Aracari has been offering discerning guests tailormade trips to Peru for over 20 years. Now, Aracari’s founder, Marisol Mosquera, is opening up her little black book of treasured contacts to launch a new Peru Private Homes Collection. Departures Magazine featured Aracari's Private Homes Collection in their Travel News: Trips to Book in June round up! From your base in Lima, Cusco or the Sacred Valley, Aracari offers unrivalled access to local life, stepping foot in the homes of some of Peru’s most revered artists, long-standing families and private architectural gems. Peru Private Homes: Lima and surrounds Known for its culinary hot spots and colonial charm, Lima is an ever-evolving hub of Latin American creativity. Now Aracari’s guests can further their insight into this buzzing metropolis via access to the city’s most iconic mansions, sought-after personal art collections and the country’s most celebrated winery. Some key highlights include: Casa Aliaga Reportedly the oldest home on the continent, Casa Aliaga dates back to 1527 and has been lived in by the same family for 17 generations. Exemplifying life in the period of Viceroyalty and home to a chapel whose dome is said to be the oldest in Peru, a special tour of the house will offer unrivalled insight into Lima’s history. >Read more here. Casa García Alvardo Across town, Casa García Alvardo is one of few remaining examples of Republican architecture. Inhabited by the family who built the house in 1912, guests will be hosted for a tour and three-course lunch by Ms. Ana Maria de Astudillo or her daughter. >Read more here. Home of Augusta Barreda For art-lovers, Aracari can exclusively introduce guests to Augusta Barreda, a contemporary Peruvian artist and collector known for transforming bronze and wood into ethereal works. Guests will be granted access to her sea-facing Lima home, her private
Aracari has been offering discerning guests tailormade trips to Peru for over 20 years. Now, Aracari’s founder, Marisol Mosquera, is opening up her little black book of treasured contacts to launch a new Peru Private Homes Collection. Departures Magazine featured Aracari’s Private Homes Collection in their Travel News: Trips to Book…
Last year we blogged about the best destinations in Peru for Valentine's Day. From relaxing on the beach in Mancora or Paracas, the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley or the mysticism of Lake Titicaca, these remain some of the most idyllic and romantic locations in Peru to enjoy with your Valentine. Beyond picking a destination or hotel, Aracari's expert travel planning team can help with special touches that can make your Valentine's Day extra special. And of course you don't have to wait till 14 February. Whether you're getting swept up in the sentiments of Valentine's Day, are planning your honeymoon, a trip to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary or perhaps you're about to pop the big question, bringing a bit of romance to your trip to Peru will make it unique and memorable for you and your partner to enjoy together. 5 unique special touches that Aracari can arrange for your romantic occasion Chilled champagne. Everyone loves a bit of bubbly for a special moment. Imagine surprising your loved one with a chilled bottle of your favourite vintage as you sit down to dinner, or in the most unusual and unexpected location – like on the desert dunes in Paracas at sunset. The definition of a luxury sundowner. Pop up gourmet picnic for two. We’ll arrange for a gourmet meal to be prepared by a private chef and set up for you at a secluded spot. Our team know some incredible secret locations such as a scenic location overlooking Sacsayhuaman ruins on the edge of Cusco. Professional Photography. Capture those memories forever. If you’d like a professional to help create lasting memories, we can arrange for a photographer to capture the moment, like arriving at Machu Picchu, or a fun newly-wed photoshoot in the Sacred Valley. This can also be
Last year we blogged about the best destinations in Peru for Valentine’s Day. From relaxing on the beach in Mancora or Paracas, the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley or the mysticism of Lake Titicaca, these remain some of the most idyllic and romantic locations in Peru to enjoy with…
While a visit to the iconic Inca citadel Machu Picchu is a must-see highlight of most visitors' trip to Peru, how you experience it, and how you get there is completely up to you, with lots of options to choose from. Remember that sometimes the journey is half the adventure! Here we share information on the best Machu Picchu hiking tours, including the Classic Inca trail and hikes within the citadel itself. Machu Picchu Hiking Tours If you enjoy hiking and trekking and taking in the stunning mountain scenery, there are many options to consider, whether you'd like a small taste of adventure or a full blown multi-day trekking odyssey taking you to the 'lost city of the Incas'. The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu The most famous trek in South America, and deserving the hype with three major ruins that can only be reached on foot along the way. On the classic Inca Trail you traverse arid puna grassland to cloud forest with orchids and hummingbirds to high-altitude mountain passes with spectacular views down the valleys. The finale and highlight is waking up before dawn on day 4, walking through the Sun Gate and looking down at Machu Picchu in the early morning light. The big appeal of the Inca Trail is that it's the ONLY trek where you arrive directly to Machu Picchu, on foot from the trail. Read Danielle's blog - 6 Unexpected Highlights of the Inca Trail. The 4 day / 3 night trek can only be done with an authorised trekking provider, and the trail is tightly regulated with limited permits, so contact us to secure your spot early. One Day Inca Trail If you don't want to camp, or you're short of time and can't commit to a multi-day camping trek, you can still get a taste of the Inca Trail,
While a visit to the iconic Inca citadel Machu Picchu is a must-see highlight of most visitors’ trip to Peru, how you experience it, and how you get there is completely up to you, with lots of options to choose from. Remember that sometimes the journey is half the adventure! Here we…
