The latest insights, reviews and travel stories from locally-based Peru travel agency Aracari, the destination specialists in luxury travel Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos.
Across thousands of kilometers, amidst the most raw and unyielding wildernesses of this enormous country, you will find some of the best estancias in Argentina —remote retreats that are far more than just places to stay, but rather iconic symbols of Argentine identity. Unique sanctuaries, providing a portal into the past, and at the same time, poignant reminders of traditions still alive today and being preserved for the future. In the bitter-blowing beauty of Patagonia, a warm fire roars indoors, and a steaming tub bubbles under unpolluted skies. In the wide-open Pampas, where gauchos gallop across vast plains flanked by the Andes, dinner awaits. Argentine steaks licked by open flames, paired with award-winning crimson red. In the fertile valleys close to the colonial city of Salta, a sprawling family-owned manor, surrounded by lush gardens, verandas, and peaceful courtyards, beckons you inside after long days exploring the forest. In a country that stretches almost half the continent, from its most southernly icy tip, to the north - close to the border with Bolivia - you'll find those scenes in the most strikingly beautiful lands. Remoteness begets reward of course but brings with it travel times that make a stay at an estancia an essential part of a wider exploration of Argentina rather than a single destination trip. Thankfully, that’s where we come in. Our bespoke adventures span from Buenos Aires to Mendoza to Patagonia – pinpointing some of the best estancias in Argentina – but first, a word on their far-reaching history. The History of Estancias in Argentina The story of Argentina’s estancias is woven into the very fabric of the country’s history, tracing back to the early days of Spanish rule. These vast estates, originally granted to the settlers, stretched across the Pampas and beyond, becoming the backbone of the
Across thousands of kilometers, amidst the most raw and unyielding wildernesses of this enormous country, you will find some of the best estancias in Argentina —remote retreats that are far more than just places to stay, but rather iconic symbols of Argentine identity. Unique sanctuaries, providing a portal into the…
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…
As experts in luxury travel to South America, we’re often asked how to plan a trip to the Amazon. Spanning from Peru to the Atlantic, the colossal rainforest stretches into Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and several other nations, unfurling through a network of national parks and protected areas. Each twist of its serpentine rivers relenting new marvels, from rare wildlife to Indigenous cultures upholding a way of life unchanged for millennia. Planning a trip to the Amazon requires a specific set of criteria due to its vast geography. Hallmarks for an authentic Amazon experience, one which is unencumbered by over-tourism or artifice. For us, that planning process begins with our handpicked directory of partners who operate with unparalleled environmental responsibility in this ultra-delicate ecosystem. Ensuring not only the protection and preservation of the Amazon rainforest but facilitating deeply meaningful and unforgettable experiences for those who have traveled thousands of miles to see the great beauty of the forest. A Labyrinth of Forests: Where is the Amazon in South America? Before diving into trip planning, let’s explore the Amazon’s diverse regions. In Peru, Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a rich tapestry of wildlife and cultures amidst its intricate river network and vibrant canopy. Tambopata National Reserve also entices with lush landscapes and vibrant macaw clay licks. In Bolivia, Madidi National Park, entices visitors with its expansive 1.9 million hectares, showcasing a range of habitats from cloud forests to lowland rainforests, home to jaguars, pumas, and over 1,000 bird species, adding another layer of diversity to the Amazon. In Colombia, the largely untouched Amacayacu National Park shelters elusive jaguars and pink river dolphins, with Leticia serving as the gateway for river cruises and forest hikes. Then Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve offer exceptional biodiversity, including giant
As experts in luxury travel to South America, we’re often asked how to plan a trip to the Amazon. Spanning from Peru to the Atlantic, the colossal rainforest stretches into Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and several other nations, unfurling through a network of national parks and protected areas. Each twist of…
As summer rolls into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, a precious window of opportunity to travel to South America during the fall arises. While September might mark the beginning of the end of summer in cities like New York, London, and Stockholm, in South America, quite the opposite is happening. Travel to South America during fall: why go now? Sandwiched between summer and the holidays that charge November and December, fall is without doubt one of the best periods to explore parts of South America. Not only are the conditions favorable – fewer crowds, comfortable heat, more locals – but there’s also a handful of experiences that only take place during place during this window. Where to go in South America during the Fall? To really magnify the beauty of travel to South America during the fall the fall you need specifics. There is no doubt unfettered joy in spending the week in a city like Lima but better still, why not go looking for something niche and nuanced? Whether it’s the hike on a private glacier in Patagonia, a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Mendoza, or a stay on the far-flung ancient Easter Island, with Aracari as your guide we can pinpoint unforgettable experiences that are best explored through travel to South America during the fall. Five of our favorite destinations in South America from September - December So, come with us as we earmark five of the best destinations in South America to visit in the Fall. 1. Iguazu Falls, Argentina: Experience the world’s largest thundering falls between September & October Spanning a 1.7-mile-wide cliff edge—wider than the Niagara and Victoria Falls—the Iguazu Falls are claimed by three different countries that border the falls: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. As far as size
As summer rolls into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, a precious window of opportunity to travel to South America during the fall arises. While September might mark the beginning of the end of summer in cities like New York, London, and Stockholm, in South America, quite the opposite is happening….
