The sheer scope and scale of South America means that we can hand-craft ideal travel itineraries, no matter what the motivation is for travel here. After nearly two decades of crafting trips for Aracari guests, we’ve come up with a few guest profiles of the different styles of travellers that we tend to attract and have created itineraries with their tastes and requirements in mind. Read below to meet our guests. Intense Adventurers Short on time but not on aspiration, Intense Adventurers want to experience the exhilarating highs, the best and the most dynamic aspects of South America even if it means having to “rough it” once in a while. If camping, hiking and exploring lesser-visited sites are appealing, a few itineraries to consider are Peru’s Best Kept Secret and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Culture Connoisseurs Culture Conoisseurs seek immersion in thousands of years of unparalleled history and culture. They want to soak up the essence of the country they are visiting through guided tours of the best museums and archaelogical sites, by visiting authentic markets and boutiques, and over a meal with a local who can share a meal and a stimulating discussion about art, history or whatever might be of interest. Our Cultural Connoisseurs are often drawn to these itineraries: Peru with Flavor, Highlights of Northern Peru, or History and Evolution. Honeymooners Newlyweds with Aracari desire luxurious comfort, style and indulgence in a richly romantic, magical setting – perhaps with an element of adventure or culture to make it a truly unforgettable experience. One recommendation is Luxury Meets Authenticity. Global families There’s no better education than to experience the rainforest, the history, the geography and the culture with your children. Share valuable time together having fun and learning in one of the richest regions in the world.
The sheer scope and scale of South America means that we can hand-craft ideal travel itineraries, no matter what the motivation is for travel here. After nearly two decades of crafting trips for Aracari guests, we’ve come up with a few guest profiles of the different styles of travellers that…
Responsible travel Peru Tourism plays a powerful, positive role in international development. It creates jobs, stimulates economies, and funnels funds into the preservation of national treasures. Travel allows for intercultural exchange and encourages empathy and understanding across peoples from different walks of life. The United Nations recognizes this potential: it considers international travel key to global development. And with over one billion tourists taking journeys across the globe annually, the tourism industry has more influence now than ever. This September 27th marks the UN’s World Tourism Day 2015. The celebration, which this year takes place in Burkina Faso, highlights the myriad ways that responsible, sustainable travel enriches the lives of tourists and locals alike. Aracari’s tours in Peru, Bolivia and the Galapagos are underpinned by values of ethical and sustainable tourism practices. We actively seek out partners and collaborators that share our goals, who promote sustainable business practices while working with local communities.These local partners benefit from the business and inspire other companies to follow suit. The communities involved in these operations are economically empowered. Meanwhile, travellers have a more authentic experience and contribute to sustainability. Everyone—the operators, communities and travellers—has a better experience and makes a positive impact. In honor of #WTD2015, here are 5 organizations sustainable tourism in Peru initatives we love that support local communities through the power of tourism. 1. Tierra de los Yachaqs works with 8 communities in the Sacred Valley. The organization aims to preserve the history and traditions of local people. They enable communities to support their economy with authentic, high-quality tourism. Travellers visit the villages and take part in local customs, like textile demonstrations or hikes with llamas. Read our account of the visits in the following blog articles: La Tierra de los Yachaqs: Community based tourism in Peru’s Sacred Valley and Tierra de
Responsible travel Peru Tourism plays a powerful, positive role in international development. It creates jobs, stimulates economies, and funnels funds into the preservation of national treasures. Travel allows for intercultural exchange and encourages empathy and understanding across peoples from different walks of life. The United Nations recognizes this potential: it…
The moment I stepped into the Carlos Runcie Tanaka Space in the contemporary art Gallery Galería Enlace in Lima , the variety of ceramics was striking. The sculptures ranged in size from tiny circular objects to towering vertical installations, all colored with an expansive palette of natural hues and the occasional eye-catching turquoise. In addition to the earthy color scheme, the prevailing imagery of faces, hands, and crabs unified Carlos Runcie Tanaka’s collection. I couldn’t help but ponder the memories evoked by the mythical forms, the artistic process of their creator, and the story the collection was trying to tell. Visit to the Gallery of Ceramicist Carlos Runcie Tanaka I attended the inauguration of Carlos’s exhibit at Galería Enlace - Arte Contemporáneo in April 2015. Carlos spoke highly of the support Galería Enlace provided to promote and present his work. Many of the pieces on display were once hidden away in his workshop, but thanks to Enlace, they are now on display for all to see. And, as of June 2015, Carlos’s Espacio CRT found a permanent home on the second floor of the gallery. I was fortunate enough to squeeze into Carlos’s busy schedule and ask about his studies, influences, and meaning behind the pieces of art currently on display in Enlace. Carlos aims to present different sides of his work to the public by rotating the pieces on display. These changes are intended to mirror the theme of movement and continuity, which are central to his work. Carlos explained how he finds the process rewarding as an artist actualizing a personal vision of his portfolio, but also challenging to execute. The symbolic importance of crabs in the work of Carlos Runcie Tanaka Crabs are represented in many forms within Carlos’s work: as paintings, kiln-fired ceramics or folded into origami.
