Not many travellers arrive at Juliaca Airport without heading straight to Lake Titicaca, but this time was to be an exception. We were on our way to another attraction of the Peruvian Altiplano: Hacienda Mallkini, an extensive ranch where Alpacas are raised to produce the most exquisite quality of wool, used to make all manner of different types of garment. Hacienda Mallkini by Lake Titicaca After a journey through the stunning, flat green landscapes that permeate the region, we arrived at the hacienda. The lodge where we were staying was nestled at over 4000 metres above sea level and situated on a slope overlooking the village of Nequeneque. The spot was blessed with was a fantastic view of the plains stretching off into the distance. Alpaca decor Our base for the next two days, we were delighted to find that the lodge was extremely cosy, and, as could be expected, adorned with soft Alpaca wool at every turn. Our rooms were insulated with Alpaca carpets while blankets made from baby Alpaca were at hand to protect us from the cold Andean nights. There was also a wood burning stove in the corner, with a fresh supply of logs from the nearby copse. But we weren't to indulge in the comforts of Mallkini just yet, and after dumping our luggage and a quick lunch we headed out on a tour of the estate. The Hacienda Mallkini Estate Covering 3,000 hectares and populated with more than 2,000 Alpacas, the hacienda is the largest private Alpaca centre in Peru. The mission of Mallkini, our guide Moises explained, is to improve the quality of Alpaca fibre, which is achieved by selecting the finest Alpacas in the Peruvian Andes and working on breeding techniques, nutrition and reproduction. The Alpacas themselves confidently patrol the raw and brash
Not many travellers arrive at Juliaca Airport without heading straight to Lake Titicaca, but this time was to be an exception. We were on our way to another attraction of the Peruvian Altiplano: Hacienda Mallkini, an extensive ranch where Alpacas are raised to produce the most exquisite quality of wool,…
In February last year we reported on the latest hotel news in our blog article Aracari’s rundown of up-and-coming hotels in Peru. Now it’s time to revisit the luxury Peru hotels that we featured, and we’ve been in touch with our contacts to see what progress has been made… Westin Lima –> Open for business The Westin, opened in May of 2011, has established itself as one of the finest hotels in Lima. The Aracari Team have since stayed at and toured the hotel and can tell you it is an excellent hotel befitting of the most discerning of guest. The 29 story building – the tallest in Lima - has 301 rooms, all of which are appointed with a swish and modern attire, all of which are spacious, and some of which feature a living room, kitchenette and extra bedroom. We saw some gorgeous suites on the higher floors with views right across the city down to the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant Maras is first class, top Lima chef Rafael Piqueras is behind the menu. The hotel is well situated for access to the airport and the commercial heart of Lima making it particularly well suited for business travellers or those just spending the night here. A nice feature of the bedrooms is a spacious desk for those in town on business. Hotel Plaza de Armas Cusco –> Open for business Hotel Plaza de Armas opened earlier this month in Cusco, on the 5th of April. Located right on the city’s main square, it offers travellers a comfortable base in the heart of the city at a most reasonable rate. The entire property has been remodeled and appointed with tasteful and authentic attire, as well as excellent service. There are 26 standard rooms and 2 suites, all with private bathroom, LCD
In February last year we reported on the latest hotel news in our blog article Aracari’s rundown of up-and-coming hotels in Peru. Now it’s time to revisit the luxury Peru hotels that we featured, and we’ve been in touch with our contacts to see what progress has been made… Westin Lima…
Those of you on twitter may recall that in February our good friend Ricky travelled to the Colca Canyon and stayed at Colca Lodge while live tweeting about the experience. Below is his full report of the trip with some great insights and tips for Aracari guests. Last month I ventured with Aracari to the Colca Canyon right in the middle of the rainy season. I was advised against this by many as Arequipa had been dealing with the worst rains in a decade, but I for one love the rain and find it to be very relaxing. I flew to Arequipa and took a shared minivan for a good 4 hours through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a meseta (plateau) at 4,000 metres altitude. We passed through the heart of the vicuña habitat, the wild cousin of the South American camelid family. I only felt any effects from altitude for a good 30 minutes during the trip. We finally arrived at Colca Lodge, located in the middle of the ancestral farming terraces at 3,250 metres. Out of all of the hotels in the Canyon it has the best views. The lodge is rustic Andean chic with 45 cabin-type rooms .There are three suites including the bridal suite with its own jacuzzi, as well as double, twin, triple and quadruple rooms. All rooms have heating, hot water (from solar power), mini bar and a terrace, but no TVs which might bore some people like me. There is no wifi in the rooms either. Since I was travelling alone I felt a little lonely in the evenings, wifi would have kept me company. The onsite restaurant offers 'Alpandina' cuisine, combining local Andean produce and alpine techniques, resulting in flavourful and well-balanced meals. Additional facilities include 2 bars, a library, a living room with
