We have wonderful things happening in June. We would like to welcome you to our series of Conversations during the month of June. We have included subjects and people who have interesting stories to tell from our country, Peru. A TASTE OF THE AMAZON Thursday, June 25 2020 Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, award winning chef. In conversation with Maria Julia Raffo, Aracari's gastronomic Advisor. Pedro Miguel finds the inspiration for his cuisine in the vast pantry of the Amazon, whose secrets he will reveal during this talk. Award winning chef and number 48 in Latin America for his restaurant Malabar, Pedro Miguel will tell us about his life and work and the secrets he is constantly unveiling during his Amazon exploration. Sign up here. A LIFE IN THE SACRED VALLEY Thursday, June 18 2020 Joaquin Randall, sustainable tourism entrepreneur. Joaquin Randallis a sustainable tourism entrepreneur based in Ollantaytambo, near Machu Picchu, Peru. Peruvian born of American parents, Joaquin owns and runs the most legendary establishment in the Cusco Area, the "Albergue de Wendy Weeks" founded by his parents when they moved to this area in the seventies. Joaquin will share his fascinating family history and tell us about his sustainable initiatives to protect the environment, the local communities and diversify the tourism offerings in the area. Watch it here. MAKING A MARK IN THE AMAZON Thursday, June 11 2020 Eduardo Nycander, founder Rainforest Expeditions. Eduardo Nycander founded Rainforest Expeditions over 25 years ago, a collection of lodges in Tambopata, a rainforest protected area in southeastern Peru. He and his team implemented a winning formula that combines conservation, hospitality and science, making it a benchmark in ecotourism practices in the region. He will tell us his story and will focus on his many wildlife conservation initiatives. Watch it here. Bolivian Haute Couture
We have wonderful things happening in June. We would like to welcome you to our series of Conversations during the month of June. We have included subjects and people who have interesting stories to tell from our country, Peru. A TASTE OF THE AMAZON Thursday, June 25 2020 Pedro Miguel…
The last month has been a turbulent time for many around the globe, not least the travel industry. Under lockdown, we at Aracari have evolved how we connect you (our friends and followers) to Peru and its rich culture. One initiative we started was our 'Conversations' series, which streams video discussions with individuals from different walks of life, who each have inspiring personal stories to share. Looking back on the conversations in May, we can draw upon many lessons that are pertinent to the world today. So, it is with great pleasure that we highlight some of this inspiration for you ... "What role are you going to play?" - Jonathan Stack, Documentary & Filmmaker. American Filmmaker Jonathan Stack had the option to leave Peru just 48 hours before the country's lockdown restrictions were imposed. Jonathan decided to stay and in his conversation tells us how he has been spending his time. From helping to stop the construction of a new international airport in Peru, that may create negative environmental and social impacts, to using his filmmaking skills to reimagine how Peruvian society under COVID19 can be reimagined. One of the most inspiring moments of our conversation with Jonathan is when he explains that "the Chinese symbol for 'chaos', is also the same for 'opportunity'". The filmmaker elaborates on how cultural preservation in a COVID world requires innovators with strong ties to their communities. Indeed he says we should all be asking ourselves, "What role are you going to play?" Watch Jonathan's conversation here. "Stay true to your DNA" - Micha Tsumura, The best chef in Latin America. Alongside international travel, hospitality has been one of the sectors hardest hit by the COVID lockdown. In conversation with the best chef in Latin America, Micha Tsumura, we discover what he believes
The last month has been a turbulent time for many around the globe, not least the travel industry. Under lockdown, we at Aracari have evolved how we connect you (our friends and followers) to Peru and its rich culture. One initiative we started was our ‘Conversations‘ series, which streams video…
In Conversation with Aracari Founder, Marisol Mosquera. (April 2020) In light of current global events, Aracari’s Founder, Marisol Mosquera speaks openly to our blog editors about the values Aracari was founded upon and why the business is well positioned to restart travel and tourism to Peru, Bolivia and The Galapagos – once travel restrictions around the world are lifted. AT: Marisol, What’s your view on the current pandemic? How is it affecting tourism in Peru, Bolivia and the Galapagos? MM: In Peru at the moment we are on full lockdown. Subsequently, travel and tourism to the country has ground to a halt. It is the same for Bolivia and the Galapagos. Naturally, I am concerned. Though, it isn’t the first time we [Aracari] have confronted shocks to the economy. In the past, 9/11, the 2008 recession and the SARS virus all detrimentally affected visitor numbers to the region. For a shorter duration than today, flights from our key markets - The US, Europe and Asia all fell in these times of crisis. We [Aracari] survived them all and once this crisis passes too, it’s sensible to expect there will be others to face in future. AT: What has been Aracari’s secret, when navigating through these previous crises? MM: Coming from a background in finance, I have always understood the importance of creating a business with a firm financial foundation and strict control of costs. In economic crises, companies that have debts or need to fund their way out of a situation often struggle to survive. Since I started Aracari twenty-three years ago, I’m proud to say, we’ve never taken on a bank loan or any form of outside debt to fund the business’ expansion. If I were to hypothesize why over the last twenty years Aracari is still
