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…
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are attracting a new demographic of discerning travelers. A destination once known only for its historical offerings, Peru is now a big player in the world of leading luxury destinations. The base of any trip starts with the accommodations, and the emergence of high-end boutiques and luxury hotels throughout Peru provides travelers with a combination of personalized service, high-quality and ample amenities, and a mix of style and comfort that permeates the importance of attention to the “finer details.” Luxury hotel brands have invested huge amounts in introducing hotels defined by their facilities and attention to customer service, and come fully equipped with spa services, gyms, and business centers. Boutiques, meanwhile, add quirky details and highly authentic touches to bring an altogether different flavor to options in Peru. A perfect example of an accommodation raising the bar of luxury hotels in Peru is Cusco’s Palacio Nazarenas (2012), a colonial convent refurbished by Orient-Express into a refined and fashionable property featuring 55 suites lavished in the most luxurious décor and amenities. The brand new JW Marriott Cusco also seeks to satisfy the needs of today’s luxury travelers with the style and design elements of an architecturally stunning site. For those looking for a more unique, personalized, and cozy property, La Lune One Suite (2012 … actually two suites) is an owner-operated boutique hotel? perfect for discerning travelers looking for a refined, lavish, and exclusive experience, with a hotel owner and operator who goes out of his way accommodate his guests and make
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are…
In the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, hidden among its beautiful private gardens, ranch, and the picturesque mountains of the Valley lies a tranquil retreat and one of my personal and Aracari’s favorite hotels in Peru: Sol y Luna. TripAdvisor and the masses seem to agree with our praise; Sol y Luna was recently named to the Travelers’ Choice 2013 Top 25 Hotels in the World, a well-deserved distinction for this stylish yet cozy escape. A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to have spent a few days at Sol y Luna during a family vacation that took us all over Peru and discovered firsthand what makes this property a hidden gem worthy of acclaim. It is not to be treated as merely a place to stop between Cusco and a trip to Machu Picchu; the wonderful casitas built in perfect harmony with the surrounding gardens and valley, the Peruvian artwork boasting unique and colorful taste that echoes the vibrant floral display of these gardens, the hotel’s level of service, the onsite ranch with Peruvian Paso horses, the exciting activities available, and the excellent menu crafted by one of Lima’s hottest chefs are just some of the many reasons why you should take the time to spend a few days at this pleasant sanctuary. Whether you venture out to the nearby archaeological sites like Maras and Moray on quad or horseback, enjoy a massage at the charming Yacu Wasi spa, or just tote your camera around the grounds photographing the birds and the flowers, Sol y Luna is an unpretentious accommodation perfectly suitable for all types of travelers.My only complaint was that I could not stay longer, the only solution...return for another visit, and soon! Read more about Sol y Luna on our website and contact us to include
In the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, hidden among its beautiful private gardens, ranch, and the picturesque mountains of the Valley lies a tranquil retreat and one of my personal and Aracari’s favorite hotels in Peru: Sol y Luna. TripAdvisor and the masses seem to agree with our praise; Sol…
Peru Motorcycle Tours Coasting along the open road, the exhilarating feeling of cruising through wild mountain landscapes between multiple points of interest: Peru motorcycle tours are a great way of blowing off steam and having the freedom to visit destinations that you wish on your own schedule. The King of Jordan recently tried his hand at this innovative way of travelling during his visit to Peru for the summit of South America-Arab countries, he went all the way from Lima to Cusco on his bike. Aracari’s close friends Juanjo and Carlos, who travelled to Cusco in August, could have taught him a trick or two before his trip: they hired their own motorbikes for 4 days to explore the Cusco and Sacred Valley region. “It’s the best sensation” said Juanjo, “you have the freedom to go where you want… along beautiful roads and to a multitude of different points of interest in the area.” Starting in Cusco, and provided with detailed maps, the pair set out on their 400cc bikes along a variety of routes around the valley. Their first excursion was to the archeological site of Moray, racing through isolated countryside to arrive at the site in time for a beautiful sunset. They also sped along a quite fantastic route beginning at Abra Malaga and following a winding road downhill for 45km to the town of Ollantaytambo, and made a trip to Hacienda Huayoccari. With short and manageable distances around Cusco and the valley, Juanjo told me that this experience is very accessible for those who have prior experience of riding. There is parking with security at the majority of hotels, and garages in the main towns should any maintenance be required. To ensure total flexibility, they were able to leave their bikes parked securely in Ollantaytambo overnight while
Peru Motorcycle Tours Coasting along the open road, the exhilarating feeling of cruising through wild mountain landscapes between multiple points of interest: Peru motorcycle tours are a great way of blowing off steam and having the freedom to visit destinations that you wish on your own schedule. The King of…
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…
Bajada de los Reyes Festival Closely related to Christmas, the popular Spanish festivity known in Spain as “Dia de los Reyes magos” on the 6th of January is also widely celebrated in towns across the Andes. The celebration marks The Epiphany, which sees the visit of the three wise men, or the three kings, to the birthplace of Jesus. In Spain many families celebrate by giving gifts, much as the wise men did to the baby Jesus. The Ephiphany Celebrations As with many celebrations in the Andes, the celebration of “Dia de los Reyes magos” incorporates both native and colonial traditions alike. In pre-Columbian times, January was a very important month; being the height of the rainy season it brought water vital for growing crops, and joyous festivities marked the occasion. These celebrations subsequently became incorporated with the celebration of “Dia de los Reyes magos” that was introduced by the Spanish when they arrived in Peru; apart from anything else, there was the resemblence of giving gifts, much as the the rains gave the gift of nourishment and sustainance. Celebrating bajada de los Reyes festival in Ollantaytambo One of the biggest celebrations of the day is in the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Known as the Bajada de Reyes de Ollantaytambo, the occasion is marked with a colourful procession of El Niño Jesús de Marcacocha - the baby jesus from the church of Marcacocha - which is brought from the valley of Patakancha to Ollantaytambo on the day before, the 5th of January. Locals from communities in the surrounding hills and valleys descend on the town with the effigy of Jesus to take part in the festivities, which begin on the 5th and last throughout the night. Traditional Dancing On the 6th there is a full day of
Bajada de los Reyes Festival Closely related to Christmas, the popular Spanish festivity known in Spain as “Dia de los Reyes magos” on the 6th of January is also widely celebrated in towns across the Andes. The celebration marks The Epiphany, which sees the visit of the three wise…