A Taste of Classic Luxury Peru: Aracari Peru Fam Trip From admiring Machu Picchu on a perfectly clear day, to partaking in a traditional shaman ceremony in the countryside in the heart of the Sacred Valley, an eager group of travel agents had the chance to see the key highlights of Peru, the Aracari way, on our 2016 FAM trip to Peru. Joining us from around the world – India, Switzerland, Sweden, the UK and USA all represented – this small collection of eight professional travel addicts joined us on a Peru FAM trip that followed our Classic Luxury Peru itinerary. Over eight days, we took in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu, with no shortage of memorable experiences and educational opportunities. Register your interest now for Aracari's Peru Fam trip for travel agents 2017 Check out photos and videos below and what you might expect from future Peru FAM trips for travel agents with Aracari. Day 1 – Arrival in Lima The adventure began in Peru's capital Lima, renowned as South America's culinary capital, which the BBC has called the most 'underrated city in South America'. Met on arrival at the airport by Raul Varela, Aracari’s Guest Relations guru, everyone had the chance to settle into JW Marriott Lima for the next two nights, and enjoy the property’s sea views. Day 2 – Lima: Into the Past We were met at our hotel in the morning by Aracari specialist, Ronald Elward. After an extensive writing and publishing career in the Netherlands, including publishing the leading Dutch architecture magazine De Architect, Ronald moved to Lima. His research in Peru has been featured in many newspaper articles such as this piece in the Guardian, so he was the perfect companion to show us Lima’s architecture and explain its history. This gave
A Taste of Classic Luxury Peru: Aracari Peru Fam Trip From admiring Machu Picchu on a perfectly clear day, to partaking in a traditional shaman ceremony in the countryside in the heart of the Sacred Valley, an eager group of travel agents had the chance to see the key highlights…
On a recent visit to the Sacred Valley, I had the pleasure of participating in and enjoying a Pachamanca Lunch at El Albergue's Organic Farm at the edge of the town of Ollantaytambo. Pachamanca Lunch in the Sacred Valley Peru is fast gaining a reputation as a destination for gastronomy and culinary travel. Along with the award-winning fine-dining restaurants in Lima are the stunning local ingredients and ancient cooking methods that inspire them. Without this rich heritage of food, Peru's famed modern gastronomy would not exist. Pachamanca is one of these ancient cooking techniques that allows visitors to really understand the country's rich culinary heritage. It's a fun and interactive experience, set in stunning natural surroundings, suitable for the whole family. Check out our video below, and read on for all the details of what the experience entails. What is a Pachamanca Lunch? Pacha means earth and manca means oven in Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire which is still widely spoken in the Sacred Valley and throughout the Andes of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. As the name suggests, pachamanca is a cooking method in the earth, but is so much more. I had read a lot about it, so was very excited to finally be able to watch and enjoy it. Pachamama - Mother Earth For the Inca, pachamanca was not an everyday meal preparation. It was used for special occasions and heavily ritualised. The close connection between the food and the earth where it's prepared is a celebration of and a way of showing reverence to Pachamama, mother earth. For the pachamanca at El Albergue, chicken, lamb and pork are sourced from local farmers, and a multitude of colourful Andean potatoes, sweet potato and habas (green lima beans) from the farm itself. The meat is marinated with local herbs from the farm.
On a recent visit to the Sacred Valley, I had the pleasure of participating in and enjoying a Pachamanca Lunch at El Albergue’s Organic Farm at the edge of the town of Ollantaytambo. Pachamanca Lunch in the Sacred Valley Peru is fast gaining a reputation as a destination for gastronomy and…
Inca Trail in Peru - It's Not a Race to the Finish There are hundreds of Inca 'trails' scattered across Peru, relics of the impressive network of roads connecting the Inca Empire. Then there's the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - El Camino Inka in Spanish, the iconic four day trek to Machu Picchu. Of course the crowning glory of taking on the gruelling challenge of the Inca Trail in Peru is arriving at the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. There's a great sense of accomplishment, finally arriving at the iconic complex just as the Incas did - on foot along the stone paths and steps they carved into the mountainside to access the site. But this is a journey that's not just about getting to the finish line. It's four days of discovery and exploration, with many surprises along the way. I recently completed the classic four-day trek, and here are my unexpected highlights of the Inca Trail in Peru. 1. The food: Gastronomy Trail to Machu Picchu You’re hiking for four days, away from civilisation, refrigeration, and electricity. And yet, your Inca Trail chef with the support of a team of porters, whips up the most incredible gourmet Peruvian food three times a day. So in addition to a journey on foot, it really is like an incredible Culinary Tour Peru. Using locally sourced ingredients, freshly pressed organic Peruvian coffee, and experienced chefs, the diversity and quality of what is served up on the Inca Trail is truly impressive. Menus will vary, but the highlights from my recent trip included freshly baked quinoa bread, yuca (cassava) fritters, warming Andean vegetable soup, llomo saltado - a kind of Peruvian-Asian fusion beef stir-fry, and an incredible iced celebration cake on our last night! 2. The flowers: Delicate Orchids on the Mountainside Along the Inca Trail,
Inca Trail in Peru – It’s Not a Race to the Finish There are hundreds of Inca ‘trails’ scattered across Peru, relics of the impressive network of roads connecting the Inca Empire. Then there’s the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – El Camino Inka in Spanish, the iconic four day trek to…