Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lucia de la Puente for an inside look into the life and work of this highly-regarded gallery director, whose passion for art and drive to achieve have allowed her to successfully manage one of the most highly regarded contemporary art galleries in Peru. For her entire life, Lucia has had ties to the cultural past and present of Peru, giving her a unique and thorough understanding of many aspects of Peruvian art. Lucia’s enrichment began at a very early age, as her mother is an avid collector of art, and other members of her family are heavily involved in cultural projects including the well-known excavation endeavors at El Brujo and the Wiese Foundation’s Museo Cao. She even dabbled with art-making herself and enjoyed sculpting in her early life, using a variety of media including wood and bronze casting. Lucia has since dedicated her life to her gallery. “I love what I do,” she told me with a bright smile, explaining how she has found her own place in the art community as a facilitator of art dissemination. She has also found an ideal location for her dream career: the bohemian district of Barranco. In 1995, Lucia originally started her gallery not far from its current location on the vibrant plaza of Saenz Peña, explaining that she has always been drawn to the charming character of this particular district in Lima. Others with similar passions have also felt this magnetic draw to Barranco, including boutique shops such as Las Pallas and Dédalo as well as the soon-to-be-inaugurated Hotel B directly adjacent to the gallery. Important to this district, Lucia was pleased to say, are the wonderful connections formed amongst her and her fellow art-lovers, and she has described Barranco as
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lucia de la Puente for an inside look into the life and work of this highly-regarded gallery director, whose passion for art and drive to achieve have allowed her to successfully manage one of the most highly regarded contemporary…
Following our journey to Tambopata, fellow Aracari team member Simon and I visited the small community of Infierno. In the Christmas spirit, the Aracari team organized the visit to the community and prepared some early holiday presents to distribute amongst the children. We arrived early Sunday morning with gifts in hand to bring some holiday cheer to the kids. After announcing on the village’s loudspeaker that we had arrived to hand out gifts, boys and girls of all ages ran from their homes to convene in the center of the community, lining up and patiently waiting their turn for a Christmas present. It was definitely the highlight of our trip to see the smiles on the children's faces after they received their toys and candies. Located around thirty minutes outside of Puerto Maldonado along the Tambopata River, the community of Infierno is a partial proprietor of the nearby Posada Amazonas Rainforest Lodge, one of the three lodges we visited during our recent trip. Partnered with Rainforest Expeditions - an ecotourism company that operates all three lodges - community members make up over 90% of the lodge’s personnel employed as guides, staff members, and indirectly as suppliers, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the community members and the lodges here. Stay tuned for more information about our trip to Tambopata in the coming weeks, with some great information on and photos of the various lodges and incredible wildlife experiences offered here. Please contact us for more information about the community owned and operated Posada Amazonas or to set up a visit to the community during your trip to Peru’s southern rainforest.
Following our journey to Tambopata, fellow Aracari team member Simon and I visited the small community of Infierno. In the Christmas spirit, the Aracari team organized the visit to the community and prepared some early holiday presents to distribute amongst the children. We arrived early Sunday morning with gifts in…
Celebrating its 20th anniversary as a gallery and store in the bohemian district of Barranco, Dédalo Arte and Artesania is considered to be one of Lima’s best shopping locations, and for good reason. On display and sold here are brilliant, and I mean brilliant, examples of contemporary Peruvian workmanship in a wide range of styles, colors, and media. Although photography inside the gallery is not typically allowed, Aracari was given special permission, as we thought that such an outstanding occasion was something worth celebrating and sharing. Dédalo’s collection of treasures can only be described as having something for everyone. From pieces that are eclectic to some that are au-natural, to those that are traditional and others that are modern, and even functional work to simply aesthetic pieces, any visitor will find inspiration for gifts perfect for loved ones and friends and of course something that speaks to their own tastes as well. Each exquisite piece is hand-selected by owner Maria Elena Fernández and featured in one of Dédalo’s many gallery rooms, which are organized by theme and designer. Every wall, floor, nook and cranny holds a hand-crafted surprise waiting to be discovered, yet with beautiful high ceilings, spacious rooms, and earthy patio, this exceptional gallery exudes a vibe that draws you in, makes you forget about your schedule and your worries, and fills your mind with a peaceful curiosity that could easily consume you for hours. Throughout the gallery, you will find a variety of exquisite jewelry, clothing and scarves, pottery and housewares, sculptures and paintings, furniture and lighting, stationary, and even bonsai trees and terrariums. Yet, despite the assortment of pieces in its collection, Dédalo masterfully organizes and displays its collection in a tasteful yet fascinating way. The next time you find yourself in Lima, be sure to take some time
Celebrating its 20th anniversary as a gallery and store in the bohemian district of Barranco, Dédalo Arte and Artesania is considered to be one of Lima’s best shopping locations, and for good reason. On display and sold here are brilliant, and I mean brilliant, examples of contemporary Peruvian workmanship in a…
