Potential reduction of the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park Tambopata River, photo credit: Rainforest Expeditions In the era of the environmental crusader you may be surprised to read about the threatening predicament faced by the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, a sacred mega-diverse national reserve of lowland Amazonian rainforest and cloudforest in Peru. Set against the background the new Trade Promotion Agreement between the USA and Peru, an agreement Peruvian President Garcia termed 'a new deal' for global trade - a bill was proposed in September to reduce the size of this protected rainforest by an astonishing 209,000 hectares. Why? To give the oil and gas companies (namely Mobil) free reign to start exploration. Understandably, a local and international outcry followed given the move which US Member of Congress Earl Blumenauer deemed as being, "... contrary to the spirit of this 'new deal'," and an "... inappropriate exchange of trade and investment by weakening and reducing the protections afforded in Peru's environmental laws." Happily, the furore has apparently halted the Bill's progress, and even sparked a denial of its very existence by the Vice Minister of Energy, Pedro Gamio! To see this natural phenomenon yourself, you can travel with Aracari to neighbouring Tambopata, a pristine area of Amazonian rainforest and cloudforest, a 25 minute flight from Cuzco. Over the past 20 years, researchers have recorded more species of birds, butterflies and other species than any other area of comparable size in the world. It is also home to the largest macaw claylick in the world, where you can witness the incomparable sight of hundreds of macaws gathering to ingest the minerals that are essential for their diet. Click here to see some rainforest itineraries, or contact us for more information.
Potential reduction of the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park Tambopata River, photo credit: Rainforest Expeditions In the era of the environmental crusader you may be surprised to read about the threatening predicament faced by the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, a sacred mega-diverse national reserve of lowland Amazonian rainforest and cloudforest in Peru. Set…
New York Times September 17, 2007 Yale Officials Agree to Return Peruvian Artifacts By RANDY KENNEDY After a long standoff with the government of Peru, Yale University has agreed to return a large group of artifacts that were excavated at Machu Picchu in a historic dig by a Yale explorer in 1912 and that Peru contends were merely on loan and should have been returned long ago. For several years Yale had argued that it had returned all borrowed objects in the 1920s, retaining only those to which it had full title. Yale proposed dividing possession of the artifacts. But negotiations between the university and the administration of President Alejandro Toledo, who was in power from 2001 until July 2006, broke down, and Peru threatened last year to go to court. On Friday night Yale officials and a Peruvian delegation that traveled to New Haven signed a preliminary agreement that would return title to Peru of more than 350 artifacts — ceramics and metal and stone objects — that are considered to be of museum quality and several thousand fragments, bones and other objects considered to be primarily of interest to researchers. The agreement, which establishes an extensive collaborative relationship between Yale and Peru, provides for an international traveling exhibition. Admission fees will be used to help build a new museum and research center in Cuzco, the city closest to Machu Picchu. The museum, for which Yale will serve as adviser, is expected to be completed in 2010. Some of the research-quality artifacts will remain at Yale, while others will be returned, though legal title to all the items will be held by Peru. Yale will also contribute what one university official called a “significant” amount of money to establish a program of scholarly exchanges that will continue
New York Times September 17, 2007 Yale Officials Agree to Return Peruvian Artifacts By RANDY KENNEDY After a long standoff with the government of Peru, Yale University has agreed to return a large group of artifacts that were excavated at Machu Picchu in a historic dig by a…
Excluding the KLM problems that we have discussed the holiday was a wonderful experience and we will have so many happy memories. The rainforest was terrific and our guide Vico was so helpful and knowledgeable. He always kept us informed with so many explanations of what we saw and his enthusiasm for the environment was infectious. He had a unique ability to judge what we wanted to see and do. A smile was always on his face and he set the tone for our entire holiday. I have to also say that Raul Varela (Aracari in Lima) was brilliant and we owe him and his staff a great big Thank You for all they did throughout our stay. We had full confidence in everything they did.Then we moved on to Cusco and Maria del Carmen Vargas (Aracari) was equally helpful and was always available. She obtained a wonderful guide for our next part of the holiday. Adriel Vilcas was a true 'Andean' and knew so much about the local history and due to his local knowledge and contacts took us to villages and sites that most guides would not have been able to do so. He made the whole area 'come alive'. He was invaluable when sorting out the fiasco of Puno. There the local Aracari representative was only noticeable by her/his entire absence. More of that later. We loved this part of our holiday and Sacred valley came alive because of Adriel's explanations. Machu Picchu was as brilliant and awesome as we had dreamed and all the hotels in this area were everything we could have wanted. The train journey was wonderful and unlike British Rail it was clean and on time! Then we moved to Puno. The hotel said we were not booked in that night and were
Excluding the KLM problems that we have discussed the holiday was a wonderful experience and we will have so many happy memories. The rainforest was terrific and our guide Vico was so helpful and knowledgeable. He always kept us informed with so many explanations of what we saw and his…
