Amongst the most bio diverse regions of the planet, the Western Amazon rainforest and the corridor of national parks between Peru, Bolivia and Brazil offer an unrivalled experience for the adventurous traveller and anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife. In parks such as Manu, Tambopata and Madidi, it is not only possible to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, but to experience raw, unfettered wilderness in what is still a relatively isolated part of the planet. In 2013, this may well all be in the process of changing. The Interoceanic Highway, a network of roughly 2,600 kilometres of road stretching between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean - and traversing directly through the rainforest in southern Peru - for the first time directly connects booming industrial cities in Brazil to ports on Peru’s south coast. It is hoped that this grand project will not only ease the trade of commodities between the two South American nations, but also give Brazilian manufacturers and producers more direct access to Asian markets. Photos from www.southamericanpictures.com Aside from the fact that the road has been a remarkable feat of engineering, there is wide support for the highway locally in Peru. The economic benefits of being directly connected to the giant Brazil are widely lauded; more money is arriving with investment in regions of the southern Peruvian Amazon, improving the quality of people’s lives. I recently visited the town of Puerto Maldonado, one of the main transition points of the highway. The local people that we talked to were generally excited about the new influence from Brazil, listening to popular music from their Amazonian neighbours and sporting the latest fashions from Brazilian clothes manufacturers. For others, as portrayed in an article in the Wall Street Journal last week, the highway presents exciting
Amongst the most bio diverse regions of the planet, the Western Amazon rainforest and the corridor of national parks between Peru, Bolivia and Brazil offer an unrivalled experience for the adventurous traveller and anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife. In parks such as Manu, Tambopata and Madidi, it…
Since its launch in London in 2012, Martin Morales's restaurant Ceviche has been receiving rave reviews and is a catalyst behind the international buzz surrounding Peruvian cuisine. Just last year, our very own Aracari team member Simon visited the restaurant and felt that Morales “has done a remarkable job of bringing authentic Peruvian food to the UK.” And what better way to continue sharing the beauty of Peruvian cuisine than with a brand new cookbook allowing readers to have a taste of Peru in the comfort of their own kitchens. Released yesterday, Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen, a 250-page book, features over a hundred recipes, beautiful photographs, stories about the history of his restaurant Ceviche and Peruvian food in general, and more. From some of the restaurant’s signature plates to authentic and traditional Peruvian dishes, Morales’s book showcases the variety of what Peru has to offer and makes for the perfect addition to a kitchen cookbook collection or perhaps just a book for your coffee table. Check out this video for more information about the book... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9E19nTGhlQ In support of the release of the book, Morales and his team will take to the road, traveling around the UK presenting it at food, book, music, arts and literary fairs and festivals, doing shows and demos, and even setting up a “pop-up” restaurant experience in ten different cities. Partnering with some of the best restaurants in the UK, Morales will be taking over their kitchens, offering a class on ceviche making, followed by a three-course meal featuring dishes from the brand new cookbook. Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen is now available for purchase on Amazon and the iBookstore. Check it out and create a taste of Peru at home!
Since its launch in London in 2012, Martin Morales’s restaurant Ceviche has been receiving rave reviews and is a catalyst behind the international buzz surrounding Peruvian cuisine. Just last year, our very own Aracari team member Simon visited the restaurant and felt that Morales “has done a remarkable job of bringing…
Discover Centro Colich Strolling down the streets in my resident district of Barranco one evening, I found myself wandering into Central Colich, a hidden gem, exhibition space, boutique clothing atelier, and café. One of my favorite places in Lima to frequent, Central Colich has a trendy, bohemian atmosphere with an ever-changing array of artwork, artisan jewelry, decoration and interior design, and high-quality clothing. The house was first built in 1907 and owned by Austrian Santiago Colich, and after more than a century, it has been fully restored to its original glory, with high ceilings and colorful tiled floors. Photos courtesy of Centro Colich On this particular night, I was pleasantly surprised to find the sculptor of the artwork featured in the current exhibit, "Apacheta," present and enthusiastic to share his work. This title roughly translates to "wayside shrine" or "cairn" and alludes to the overlap of cultures and historical continuity. Six samples of work are currently on display and consist of a large wooden sculpture, two smaller obsidian sculptures, and three mixed-media paintings. The Limeño artist, Javier Aldana Rivera, graciously provided detailed and unpretentious explanations, elaborating on the context and physical qualities of each piece as well as providing a comparison of Peruvian past and present (specifically of the indigenous people) to that of the United States. His enthusiasm for the work that he produced and the messages that he was trying to relay was clear, and he even invited me to close my eyes and touch one of the sculptures, to challenge my initial visual impressions with the feel of the smooth yet imperfect surface of the obsidian - a metaphor for the piece itself. About an hour after we began the private tour, a small group entered the gallery, and Javier greeted them with the same inviting smile
Discover Centro Colich Strolling down the streets in my resident district of Barranco one evening, I found myself wandering into Central Colich, a hidden gem, exhibition space, boutique clothing atelier, and café. One of my favorite places in Lima to frequent, Central Colich has a trendy, bohemian atmosphere with an…
