The latest insights, reviews and travel stories from locally-based Peru travel agency Aracari, the destination specialists in luxury travel Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos.
There has always been something undeniably magnetic about La Paz—a city perched high in the Bolivian Andes. At 3,650 meters above sea level, the world’s highest capital defines its own kind of destination. There’s a tilting strangeness to it—traditional Andean dress side by side with the buzz of a 21st-century Latin American capital. That contrast has always defined La Paz, a city we’ve explored for over thirty years. But as Marisol and Juanjo discovered on their recent trip, the city’s striking duality now feels more refined. It’s elevated and sophisticated, yet still grounded in its original soul. Once known for its raw charm, La Paz has quietly emerged as a hub of culinary genius, cultural happenings, and boutique hospitality. It's captured international attention too, recently recognized by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the best places to visit in 2025, in part due to its food scene. The city is alive with market traditions, avant-garde chefs, and a newfound culinary confidence that is redefining Bolivian gastronomy. When we first curated journeys here, it attracted the hardiest travelers, willing to brave the city’s dizzying altitude. But now, as Marisol puts it, the city has truly "come of age." Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Access What makes La Paz truly exceptional isn’t just the extraordinary experiences—it's the extraordinary people behind them. This 48-hour guide is more than just things to do. It’s about the brilliant spirits shaping the city from within. That’s the true value of Aracari: our insider network, offering access no AI ever could. Incredible gallerists like the Ugalde family, who open their private collection to those in the know. Culinary visionaries like Marsia Taha, recently crowned Latin America's Best Female Chef 2024. And, of course, Andrea and Dante—our newly-introduced friends in the city—well-traveled locals who already feel like old companions. Then there's
There has always been something undeniably magnetic about La Paz—a city perched high in the Bolivian Andes. At 3,650 meters above sea level, the world’s highest capital defines its own kind of destination. There’s a tilting strangeness to it—traditional Andean dress side by side with the buzz of a 21st-century…
Assembling our hotlist of South America’s most captivating destinations for 2025 is no small undertaking. It’s a labor of love—one that demands countless hours, thousands of miles, and an unwavering commitment to discovery. To recommend a place is to have truly lived it: to have felt the pull of its magic, to have been stirred by its beauty. Only then can we share it with you, confident that it will leave you equally spellbound. So as we step into the year ahead, we invite you to let this list be your compass. A guide to where to go in South America in 2025. Where to go in South America: Ten of the best destinations and experiences for 2025 Our hotlist is an amalgamation of experiences our team has encountered over the past three months—a tightly packed travel window that this year stretched more distance than ever before. From the culinary explosion in La Paz, Bolivia, to newly opened boutique boltholes in Cusco and Arequipa, two cities we have long adored, to the colonial charm of Cuenca in Ecuador, the ethereal expanse of the Salar de Uyuni, a photographer’s paradise; and a pair of ultra-exclusive villas perched on protected islands along Colombia’s turquoise Caribbean coast. It might just be our best hotlist yet. Welcome to the best destinations in South America for 2025—Aracari style. 1. La Paz, Bolivia: A Culinary and Cultural Explosion Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, has quietly risen to prominence in recent years, cementing itself as a top result for where to go in South America in 2025. Perched high in the Andes, this vibrant city is a cultural mosaic where traditional Andean dress mingles seamlessly with a burgeoning food and creative scene. “La Paz offers a trove of exceptional dining experiences,” says Juanjo, Aracari’s Head of Product
Assembling our hotlist of South America’s most captivating destinations for 2025 is no small undertaking. It’s a labor of love—one that demands countless hours, thousands of miles, and an unwavering commitment to discovery. To recommend a place is to have truly lived it: to have felt the pull of its…
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….