Luxury travel Patagonia: for the modern explorer Famed for being one of Earth’s last wildernesses, Patagonia has provided the breathtaking backdrop to many an adventure series. A colossal expanse in southern South America, Patagonia stretches from Pacific Ocean to Atlantic coast, its boundaries seeping into both Chile and Argentina. With its magnitude comes lakes of piercing blue, soaring glaciers, and vast grasslands as raw and rugged as they are sublime and beautiful. What is luxury travel to Patagonia? Travel to Patagonia has only been possible in the last two decades, and luxury travel to Patagonia is even more recent. Yet the definition of luxury here bends to fit the immenseness of the setting. It isn’t always convenient. It isn’t long hours of poolside dwelling or days spent in slippers. Luxury travel to Patagonia is found in the places that unapologetically celebrate the magnificence of their setting. Hotels and lodgings that take a room with a view to a whole new meaning, one beyond your wildest imagination. Longtime partners of Aracari Travel who employ real working gauchos and wildlife researchers to lead guests through the most untouched parts of Patagonia – where few footsteps have trodden. That’s not to say a stay here is without comfort. There are celestial spas, fine dining, and incredibly high-end suites. But the luxuriousness is in the experience. To go somewhere as far away from modern civilization as it looks. Our experience with luxury travel to Patagonia Ever keen to experience a trip for ourselves before recommending it to our clients, Aracari Travel founder headed for her own luxury travel to Patagonia in April 2024. Marisol’s route would zigzag through national parks for two weeks, crossing into the region in both Chile and Argentina. It's an adventure that left a lasting impression. “The beauty of this
Luxury travel Patagonia: for the modern explorer Famed for being one of Earth’s last wildernesses, Patagonia has provided the breathtaking backdrop to many an adventure series. A colossal expanse in southern South America, Patagonia stretches from Pacific Ocean to Atlantic coast, its boundaries seeping into both Chile and Argentina. With…
As a budding new travel trend, group trips to South America are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last year, we’ve seen a steady climb in those choosing to visit our region as a group of more than four. A shift that shows group trips to South America becoming a means of spending time together with people outside of our immediate familial circle. Providing the grounds to reconnect in a different environment, enjoying shared moments that foster togetherness and build bonds that activate core memories, perhaps with people we aren’t often afforded the luxury of spending more than a day with. Group Trips to South America with Aracari Travel At Aracari Travel, group trips to South America are about far more than plane tickets and hotel suites. Every one of our bespoke vacations is delivered in detail for individual travelers. And that’s what makes this growing travel trend really exciting for us. Within our portfolio of remarkable experiences, there are a handful that are even more special when enjoyed as a group. Whether that’s because you can make them entirely private – such as chartering your own cruise down the Amazon River – or because they take place in a scenery so sublime, that the involuntary effect is a feeling of humble appreciation, a gratefulness to find yourself in that very spot with those you love. Travel for the purpose of connection. As luck would have it, we also have some exclusive intel. You may remember our friend Mirjam Peternek-McCartney who has spent the last seven months in South America on a family sabbatical. As has been the case throughout Mirjam’s journey, we have kept in touch – sharing mutual travel tips and tricks as she zigzags through our region. Given a sabbatical is perhaps the ultimate of group trips to
As a budding new travel trend, group trips to South America are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last year, we’ve seen a steady climb in those choosing to visit our region as a group of more than four. A shift that shows group trips to South America becoming a means…
