In honor of International Women’s Day, Aracari is celebrating women who dedicate their lives to leading responsible businesses connected to tourism in Perú. Here, you’ll meet Cristina Gallo of Kichic.
Cristina Gallo is the founder of Kichic, a boutique hotel in Mancora, along Perú’s northern coast. Kichic is an oasis of palm trees with 9 rooms: four spacious suites with private pools, two superior rooms, and three standard rooms.
Cristina, originally from Lima, holds Mancora in a special place in her heart. She raised her five children in the town, and after leaving to spend several years overseas and in Lima, she’s now back to stay. Cristina and her children and grandchildren love spending time at Kichic together. Alongside Cristina is her cousin Rocio Gallo, who also lives in the property, makes sure every detail is covered and meets each one of the guests. They are a powerful duo: “Kichic would not be what it is without Rocio” says Cristina.
Food is an important aspect of Kichic, with a vegetarian kitchen and a seafood bar inspiring a healthy and creative experience. The hotel provides a gorgeous yoga space surrounded by neem trees, and offers daily classes and special programs.
Sustainability Is Key At Kichic
Every inch of Kichic has been built with respect and care for the surrounding environment. “I studied traditional building methods, the use of branches and leaves and other natural materials to create a space in harmony with the environment,” Cristina says. “This untapped area in the north of Perú is now a space for healing and wellbeing, a place where every detail has meaning and depth.” Kichic is created and run by women, a truly feminine space. In fact, they’ve recently embarked on a new project of women weaving inspired by the sea.
“Sustainability is linked to awareness and responsibility, it is a matter of balance between what is taken and returned…I feel we have achieved a great balance,” Cristina says. “Personally, to live in Mancora has meant a lot. I practice yoga every day, I get to observe all the nuances of nature, I use my intuition, I embrace and welcome people from all over the world into my home.”
“For me, luxury means that all your senses are fulfilled. Luxury is waking up by the sea, to enjoy the sunsets, to eat fresh food, to live in the present. Luxury is to live in Mancora.”
Learn more about Kichic here or contact us today to start planning your next trip!