Sustainability, the Aracari Way
Crafted with care. Carried forward with purpose. Rooted in Peru since 1996.
“Sustainability, to me, means something that lasts—something that can continue on its own, without needing you to hold its hand. That’s what we’ve tried to do from the start.”
— Marisol Mosquera, Founder of Aracari
Aracari was founded by Marisol Mosquera in 1996 with a vision that has shaped everything we’ve done since: travel done thoughtfully, rooted in respect—for people, place, and culture.
“From the very beginning, I believed that tourism—if done properly—had the power to give back. Not just to preserve a place, but to uplift the people who make it what it is.”
Long before sustainability became a buzzword, it was embedded in the way we worked. What we do is simple: we build relationships and we stay. That’s where sustainability begins.
Building Trust, Not Just Itineraries
In the early days of Aracari, we sought out people and places that weren’t yet part of the tourism landscape—communities tucked into the Andes, artisans working without markets, local guides with deep knowledge but no platform. These weren’t polished experiences built for visitors. They were real lives.
We didn’t just pass through—we included them in our journeys, thoughtfully and respectfully. We returned year after year. And slowly, trust grew.
“We went back to these rural communities, year after year. People saw we were serious. That’s what builds credibility.”
And the results of those long-term relationships are deeply human.
“What gives me the most satisfaction is seeing how some of our partners’ children go to university, speak perfect English, and have futures their parents couldn’t imagine. That’s what tourism can do when it’s done right.”
One of our longest-standing partnerships is with the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco. What began as a fragile initiative is now a thriving network of over 700 artisans.
“Our guests recognised the value of the work. They understood it wasn’t just a textile—it was heritage, time, and skill. Buying a piece wasn’t just a transaction, it was a way of helping preserve a tradition that was struggling to survive. We helped create a market for that.”
The Reality of Responsible Travel
Not everything good-hearted works.
“In the very beginning, I helped set up a medicine cabinet in a remote community. We thought: simple supplies, donated by guests, could make a real difference. But there wasn’t the right infrastructure. People started selling the medicine. Eventually, the cabinet just disappeared.”
“I thought good intentions were enough. But I learned quickly—you need the right people, on the ground, who truly care. Otherwise, it doesn’t last.”
This early misstep taught us something important: sustainable change isn’t about romantic gestures. It requires logistics. It needs structure. And it must be built with those who live in the places we travel—not imposed from outside.
Why Local Always Matters
We’ve always worked with local guides, artisans, entrepreneurs, and hosts—not because it ticks a box, but because it leads to better experiences.
“There’s something special about staying in a place that’s run by its owner. It’s a different kind of welcome. It’s more human.”
We favor properties with deep roots. From a family-run lodge in the Sacred Valley to a Peruvian-owned Amazon riverboat, we seek out places where pride and place are inseparable. Along the way, we also learned that not everyone shares the same values.
“A woman who ran a folk art shop in Lima once told me, ‘You’re the first company that hasn’t asked for a commission.’ I was shocked—that anyone would ask for a cut from someone helping sustain jungle artisans. That’s not how we work.”
That integrity is part of why Aracari has become a trusted name among Peru’s creative and cultural circles.
Travel That Doesn’t Follow the Script
We are small by design. We operate as curators and connectors—people who know this region intimately and share it selectively.
“Staying small means we can choose our partners carefully, without being pushed by volume or profit. It also means our guides have real agency.”
Agency makes all the difference.
“A lot of big companies would tell guides: stick to the script. We tell ours: if it feels meaningful—do it. That’s when magic happens.”
If a guide spots a village festival along the way and senses a guest’s interest, they stop. No script. No permission needed. These are the moments our travelers remember—not because they were on the itinerary, but because they were real.
A Different Kind of Luxury
For us, luxury means depth, comfort, and a sense of emotional connection.
“I’ve always believed that true luxury is time. Space. Silence. Being moved by a place, not just entertained by it.”
It might mean visiting a weaver’s home instead of a showroom. Or skipping a pisco sour lesson at 12,000 feet because it doesn’t belong there.
“It’s not that Peru isn’t famous for food—it is. But not every place needs a cooking class. We prefer moments that make sense, that feel anchored in where you are.”
We’re drawn to what feels authentic to a place—not what’s been shaped to meet expectations.
Purpose Attracts the Right People
Aracari may have started with one person’s vision, but today it’s a collective of guides, designers, and partners—many of whom have been with us for decades.
“We don’t run through a checklist in interviews. The right people just find us. Because they see what we’re doing, and they want to be part of it.”
“You can’t script this kind of work. The right people stay because they care—and because it matters.”
What matters to us is clear in how we work, and who we choose to work with.
Looking Forward, With Intent
We’ve learned that sustainability isn’t a performance—it’s a presence. One that’s felt, not flaunted.
We believe travel can be a force for good when it’s rooted in respect, and guided by people who live what they speak.
That ethos shows up in the smallest details—from the reusable bottles we give to guests, which support the non-profit Peruanos Sin Agua, to welcome bags handmade by women in rural communities through a local cooperative. We also contribute to Valle Sagrado Verde, helping to reforest the Sacred Valley for every traveler who journeys with us.
But traveling better isn’t just about supporting the right initiatives—it’s about slowing down, asking the right questions, and choosing to connect with the places and people you meet along the way.
“Want to travel better? Take your time. Ask questions. Let the place unfold. And always work with people who live it—not just sell it.”
That’s what sustainable travel looks like to us.
That’s Aracari.
