The Galapagos Islands almost always come up as one of the world's bucket-list destinations. Of course, as with any remote location, there is the matter of getting to the islands, surrounded by vast swaths of Pacific Ocean. So choosing between Quito or Guayaquil is a frequently asked question on how to get to the Galapagos Islands for anyone planning a luxury travel Galapagos trip. Quito or Guayaquil - how to get to the Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands can be reached by flights from mainland Ecuador departing from either Quito or Guayaquil. But which flight is better? Well, it depends on your specific preferences as a traveler. I have compiled a list of pros and cons for both options (plus, a few more booking tips), so you can make the choice that is best for you. Flying from Guayaquil Advantages to flying to the Galapagos from Guayaquil: Shorter flight time (about 2 hours) No altitude concerns Cost can be slightly cheaper Disadvantages to flying to the Galapagos from Guayaquil: Guayaquil is not as charming a cultural destination as Quito Smaller choice of recommend hotels Flying from Quito: Advantages to flying to the Galapagos from Quito: Plenty to do and see Good range of hotel options Wider range of international flight connections Disadvantages to flying to the Galapagos from Quito: Longer flight time (about 3.5 hours) with early morning start Costs can be slightly more expensive Altitude (2,850m / 9,350ft) When booking flights to the Galapagos, it is essential to ensure that flights are booked to the correct airport. The two airports of Baltra and San Cristobal are located on different islands. It is very important to consult with the cruise or hotel operator to see which flights they recommend. With regards to connections to Peru, both LAN and Avianca offer daily direct connections
The Galapagos Islands almost always come up as one of the world’s bucket-list destinations. Of course, as with any remote location, there is the matter of getting to the islands, surrounded by vast swaths of Pacific Ocean. So choosing between Quito or Guayaquil is a frequently asked question on how to…
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, romance is in the air. But there's a scent of something else as well -- pressure to choose the perfect Valentine's Day destination. In a land teeming with colourful adventure, it can be easy to forget that Peru is also an ideal choice for a relaxing and indulgent romantic getaway. Whether you're honeymooners or celebrating your 60th anniversary, the plush luxury accommodations combined with isolated natural splendor will surely make for a Valentine's Day to remember. We've compiled a list of our favorite romantic locales in Peru so you can plan the perfect getaway for you and your sweetheart for Valentine's Day in Peru. Where to spend Valentine's Day in Peru 1. Mancora - If a traditional, beach resort getaway is the ideal, then Peru’s 1300 miles of coastline, particularly on the tropical Northern Beaches, offer any newly weds a range of options. KiChic, a boutique retreat with a focus on wellness, is an especially luxe option that is perfect for couples. KiChic is the kind of place that has the comforts of a five star property, but without the pretensions. Plus, no kids allowed – perfect for uninterrupted peace and tranquility. 2. Lake Titicaca - Because of its sheer natural beauty, Lake Titicaca is a popular locale for romantic adventures. The vistas seem endless on a clear day, and the sunsets are unparalleled. Suasi Lodge is perfect for nature lovers looking for an isolated escape. The lodge, built with adobe and thatched with native high altitude grass calledichu, is rustic and charming, allowing guests to become more in tune with the environment that surrounds them. All rooms are equipped with skylights and balconies that offer a breathtaking view of the lake. 3. Sacred Valley - With its pristine mountain peaks, verdant fields, and natural tranquility, the Sacred Valley is also a great location for
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, romance is in the air. But there’s a scent of something else as well — pressure to choose the perfect Valentine’s Day destination. In a land teeming with colourful adventure, it can be easy to forget that Peru is also an ideal choice for a…
Find your hotel in Cusco A hotel can set the tone for your visit to a city, providing a canvas to paint your memories of the trip. When I visited Cusco with a friend from college, we happened to find ourselves in the a perfect hotel to provide such a backdrop for first-time visitors like us: Abittare Hotel. The hotel is in a prime location, on the side of Qorikancha and two blocks away from the Plaza de Armas. The property is secluded, which is a benefit for travelers looking for a bit of peace and quiet. However, it is a little difficult to find -- the door occupies a nondescript wall with only a tiny plaque displaying the name of the hotel to guide hapless guests. My friend and I arrived late at night and thus were quite distressed when it appeared the hotel did not exist at all. Apparently this is a relatively common reaction, according to the amiable receptionist who rushed outside after hearing our distraught cries. Once we calmed down from the initial panic and went inside, we were immediately delighted by the quiet hotel oasis. There are two floors of rooms arranged in squares around open-air plazas. At night, you can look up and see the stars and the Sun Temple’s dome cresting over the roofs in the distance. The décor in our double standard room was simple and elegant, with blue trim on white and gray walls reminiscent of the French-inspired San Blas neighborhood up the street. All aspects of the bathroom were designed as quadrilaterals, from the tiny soaps to the toilet seat. The Wi-Fi was spotty in the rooms, and some noise leaks through the walls, but all our complaints melted away as soon as our weary bodies sunk into the cloud-like
Find your hotel in Cusco A hotel can set the tone for your visit to a city, providing a canvas to paint your memories of the trip. When I visited Cusco with a friend from college, we happened to find ourselves in the a perfect hotel to provide such a…
