Caral and Cajamarca: Highlights of the North Northern Peru is an Aracari must and Nigel Richardson shares his insights on why now's the time to visit the wondrous Pre-Inca archeological site of Caral as well as the Northern Peru's colonial gem called Cajamarca. Take a look at what he had to say in the UK's Daily Telegraph Peru: A history lost in the ruins Done Machu Picchu? There's more to Peru's ancient past, Nigel Richardson discovers in Caral and Cajamarca About Caral Journalist Nigel Richardson writes: ''As the 21st century dawned, Caral took centre-stage. In 2000, carbon dating of a bag woven from plant fibres proved that the 163-acre site had been built between 3000 and 2100BC, making it the oldest civilisation on the continent of the Americas and contemporaneous with the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. At a stroke, Caral was rocketed into the archaeological superleague''. About Cajamarca The quaint colonial city of Cajamarca sits in a lush valley dotted with eucalyptus groves and roving cattle. Rivaled only by Cusco in Andean charm, Cajamarca is the cultural and commercial center of the Peruvian highlands. The city is renowned for its rich cheeses and dairy products, and its mild, dry and sunny weather makes it pleasant to visit throughout the year. Nevertheless, this little-known destination is almost untouched by tourists. Cajamarca is a reminder of Peru's riches and is just one of an almost immeasurable number of opportunities to explore beyond the traditional tourist destinations. Cajamarca is best known as the place where the Inca Empire began its end. In 1532, Atahualpa, the final sovereign ruler of the Inca Empire, was en route to Cusco to claim his throne after defeating his brother, Huáscar, in battle. When he stopped in Cajamarca, conquistador Francisco Pizarro was waiting with 168 soldiers, who had
Caral and Cajamarca: Highlights of the North Northern Peru is an Aracari must and Nigel Richardson shares his insights on why now’s the time to visit the wondrous Pre-Inca archeological site of Caral as well as the Northern Peru’s colonial gem called Cajamarca. Take a look at what he had to…
We could not consider our tours of Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos to be of the highest calibre and authenticity without basing our operations in responsible and sustainable practices. We are devoted to promoting ethical travel in Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos, that is respectful of the environment and cultures that our guests encounter during their journeys with Aracari. In the video below you will see one of our activities at giving back to the community, to the kids of Patakancha. In the following video you will see the sons & daughters of our trek porters, receiving gifts as part of the several projects we support in the communities we work in. They live in a town called Patakancha, nestled in the hills above Ollantaytambo, easy to get to in one of our authentic treks. Read more about Aracari's approach to ethical travel here. There are numerous projects, organisations and communities with which we have been involved over the years (listed below), and we are always investigating new projects and worthwhile causes to support. If you know of any projects in Peru or in the other countries where we operate that you think would be suitable, please let us know at travel@aracari.com or contact us.
We could not consider our tours of Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos to be of the highest calibre and authenticity without basing our operations in responsible and sustainable practices. We are devoted to promoting ethical travel in Peru, Bolivia and Galapagos, that is respectful of the environment and cultures that our guests encounter…
Feeling at home, truly at ease in another's country is a difficult emotion to create. You can't just slip into a different culture. So we have done our doing our best to smooth your path by introducing our friends in the city service. In fact this is less of a service and more of a friendly favour. Essentially, we will carefully match one of our Peruvian friends in Lima or Cuzco to you and your companions, and they will unveil the real gems of their city to you over the course of a day, giving you a fascinating insight into its history, society and day-to-day comings and goings. Taking you to visit their favourite vendor in the local market, dropping by the hottest art gallery opening and taking stock in the best coffee shop in town. And these are no ordinary guides. Take one of our friends, Charo LeAmezaga. Educated in the US, Charo spent many years working in Madrid and New York before returning to Peru more than a decade ago. Her life is full of colour, project managing sustainable development programmes, such as a dry forest reforestation project with the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew in London (see previous story) while working with local artisans to develop their creativity. For example, fusing modern fashion accessory design with traditional glass bead, loom and knitting techniques. She has even extended her creativity to develop special packaging and pillow gifts for Aracari, and is famous for her condiments and jams. Charo sees her new role as a wonderful opportunity to broaden all horizons. On one level we will share a similar international outlook, but I look forward to opening their eyes to all Lima has to offer, while I look forward to learning from their outside perspective. Our friend in Cuzco, Rosi