Those of you on twitter may recall that in February our good friend Ricky travelled to the Colca Canyon and stayed at Colca Lodge while live tweeting about the experience. Below is his full report of the trip with some great insights and tips for Aracari guests. Last month I…
Easter in Peru A variety of events and processions to mark Holy Week are underway across the country. Friends and family gather for the occasion and attend church together while some also take the opportunity of having two days holiday to travel in Peru, with popular destinations filling up over the weekend. The occasion is marked by a number of vivid festivals in the Andes that are the hallmark of the syncretism between native traditions and Catholicism. A spectacular procession took place in Cusco on Holy Monday, El Señor de los Temblores, or “Lord of the Earthquakes” - as dramatic and spiritual as its name suggests. The procession carries aloft a statue of Christ, the ‘Taytacha'. Blackened by the smoke of thousands of candles over the centuries, the statue is an impressive if somewhat eerie sight. On the day, the singing of two groups of Quechua singers known as chaynas or jilgueros herald the preparation of the moving of the statue from the cathedral. The rich colour of the crimson ñukchu flower decorates the cross, symbolising the blood of Christ, though also significant plant in indigenous religion. Finally, flanked the singers and surrounded by crowds of people, the procession starts its winding journey through the streets of Cuzco to the Main Square, just as it did for the first time in the 17th century. Significant processions also take place in the northern Andean town of Huaraz where week-long events culminate with and explosion of fireworks and the release of hundreds of birds; and also notably in the central Andean town of Tarma, where the streets are donned with archways and carpets of colourful flowers for which the region is renowned. The most raucous events, however, and most famous for Peruvians, are held in Ayacucho. There are huge processions through the
Easter in Peru A variety of events and processions to mark Holy Week are underway across the country. Friends and family gather for the occasion and attend church together while some also take the opportunity of having two days holiday to travel in Peru, with popular destinations filling up over…
With vibrant and colorful patterns based on pre-Columbian art and design, “Silvinia Prints” became an institution of fashion in Lima from its opening in 1958. Founded by Silvia von Hagen, wife of the renowned explorer Victor von Hagen, the company was inspired by the iconography and artwork of indigenous cultures that the couple witnessed on their expansive explorations throughout Peru. Silvia and Victor von Hagen travelling in Peru in the 1950's When Silvia sadly passed away in 2007, however, it looked like the charming, smart and much-loved designs were to be a fond memory only. Not so! When I met with Silvia’s granddaughter Georgia last week she told me the fascinating story of how she has taken her grandmother’s company by the reins. She has now registered the company in both the Peru and the United States and is currently busy launching her own debut collection for Spring and Summer 2012, you can visit the website here. Left: Georgia Kirkpatrick of Silvania Right: "Chan Chan blouse" which features in the Spring+Summer 2012 collection Based in Portland, Oregon, Georgia has made many trips back and forth to Peru to setup the company over the last few years. This has entailed research into every detail, from sourcing the highest quality organic pima cotton to setting up production in Lima. “The entire process takes place within Peru, with the exception of sales which I manage in the USA” Georgia told me. “At the moment I am only selling in the USA but in the future I want to expand internationally … and of course within Peru itself!”. Although she had always daydreamed of becoming involved in her grandmother’s company, the prospect of this becoming a reality dawned on Georgia after she completed a placement in the town of Mórrope in the Lambayeque
With vibrant and colorful patterns based on pre-Columbian art and design, “Silvinia Prints” became an institution of fashion in Lima from its opening in 1958. Founded by Silvia von Hagen, wife of the renowned explorer Victor von Hagen, the company was inspired by the iconography and artwork of indigenous cultures…
These fantastic photographs of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in southern Bolivia were taken by Bolivian contemporary artist Gaston Ugalde, and we’re enamoured with them as the Salar is one of our favourite destinations that we offer in Bolivia. Perhaps the most spectacular and bewildering natural attraction on the entire South American continent, the salt flats are an unforgettable spectacle. Formed around 40,000 years ago, these eerie deserts of white stretch as far as the eye can see. They are an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, not least because of the colours that permeate the surrounding lagoons and volcanic landscape, all contributing to the bizarre, other-worldly feel of the place. This selection of photographs not only highlights the vast extent of salt flats but the number of creative photo options that this “blank canvas” offers. Amongst a variety of themes, Ugalde’s work highlights the immense reserves of lithium underneath the salt lake. Find out more here: http://artpulsemagazine.com/gaston-ugalde-repositioning-rituals/ To plan a trip to the Salt flats, visit our Bolivia luxury tours page for more information on visiting.
These fantastic photographs of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in southern Bolivia were taken by Bolivian contemporary artist Gaston Ugalde, and we’re enamoured with them as the Salar is one of our favourite destinations that we offer in Bolivia. Perhaps the most spectacular and bewildering natural attraction on the entire…
