The Amazon rainforest is the beating heart of our planet. The Amazon’s health correlates to the health of the rest of the earth. More than 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced in the Amazon, and Amazon rainforest animals make up more than half of the plant, animal, and insect species in the world. This all makes for an ecosystem that is vital to protect, and now more than ever, ecotourism initiatives are playing a key role in helping Amazon sustainability continue to thrive. Threats to the Amazon The Amazon rainforest regularly faces brutal damage caused by illegal logging and illegal mining. Illegally logged wood from the Amazon is more commonplace than you might think - in fact, odds are pretty high that something you own was made with illegally sourced wood. It’s not uncommon for an illegal logger to mix logs from protected land with legally obtained logs to reduce their chances of being caught. Another major threat to Amazon sustainability is the epidemic of illegal mining in the rainforest. Illegal miners look for gold, aluminum, titanium, iron, and other materials. This creates major ecological damage for protected areas and communities, and the mercury used in gold mining is especially dangerous - it can leak into local rivers and contaminate the fish and water supply for local indigenous communities. Illegal Gold Mining Madre de Dios region Illegal gold Mining has long been an issue, and it has increased since the 2008 financial crisis. It is unfortunately one of the most lucrative illegal activities in the Amazon, and its processes can cause great harm to Peruvian communities and the environment. In Madre de Dios, an area of the Peruvian Amazon, this practice is especially harmful and widespread, and has led to the destruction of more than 60,000 hectares of land.
The Amazon rainforest is the beating heart of our planet. The Amazon’s health correlates to the health of the rest of the earth. More than 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced in the Amazon, and Amazon rainforest animals make up more than half of the plant, animal, and insect…
Looking for your home away from home in Peru? Below, the most charming and outstanding hotels in Peru that are redefining luxury. Gocta Natura, Chachapoyas The stunningly beautiful and eco-friendly Gocta Natura cabins provide your window to Gocta, one of the highest waterfalls in the world. The cabins are located on a charming and secluded stretch of forest. Fostered by the owner, Rocio Florez's initiative, the whole team is committed to preserving the biodiversity of the surrounding Peruvian cloud forest is moving, and the property regularly helps support local projects. When you stay at Gocta Natura, you’ll enjoy boutique cabins, farm-to-table gourmet meals, and views of Gocta and the mountains. You’ll experience a peaceful, exclusive haven that allows you to enjoy nature in a whole new way - and you’ll want to linger as long as possible. Gocta Natura can also help facilitate hikes, horseback rides, birdwatching, local community visits, and textile workshops. Kentitambo, Chachapoyas Kentitambo is a slice of heaven unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Just on the edge of the town of Leymebamba, Kentitambo is set in its own little corner of the Chachapoyas cloud forest. This delightful B&B is owned by Adriana von Hagen, an accomplished archaeologist, co-director of the fantastic Museo Leymebamba, and author of several books on Chachapoyas culture. Here, you’ll find five bungalows overlooking the museum, and you’ll get to soak in the surrounding natural area, which von Hagan lovingly converted from a former barren, deforested hillside into a lush forest paradise. Kentitambo means “home of the hummingbird” in Quechua, and the property is known for its unrivaled bird watching opportunities. At Kentitambo, you’ll get to watch as over 16 species of hummingbirds spend time at the property’s hummingbird feeders, as well as parrots, tanagers, warblers, and toucans. Don’t forget to explore the
Looking for your home away from home in Peru? Below, the most charming and outstanding hotels in Peru that are redefining luxury. Gocta Natura, Chachapoyas The stunningly beautiful and eco-friendly Gocta Natura cabins provide your window to Gocta, one of the highest waterfalls in the world. The cabins are located…
A Cusco Shopping Guide For Art Lovers One of the best things to do in Cusco is to get to know the city’s artistic and cultural scene. A refreshing way to take in all the creativity that Cusco has to offer is by taking a walk through the city’s streets and peeking into inspiring galleries and shops along the way. Exploration like this (with a side of Cusco shopping, of course) can shine a light on Peruvian history, traditions, and legends in a whole new way. You’ll discover a whole new world worth preserving through Cusco shopping. You’ll also be supporting local art in the process. One great way to tap into this type of adventure is through Aracari's curated shopping experiences . We offer unique urban experiences that provide an understanding of both contemporary and traditional art techniques that shape Cusco culture. Here is a sneak preview of the fantastic shops, galleries, and ateliers you can experience during a carefully curated experience by Aracari and our partners. If you’re wondering what to do in Cusco, this is the perfect place to start. Of course, with Aracari you will get much more: an insider's view through the company of your own "Friend in the City" as well as unique engagement with the owners of the stores with whom we have a close relationship. L’atelier Café Concept Created by Ingrid Thieblemont, Parisian designer and fan of Cusco, this lovely store is known for its distinctive handmade jewelry. The shop offers a charming atmosphere and well-made products that can last a lifetime. Here you’ll also find designer alpaca clothing and Peruvian textile blankets and totes made using traditional techniques. Isa Luna Galeria Located in artsy San Blas, La Galeria is an absolute treasure trove of some of the best Cusco shopping, including fine
A Cusco Shopping Guide For Art Lovers One of the best things to do in Cusco is to get to know the city’s artistic and cultural scene. A refreshing way to take in all the creativity that Cusco has to offer is by taking a walk through the city’s streets…