Trip with Aracari - testimonial First of all Joyce and I want to say thank you. All the fine staff of Aracari that we met did an excellent job of caring for us and ensuring that every day of our trip to Peru was a wonderful happy adventure. The itinerary that was designed, achieved a good balance of activity and relaxation. I was able to see all the archeological sites of interest to me. We were able to shop for everything we expected to buy, plus a little more. The hotels were well located , comfortable and accommodating. The meals were great; presentation and preparation was excellent. Drivers, vehicles and guides were first class. Here are our feelings about each segment of our itinerary: 1- Arrival in Lima We were greeted by Raul of client relations. He has great people and communication skills. His understanding of "tourism", the processes of moving clients, and the importance of detail, make him a very valuable member of your team. The confidence and calm he displays is contagious. Every time we were back in Lima, his warm and welcoming smile made us feel like we were home. His dining reccommendations were perfect. Driver and vehicle were always excellent.Colonial city tour - John Alfredo Davis - personable, fun guide with a vast knowledge of history and of course textiles. The lunch at Mrs. Gonzales's home was enjoyable, the conversation equally so. 2- The Iquitos / Ceiba Tops portion Was exactly the correct balance of comfort and adventure we were seeking. The canopy walkway at Napo lodge, the shaman's demonstration (and pet anteater), the Yagua village visit (blowgun challenge), the pink dolfins, and pirhanna fishing were all great experiences. Our very good guide at the lodge, Raul Petite, shared his knowledge of his environment and ensured all transfers were trouble free. 3- Shopping with Susy
Trip with Aracari – testimonial First of all Joyce and I want to say thank you. All the fine staff of Aracari that we met did an excellent job of caring for us and ensuring that every day of our trip to Peru was a wonderful happy adventure. The itinerary that was designed, achieved…
The Spanish Conquistadors did more than defeat the Incas in the 16th Century. They sowed the seeds for the evolution of a unique breed of horse, the Peruvian Paso Horse, which is often referred to today as the ‘smoothest ride in the world'. Here we provide information on this special breed or horse and where to see a Peruvian paso horse demonstration as part of a luxury travel peru tailormade journey. The unique characteristics of the Peruvian Paso Horse At the core of its popularity is the extraordinary natural four beat lateral gait that the Peruvian Paso horse unusually passes through the generations. In layman's terms, the forelegs ‘almost prance', like the horse is always on parade – a graceful, flowing motion called ‘termino'. Bred for luxury and endurance by a select group of prominent Peruvian families for over 450 years, this compact, sturdy horse evolved to ride long distances comfortably, often across savage Andean mountain ranges. Unsurprisingly, the breed developed a congenial nature as with the landowners having little time, the unfortunate individuals with a bad disposition were simply discarded. ‘Brio' is the word most often used to describe the Peruvian Paso horse's nature. Deceptively short as a term, it stands for intelligence, grace, pride, dignity, docility and gentleness. These horses are renowned for their love of people, particularly their owners whom they become extremely attached to. After 450 years of quiet evolution and steadfast service, the Peruvian Paso horse is experiencing something of a boom in worldwide popularity. This is particularly true in the United States where it was introduced a mere thirty years ago. Today it is hailed as the ideal ride for the 21 st Century rider, with demand often outstripping supply of these beautiful creatures. Where to see a Peruvian Paso Horse Demonstration Peruvian Paso
The Spanish Conquistadors did more than defeat the Incas in the 16th Century. They sowed the seeds for the evolution of a unique breed of horse, the Peruvian Paso Horse, which is often referred to today as the ‘smoothest ride in the world’. Here we provide information on this special…
Dr John Hemming is an explorer and writer who ran the Royal Geographical Society for 21 years. In addition to Peru, his passion is Amazonian indigenous peoples. His latest book about them is Die If You Must. Brazilian Indians in the Twentieth Century. Here he shares thoughts and top tips for visiting Cusco with Aracari. Dr. Hemming's Insider Insight: Tips for Visiting Cusco Why Cusco? I first saw Cusco in 1960 and fell hopelessly for this strange city. I have twice lived there for a while, and go back whenever I possibly can. Cusco never forgets that it was the capital of the mighty Inca empire. This means a lot to me, as I have written a history of the Conquest of the Incas and another book on their greatest artistic achievement - architecture. What do you miss most when you are away from Cusco? The altitude and the dignity. Cuzco is at 3310 metres (almost 11,000 feet), and I am addicted to the thrill of stepping out of a plane into that cool, thin climate and deep blue sky. I marvel at the way Cuzqueños keep their calm despite living in one of the world’s great tourist destinations. Everyone is unhurried at that altitude, and the townspeople are always friendly but dignified, as befits the heirs of the Incas. (The altitude should not be a problem, provided that you go easy on both food and drink for two or three days after arrival.) What’s the first thing you do when you return? I walk, slowly of course, around beloved streets. The ancient heart of Cusco is quite small, and there is Inca masonry everywhere. Every ruler built a palace of ashlars cut with dazzling virtuosity and you keep bumping into fragments of their walls. But look at the base of every
Dr John Hemming is an explorer and writer who ran the Royal Geographical Society for 21 years. In addition to Peru, his passion is Amazonian indigenous peoples. His latest book about them is Die If You Must. Brazilian Indians in the Twentieth Century. Here he shares thoughts and top tips for…