When travelers think "Inca," their minds immediately rush to images of Machu Picchu, the iconic ancient archaeological complex isolated amongst the Andean peaks. However, there are many important Inca ruins complexes nearby Cusco that are worth visiting to get a complete picture of the great society that once ruled the area. Perhaps the most impressive collection of these relics of the ancient empire is the complex of Sacsayhuaman ruins, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Inca's former capital city. Sacsayhuaman Ruins - Pronounced 'Sexywoman' The name "Sacsayhuaman" (or the many spelling variations of the name, including Saksaywaman, Sacsahuaman, and Saxahuaman, amongst others) can be a mouthful for visitors unfamiliar with the Quechuan tongue, but it is pronounced like “sexy woman,” which expert guides in Peru will joke about to no end. There are various interpretations about the tonguetwisiting title, the prevailing one relating to the belief that Cusco's zigzag shape was evokes a puma, and its speckled head was the hill of "Sacsa Uma." Visiting Sacsayhuaman Ruins Sacsayhuaman ruins make for a fantastic half-day trip from Cusco city centre. The ruins are easily reached, with a short drive from the city centre. The ruins can be combined with a visit to other, smaller nearby ruins, or as a standalone visit in itself. Located outside the city centre and up a hill, the views back over the city are spectacular from this historic site, and make it undoubtedtly one of the best things to do in Cusco. About Sacsayhuaman Ruins Although the origins of Sacsayhuaman ruins are uncertain, most academics agree that Sacsayhuamán was an important military or ceremonial site at the time of the Incas. The ruins date back to the time of Pachacutec, the Inca ruler who brought the Inca Empire to its climax around AD 1200. The most remarkable characteristic of the site is its megalithic architecture, with the largest
When travelers think “Inca,” their minds immediately rush to images of Machu Picchu, the iconic ancient archaeological complex isolated amongst the Andean peaks. However, there are many important Inca ruins complexes nearby Cusco that are worth visiting to get a complete picture of the great society that once ruled the area. Perhaps…
The Galapagos islands are one of the world's most spectacular destinations. The five-star Pikaia Lodge Galapagos is the most luxurious hotel accommodation available on the islands, where you can escape to the simple serenity of nature without compromising on comfort. Aracari's travel planner Mark tested it out and shares his review of this fabulous upscale property that's perfect for luxury seekers. Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Luxury Hotel A Member of Pure, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and also a Traveller Made Partner hotel, the Pikaia Lodge is certainly the most luxurious hotel that I visited during my time in the Galapagos. Sitting on top of an extinct volcano in the middle of lush Santa Cruz Island, the hotel offers incredible 360-degree views down to the ocean. On a clear day, you can see across to neighboring islands of Santa Fe and San Critosbal. Boutique Eco-Retreat This 14-room eco-lodge is situated on 31 hectares of private tortoise reserve, once used as a cattle ranch, which has been restored to its former natural state. Each spacious room, appointed with floor to ceiling windows, offers sweeping views of the Galapagos National Park savanna, islands and volcanic cones. They also have outdoor terrace and balcony seating area, sitting room area with a TV, and large bathrooms with separate shower and bath. Décor throughout the hotel is in a contemporary, minimalist design. I never thought I would describe evolutionary-themed artwork as tasteful, but the artwork depicting fossils and maps that prevail throughout the hotel are positively chic. WiFi is complimentary and available through public areas, although signal does not reach the rooms. Fine Dining & Top-notch facilities The property has a fine dining restaurant, where a-la-carte breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Spa and gym services are available at the on-site ‘Sumaq Spa’, and guests
The Galapagos islands are one of the world’s most spectacular destinations. The five-star Pikaia Lodge Galapagos is the most luxurious hotel accommodation available on the islands, where you can escape to the simple serenity of nature without compromising on comfort. Aracari’s travel planner Mark tested it out and shares his…
The Moche culture, which prospered from around AD 1 to 700, dominated several valleys on Peru’s northern coast long before the famous Inca empire appeared in the country. The Moche left an especially vivid artistic legacy, particularly in their pottery and metallurgy. A series of Moche centers dating from about AD 300 to 550 administered Peru’s northern valleys, including Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna (Pyramids of the Sun and Moon) in the Trujillo Valley. These truncated mud pyramids lie on the south bank of the Rio Moche, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southeast of Trujillo by way of a rough road, and form part of the increasingly well-known Moche Route , where travellers can explore this fascinating historical legacy along the northern coastal desert. Huaca de La Luna and Huaca del Sol The Huacas are terraced adobe mounds that likely complemented each other, with Huaca del Sol serving an administrative function and Huaca de la Luna a religious one. The Huaca del Sol is the single largest Pre-Columbian structure in Peru. The smaller Huaca de la Luna is about 500 meters away across the open desert. Although less impressive in size than the Huaca del Sol, the Huaca de la Luna has yielded many more artifacts. Dozens of pottery shards lie around its open area, and the pyramid is riddled with rooms which once contained the Moche’s signature ceramics, precious metals, and polychrome friezes. Builders employed an estimated 50 million adobe bricks to bury earlier structures and create platforms for new ones. Some 10,000 people may have lived and produced a wide array of crafts in the plain separating the Huacas, the settlement’s most imposing structures. A Mud Construction My first impression of the complex from the outside was underwhelming: it looked, at first sight, like a pile of pyramid-shaped mud! Hardly
The Moche culture, which prospered from around AD 1 to 700, dominated several valleys on Peru’s northern coast long before the famous Inca empire appeared in the country. The Moche left an especially vivid artistic legacy, particularly in their pottery and metallurgy. A series of Moche centers dating from about AD…
