Iquitos in Peru is a beguiling place. For those traveling in Peru and looking to explore the wild rainforests of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is the gateway to adventure. As a luxury travel agent, the team at Aracari know how to make a Peru vacation to the Amazon one that is both enriching and luxurious. From the best time to go to the Peruvian Amazon, to where to stay in Iquitos – our expert Travel Designers will curate a holiday to Peru that ticks every box. In order to do so, our team need to visit each destination firsthand. So, early last year, Bronwen Griffith – one of Aracari’s most experienced Peru Travel Designers, journeyed to Iquitos and the Amazon rainforest. Her mission? To experience an Aracari travel itinerary in the Peruvian Amazon, just as our guests would, to ensure it is extraordinary in every sense. Here Bronwen reflects on her trip to Iquitos, and tells us why her tour of the Peruvian Amazon was an experience that will remain with her for a very long time… Traveling to Iquitos, Peru “Since I was very young, a trip to the Amazon is something I have always wanted to do. But despite traveling across most of Peru – and managing to get as far as the brow of the jungle – I’d never had the chance to fully immerse myself Peru’s Amazon rainforest. The luxury Peru trip was organized by Aracari in collaboration with the Treehouse Lodge and the Delfin Luxury Cruise II. My flight from Lima to Iquitos was effortless and punctual. At the airport I was greeted by a friendly Treehouse lodge representative. The drive to the port was about 90 kilometers (56 miles). Along the way my knowledgeable Peru guide told me all about the distances we would
Iquitos in Peru is a beguiling place. For those traveling in Peru and looking to explore the wild rainforests of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is the gateway to adventure. As a luxury travel agent, the team at Aracari know how to make a Peru vacation to the Amazon one that…
In the week of May 17th, 2021, Aracari marked an incredibly special occasion. We welcomed our first guest since before the pandemic back for a luxury vacation in Peru. Astrid chose to travel to Peru from Switzerland, in order to experience our Classic Luxury Peru; an itinerary designed to take in the must-see destinations whilst traveling to Peru. As has always been the case, Astrid stayed at some of the best hotels in Peru, in suites that showcase the very best of Peruvian hospitality. She also dined in our most recommended Peruvian restaurants, many of which are owned by long-time friends of Aracari, and enjoyed experiences guided by prominent local artists, historians and chefs. But there was one major difference between travelling now compared with 18 months ago: no crowds, no queues and the chance to travel Peru in private. The time to travel to Peru is now Whilst some restrictions remain in place, Peru is open to international travelers. Slowly, visitors are returning to the destinations that have been persevered by the pandemic. Spectacled bears are returning to the ruins of Machu Picchu, the streets of Cusco’s ancient city are empty but for locals. This is an incredibly rare opportunity for guests to travel in Peru in a way that might never be possible again. Because so few people know of Peru’s open borders, the time to travel is now – before the crowds return. The Inca Trail Reopens from July 15th Just this week, the Inca Trail has been given a date for reopening. From July 15th travelers will be able to travel to Peru and complete the incredible Inca Trail to Machu Picchu during their luxury Peru vacation. This is welcome news for those offering trips to Peru, however with operational capacity of just 50% -
In the week of May 17th, 2021, Aracari marked an incredibly special occasion. We welcomed our first guest since before the pandemic back for a luxury vacation in Peru. Astrid chose to travel to Peru from Switzerland, in order to experience our Classic Luxury Peru; an itinerary designed to take…
With Aracari, traveling in Peru often includes a luxury tour of Machu Picchu – especially for those guests vacationing in Peru for the first time. Whether our guests choose to arrive at Peru’s ancient crown jewel via a Machu Picchu hike or via train on one of our Machu Picchu luxury tours, with our expert team of Peru guides – you can rest assured that Aracari’s trips to Peru are one-of-a-kind. As a luxury travel agency in Peru, the Aracari Machu Picchu luxury tours have only ever been offered to private groups, giving our guests the ultimate Machu Picchu experience of having a local guide dedicated to their Peru holiday, and theirs alone. However, in a virtual world – technology permits everyone to have their own private tour of Machu Picchu. And so, on the 21st of June 2021 that is exactly what Aracari plans to do. Winter Solstice in Machu Picchu A Virtual Visit This is a spectacle on many travel bucket lists: witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu on the morning of the Winter Solstice, the most important day in the Inca Calendar. As one of the best companies for Machu Picchu tours, this is an incredible first for Aracari. We invite you to join one of our expert Peru guides via live stream on the 21st of June 2021 - as they climb through some of the most significant Incan landmarks on the ascent to Machu Picchu. The Significance of the Winter Solstice The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere and the most important day in the Inca Calendar. It signifies the death and rebirth of the sun in Andean cosmology. When the Incas built their estates and ceremonial sites, they made sure they accommodated for this special moment
With Aracari, traveling in Peru often includes a luxury tour of Machu Picchu – especially for those guests vacationing in Peru for the first time. Whether our guests choose to arrive at Peru’s ancient crown jewel via a Machu Picchu hike or via train on one of our Machu Picchu…
