Visiting the Galapagos islands is one of the most coveted, once-in-a-lifetime trips in the world. So when you finally get to tick if off your bucket list, you want to do so knowing that you experienced it the best way possible. That's certainly how I felt after an incredible six-day cruise aboard the Galapagos Sea Star Journey, one of Aracari's top Galapagos cruise recommendations. Up-close encounters with other-worldly landscapes and creatures that inspired Darwin's Theory of Evolution surpassed all expectations, coupled with first-class service and excellent guiding. Contact Aracari or email travel@aracari.com to speak to one of our expert travel planners - we'll discuss your needs, travel style and budget before putting together the perfect tailormade Galapagos itinerary just for you. Welcome aboard the Galapagos Sea Star Journey Stepping aboard the Galapagos Sea Star Journey, we were warmly welcomed by the cruise manager Mirielle, who showed us to our cabin and let us know that lunch would be served in a few minutes. There we met our fellow travellers, including a family of four from Boston, a multi-generational family of eight from California, and a retired couple from Germany. We were on our honeymoon (and in our early 30s), and it was clear that this type of cruise appeals to, and is suitable for, all ages and occasions! The Galapagos Sea Star Journey is a small vessel with only eight cabins - all spacious and tastefully decorated. In our standard double cabin on the main deck, we had a huge king-sized bed, wardrobe, writing desk and a couch under the large window. The bathroom was also spacious with a large shower. Both were bright with lots of natural light coming through the windows, although there was no balcony, which some other cruises offer, such as the Ocean Spray. Galapagos Sea Star Journey also offers cabins with
Visiting the Galapagos islands is one of the most coveted, once-in-a-lifetime trips in the world. So when you finally get to tick if off your bucket list, you want to do so knowing that you experienced it the best way possible. That’s certainly how I felt after an incredible six-day…
Bolivia's Best Restaurant: Gustu Restaurant Claus Meyer, creator and co-founder of the #2 rated restaurant in the world Noma, embarked on a new Bolivian venture, one that is much more than a restaurant. Gustu restaurant was set up with a vision that is all-encompassing, one that focuses on the development of his inspiration as a restaurateur, the customer and providing novel, creative, and high-quality cuisine, as well as the improvement in quality of life for Bolivians. It has since become an independent company and has a school inside its premises, paving the way for a Bolivian culinary revolution. Claus Meyer's creation Following in the footsteps of other Latin American culinary pioneers such as Peru’s Gaston Acurio, Meyer hopes to put the country’s cuisine on the map, elevating Bolivian cuisine, and providing his customers with a totally new and exciting culinary experience. Opened in April 2013 in La Paz’s Zona Sur, Gustu, like Noma, promotes local and indigenous ingredients, incorporating Bolivia’s myriad of available products sourced from all over the country. The potential of the raw ingredients available in the country’s dramatically different and biodiverse regions, much like its neighbor Peru, allows Meyer’s team to create highly unique and creative offerings. The result is a menu including dishes like sous-vide llama shoulder, sun-dried Bolivian potatoes, and poached local river trout, all of which can be enjoyed a la carte or as part of a tasting menu paired with Bolivian wines and spirits. It is by far the best high-end dining experience in all of Bolivia and truly unique and refreshing dining experience. Awards and Accolades Gustu Restaurant has been internationally recognized, with Gustu's chef, Kamilla Seidler, being crowned Latin America's best female chef in 2016. This young Danish chef is at the forefront of making Gustu a reference for Bolivian gastronomy. On the World's
Bolivia’s Best Restaurant: Gustu Restaurant Claus Meyer, creator and co-founder of the #2 rated restaurant in the world Noma, embarked on a new Bolivian venture, one that is much more than a restaurant. Gustu restaurant was set up with a vision that is all-encompassing, one that focuses on the development of his…
During a recent trip to Cusco, I visited hotel Palacio Manco Capac. I had only one night at this tasteful four-star level luxury boutique, but it was a night well spent. Here I share my firsthand Palacio Manco Capac review which proved to be one of the best hotels in Cusco. Palacio Manco Capac Review The Location The twelve-room boutique property is set on a hill, San Cristobal, halfway between the Plaza de Armas (the main square) of Cusco and the Inca complex of Sacsayhuamán. I arrived by taxi, riding along the same road that would bring you to Sacsayhuamán before turning onto a private driveway towards the hotel. The hilltop location is a defining feauture, both an advantage and disadvantage. It's hilltop location gives it a privileged viewpoint, overlooking the city which is impressive day and night. Though only a few blocks from the main square, the disadvantage is that this makes for an easy walk downhill, but more taxing when going uphill. The Setting Palacio Manco Capac is surrounded by eucalyptus forest and is a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city, yet you feel close to Cusco because you have privileged views of the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding mountains. In fact, standing in the Cusco square, you can see the hotel up on the hill if you know where to look. This ancient republican home was built upon the ruins of the palace of the Inca Manco Capac, and one of the palace walls remains. The wall has a double-jamb door and coursed masonry that reveal it once belonged to an Inca since these architectural elements were reserved for the elites. The building foundation is also upon Inca walls, and there are original Inca terraces in the gardens as well. The hotel has a lot of history,
During a recent trip to Cusco, I visited hotel Palacio Manco Capac. I had only one night at this tasteful four-star level luxury boutique, but it was a night well spent. Here I share my firsthand Palacio Manco Capac review which proved to be one of the best hotels in Cusco. Palacio…
