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,…
From pre-Columbian gold riches to the erotic pottery of the Moche, Lima is home to many of Peru’s most sacred artifacts and artworks. Lima’s museums are a treasure trove of history awaiting to be discovered. Our recommended list of museums to visit in Peru highlight some of the most popular museums to explore and the exhibitions you won’t want to miss. Top 7 Museums to visit in Lima, the most popular museums to explore 1. MALI – Museum of Art Lima Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9am - 10pm. Closed Monday 3,500 years of Peruvian artworks, pre-Columbian artifacts and colonial furniture are housed in one of the largest museum buildings in Lima. The ‘Palace of the Exhibition’ building was designed by the Eiffel Company in 1872 and is home to 17,000 permanent works of indigenous art, textiles, pottery, silverware and contemporary art pieces. Temporary exhibitions on the first floor highlight intriguing local and international exhibitions. With so much to explore, we recommend planning to spend a few hours here. Paseo Colón 125, Downtown Tel. +51 (1) 204-0000 www.mali.pe 2. MUSEO AMANO Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-5pm (Monday by appointment only). The Amano museum in Lima boasts a remarkable collection of Pre-Columbian lace and textile arts. History lovers can take a walk-through Peru’s rich textile past, viewing pieces from the Chavín, Nasca, Chimú, Chancay, and Inca cultures. For a truly immersive experience, Aracari can arrange for guests to visit the museum’s archives. Here, cabinets can be opened, and guests can get up close and personal with textiles developed by the Chancay culture. Calle Retiro 160, Miraflores Tel. +51 (1) 441-2909 www.eng.museoamano.org 3. MUSEO LARCO Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9am - 10pm Wander through a viceregal hacienda, a beautiful 18th century white-washed building, which is now home to the largest
From pre-Columbian gold riches to the erotic pottery of the Moche, Lima is home to many of Peru’s most sacred artifacts and artworks. Lima’s museums are a treasure trove of history awaiting to be discovered. Our recommended list of museums to visit in Peru highlight some of the most popular…
Wherever you are traveling in the world – markets are among the best itinerary stops to experience the authentic sights, sounds, aroma’s and tastes of local culture. Peru’s markets are no exception. Our list of the best markets in Peru will ensure you don’t miss out on an incredible glimpse of everyday Peruvian life. The following markets are organized by region as per our downloadable guide to food in Peru, which contains a complete list of the best markets to visit in Peru. Markets in Lima Mercado Surquillo N°1 , Lima A short distance from Kennedy Park is one of the best food markets in Lima. A true feast for the senses – meat, fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices (including medicinal plants) from across Peru are traded here. Fresh Ceviche, fried fish and rice dishes sold from the market stalls, at a very affordable price, attract visitors to the Mercado Surquillo N°1 from far and wide. Markets in Arequipa San Camilo Market, Arequipa There are few words to describe the scale of the San Camilo Market. Covering several blocks in the center of Arequipa, the market’s spectacular roof was engineered 130 years ago by Gustave Eiffel. The covered outdoor market feels more like a temple to the produce of Peru, than a spot where Arequipa residents purchase daily supplies like fresh fruit, potatoes, beans, breads, cheeses, jams and delicacies including the giant guinea pig. Markets in Cusco & The Sacred Valley Urubamba market, Sacred Valley. If you’re looking to visit an authentic Peruvian farmers market, then look no further than the Urubamba market. Farmers sell locally grown produce here throughout the week, but this off-the-tourist-trail market really comes alive on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On these days travelling vendors peddle rare and unusual (edible and medicinal) commodities from across
Wherever you are traveling in the world – markets are among the best itinerary stops to experience the authentic sights, sounds, aroma’s and tastes of local culture. Peru’s markets are no exception. Our list of the best markets in Peru will ensure you don’t miss out on an incredible glimpse…
Finding action and adventure is easy when you’re in Peru. From horseback riding to cycling, mountain trekking to surfing; there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In fact, there are so many adrenaline-pumping activities to experience; we couldn’t possibly include them all in one blog post. So here’s part one in a new series covering the best active experiences in Peru. If you love cycling, trekking and surfing, read on! The best active experiences in Peru Cycling through the Sacred Valley An 8-hour cycle tour is the perfect way to see the Sacred Valley. Equipped with mountain bikes and all the safety gear you’ll need, take in the majestic views of the Andes as you cycle through fields and villages. This guide-led tour can be completely customized to your level of fitness and even adapted on the day. Feeling especially fit? You can ride all the way to Urubamba if you wish! A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this activity. It is suitable for all ages and all cycling equipment is provided. A picnic lunch in a peaceful location is included at the halfway point to fuel you for the rest of the ride. Riding the Rapids at Chuquicahuana Whitewater rafting is one of those heart-thumping activities you will never forget. This 8-hour excursion takes you from Cusco to Chuquicahauna where you’ll spend two hours on the river. The river flows gently initially and this is where you’ll practice your maneuvers, but soon the real fun begins on the rapids in a beautiful canyon. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to take in the views; a full picnic lunch is provided when you’re back on land, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery. Little experience is needed to enjoy this thrilling adventure and you’ll be thoroughly
Finding action and adventure is easy when you’re in Peru. From horseback riding to cycling, mountain trekking to surfing; there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In fact, there are so many adrenaline-pumping activities to experience; we couldn’t possibly include them all in one blog post. So here’s part one in…
We couldn’t wait to share the news: Marisol Mosquera, Aracari's CEO and Founder, has been named to Wendy Perrin’s 2020 WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts, the prestigious annual list curated by travel expert Wendy Perrin. "A native Peruvian, Marisol chucked a career in the financial world to become a pioneer in experiential travel to Peru and Bolivia; she also plans trips that combine the Galapagos with either country. She and trusted colleague Mark Green—a Brit who guided trips in South America for many years and is now living in Lima and married to a Peruvian—work with a network of prominent historians, photographers, chefs, museum directors, and fashion designers to deliver privileged access to people and places throughout the region. They are used to working with high-powered businesspeople for whom seamless execution is a prerequisite, but sustainability is also part of their bottom line; Marisol seeks out experiences that enhance the lives of locals, and she’s a strong supporter of woman-owned enterprises." Many of our travelers found us because of Wendy Perrin, whose annual WOW List remains a uniquely useful resource for sophisticated travelers seeking the world’s best trip-planning specialists. Wendy calls us “the most well-connected travel fixers and custom itinerary designers in the world.” When you’re looking for somebody like us, only for a destination we don’t operate in, you’ll find that somebody on The WOW List. You know how passionate we are about maximizing each traveler’s experience, and Wendy shares that vision. If you’re not sure who is the right fixer for a trip you have in mind, or you’re not even sure what is the right destination for you, we suggest you write to Ask Wendy. We also recommend signing up for her weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on travel news and solutions.
We couldn’t wait to share the news: Marisol Mosquera, Aracari’s CEO and Founder, has been named to Wendy Perrin’s 2020 WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts, the prestigious annual list curated by travel expert Wendy Perrin. “A native Peruvian, Marisol chucked a career in the financial world to become a pioneer in experiential…
