As we celebrate Aracari’s 20th anniversary, Danielle went to meet and chat with another important piece in the Aracari jigsaw puzzle – John Alfredo Davis Benavides – one of Aracari’s top Peru specialists offering insider experiences in Lima as part of our ‘Into the Past’ city tours. John Alfredo Davis Benavides A name interwoven in Lima’s history. As John Alfredo takes you around Lima he modestly mentions his family’s role in the development of the city – buildings constructed by a great uncle, street names bearing his name, and more. The son of two prominent artists, the creative gene clearly runs strong. John Alfredo studied Fine Art and is a designer and artist by trade with a lifelong interest in the revival and promotion of Peruvian folk art and textiles. He has curated many exhibitions and written countless books and articles about the preservation of Andean folk art. So as someone interested in Peruvian art and history, I was very much looking forward to meeting him. The walking encyclopedia of Lima Like many of the people in the Aracari family, John Alfredo starts by telling me that he met Marisol through a mutual friend – Adrianna von Hagen, who is the owner of Kentitambo B&B in Chachapoyas and co-director of the Leymebamba museum. I know from Marisol’s version of the story that it was quickly apparent that John Alfredo’s extensive knowledge and fascinating anecdotes and perspectives on Lima would intrigue Aracari guests. Described by many as a walking encyclopedia of Lima, his knowledge spans many disciplines including art, history, geography, culture, food and more, offering a truly holistic perspective of Lima. In the words of an Aracari client: “John Alfredo is brilliant, intelligent and communicates his wealth of knowledge effortlessly”. One of Aracari’s top Peru specialists on Andean textiles While his knowledge
As we celebrate Aracari’s 20th anniversary, Danielle went to meet and chat with another important piece in the Aracari jigsaw puzzle – John Alfredo Davis Benavides – one of Aracari’s top Peru specialists offering insider experiences in Lima as part of our ‘Into the Past’ city tours. John Alfredo Davis Benavides A name…
As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, we catch up with Aracari specialist guide Luis Villacorta who talks about making the historic centre of Lima fun for kids and being star-struck by British nobility! Luis Villacorta - a passion for his hometown Lima With a lifelong passion for his home city, particularly the architecture in the historic centre of Lima and the relationship between the modern city and pre-Colonial times, it is an absolute pleasure to hear Luis talk about Lima and experience his expert guiding in Lima. Luis Villacorta, a professor of architecture, affectionately known to all as Lucho, met Aracari’s founder Marisol through a mutual acquaintance back in the mid-1990s. Marisol had recently founded Aracari and was on the lookout for people with special knowledge and interest in Lima to show guests the city from unique perspectives. Lucho, with his academic credentials and charisma, immediately fit the bill, and is one of Aracari’s top Peru specialists in Lima. Top Peru Specialists: A Renaissance man in Lima With an impressive academic background in Renaissance Architecture, Lucho has been invited to lecture and speak at universities in Spain, Italy and the United States and has published many articles on Spanish colonial religious and secular architecture in Peru and pre-Colonial architecture. His knowledge and insight on the subjects is astounding. Lucho is an expert on comparisons and perspectives. Having lived, studied and lectured in many different countries, he draws parallels between Lima and other places travellers have often visited, putting Lima into a much broader historical and social context. Lucho describes his work for Aracari as a ‘wonderful pleasure’. “It’s not like a job at all – I love sharing my passion and have met the most fascinating people.” He smiles as he happily shares some of his favourite memories with Aracari guests: Guiding
As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, we catch up with Aracari specialist guide Luis Villacorta who talks about making the historic centre of Lima fun for kids and being star-struck by British nobility! Luis Villacorta – a passion for his hometown Lima With a lifelong passion for his home city,…
As part of Aracari’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Danielle, one of our newest employees, caught up with Ninoska, who was the first person Marisol hired - so the very first Aracari travel planner! She shares some of her memories of Aracari and how she progressed from working for a start-up entrepreneur to city banking in Canada. Travel Planning at Aracari I met Marisol through a summer job while I was in my first year of university. I was studying tourism and she was just starting her company and so it was literally me and her in her apartment office! Tailormade Travel Planning to Peru As an Aracari travel planner I did a lot of research and planned travel itineraries for tailormade luxury trips to Peru. So much of what we were doing was completely new to Peru tourism. We were promoting destinations that tourists had never visited, so it really was exciting, uncharted territory. Marisol was fun to work with and I immediately established a good working relationship with her. After that summer I continued to work with Marisol on a part-time basis for a few years. The development of tourism in Peru Everyone was very happy with their trip to Peru and the unique experiences Aracari offered, especially in those days. Everyone wanted to go to Cusco and Machu Picchu, but around that time the ruins of Kuelap were discovered in Peru's Chachapoyas region and Marisol was quick to offer visits there as part of Aracari's services. It was very different, mystical and exciting! Unique Experiences Aracari offered tailormade itineraries that gave clients a unique Peruvian experience. Marisol had thought about all the details, even the smallest ones, like how to put together sustainable trips to Peru and little touches that would make every trip special. I love thinking back to my time at
As part of Aracari’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Danielle, one of our newest employees, caught up with Ninoska, who was the first person Marisol hired – so the very first Aracari travel planner! She shares some of her memories of Aracari and how she progressed from working for a start-up entrepreneur to…
