In these socially distant times, there looks set to be a boom in demand for booking private vacation rentals and small boutique accommodation. The trend is driven by many travelers' desperation for some rest and relaxation at the end of 2020, but also an increasing awareness of the need to travel safely. If only you know where to look, Peru offers an array of exclusive villas, beach houses, rainforest lodges, and private condos - in all corners of the country - that provide travelers with that new definition of luxury, which concerns privacy, comfort, and first-class amenities. With this in mind, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the best small hotels and private vacation rentals across Peru and shared with you a little about what to expect. In addition to the private accommodation, many of the smaller hotels listed here, also allow guests to book their entire property, individual floors, or even a wing of the building, for added assurances. This opens the door to safe travel with larger groups of friends and family, often at a superb value. Finally, we should not fail to mention that all our hotel partners are making individual efforts to keep their guests and staff safe by introducing such features as; requiring masks in public areas, the taking of regular temperature checks, pre-booking of common facilities, and installation of sanitizer stations. Anyway without further ado, here is our list of the best small hotels and private vacation rentals in Peru: Best Vacation Rentals In Lima A stately 9-bedroom republican home in the heart of Lima’s bohemian district, Villa Barranco is one of our favorite places to stay in Peru's capital. Few travelers realize that's it's possible to rent this home away from home. Beyond the chic decoration of the property, you'll relish the pacific ocean views
In these socially distant times, there looks set to be a boom in demand for booking private vacation rentals and small boutique accommodation. The trend is driven by many travelers’ desperation for some rest and relaxation at the end of 2020, but also an increasing awareness of the need to…
After 8 months of closure, due to the pandemic, one of the world’s most-visited sites re-opened to tourists last month. Among the first travelers to return to Machu Picchu were several friends of Aracari, who were all too eager to share with us all the details about their experiences. From the new safety protocols that are in place, to the majestic natural beauty of the site that has flourished over the last months. It seems this unique set of circumstances might just have created a window in which to experience the ancient Inca city in such a special way, that it may never repeat itself. "My family makes an annual trip to Machu Picchu every August," says Mariana G., a long-time friend of Aracari, whose husband is an ultra-trail runner and has visited Machu Picchu at least 15 times in recent years. Although their trip this August had to be postponed, the family (including their five-year-old son) made a special effort to fly from Lima to Cusco earlier in November to begin their return to the famous Inca city. "Meeting in Cusco to begin journey our was a very special moment for us all," says Carmen E., who along with 5 of her colleagues also returned to Machu Picchu for the first time in 8 months. Carmen is a travel organizer that Aracari regularly calls on to plan our guest's trips to the Inca city. Everyone was anticipating the journey to Machu Picchu, "you could feel the energy in the air" according to Carmen. "Compared to normal times Cusco was empty," said Mariana. The experience made it extremely pleasurable to stroll through the historic streets of San Blas and Plaza de Armas. The family was staying at the 5-Star Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (a few minutes from Cusco Cathedral). "Without the tourists with all the city's intriguing sites
After 8 months of closure, due to the pandemic, one of the world’s most-visited sites re-opened to tourists last month. Among the first travelers to return to Machu Picchu were several friends of Aracari, who were all too eager to share with us all the details about their experiences. From the new…
Over two decades Aracari has built a reputation for recruiting the highest caliber specialists. The program of events we have designed for this October and November is an extremely rare opportunity to engage with some of the esteemed specialists’ Aracari collaborates with – without the need to travel to Peru, Bolivia or the Galapagos. Below you’ll find details of all the topics our experts will be covering in this series. Each conversation will be hosted online via Zoom, and please note you will need to register for each talk in advance by clicking on the links below. For those with special interests in travel and Peruvian culture, these talks really are not be missed, and we look forward to welcoming you to our series. Events & Dates ROYAL ESTATES OF THE INCAS THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 2020 12:30 LIMA TIME ( 13:30 EDT / 19:30 CEST ) Peter Frost, Archaeologist & National Geographic Expedition Leader. Machu Picchu was the personal property of an emperor, simply the most famous of many spectacular ruined palaces which survive to astound us in the former Inca heartland. These royal estates were enormous, combining multiple political, religious and economic functions – and they were also extraordinary works of landscape art and architecture, built amidst scenic mountain terrain which can still take our breath away. Peter Frost takes a look at some of these places and contemplates their role and meaning in the mighty Inca empire. Peter has been exploring the Amazonian Andes for over 35 years, for which he’s published several notable books. Among other National Geographic Society expeditions, in 2001 and 2002 he led a group into the remote region of Vilcabamba, discovering the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. WATCH NOW THE MAGIC OF QUINOA THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 2020 12:30 LIMA TIME ( 12:30 EST / 18:30 CET )
Over two decades Aracari has built a reputation for recruiting the highest caliber specialists. The program of events we have designed for this October and November is an extremely rare opportunity to engage with some of the esteemed specialists’ Aracari collaborates with – without the need to travel to Peru, Bolivia…