Easter may be observed across the globe, but nobody celebrates it quite like the communities of the Andes. Easter in Peru, commonly known as Holy Week (Semana Santa), offers a time for many sacred events and celebrations throughout the Andes. Friends and family gather together, and many attend church to mark the occasion. Others embrace the national holidays of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (the Thursday and Friday before Easter) as opportunities to get out to parks or landmarks and enjoy in their days off. Ever since Catholicism was brought to Peru by Spanish since the XVI century, the Andes have had a complex (and beautiful) approach to religion. When the Spanish arrived, indigenous Andean communities already had their own established religious beliefs and practices, many of which became a part of their newfound Catholicism. Today, the result is a syncretic relationship between Catholicism and indigenous beliefs, blended into a unique approach to faith. No time is this syncretic relationship more apparent than during Holy Week, when native religion and Catholic rituals are brought to the forefront through commemorations and unique Peru Easter traditions. Holy Week represents the most important days of the year in the Catholic calendar. Easter Sunday, the day that concludes Holy Week, is meant to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week itself also includes important holidays: Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, honors the Last Supper, and Good Friday is a somber day that reflects on Christ’s crucifixion. In many parts of Latin America, Semana Santa is an especially treasured time of year. In the Andes, you’ll find all kinds of special Peru Easter traditions worth traveling for, and thousands of visitors will join locals in the cities that most love to celebrate. The most important Easter in Peru traditions Here’s where to
Easter may be observed across the globe, but nobody celebrates it quite like the communities of the Andes. Easter in Peru, commonly known as Holy Week (Semana Santa), offers a time for many sacred events and celebrations throughout the Andes. Friends and family gather together, and many attend church to…
Peru is home to thousands of unique and beautiful species. Peru wildlife includes 120 birds endemic to Peru, 70 endemic mammals, and 100 endemic reptiles - and that’s just the beginning! If you’re looking to get to know Peru wildlife on a whole new level, here’s where to look. Hummingbirds in Chachapoyas Chachapoyas is a beautiful region of Amazonas known for its cloud forest, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and stunning archaeological sites. At an altitude of 800 - 3,000 meters (2,624 - 9,800 ft) there are breathtaking sights to take in around every corner. Wildlife watching fans love Chachapoyas for its hummingbird population. The region is home to all kinds of rare hummingbirds, including the marvelous spatuletail, an endemic species to Peru. (Yes, marvellous really is part of its name!) The bird’s beautiful violet-blue coloring and distinctive spatula-like tail make it a real stunner - and Peru is the only place in the world you can see it. Avid hummingbird watchers can check into Kentitambo Lodge, which translates to “Hummingbird Inn” in Quechua. Kentitambo’s hummingbird feeders and plantings attract visits from as many as 16 different hummingbird species, along with parrots, toucans, tanagers, warblers, trogons, and other birds. Chachapoyas is also abundant in bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and other beautiful plants, which makes for an added bonus. Flamingoes, Boobies, Terns, and Pelicans on the Pacific Coast When you visit Peru’s Pacific Coast, you’re in for a magical glimpse of unique and distinctive birds. The coastal Paracas National Reserve is home to 215 species of birds, including flamingos, penguins, and Peruvian boobies. At the reserve, you can even take in a glimpse of the beautiful Inca Tern, an endemic species that gathers along the Reserve’s rocky coast. These grey birds are known for their bright coral beaks and feet, and their distinctive
Peru is home to thousands of unique and beautiful species. Peru wildlife includes 120 birds endemic to Peru, 70 endemic mammals, and 100 endemic reptiles – and that’s just the beginning! If you’re looking to get to know Peru wildlife on a whole new level, here’s where to look. Hummingbirds…
The tropical northern beaches of Peru are one of the country’s best kept secrets. With soft sand, year-round sunshine, and a lack of the tropical storms that plague so many other beach destinations, the northern coast is like a pristine private getaway. Peru has 1300 miles of coastline, but few people know much about Peru’s north coast beaches besides the surfers who visit to catch the area’s top-notch waves. You’ll find few crowds, luxurious accommodations, and a stunning natural ambiance. Peru’s northern beaches are the perfect place to spend a beach vacation or relax after a long trek. Thanks to a series of quick flights to the region from Lima, you can reach the beach in a flash, and before you know it, you’ll be lounging alongside a beachfront pool with a drink in your hand. The best northern Peru beaches Where To Go The best northern Peru beaches are near the low-key seaside town of Mancora. Mancora is near two cities: Piura and Tumbes, which can be reached by plane from Lima. The best hotels in Mancora are Arennas and Kichic. Both properties are tucked outside of town on quiet stretches of one of the top beaches in Peru. Arennas is a fantastic luxury option with a resort atmosphere. Here, you’ll love kicking back in front of the shore or next to the property’s large pool. If you’re looking for a wellness retreat experience, you’ll want to hightail it over to Kichic. This boutique hotel features daily yoga classes in their own studio, excellent vegetarian meal options, and serene views of the Pacific. Another great option is staying in one of the private villas of Mancora, which feature private pools and fantastic on-site staff. We recommend Casa Adobe, Casa Kichic, Casa Lino, Casa Tierra, Getting Out On The Water Once you’re settled
The tropical northern beaches of Peru are one of the country’s best kept secrets. With soft sand, year-round sunshine, and a lack of the tropical storms that plague so many other beach destinations, the northern coast is like a pristine private getaway. Peru has 1300 miles of coastline, but few…
