Stories: Adventures in South America

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.

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