National Ceviche Day The first dish that comes to mind when most people think of Peruvian cuisine is ceviche...and for good reason. A source of pride and national identity here in Peru, the tasty dish, which in its simplest form consists of fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, has been around for over 500 years and holds a significant cultural importance. So much so, that in 2008, Peru’s Ministry of Production named June 28th a national holiday, National Ceviche Day, celebrating and showcasing the country’s national dish. Ceviche: Peru's National Dish Widely consumed all around the country, this emblematic dish is the perfect combination of an addictive amount of spice, tanginess, and fresh fish flavor. According to the traditionalists, a good Peruvian ceviche is composed of only five ingredients - fresh fish, onion, chili peppers, lime juice, and salt - and it is typically accompanied by choclo (corn) and sweet potato. However, that doesn’t stop chefs from creating their own preparations and combinations, and all throughout Peru you can find different takes on ceviche. Some incorporate different types of seafood, herbs like cilantro, and others utilize asian elements like yuzu and soy sauce. The possibilities are endless. Read more on our guide to Peruvian ceviche. Recommended restaurants in Lima for ceviche In honor of the holiday, here are a few of the best restaurants in Lima to enjoy ceviche: El Mercado - Another hit from top chef Rafael Osterling, serving delicious Creole seafood favourites in a variety of different house styles with both local and international influences. Pescados Capitales - Well prepared traditional seafood dishes with playful names related to the seven capital sins La Mar - A well-established Gaston Acurio restaurant that can now be found around the world as far as New York and San Francisco Download
National Ceviche Day The first dish that comes to mind when most people think of Peruvian cuisine is ceviche…and for good reason. A source of pride and national identity here in Peru, the tasty dish, which in its simplest form consists of fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, has…
We're a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association! Aracari is proud to announce we're a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association! Operating adventure trips in Peru since we started back in 1996, we felt it was high time that we supported the efforts of this global membership organization, which has social and environmental ethics at the heart of their efforts. The ATTA is an association of 800 members, ranging from tour operators, travel agents, guides, and media representatives, all of whom are dedicated to promoting responsible adventure travel around the world. As one of the only upscale travel agencies in Peru to operate our own treks, we are able to provide a very high standard of trekking experiences in the Andean region, with the assurance that every detail is catered for. Offering short camping treks, treks that take you close to local communities, multi-day high altitude treks, and anywhere in between, our guests get to know the region, its landscapes, its history, and its people through up-close-and-personal immersion. We have been recognized for our expertise in adventure travel before, most recently, in May 2013, Travel + Leisure featured our trek to Apu Huayllanay on their Ultimate Guide to Trekking, Walking, & Hiking. We even offer a number of treks in lesser known areas of the country, such as the Cordillera Blanca, where we were fortunate to trek to Laguna 69 in September 2012 with the help of our friends at Llanganuco Lodge. As well as trekking, the varied and dramatic landscapes of the Andes and the rainforest afford all kinds of opportunities for sustainable adventure travel. In the Sacred Valley, activities such as kayaking on Waypo lake and mountain biking from the ancient agricultural testing site of Moray allow you to escape life for a moment. One of our
We’re a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association! Aracari is proud to announce we’re a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association! Operating adventure trips in Peru since we started back in 1996, we felt it was high time that we supported the efforts of this global membership organization,…
Peru festival, Inti Raymi Today marks the colorful celebration of Inti Raymi, or the “festival of the sun,” thought to have been one of the most important rituals in the Inca Empire. On June 24th each year just after the Winter Solstice, a religious ceremony takes place venerating Inti, the most significant God in the pantheon of Andean religion. Huge importance was placed upon the movement of the sun, and the solstice marked the return of the sun from its farthest position from earth. This also meant the beginning of longer days, the start of a new cycle, and the return of the source of life to the Andes. Thus, Inti Raymi was a celebration of the Inca New Year. A theatrical reenactment of the celebration takes place each year in Cusco, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike. In preparation for the festival, hundreds of actors are chosen to take part in the reenactment, including the Sapa Inca, the ruler of the Inca empire. On the morning of the 24th, the crowd assembles at the fabled Koricancha, or Sun Temple, and takes part in a ceremony led by the Sapa Inca and praising Inti. The crowd then marches to the Plaza de Armas carrying the Inca on a golden throne to continue the celebrations before beginning the climb to the temple-fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Following in tow are the hundreds of other participants, including high priests in traditional ceremonial robes, officials of the court, and other nobles, all dressed in colorful garb. Once they arrive at Sacsayhuaman, an elaborate ritual takes place including several speeches and sacrifices. The ceremony ends with a procession back to Cusco’s main square and once again, the Inca new year has began. Although this festival has become rather commercialized and contrived in recent years and
Peru festival, Inti Raymi Today marks the colorful celebration of Inti Raymi, or the “festival of the sun,” thought to have been one of the most important rituals in the Inca Empire. On June 24th each year just after the Winter Solstice, a religious ceremony takes place venerating Inti, the…
