By Caitlin, Photos: Caroline Maxcy Photography | On July 4th, 2012 I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most unique schools I have ever seen. It is located in the Urubamba Valley just walking distance from one of the most famous markets in Cusco, the Pisac Market. Kusi Kawsay School, which means happy life in the native language of Quechua, is made up of students that range from kindergarten to 8th grade with an upper grade study group. It is an Andean Waldorf inspired school, an academic structure and philosophy that can be found in many countries around the world. It offers an alternative integral education that promotes high self esteem in economically challenged children through the integration of their native Andean traditional culture, which is both valued and respected. Upon my arrival in Pisac I met Fielding, our host, at the Pisac Inn. She accompanied us up the flight of terraced steps that lead you from the market to where the Kusi Kawsay School is located. Along the way she gave us an excellent introduction to the school and its philosophies. Fielding and her husband are the owners of the Pisac Inn and close friends of Aracari for some time now. We frequently send our clients to their delicious restaurant located within the inn, Cuchara de Palo. I actually had lunch there during my visit and I can hands down say it was one of the best lunches I had in the Valley! Once we learned that Fielding was involved with this school (sending their own children there) and was actively trying to help fundraise, we decided that this organization was definitely worth a personal visit. When we arrived at the school, we visited each classroom starting with kindergarten. Luckily, we arrived on a Wednesday, the day
By Caitlin, Photos: Caroline Maxcy Photography | On July 4th, 2012 I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most unique schools I have ever seen. It is located in the Urubamba Valley just walking distance from one of the most famous markets in Cusco, the Pisac Market. Kusi…
Once upon a time, our great friend Susy Dyson was spotted for American Vogue by the Countess Aileen de Romanones in Marbella. Countless magazine covers followed, together with catwalk appearances for, among others, Yves Saint Laurent. Then having spent a decade absorbing the glamorous world of fashion, Susy decided to import her own brand of glamour back to her home country of Peru - with a vision of turning the bountiful raw materials found here into luxurious and beautiful products. Over the past twenty years, Susy has realized that vision in a line of clothes and accessories for export, by developing property and as an author - you'd be hard pushed to find anybody as well-connected inside and outside Peru, who can also provide a fascinating insight into local culture and traditional craftsmanship. Today, we are proud to be the recipients of Susy's latest venture, Ticllabamba - a beautiful, sixteenth century two bedroom house in the picturesque village of Yucay, 35km from Pisac deep in the Sacred Valley, the playground of the Incas. At 1000m lower and warmer than nearby Cuzco, the Valley is the ideal place to acclimatize and relax before exploring at higher altitudes. With comfort in mind, Susy has created a luxurious, but understated private retreat, with the emphasis on giving a uniquely personalized service for Aracari clients. Like its owner, the house has a fascinating story steeped in Inca history. Part of the 'royal estate' of Yucay, Ticllabamba is believed to been the property of Beatriz Coya, daughter of the Inca Huayna-Capac and was the favourite bathing place of "La Nusta", an Inca princess and daughter of the last Inca, Sayri-Tupac. Indeed, when rebuilding they found an Inca-stone lined bath below one of the three small cascades that flows into the northern terrace of the property,
Once upon a time, our great friend Susy Dyson was spotted for American Vogue by the Countess Aileen de Romanones in Marbella. Countless magazine covers followed, together with catwalk appearances for, among others, Yves Saint Laurent. Then having spent a decade absorbing the glamorous world of fashion, Susy decided to…
Educational institution, Kusi Kawsay in Pisac celebrated its 5th anniversary this year, and looking at recent advances the school has made, it is clear how it has matured and grown since its opening. For those unfamiliar with Kusi Kawsay, it is an independently-run school situated just above the famous Pisac Market in the Urubamba Valley with a pedagogy modeled on the Waldorf Educational Method. The focus here is on the incorporation of Andean culture and worldview into the classroom, placing a special importance on the arts. It was founded by five families who felt that traditional schools in the Cusco region discouraged Andean children from expressing and taking pride in their cultural heritage among other concerns about the overall management of students, classrooms and staff. So they started their own school, Kusi Kawsay, which in Quechua means “happy life”. Aracari has paid the school several visits, and our guests have generously donated this wonderful institution, contributing directly to its development and thus the development of the children who attend, as the school depends on individual donors and grants. Aracari also offers guests the opportunity to visit the school in Pisac to learn about its foundation and development from one of the founding parents. Below are some of the latest developments that Kusi Kawsay shared in its annual report for their 2013 academic year. The full report can be found here. Teacher training and developments - Kusi Kawsay received a one-year grant from Global Fund for Children towards organizational development of the school to work on interpersonal dynamics among faculty and assisting with the further progression of planning, fundraising, governance, human resource development, financial management, monitoring, learning and assessment. In addition to this support, Kusi Kawsay has yearly workshops for teacher training from ProHumanus, a civil association in Peru that offers teachers