The national dish of Peru is, without doubt, the spicy marinated fish dish that is Ceviche! As diverse as the peoples of Peru, Ceviche can be prepared according to various recipes. No matter which recipe you follow, the common elements will always use a combination of fresh fish, citrus and some spice. Pretty much all the cultures of Peru stake a claim to the invention of Ceviche, whether you believe it goes back to the Pre-Hispanics, the Inca's and their salted fish or the Spanish and their lemons, no one really knows. Despite its complex lineage, the dish is beloved all around Peru. It's important to eat ceviche immediately and always prepare it with the freshest fish possible. The marinade, known as 'leche de tigre' (tiger's milk) among Peruvians, will 'cook' the raw fish as you bring it to the table. If you like, you can use a small spoon to enjoy the marinade juiced the remain after eating the fish. Peruvian's say the tiger's milk has the power to cure a hangover. Below you'll find the ingredients and recipe for the dish, which Aracari's gastronomic advisor Maria Julia Raffo will be demonstrating in a video on Aracari's Instagram channel. We'll be publishing the video at 12 midday CST (Lima Time) on Friday 13th November, so why not stock up on these ingredients, watch our video and prepare yourself a Peruvian treat for the weekend! Ingredients: 1 3/4 Ib (800g) of Fresh Scallops (Alternatively you can use Sea Bass or Flounder fillets) 1 red onion (sliced very thinly) 1/2 teaspoon red ají limo paste 1/2 teaspoon yellow ají limo paste Juice of 16 key limes Salt To serve: 1 boiled ear of corn (cut into rounds), Boiled sweet potato, Lettuce leaves Method: Cut fish into bite-sized pieces and mix together
The national dish of Peru is, without doubt, the spicy marinated fish dish that is Ceviche! As diverse as the peoples of Peru, Ceviche can be prepared according to various recipes. No matter which recipe you follow, the common elements will always use a combination of fresh fish, citrus and…
Pandemic Tales From Peru: Angie Pelosi Whilst international travel remains largely restricted, Aracari is still bringing you inspiring tales of people and culture from Peru, Bolivia, and the Galapagos. Last month, Aracari spoke with Peruvian Chef, Penélope Alzamora, about pandemic initiatives that are supporting those working in Lima’s world-famous gastronomy and hospitality sectors. This month we're talking to another inspiring woman about how the Pandemic has effected people from some of Peru's poorest communities. Specifically, single mothers living in the Lima district of Callao, which until recently was considered too dangerous for tourists to visit. You may recall a story Aracari published back in April about how a project called Callao Monumental, combined tourism and urban art, to help rejuvenate the Callao community. However with less tourism than before it seems new rejuvenation initiatives are required, which is why we decided to get back in touch with our friend Angie Pelosi one of the founders of Callao Monumental. Over the years Angie has frequently gifted her time, in aid of giving Aracari travelers the most authentic experience of Lima's modern and urban arts scene. AT: Angie, tell us what's happened since we last spoke back in April? AP: Sadly, I lost my job, as did 90% of the workers at FUGAZ [the organization that ran the Callao Monumental project]. The project gave local people an outlet for their creativity and opportunity to become creative entrepreneurs. Guided urban art tours and tourism, in general, created income streams for this community, but now the pandemic has put a stop on that and I fear people in the community are becoming less able to take care of themselves. Unemployment has risen and in the worst cases, some people are going hungry. AT: What are you doing now then? How have you adjusted? AP: Alongside a group of volunteers and friends from FUGAZ, I have set up
Pandemic Tales From Peru: Angie Pelosi Whilst international travel remains largely restricted, Aracari is still bringing you inspiring tales of people and culture from Peru, Bolivia, and the Galapagos. Last month, Aracari spoke with Peruvian Chef, Penélope Alzamora, about pandemic initiatives that are supporting those working in Lima’s world-famous gastronomy and hospitality sectors. This…
Causa is a Limeño classic, that’s great to share amongst friends as an appetizer or small individual plate. No food is welcome on a hot summers day than cool mashed potatoes stuffed with fruits of from the sea. Below you'll find the ingredients and recipe for a simplified version of the dish, which Aracari's gastronomic advisor Maria Julia Raffo will be demonstrating in a live Instagram cook-a-long. So why prepare your pantry and join us at 12 midday CST (Lima Time) on Sunday, October 11th to discover how Peruvians cook potatoes. Ingredients: For the Causa: 2 yellow potatoes 1 tbsp ají amarillo paste 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1/2 lb (1/4 kg) fresh white cheese Juice of 1/2 key lime Salt and white pepper 1 can of tunafish 1 avocado For the salsa golf mix (optional): 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup ketchup 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp worcestershire sauce Method: Scrub the potatoes and place them in a saucepan with plenty of salted water. Bring to the boil and cook until tender. Strain the potatoes when warm, but cool enough to handle, peel and mash them by pressing them through the back of a fine-mesh sieve with the back of a spoon. Alternatively use a ricer. Add vegetable oil, ají amarillo paste, lime juice and salt and white pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Lightly oil and line an individual cup mold with plastic wrap. Line the base of the mold with an even layer of the potato mixture, followed by flakes of tuna fish with a spoonful of the Salsa golf mix. (Optionally you can use crayfish instead of tuna). Add another layer of potatoes, followed by a layer of sliced avocado with a sprinkling of salt and dash of lime juice on top. Finish off
Causa is a Limeño classic, that’s great to share amongst friends as an appetizer or small individual plate. No food is welcome on a hot summers day than cool mashed potatoes stuffed with fruits of from the sea. Below you’ll find the ingredients and recipe for a simplified version of…