The moment I stepped into the Carlos Runcie Tanaka Space in the contemporary art Gallery Galería Enlace in Lima , the variety of ceramics was striking. The sculptures ranged in size from tiny circular objects to towering vertical installations, all colored with an expansive palette of natural hues and the occasional…
Peru with flavour Ceviche is a classic Peruvian dish is made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with ají chili peppers. Besides its luscious texture and refreshing tartness, ceviche is an essential part of Peru's heritage and a must-try as part of any Peru culinary travel experience.Historians believe its forebear was brought to Peru by Moorish women who accompanied the Spanish conquistadors. The raw fish mix was eventually infused with native Peruvian flavors and styles. This August, Aracari's founder Marisol popped by the Pittsburgh office of our friends at Frontiers Travel to demonstrate the basics of ceviche preparation with a ceviche cooking class. Marisol prepared Aracari's flagship dish, a classic Ceviche. In this video, she explains when to eat ceviches, how to choose the right fish, and why sweet potatoes and corn often accompany the delightful dish. Click to watch the video below. https://vimeo.com/135462281 In addition to a ceviche cooking class, there are a myriad of peru food travel experiences you can enjoy if you visit, from street food tours to pisco cocktail making classes to trying out traditional pachamnaca cooking techniques. Check out culinary tour peru ideas for more inspiration or take a look at our 10 day Peru with Flavor itinerary.
Peru with flavour Ceviche is a classic Peruvian dish is made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with ají chili peppers. Besides its luscious texture and refreshing tartness, ceviche is an essential part of Peru’s heritage and a must-try as part of any Peru culinary…
This Wednesday afternoon, there was no lack of diversity amongst the crowds at Lima’s illustrious Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI, for short), one of the top museums in Lima. Roving students on school trips scampered past groups of nuns in habits, as tourists in sneakers and jeans mingled with freshly ironed businessmen and women on their lunch breaks. Despite their differences, every guest buzzed with anticipation for the same reason: the opening day for MALI’s long-awaited permanent collection. MALI Permanent Collection For seven years, the second-floor of MALI has been closed to the public for renovations. When the reopening date was announced to be September 9, 2015, Peruvian art and culture aficionados excitedly marked their calendars and planned excursions to the famed Palacio de Exposición. The renovated permanent collection boasts 1,200 of the best pieces from an extensive collection spanning 3,000 years of Peruvian history. The exhibit is housed in an exquisite new area with hardwood floors, a resplendent octagonal skylight, and high-powered lights to best display the pieces. Naturally, I was there on opening day. The exhibit is divided into four parts: Pre-Columbian, Colonial, Republican, and Modern art. The layout is designed so that visitors can walk “through history” in a chronological circuit while exploring offshoot rooms that delve deeper into specific topics, such as ancient textiles and metalworking. The exhibit provides an encyclopedic, illustrated history of Peru, intermixing the vast array of pottery, paintings, and photographs with the descriptions of each era’s political and social climate. Peru’s dynamic past is imbued in its rich and varied cultural legacy. The Pre-Columbian quarters kicks off the exhibit with a timeline of pottery ranging from 1532 AD to 1200 BC. The artifacts are divided by location, so the visitors can see the variations in pottery based on the needs
This Wednesday afternoon, there was no lack of diversity amongst the crowds at Lima’s illustrious Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI, for short), one of the top museums in Lima. Roving students on school trips scampered past groups of nuns in habits, as tourists in sneakers and jeans mingled with…
As winter in Peru draws to a close, Andean guides in Cusco and Puno may soon swap their wooly layers for lighter trekking garb, packing away their colorful Andean chullo hat until the next chilly day. The chullo is the iconic Andean stocking cap with earflaps, usually made from the wool of sheep, llama, alpaca, or (for the luxurious) vicuña. The thickly-knit hat insulates from the harsh elements of the mountainous region. Wearers can also tie that hat beneath the chin for even more insulation in extremely cold or windy conditions. History of the Chullo Hat Chullos have been used in the Andean Mountain region by its indigenous people for thousands of years. The different colors, patterns and weaves have significance throughout the region, as they are often used to distinguish between communities. While for many years it was seen as an unfashionable mark of the lowest class of Peruvian society, the chullo has always been an integral part of the cultural fabric. But though the chullo is iconic to the Andes, there is some disagreement to its origin. As Arturo Jimenez Borja details in his book “Indumentaria Tradicional Andina” (“Traditional Andean Clothing”), archeological evidence shows that headwear in the Basque country of Spain was shaped more like the chullo than that of pre-colonial Peru, where the four-pointed Huari was the hat of choice. Other academics fiercely defend the chullo’s pre-Hispanic origins as the debate continues. Authentic Andean chullos are popular souvenirs for travellers that want to bring home a memory of Peruvian culture. Many modern clothing designers add feathers, pompoms, tassels, and other extra adornments to their hats, but these tend to be added in questionable taste and without respect to Andean culture. The best chullos can be purchased in and around Cusco, particularly in towns where the chullo still
As winter in Peru draws to a close, Andean guides in Cusco and Puno may soon swap their wooly layers for lighter trekking garb, packing away their colorful Andean chullo hat until the next chilly day. The chullo is the iconic Andean stocking cap with earflaps, usually made from the wool…
