The magic of seeing a dream destination feels a little less like a technicolor memory when it’s packed with slow-moving crowds. Overcrowding is a very real problem when visiting cherished historical sites, and it can be tough to gain the solitude and cultural understanding you crave while wading through thousands…

This time in August 2019 I will be leading Aracari’s second Founder trip, a group trip to Northern Peru. Founder trips are generally the opportunity to showcase the best kept secrets and some of the less known areas in the Andes as well connect to people and their stories the…

Chachapoyas Archaeology, Culture & Wildlife

chachapoyas

A recent visit to the relatively unknown Chachapoyas region in northern Peru has opened up a whole new realm of travel for me. Offering a unique balance and interconnectedness of a largely unearthed history, enriching cultural experiences, and magical and diverse wildlife, this excursion was perhaps one of the most…

Chachapoyas Archaeology: 4 Sites Not to Miss

View of the valley from Kuelap

Aracari’s pick of best Chachapoyas Archaeology The pre-Inca Chachapoyas civilization left behind many mysteries. While they had no written language, and were defeated by the Incas, they achieved great things – building the largest ancient stone structure in South America, and developing sophisticated mummification techniques to preserve and honor their ancestors….

Chachapoyas Conservation with Adriana von Hagen

Chachapoyas-conservation-forest-Marisol

Meet Adriana – dedicated to Chachapoyas conservation Adraiana von Hagen is a Peruvian writer, archaeologist, research associate of the Leymebamba museum and owner of Kentitambo guest house right next door. She is a close friend of Marisol Mosquera, Aracari’s owner and CEO, and together they are embarking on efforts to protect…

The Best Kuelap Hotels: Our Top Picks

Known as the ‘Machu Picchu of the North‘, Kuelap is the largest ancient stone structure in South America. Here we provide our roundup of the best Kuelap hotels to base yourself at to visit these impressive ruins. Best Kuelap Hotels hand-picked by Aracari  Accommodation is concentrated in the charming town of Chachapoyas,…