Last week I was lucky enough to be invited aboard Inca Rail’s top-of-the-line Presidential Class (previously called the Inca Princess) carriage for a luxurious journey to Machu Picchu. As a Peru travel expert with over two decades of experience I had taken several different trains and services in the past, but I certainly found this trip to be a unique one! As soon as I stepped onto the train, I immediately noticed how beautifully decorated the carriage was, with nice wood finishing, artwork, a marble bar, and relaxing ambient music playing in the background. I was greeted with ice cold champagne, wet hand towels, and even an assortment of chocolates before getting settled in one of the rotating and spacious seats. We pulled out of the station and soon after, the gourmet, multi-course meal began. In between delicious courses served on what I was pleasantly surprised to hear was tableware from Jallpa Nina ceramics workshop, I even had the chance to enjoy the picturesque views from outside on the Presidential’s private balcony. Aside from all these lovely details, what makes Presidential Class service so special and unique is that it is the only option for a private group of up to ten passengers who are looking to travel to Machu Picchu in total privacy. This isn’t possible on the luxurious Hiram Bingham (or on any other train service for that matter). Even if you were to splash out and charter the entire dining carriage of the Hiram Bingham (which has room for 42 passengers), the observation cart - which includes the bar and the lounge - is always shared… unless you were to charter the entire train that is! On the whole, after my experience aboard Presidential Class, I think it is an excellent alternative for guests looking for the highest quality
Last week I was lucky enough to be invited aboard Inca Rail’s top-of-the-line Presidential Class (previously called the Inca Princess) carriage for a luxurious journey to Machu Picchu. As a Peru travel expert with over two decades of experience I had taken several different trains and services in the past, but…
A transient and brilliant rainbow spanning across the commanding andean mountain range...majestic pink dolphins skimming through the waters of the Amazon...the intricate tattoos blanketing the mummy arm of the only known female Inca priestess...gently lapping waves along the shores of a private-island retreat... Inspiration comes in many forms and in our recent discussion with Peruvian-artist Grimanesa Amorós, we discussed her work and how a trip with Aracari through her homeland can be a source of inspiration for new ideas. An interdisciplinary artist, Grimanesa makes use of various mediums including sculpture, video, and lighting, Grimanesa to complement her diverse areas of interest in social history, scientific research and critical history. During her absence from Peru for formal training and to showcase her professional work, Grimanesa sourced and continues to source her inspiration from the fascinating and diverse aspects of her home country. Grimanesa began studying at the Art Students League of New York, where she explored painting and printmaking for several years before realizing that her true calling was working with light instead of paint. Despite moving at a relatively young age to pursue her career as an artist, Grimanesa has always had a deep connection with her homeland. In our recent interview with her, Grimanesa said she “was exposed at an early age to the colors, the variation of the landscape - coast, sierra and jungle along with all the tropical fruits that Peru has to offer.” She often found herself having deja vu moments when natural landscapes and breathtaking phenomenons reminded her of home. Trips back to her Peru were particularly moving for Grimanesa and provided her with inspiration for several of her projects. Among these was a trip to the Uros reed islands in Lake Titicaca. These unique floating islets, situated in the world’s highest navigable lake, are
A transient and brilliant rainbow spanning across the commanding andean mountain range…majestic pink dolphins skimming through the waters of the Amazon…the intricate tattoos blanketing the mummy arm of the only known female Inca priestess…gently lapping waves along the shores of a private-island retreat… Inspiration comes in many forms and in…
Aracari launches new Peru Family Itineraries 18 April 2013, Immediate Release Aracari Travel, an award winning travel agency based in Lima, Peru, has announced a range of new family-friendly tour itineraries for summer 2013. Family Travel Peru Responding to increasing demand for family-oriented experiences in Peru, Aracari Travel has developed two itineraries that incorporate the destinations, accommodations and activities that are most suited to younger families with children aged up to 12 years old as well as families with children aged 13 years and older. Both itineraries include a broad range of adventure activities, educational visits and opportunities to meet and interact with local people and communities. Activities for the younger itinerary include a trip to the Amazon rainforest, treasure hunts, interactive weaving lessons, a chocolate workshop and fishing excursions. The tour also includes a visit to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco. The older itinerary includes more adventurous activities such as surfing, mountain biking, hiking and driving sand buggies. In addition to visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco, the older itinerary adds the Nazca Lines, Lima and Paracas National Reserve. Interest in family travel to Peru has grown rapidly in recent years with Aracari Travel noting a substantial increase in family requests since 2010. The Lima-based company attributes this to improvements in travel infrastructure and hotel accommodations as well as a growth in the number of destinations and activities suitable for younger travellers. This is particularly the case in the Amazon rainforest where a number of lodges have developed activities specifically for children, such as interactive rainforest trails and child-friendly field guides that are designed to teach youngsters the value of the natural environment. Other family-friendly activities have become widespread throughout the country over recent years such as horseback riding, quad biking, hot air ballooning and