Educational institution, Kusi Kawsay in Pisac celebrated its 5th anniversary this year, and looking at recent advances the school has made, it is clear how it has matured and grown since its opening. For those unfamiliar with Kusi Kawsay, it is an independently-run school situated just above the famous Pisac…
Of the many accommodation options in Peru’s Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, we have recently come across a very special and unique alternative being offered by our friend Mariana: KusyWasi Villa. Located near the town of Pisac, this beautiful villa allows for guests to escape the crowds and tour groups that frequent nearby hotels and enjoy the privacy and tranquility that the property has to offer. Amidst an estate with other privately owned villas and beautiful gardens, KusyWasi Villa is an ideal accommodation for families or groups looking for a private and spacious property to stay in the breathtaking Valley. "I got the idea after renting a home in the countryside in Tuscany", Mariana told us of the very elegant villa, which features an atrium complete with a fountain among other details. Guests can expect a personalized welcome upon arrival at the two-story, four bedroom villa. The house features two master bedrooms equipped with king-sized beds, cozy linens, and elegant ensuite bathrooms as well as two additional smaller bedrooms. Guests can also enjoy the comforts of home, relaxing in front of the fireplace in the living room, perhaps, or cooking their own meal in the full-sized kitchen with local Peruvian ingredients. Mariana goes out of her way to make guests' stay at KusyWasi Villa memorable and personalized. She prides herself in making the cozy villa a “home away from home” for all her guests, accommodating their requests and arranging additional services if required. Please contact us for more information about staying at KusyWasi Villa and incorporating a stay at the villa into your trip to the Urubamba Valley.
Of the many accommodation options in Peru’s Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, we have recently come across a very special and unique alternative being offered by our friend Mariana: KusyWasi Villa. Located near the town of Pisac, this beautiful villa allows for guests to escape the crowds and tour groups that frequent…
Following last month’s review of El Mapi in Aguas Calientes, Aracari is continuing its critique of the most sought after luxury hotels in Peru with a review of Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley.
Following last month’s review of El Mapi in Aguas Calientes, Aracari is continuing its critique of the most sought after luxury hotels in Peru with a review of Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley.
Celebrating our 28th birthday last week brings with it talk of our journey so far and what’s in store for the future. After expanding our services to offer more of South America in 2022, our bespoke adventures now span more of the continent but we’re not in the business of only traveling wider, but deeper too. That’s why, on the anniversary of our founding, we’re launching a new initiative. A collection of unique, private experiences where travel isn't simply travel, but rather an immersive intersection between art, culture, cuisine, retail, and so much more. But first, a moment to revisit our story in the words of our founder, Marisol Mosquera. Aracari Travel was founded in 1996 to redefine tourism in Peru. "I was born in Peru but raised in Barcelona with dreams of Wall Street. Until my late twenties, I thrived as a successful investment banker in London, but I sought a career with deeper personal fulfillment and meaning. In 1996, I left the corporate world to embark on a transformative year-long journey across Asia, which inspired me to merge my Peruvian roots with a new approach to tourism. At that time, Peru was recovering from political upheaval. It was largely unexplored as a luxury destination, yet still, I aimed to create journeys that transcended conventional and engaged with the country’s rich culture, history, and landscapes. Leveraging my network and expertise, Aracari came to offer bespoke experiences showcasing the deep beauty of the country for curious travelers seeking highly personal travel. Collaborating with local communities and experts, many of whom still work with us today, Aracari would design immersive journeys without artifice for curious travelers. Three decades later, Aracari remains dedicated to its founding vision, delivering exceptional travel that builds meaningful connections and supports the ecosystems and communities we visit.
Celebrating our 28th birthday last week brings with it talk of our journey so far and what’s in store for the future. After expanding our services to offer more of South America in 2022, our bespoke adventures now span more of the continent but we’re not in the business of…