Lima, Peru is often referred to as the culinary capital of Latin America thanks to its selection of the top restaurants in the region, and three of the best in the world. We are spoiled with incredible dining options, ranging from home cooked meals at hole in the wall eateries to world renowned gourmet restaurants. Visit the gastronomic capital of Latin America with culinary travel specialist, Aracari. Contact us or email travel@aracari.com for tailormade trip ideas that give you access to the best restaurants in Lima Peru, as well as exclusive dining experiences. Aracari Insight: A Few of the Best Restaurants In Lima Peru As culinary travel specialists, we at Aracari take dining very seriously. The team has explored an array of the restaurants that Lima has to offer and has compiled our favorites in our free culinary guide. Five of those favorites are as follows: Astrid y Gastón - Keep reading for a detailed review of the phenomenal restaurant. Malabar - Creative fusion cuisine with a seasonal menu. Aracari offers a private 5-course cooking demo with celebrity chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Central - Recognized as the #1 restaurant in Latin America and #5 in the world, Central is one of the most sought after reservations on earth. Rafael - A celebration of Peru's diverse culinary history, the cuisine combines the finest ingredients found in the country. amaZ - Known for its creative Amazonian flavors and drinks, the restaurant features products from the jungle like its chorizo oil-drizzled snails. Astrid y Gastón, a flavorful evening at one of the best restaurants in Lima Peru Recently I had a wonderful luxury dining experience at one of the best restaurants in Lima Peru, Astrid y Gastón, and I am thrilled to be able to share the highlights of my experience. Dining at Astrid y Gastón is truly that, an experience. The restaurant is nestled in the cozy, upscale neighborhood of San Isidrio and lives in an
Lima, Peru is often referred to as the culinary capital of Latin America thanks to its selection of the top restaurants in the region, and three of the best in the world. We are spoiled with incredible dining options, ranging from home cooked meals at hole in the wall eateries to world…
As an avid trekker and outdoor enthusiast, the vast offerings of Peru and the Andes Mountains are a dream come true. Occasionally I find myself overwhelmed by the options I have at my fingertips, but when I arrived in Cusco for the first time there was no doubt in my mind what my priority adventures were – the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and a trek to the beautiful Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain Peru. If you are a like-minded outdoor enthusiast, contact Aracari or email travel@aracari.com for a tailormade trip to Peru including Rainbow Mountain Peru, or check out more of our trekking options. A Hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru Vinicunca is a mountain pass located about a four hour drive south east of Cusco, in the opposite direction of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Known more commonly by travelers as the Rainbow Mountain Peru and by locals as La Montaña de Siete Colores (mountain of seven colors) or Cerro Colorado (colored hill), the geographical wonder is famous for its rainbow tonality- a surreal natural phenomena of mineral deposits streaked across sandstone rock. In an area claimed to have one of the most impressive mountain sceneries in the Andes, Vinicunca is in close proximity to the snow capped Ausangate, the highest and most sacred mountain in the Cusco region. Rainbow Mountain Peru can be accomplished as either a part of longer trekking routes such as the lodge to lodge Ausangate trek or a shorter trip focused on Vinicunca. According to your outdoor interests and personal time constraints, trips range from two to nine days and are available with luxury camping accommodations, or as lodge to lodge treks. One day tours are widely offered from Cusco for backpackers and Aracari strongly recommends against this. The mountain pass is at high altitude, and on a multi day trip you have more time
As an avid trekker and outdoor enthusiast, the vast offerings of Peru and the Andes Mountains are a dream come true. Occasionally I find myself overwhelmed by the options I have at my fingertips, but when I arrived in Cusco for the first time there was no doubt in my mind…
Exploring the iconic site of Machu Picchu is the highlight of a trip to Peru for many travelers, so you probably want to think carefully about the best time to visit Machu Picchu. As the specialists in luxury travel Peru, read on for Aracari's top considerations when planning a trip to Machu Picchu. Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu - Rainy & Dry Season In the Andes, the rainy season runs from November to March, and the dry season from April to October. The wettest months tend to be January/February. As Machu Picchu essentially straddles different climate zones, seeing rain in dry season and clear skies in the rainy season is not completely out of the ordinary, and of course weather patterns can vary slightly each year. During the rainy season, anything from a light drizzle to a full downpour can be expected each day. The heaviest rain tends to be in February, which is when the Inca Trail is closed annually for maintenance. If you're travelling in the rainy season, you still have a chance of seeing blue sky at Machu Picchu - and we recommend visiting the site twice on two consecutive days to increase your chance of good weather. This time of year also brings its benefits - it's orchid season, with the hundreds of beautiful varieties endemic to the area flowering from October/November, right through till March. The site also takes on a mystical appearance when the clouds roll in! Read more about the weather in Peru. Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu - Warmest Weather The weather at Machu Picchu is warmest from November to March - though this also coincides with the rainy season months. At this time the hottest days can get up to 26° Celsius (79ºF), whereas at the coldest time of the year, in the early mornings of
Exploring the iconic site of Machu Picchu is the highlight of a trip to Peru for many travelers, so you probably want to think carefully about the best time to visit Machu Picchu. As the specialists in luxury travel Peru, read on for Aracari’s top considerations when planning a trip to Machu…