Aracari launches new Peru Family Itineraries 18 April 2013, Immediate Release Aracari Travel, an award winning travel agency based in Lima, Peru, has announced a range of new family-friendly tour itineraries for summer 2013. Family Travel Peru Responding to increasing demand for family-oriented experiences in Peru, Aracari Travel has developed…
The best travel experiences are always well-balanced, multi-sensory and leave you with a positive lasting impression. During a recent visit to the humble abode of Aracari’s longtime friend Charo Leon, Simon, James and I had the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating life and selfless work of this Peruvian entrepreneur. Oh, and she just happens to be a master of jams, jellies, chutneys and marmalades as well :). I came to be acquainted with Charo when she came into the Aracari office one day to showcase the most recent collection of textiles and crafts produced by the hands of women from Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Chincha, Apurimac, Puno, Shipibo, and other locations across Peru. Her business is quite multifaceted, as she travels to various locations throughout the country, seeking out and working with under-educated women of all ages and teaching them how to produce a variety of traditional Peruvian handicrafts. She then helps to promote their work to vendors, acting as a facilitator between the two parties. Yet her goal is simple and pure: provide women with varied opportunities to become educated. Through the reintroduction of traditional textile- and craft-making techniques, Charo provides local woman with an opportunity to preserve their identities and to improve the quality of their lives. Each woman dedicates a countless number of hours to technical training to master their skills, to produce high-quality goods, and to take pride in their work. Once these skills have been mastered, she helps her artisans to understand modern business models in which trends in fashion become a guideline for creating profitable yet authentic products. Beyond the skills necessary for creating beautiful handicrafts, Charo teaches practical, lifelong lessons and encourages them to reach their long-term goals by furthering their education. Knowledge, she noted, is a catalyst for positive change, and by
The best travel experiences are always well-balanced, multi-sensory and leave you with a positive lasting impression. During a recent visit to the humble abode of Aracari’s longtime friend Charo Leon, Simon, James and I had the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating life and selfless work of this Peruvian…
Peru’s premiere fashion event kicks off this week with Lima Fashion Week (LIF Week) taking place at the Jockey Club between April 8th and 12th. Setting the stage for the country’s best designers, the shows allows them to showcase their latest collections and to give attendees, and the world for that matter, a chance to see some of the creativity that has been brewing here in Peru. With amazingly talented designers and a wide variety of local fabrics and raw materials, Lima Fashion Week is sure to be a treat and is deserving of the world’s attention. In the past, Peru has never been a country particularly known for its fashion, and the industry here is still in its infancy compared to the Paris’ and Milan’s of the world. However, it is going through a period of rapid expansion and initiatives such as this week’s events aim to be the platform that helps to continue to expose Peruvian talent and thus, contribute to the development of the industry as a whole. This years LIF Week, the fourth edition of the event, is set to feature 15 designers, including several who have already achieved international acclaim such as Ani Alvarez Calderón, Ana María Giulfo, and Claudia Jimenez as well three young, up-and-coming designers (Alessandra Petersen, Itala Testino and Yirko Sivirich) who are participating for the first time. Support for the show includes prominent national brands Illaria, Basement, and Kuna, and LIF features fashion icon and special guest Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, the infamously bold and eclectic Spanish designer. Get ready fashionistas, its about to get haute.
Peru’s premiere fashion event kicks off this week with Lima Fashion Week (LIF Week) taking place at the Jockey Club between April 8th and 12th. Setting the stage for the country’s best designers, the shows allows them to showcase their latest collections and to give attendees, and the world for…
When I popped by the exhibition of the parents of one of Aracari's specialist guides in Lima yesterday evening, I was delighted to find a cornucopia of vibrant paintings, elegant sculptures and a treasure trove of detailed sketches, drawings, watercolours and prints. The exhibition, currently being shown at the ICPNA, documents the life and work of Peruvian sculptor Isabel Benavides and her husband, American painter John H. Davis. It is a celebration of their invaluable efforts in promoting traditional, popular and modern art in Peru, supporting young artists in the country and diffusing the work of Peruvian artists overseas. The story of this couple is as enthralling as the work on display. After having met at school in the States they moved to Peru, where in 1954 they set up the Art Center in Miraflores. As was common in the USA at the time, but still relatively unheard of in Peru, they offered classes and workshops in contemporary art in various medium, while also giving artists a space to exhibit their work and to discuss ideas through conferences. By 1962 it had become an institution dedicated to "increasing the artistic knowledge and skills of children, young people and adults and to investigate and disseminate popular art." Due to their indefatigable efforts in teaching and promoting Peruvian artwork as well as various activities being developed at the Art Center between 1954 and 1973, the couple found little time to promote their own work. This current exhibition aims to redress that, and it is indeed the first time that their own work has been exhibited together, John Davis only having exhibited once previously in Lima. The work on display is a delight. As well as a series of colourful paintings of Ayacucho, watercolours and prints, I was particularly captivated by John Davis'
When I popped by the exhibition of the parents of one of Aracari’s specialist guides in Lima yesterday evening, I was delighted to find a cornucopia of vibrant paintings, elegant sculptures and a treasure trove of detailed sketches, drawings, watercolours and prints. The exhibition, currently being shown at the ICPNA,…