For those traveling in Peru, the allure of the country’s most famous trekking trail, the Inca Trail trek, is undeniable. Spending four to five days ascending some of the Sacred Valley’s most breath-taking scenery, along the same route taken by Incan pilgrims so many centuries before is an unforgettable experience during one of our luxury Machu Picchu tours. As one of the best luxury travel companies in Peru, Aracari has been curating Inca Trail itineraries for over 25 years. Throughout that time, demand for completing the illustrious Inca Trail has soared. Where once we’d seen only the most adventurous amongst our guests headed to the starting point, we now welcome those seeking a more luxurious and comfortable Andean adventure during their Peru vacation. This surge has transformed Peru’s Inca Trail. Whilst numbers are carefully monitored by authorities in order to preserve and protect the Inca Trail, Peru – what was once only read about in books, is now one of the world’s most sought-after bucket list adventures. For that reason, Aracari has worked with many guests looking for an Inca Trail alternative. Trekking routes in Peru that offer all the majestic beauty of Peru’s most popular trail, whilst remaining largely undiscovered to tourists. Peru is marbled with some of the world’s most awe-inspiring treks. As leading Peru travel advisors, Aracari’s unrivalled knowledge of Peru means that our team have mapped the country’s incredible trekking routes from North to South, East to West. Our adventure guru, Mark Green [link] has worked alongside Marisol for years, to curate walks for guests of all abilities and ages. Through forest, desert or mountains – if it’s an alternative to the Inca Trail you seek – the path less trodden – then Aracari, a top Peru travel company, is your starting point. Multiday camping
For those traveling in Peru, the allure of the country’s most famous trekking trail, the Inca Trail trek, is undeniable. Spending four to five days ascending some of the Sacred Valley’s most breath-taking scenery, along the same route taken by Incan pilgrims so many centuries before is an unforgettable experience…
Last month, we shared with you an exclusive preview of our brand-new wellness itinerary. The details of this unique wellness experience have been crafted by Marisol and her team, alongside the natural healing experts at Willka T’ika and the owner of Willka T’ika wellness retreat – Terry Cumes. Since then, we have been thrilled at just how many people within the Aracari community and beyond have been in touch to express their joy at discovering the option for luxury wellness travel in Peru. It was our belief that natural healing would become much sought after as international travel resumes, so we are delighted to have anticipated the trend so accurately. Our wellness itinerary is now open, welcoming travelers keen to rejuvenate and reset. But of course – with Aracari, the power of travel is truly transcendental. So, as well as extraordinary travel experiences in Peru, we also endeavour to bring Peru to you. Our experts – including Aracari Travel Designer Joanna Bossowska, who visited Willka T’ika in April – have collaborated Willka T’ika’s team of 19 Quechua farmers in order to share an exclusive glimpse into some for the herbal remedies used by generations of indigenous communities. For everything from stomach cramps to sprained ankles, this is ancient knowledge comes straight from the Sacred Valley direct to you: Mate de muña and other natural remedies for mountain sickness or soroche Travelers who arrive in the Sacred Valley immediately feel the effects of the extreme elevation. This can cause what is known by the locals as soroche, or mountain sickness. Many travelers are welcomed with a cup of mate de coca, an excellent remedy for soroche. However, being so connected to local experts – Aracari’s team know of another herb that doesn’t have the same stimulant properties as the coca leaf. Mate de
Last month, we shared with you an exclusive preview of our brand-new wellness itinerary. The details of this unique wellness experience have been crafted by Marisol and her team, alongside the natural healing experts at Willka T’ika and the owner of Willka T’ika wellness retreat – Terry Cumes. Since then,…
For almost 25 years, Aracari has coordinated tailormade itineraries to the Galapagos Islands. This quarter century worth of experience makes Marisol and her team some of the leading experts when it comes to traveling the world-famous archipelago. Trips built from experience Situated 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, these far-flung Islands are a travel destination that requires careful planning. Thankfully, our founder Marisol Mosquera is no stranger to her own adventures in the Galapagos. Having first visited the Islands around the same time she founded Aracari in 1996, Marisol has since gone on to have two subsequent ventures to the Galapagos, both of these times with her son – when he was aged six and 10 years later, aged sixteen. Marisol is well versed on the different decisions needed to make the Galapagos Islands an age-appropriate vacation destination, and it’s this knowledge she has imparted with her team. Aracari is now one of the most trusted luxury travel operators to the Galapagos. Planning post-pandemic adventures As the world re-emerges from COVID-19 travel restrictions, we believe the remote location and unrivalled wildlife of the archipelago will put the Galapagos firmly at the top of bucket list adventures. So that you can begin planning for your tailormade journey with us ahead of then, we are sharing some of Marisol’s insider knowledge, knowledge very few people know about. Choosing to cruise the Galapagos Islands Each of Marisol’s three visits to the Galapagos Islands has been via cruise, and thus this is her most recommended option for Aracari travelers. By opting to travel by cruise, guests are able to visit more of the archipelago since the boats travel through the night to the next secluded cove or lesser-frequented shoreline. In Marisol’s experience – a cruise that lasts at least six to eight days is
For almost 25 years, Aracari has coordinated tailormade itineraries to the Galapagos Islands. This quarter century worth of experience makes Marisol and her team some of the leading experts when it comes to traveling the world-famous archipelago. Trips built from experience Situated 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, these far-flung…