In Conversation with Aracari Founder, Marisol Mosquera. (April 2020) In light of current global events, Aracari’s Founder, Marisol Mosquera speaks openly to our blog editors about the values Aracari was founded upon and why the business is well positioned to restart travel and tourism to Peru, Bolivia and The Galapagos…
Peruvian Mountain Climber, Thomas Schilter, Talks To Aracari In the last few years Cusco resident and friend of Aracari, Thomas Schilter has summited over thirty of the world’s highest and most technically challenging mountains. This includes eight peaks with altitudes beyond 6,000m (20,000ft), where debilitation or death from acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a real possibility. Metaphorically speaking, we all have ‘mountains’ to climb in our lives, so who better to ask than Thomas about what it takes to overcome adversity. Earlier this month, Aracari caught up with Thomas shortly before he needed to leave for school. Yes, that’s right … one of South America’s most proficient and well-regarded mountain climbers is just 17-years of age. His parents have been good friends of Aracari’s for many years, as Thomas’ French mother (Petit) and Swiss father (Franz) run the Sol Y Luna Hotel and association in the Sacred Valley. The seven lessons (below) are drawn from our conversation with the acclaimed mountaineer. Forge Your Own Path The most significant moment in Thomas’ career to date has been summiting Peru’s Siula Grande (20,814 ft) via the south east face – a route that no one had previously accomplished. Siula Grande’s infamous reputation across the world is in part due to the film ‘Touching the void’. A documentary that recounts two British climbers’ disastrous 1985 expedition to Siula Grande - one of the highest peaks in the Andes. On his successful expedition last June, Thomas recounts “Several séracs [glacial columns] blocked our original route to the summit. It was getting dark, but the top was so close. The consensus was we could still make it, but only if we adapted our plans. That’s when we decided to summit from the South East face. The decision resulted in a lot of extra hardship and
Peruvian Mountain Climber, Thomas Schilter, Talks To Aracari In the last few years Cusco resident and friend of Aracari, Thomas Schilter has summited over thirty of the world’s highest and most technically challenging mountains. This includes eight peaks with altitudes beyond 6,000m (20,000ft), where debilitation or death from acute mountain…
An Exploration of the Sacred Valley: Our Team’s Experiences in Cusco The Aracari team is always on the lookout for unique experiences to offer our guests. Just before the lockdown, our team visited Cusco and Sacred Valley in search of unique experiences for our guests. They returned with many ideas for exciting excursions combining art, learning and giving back. Today we’re sharing five stories from our team of travel designers, all of whom experienced fun and exciting adventures in Cusco which we have no doubt will be a hit among our guests. Traditional Andean Weaving Blanca, Aracari’s community manager, and a weaver herself, was the chosen one to explore several weaving communities in the Cusco region. “I enjoyed the experience so much that it’s hard to put it in words. The affection with which we were greeted by the community was incredible. As soon as we arrived, we were generously offered fresh muña tea to stave off altitude sickness. At first they were hesitant to let me weave my own piece. Once they realized that I knew how to weave on a backstrap loom, a very special bond was created. We just became comrades. There was no language barrier. No Quechua or Spanish, just one universal language: weaving. We also had the chance to experience the process of natural dyeing. Once the wool is spun, it is washed and dyed with natural products. We got to experience some of the generations of botanical knowledge. They use stems, roots, plants and flowers to achieve the vibrant colors that are so characteristic of the region.” Magical Realism in the Andes - the Bulls of Pucara In Cusco, Monica learned all about the Bulls of Pucara and tried her hand at decorating her own. “The ceramic Pucara bulls are symbols of happiness,
An Exploration of the Sacred Valley: Our Team’s Experiences in Cusco The Aracari team is always on the lookout for unique experiences to offer our guests. Just before the lockdown, our team visited Cusco and Sacred Valley in search of unique experiences for our guests. They returned with many ideas…