Callao Monumental - Urban art project in Lima There's always something new to discover in Lima's exciting and ever-evolving contemporary art scene. I'd heard a lot about the art project in Callao, showcasing some of the country's best street art, contemporary galleries and artists. So I went along to check out the new space, learn about the area, and experience first hand how contemporary Limeño artists are expressing themselves in this historic neighbourhood in a lesser-known part of the city. It was quick to see that the project Monumental is a fascinating hidden side to Lima that few travellers know about, and well worth visiting during a stay in Lima. From Boom to Bust: The story of Callao The port district of Callao was founded in 1537 by Spanish colonists and quickly became the principle port for Spanish commerce in the Pacific. At the height of the Spanish Viceroyalty, almost all goods from Peru, Argentina and Bolivia bound for Spain passed through Callao, and then on to Panama before the Atlantic crossing. From an era of economic boom and the affluence that comes with it, Callao then suffered progressive economic decline in the ensuing years. But now, projects like Callao Monumental are bringing regeneration and visitors to the area, so it's a great time to visit the fresh and edgy district as part of any tailormade trip Peru. Callao Monumental - a hive of creativity The Callao Monumental project showcases contemporary urban art, champions local artists and engages with the community through its outreach and regeneration work. The heart of the project is located in the historic Ronald Building, a covered market built by a British engineer, and renovated specifically for this project. It consists of six floors of independent restaurants, artesanal fabric boutiques, galleries and studio spaces for resident artists. On the ground floor, you
Callao Monumental – Urban art project in Lima There’s always something new to discover in Lima‘s exciting and ever-evolving contemporary art scene. I’d heard a lot about the art project in Callao, showcasing some of the country’s best street art, contemporary galleries and artists. So I went along to check out the…
Whether arriving by train to Machu Picchu or hiking along the famous Inca trail, the range of luxury properties at Machu Picchu is guaranteed to offer you the ideal place to rest and relax. Here we give our roundup of the best luxury hotels in Machu Picchu. We've inspected every hotel on a room-by-room level, so share Aracari's insider info for when planning Machu Picchu luxury trips using our first-hand destination knowledge. Aracari Reviews the Best Luxury Hotels in Machu Picchu Belmond Sanctuary Lodge The ultimate choice for luxury seekers. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. It is located right by the ticket entrance, while the other best luxury hotels in Machu Picchu are located in Aguas Calientes, nestled at the foot of the Inca site. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is one of the best luxury hotels in Machu Picchu thanks to this location: it avoids the need to catch a bus up or down to the ruins. Some rooms boast mountain views and don't be surprised if you see a hummingbirds in the lush gardens! As you would expect from an international luxury 5* hotel, services include massage treatments (ideal after a trek!) and fine dining. Guests staying at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge enjoy their meals at the property, with no need to head down to Aguas Calientes. Why stay here? Location, due to its exceptionally easy access to Machu Picchu. Aracari Insider tip: Even if you don't stay here overnight, the hotel's location makes it a great spot for lunch during your Machu Picchu visit. Contact us now for best rates and a tailormade itinerary staying at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is located at the foot of Machu Picchu, right by the train station in the town of Aguas Calientes. The 85 bungalow-style rooms are dotted throughout twelve acres
Whether arriving by train to Machu Picchu or hiking along the famous Inca trail, the range of luxury properties at Machu Picchu is guaranteed to offer you the ideal place to rest and relax. Here we give our roundup of the best luxury hotels in Machu Picchu. We’ve inspected every hotel…
Lima, the capital of Peru, was once just a layover for hot-footed tourists on the way to Cuzco and a Machu Picchu luxury trip. Not anymore. You wouldn't want to miss South America's gastronomic capital. A destination full of history in Lima's historic centre, contrasted with new and exciting experiences for all travellers, regardless of your interests or travel style. Aracari Recommended by Condé Nast Traveller Of course at Aracari we think Lima is a great destination, but you don't have to take our world for it. Journalist David Annand recently visited Lima with Aracari and shared his 'Top Amazing things to do in Lima' for Condé Nast Traveller magazine. We love David's pick of things to do and see in Lima's historic centre - he mentioned so many of our favourite spots and expert led tours of Peru! The city has a plethora of experiences on offer, for all types of travellers. If you're looking for adventure and thrills, there's paragliding over the cliffs of Lima, a great way to take in the views and get a bird's eye perspective of the city below. For foodies, David recommends one of our favourite spots in Lima for fusion Amazonian cuisine - ámaZ restaurant. Peru is a mecca for culinary tours, and Aracari organises a fantastic private 10 day Peru with Flavour Itinerary for travellers wanting to taste their way around the country. David stayed at Autor Estancia, a charming little B&B in the heart of the Miraflores neighbourhood that we love. It's a hotel with a great location to explore the nearby restaurants and cafés dotted around. The hidden treasures of Lima's historic centre David also enjoyed a tour of the best of Lima's historic centre including a visit to Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial house in Lima, and possibly in all of South America. Rich in history, art and gastronomy, Lima’s unique cosmopolitan
Lima, the capital of Peru, was once just a layover for hot-footed tourists on the way to Cuzco and a Machu Picchu luxury trip. Not anymore. You wouldn’t want to miss South America’s gastronomic capital. A destination full of history in Lima’s historic centre, contrasted with new and exciting experiences for all travellers, regardless…