Feeling at home, truly at ease in another’s country is a difficult emotion to create. You can’t just slip into a different culture. So we have done our doing our best to smooth your path by introducing our friends in the city service. In fact this is less of a…
There aren't many places in the world where the word unique is an understatement, but it barely does justice to the 35 volcanic islands (and counting) that constitute the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands set 1000km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. With 43% of the wildlife species endemic to the Islands, this UNESCO world heritage site is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and I was lucky enough to spend two weeks investigating the latest cruises, hotels and opportunities on offer earlier this year. Before I give you my top tips, it's worth saying that a visit to the Galapagos is, in my opinion, not to be missed. This is an opportunity to witness what the rest of the world looked like hundred of thousands of years ago a chain of living volcanoes emerging from an underwater platform, where three key oceanic currents meet creating an environment teeming with life. This is a place of extremes where frequently shifting climates can literally decimate animal populations and evolve species rapidly. Tailoring your trip is a must. You could base yourselves on one of the main islands of Isabela or Santa Cruz while we arrange personal motor boat visits to some of the 64 stopping points, or there are also some wonderful cruises in boats of varying sizes on offer. To cruise you need at least four days and there are various themed tours available including diving, naturalist and family focused trips and celebration departures this year on the large boat, the Eclipse. Or you could do both, and perhaps combine with a visit to Peru or Ecuador. In this special year, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the exponent of the theory of evolution, celebrations brought Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall to the Galapagos
There aren’t many places in the world where the word unique is an understatement, but it barely does justice to the 35 volcanic islands (and counting) that constitute the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands set 1000km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. With 43% of the wildlife species endemic to…
Huge swathes of rainforest cover almost two-thirds of Peru. The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest and can be visited either with a luxury Amazon cruise accessed from Iquitos i the north, or basing yourrself in a jungle lodge in Tambopata reserve, accessed from Puerto Maldonado in the south of the country. Luxury Amazon Cruises & Lodges: How to Choose If you're a luxury seeker looking for five-star service and comforts, we recommend you opt for a luxury Amazon cruise. If you're looking for more of an adventure and wildlife-spotting is the main motivation for traveling to the Amazon, we recommend the more remote lodges of Tambopata Research Centre and Refugio Amazonas where the compromise on traditional comforts is compensated by the authenticiy of the experience. Looking for a genuine taste of the Amazon without travelling as far or conceding too much comfort, then Inkaterra's two lodges - Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion - strike the perfect balance. Luxury Amazon Cruises The best luxury Amazon cruises are run by Delfin Amazon Cruises and Aqua Expeditions: Delfin I, Delfin II, Delfin III and the Aqua Expedition’s Aria Amazon. Luxury amazon cruises all depart from Iquitos, a short domestic flight from the captial, Lima. They have fixed departures, but can also be privately chartered for groups and special occasions. These luxury cruises explore the pristine Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. I was lucky enough to experience Delfin's top-notch service and jungle experience first-hand on the maiden voyage of Delfin I back in April 2009. It takes every aspect of river cruising to new heights, from its 280-thread Peruvian cotton sheets, to the finish of its 14 large air-conditioned guest suites and the delicious scope of the gourmet cuisine. Whilst blending in with the awe-inspiring surroundings, the lakes and lagoons of El Bosque de los Espejos, what really sets these cruises apart is their location. Home
Huge swathes of rainforest cover almost two-thirds of Peru. The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and can be visited either with a luxury Amazon cruise accessed from Iquitos i the north, or basing yourrself in a jungle lodge in Tambopata reserve, accessed from Puerto Maldonado in the south of the country….
Named after the shape of giant tortoise shells, the Galapágos Islands are a treasure trove of marine and animal life some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. A trip to this remarkable archipelago of 35 volcanic islands is a truly unforgettable experience, a real, close encounter with extraordinary creatures that have no fear of man. Check out our video below feeding tortoises in the Galapagos Isands. These tortoises are fed once or twice a week at the criadero de tortugas on the island of Isabela. Aracari offers private, tailormade tours to the Galapagos using luxury cruises, lodges for land-based expeditions or a combination of the two. Take a look at our example itinerary, History & Evolution, here.
Named after the shape of giant tortoise shells, the Galapágos Islands are a treasure trove of marine and animal life some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. A trip to this remarkable archipelago of 35 volcanic islands is a truly unforgettable experience, a real, close encounter…