How could we not feature a meal at TripAdvisor’s currently #1 ranked restaurant in Cusco on our blog? Let me take you through the meal that, although not Peruvian, left me dreaming of French baguette and foie gras for days. Le Soleil is the first restaurant offering French cuisine in Cusco, and although most of the ingredients need to be imported, the chef delivers a line-up of plates as deliciously sophisticated as one you would find in a stylish bistro in Paris. I can graciously admit that although I am obsessed with the flavorful tiradito and juicy pollo a la brasa that comprises my typical dining schedule, the need to branch out and explore the offerings of other cultures is a necessity for me. With recommendations from Marisol, who recently posted a blog article about her time spent with the world-class owner Artur Marcinkiewicz at his restaurant and hotel La Lune One Suite, my initial curiosity became a full-fledged desire to see what all of the ‘great food, ambient atmosphere, and spectacular service’ fuss was all about. I could easily describe in great detail the sumptuous wine and each of the five elegantly prepared dishes that were placed before me, but I believe that the photographs documenting my extravagant dining selection is enough to purvey just how incredible my meal was. The refined flavors of the food and wine, attentive and personalized service (from Artur himself, as well!), and the casual yet smart vibe of Le Soleil certainly lives up to the hype. I now understand why this fabulous French restaurant hidden down the cobblestone streets of Cusco has made such an impression on discerning locals and visitors alike. To include a reservation at Le Soleil or an overnight at the equally incredible La Lune One Suite during your trip to
How could we not feature a meal at TripAdvisor’s currently #1 ranked restaurant in Cusco on our blog? Let me take you through the meal that, although not Peruvian, left me dreaming of French baguette and foie gras for days. Le Soleil is the first restaurant offering French cuisine in…
Some of you may be familiar with one of our favorite hidden gems in Barranco: Las Pallas. For those of you who are not, this is one stop you should absolutely include on your list of galleries to visit when in Lima. With over 25 years of providing quality Peruvian artisans’ products from around the country, Mari Solari, proud owner and operator, continues to bring handmade crafts to her discerning clients. Last year, we had the opportunity to celebrate the gallery’s quarter of a century milestone, but we can’t help but return to this wonderfully eclectic shop with its collection of some of the finest crafts that Peru has to offer. From delicately woven textiles, to jewelry, pottery, fine carvings, and a myriad of other interesting handmade goods, the gallery is a treasure-chest of pieces representative of the diversity found in Peru. To truly understand and appreciate a gallery this unique, take the time to aimlessly wander throughout the house taking in each room and all of its pieces, and be sure to ask Mari questions about her life and work along the way. Las Pallas’ current exhibit features bird motifs from a diverse range of artisans from the jungle, the Andes, and coastal regions. Some of our favorite pieces included the intricately carved gourds and jewelry as well as the colorful array of textiles and retablos, or Latin American votive paintings. From tiny, almost overlooked garden decorations to larger carvings, the current exhibit gives “bird watching” a whole new meaning. As Las Pallas is constantly looking for new and updated work to complement its vintage collection, the annual Christmas exhibit will begin in late November and is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind decorations and gifts for your family and friends. Read more about Las Pallas on our previous
Some of you may be familiar with one of our favorite hidden gems in Barranco: Las Pallas. For those of you who are not, this is one stop you should absolutely include on your list of galleries to visit when in Lima. With over 25 years of providing quality Peruvian…
The perfect adventure travel Peru There’s nothing like sailing the Pacific seas… Several weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to go sailing in Lima near the San Lorenzo Island, just off the port of Callao in Lima. With Owners Rafael and Renzo taking care of all of the guests, our sailing tour aboard the sailboat “Thaya” was a leisurely and relaxing experience. Unlike other boating trips offered to the Islands, the destination is not the highlight of this trip; rather, the act of sailing through the peaceful waters, taking in the sights of the Islands and the coastline, the cool and calming oceanic breeze, and the tasty assortment of on-board snacks and beverages amongst the company of family or friends is what makes this chartered sailing trip a worthwhile venture. The crew emphasized just how laid-back and flexible their four-hour sailing tour can be. If you prefer to catch some early-morning rays or to cast a line, the crew will gladly depart in the morning or provide all the necessary fishing equipment. Need a healthy dose of midday heat to counterbalance your cool glass of wine and the ocean breeze? Trips can leave around midday, taking advantage of the warmth of the sun. The boat is also equipped with a dingy to escort you to the beach and the little walking trails on San Lorenzo Island. Perhaps one of my favorite options, however, would be to wrap up in a warm blanket and head out right before sunset to watch the brilliant colors dance off the reflective waters until silently disappearing over the horizon. Although my trip took place during Lima’s winter months when the ocean wind has a little bite and the sun takes to hiding behind the clouds more often than not, I had a pleasant and
The perfect adventure travel Peru There’s nothing like sailing the Pacific seas… Several weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to go sailing in Lima near the San Lorenzo Island, just off the port of Callao in Lima. With Owners Rafael and Renzo taking care of all of the guests,…
