous luxury accommodation - but each also boasts its own unique characteristics. The Best for a Luxury Secluded Getaway: Casa Adobe The epitome of stylish rustic-chic, luxurious Casa Adobe is at a height of about 12km above the beach which gives guests a private escape and 180 degree views of the ocean. Here, guests can
Aracari’s founder and CEO, Marisol Mosquera, reviews her top picks of the best private villas Mancora, in northern Peru. I am just back from sunny Mancora in Northern Peru, where I spent time checking out the best private beach villas. Known for its year-round sunshine, Mancora is a chic seaside destination that…
