Callao, a colorful district on the north-western edge of Lima, is quickly gaining a reputation as the center for urban art in Peru. Where else in the world is there a wait list to graffiti the streets. Local youths and some of South America’s leading street artists alike are all pining for the opportunity of a lifetime, to make their mark on this barrio’s historic streets. Callao was once the chief seaport in all South America. For centuries all goods transported to Spain and Europe were required to travel through its’ docks. The neighborhoods’ elegant colonial architecture reflects the immense wealth that was created during this time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to last. After the port’s monopoly collapsed, the people of this community quickly fell into impoverishment and disregard by society. Until just four years ago Callao was considered; a ’red zone’, deprived, deadly and with a crime ridden reputation, too dangerous for tourists to stroll. However, upon the walls of the neglected shopping arcades, townhouses and civic centers were the seeds of rejuvenation, empty canvases for expression for grassroots graffiti and urban artists. How Urban Art Leads To Urban Revival At the heart of this recent urban revival has been an initiative called ‘Callao Monumental’, which was set up by a friend of Aracari, called Angie Pelosi. She is a local activist, who has become a highly regarded figure across Lima. Supported by a private organization called ‘Fugaz’ (meaning ‘Fleeting’ in English), her work has consisted of reviving a five block area of Callao through the creation of workshops, exhibition and artistic spaces for local people to work, learn, bond and express themselves through art. This started with the transformation of the famous Ronald Building in central Callao. The imposing colonial style building was converted into a home for Callao
Callao, a colorful district on the north-western edge of Lima, is quickly gaining a reputation as the center for urban art in Peru. Where else in the world is there a wait list to graffiti the streets. Local youths and some of South America’s leading street artists alike are all…
Here is an update from Jonathan Stack, the documentarian who is working on the campaign to stop the building of Chinchero airport, which we are supporting with the help of many friends and clients. Jonathan was caught in the lockdown in Cusco and is still there... Despite being separated from his own family back in New York, he is fully committed to this vital work and his experience invites us to reflect on the events we are all experiencing right now. A message from Jonathan Stack First off, I know these are scary times on planet earth, so we pray you and your loved ones are healthy and in a place of safety during the pandemic. It has been an intense few weeks here in Cusco as well, but fortunately, with press credentials and the kind support of a few very generous and brave individuals, we have been able to arrange nearly a dozen interviews, visit Chinchero and film possible alternative sites for the airport. Of course, we realize that the timing for the project might seem misguided. There is enormous suffering everywhere and an airport in Cusco, is not anyone’s first concern. I myself, with family back home in NYC (though my parents, my daughter, my son and sister are safely removed from the madness) have felt mixed emotions, yet I remain resolute that a story to stop the destruction of one of the world’s most magnificent places, one steeped in sacredness, has everything to do with the inherent imbalance of human civilization. Do we believe there is no limit to development and that we don´t pay a price for the destruction? Do we think increasing the population of the planet from 2 billion people to nearly 8 billion in less than 100 years comes with no price? Or
Here is an update from Jonathan Stack, the documentarian who is working on the campaign to stop the building of Chinchero airport, which we are supporting with the help of many friends and clients. Jonathan was caught in the lockdown in Cusco and is still there… Despite being separated from…
An Exploration of the Sacred Valley: Our Team’s Experiences in Cusco The Aracari team is always on the lookout for unique experiences to offer our guests. Just before the lockdown, our team visited Cusco and Sacred Valley in search of unique experiences for our guests. They returned with many ideas for exciting excursions combining art, learning and giving back. Today we’re sharing five stories from our team of travel designers, all of whom experienced fun and exciting adventures in Cusco which we have no doubt will be a hit among our guests. Traditional Andean Weaving Blanca, Aracari’s community manager, and a weaver herself, was the chosen one to explore several weaving communities in the Cusco region. “I enjoyed the experience so much that it’s hard to put it in words. The affection with which we were greeted by the community was incredible. As soon as we arrived, we were generously offered fresh muña tea to stave off altitude sickness. At first they were hesitant to let me weave my own piece. Once they realized that I knew how to weave on a backstrap loom, a very special bond was created. We just became comrades. There was no language barrier. No Quechua or Spanish, just one universal language: weaving. We also had the chance to experience the process of natural dyeing. Once the wool is spun, it is washed and dyed with natural products. We got to experience some of the generations of botanical knowledge. They use stems, roots, plants and flowers to achieve the vibrant colors that are so characteristic of the region.” Magical Realism in the Andes - the Bulls of Pucara In Cusco, Monica learned all about the Bulls of Pucara and tried her hand at decorating her own. “The ceramic Pucara bulls are symbols of happiness,
An Exploration of the Sacred Valley: Our Team’s Experiences in Cusco The Aracari team is always on the lookout for unique experiences to offer our guests. Just before the lockdown, our team visited Cusco and Sacred Valley in search of unique experiences for our guests. They returned with many ideas…
Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world; biologically, culturally and gastronomically. Peruvian cuisine is vast, exciting and distinctive, and there is something new to discover in every region. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure like no other, Peru is the place for you. Whistle-stop tour of Peruvian cuisine In today’s blog post we’re taking a whistle-stop tour of Peruvian cuisine. Discover Peru Through Food starting with... Lima Lima is often considered the jewel in Peru’s culinary crown. It is home to some of the best Peruvian restaurants run by the most innovative chefs in the world, but there’s also a fantastic street food scene and myriad cafes and dining halls to visit. The culinary style of Lima is known as criollo; a fusion of indigenous Peruvian, Spanish and African cuisine. Fusion is the key word in Lima, with Japanese, Cantonese and European food also receiving a Peruvian twist. You absolutely must try ceviche when in Lima - whether from a stall in the fish market or served in an elegant restaurant. Other essential dishes include causa limeña (a layered dish of mashed potatoes, vegetables and chicken or fish), anticuchos (grilled beef heart) and aji de gallina. Cusco & The Highlands In Cusco and the highlands of Peru, meals are deeply rooted in history and tradition. In this cooler climate, warming and hearty soups and stews such as llunca cashqui and chairo are especially popular. The most iconic dish in this region is pachamanca. Pachamanca is a mix of meat, vegetables and spices cooked in an earthen oven. The preparation and cooking of this traditional dish is a communal affair, with entire families involved in the process. The best thing about the highlands is the sheer diversity of produce available. There are copious varieties of potato,
Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world; biologically, culturally and gastronomically. Peruvian cuisine is vast, exciting and distinctive, and there is something new to discover in every region. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure like no other, Peru is the place for you. Whistle-stop…
For more than 20 years, our ethos of conscious travel has been at the heart of everything we do. Our goal has always been to protect the communities and delicate ecosystems we bring travelers to. We always look for ways we can further our sustainability practices. That’s why, starting January 1st 2020, we have removed single-use plastic bottles or bags (SUP) from our operations in Peru and Bolivia. To aid in this, we now provide all guests with a reusable water bottle on arrival. We are asking travelers to join our mission to protect Mother Earth and reduce the single use of plastic by taking their bottle everywhere. The bottle we provide keeps beverages warm for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. In addition, funds from our purchase of the bottles help a local NGO, Peruanos Sin Agua (Peruvians without Water) provide fresh water for 200 families living on the outskirts of Lima. We also partner with hotels who share our ethos. One of our hotel partner explains: “Since 2014 we have saved approximately 112,000 plastic bottles because we do not use them in our hotels. Instead we provide water filters by the extraordinary ceramicist Sonia Lawns or glass bottles with reverse osmosis water in all rooms. This water is available to our guests 24 hours a day, and allows them to fill their canteens and bottles before they go on excursions.” Tap Water In Peru It’s very important to remember that the tap water in Peru is not safe for human consumption. Don’t worry – there are several ways around this! Consider the following tips before you travel: 1) Fill your reusable water bottle up at hotels, cafes and restaurants. Most hotels provide water refill stations in their lobbies. If your hotel doesn’t have such a station, simply
For more than 20 years, our ethos of conscious travel has been at the heart of everything we do. Our goal has always been to protect the communities and delicate ecosystems we bring travelers to. We always look for ways we can further our sustainability practices. That’s why, starting January…
Happy International Women’s Day! We would like to introduce you to these eight inspiring women. Each of them does exceptional work preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Peru and Bolivia and we are proud to collaborate with them. In these times of globalization, their work protecting the the environment, architectural heritage and arts and crafts of our region carry particular importance. During the next few months we will be featuring a story about each of them individually and highlighting their work. We hope you enjoy meeting them! Nilda Callanaupa / Master Weaver, Chinchero, Peru Nilda Callanaupa’s story began as a young woman in Chinchero, learning to spin and weave with her friends. She recognized there was a rich history behind the art of her people, but could see that this was slowly being lost. She went on to found the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (Centre for Traditional Textiles of Cusco), and become an award-winning author, international speaker and expert in Cusqueñan textiles. Thanks to her work, this traditional art form has been preserved. We always visit her workshop in Chinchero when we explore this lovely village, church and ruins during our visits of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Ana Maria Cogorno /Researcher, Nasca Lines, Peru Ana Maria Cogorno spent nearly two decades studying the Nazca lines with Maria Reiche, whose research helped the lines become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A charismatic speaker, she is particularly erudite in the Nazca and Paracas cultures, and as a result of her time with Maria Reiche, is the best source in Peru of information about the history and significance of the Nazca lines. Ana Maria is Aracari's specialist for the Nasca culture. She lives in Lima and is available to discuss the history of these enigmatic lines
Happy International Women’s Day! We would like to introduce you to these eight inspiring women. Each of them does exceptional work preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Peru and Bolivia and we are proud to collaborate with them. In these times of globalization, their work protecting the the environment,…
