In honor of International Women's Day, Aracari is celebrating women who dedicate their lives to leading responsible businesses connected to tourism in Perú. Here, you'll meet Mariana Gonzalez of Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel. Mariana Gonzalez’s Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel is located on the slopes of Anta, 20 minutes outside the city of Huaraz. The hotel sits in the Cordillera Negra, overlooking the most impressive ice peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, which is the highest tropical mountain range in the world. The hotel houses 7 unique bedrooms with incredible views of the mountains. Mariana, who is originally from Lima, spent many years living in the USA and working for Prada. She returned to Perú a few years ago when she inherited this property from her father. She felt the place was too beautiful not to be shared, and has created this haven to allow guests to disconnect, recharge, and enjoy the amazing sights of the region. Mariana’s husband Charlie also owns a lodge higher up in the mountains (Llanganuco Mountain Lodge), and they share their love for the mountains with their 3-year-old son Jack. Mariana and Charlie split their time between Cuesta Serena, Llanganuco Mountain Lodge, Lima, and skiing in Vail, where they spend the off-season devoted to their family passion of skiing. A One-Of-A-Kind Treasure There’s simply no place else like Cuesta Serena. “Our hotel is the only luxury boutique hotel in the Cordillera Blanca,” Marian says. “Every detail in our hotel has been planned for our guests, from using the freshest ingredients, to selecting beautiful local art pieces and textiles and the highest quality amenities. Our carefully landscaped gardens with privileged views of Huascaran, the highest mountain in Perú at 6768m, provide our guests with a contemplative, relaxing space. Most importantly, we differentiate ourselves for our level of customer
In honor of International Women’s Day, Aracari is celebrating women who dedicate their lives to leading responsible businesses connected to tourism in Perú. Here, you’ll meet Mariana Gonzalez of Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel. Mariana Gonzalez’s Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel is located on the slopes of Anta, 20 minutes outside the…
In honor of International Women's Day, Aracari is celebrating women who dedicate their lives to leading responsible businesses connected to tourism in Perú. Here, you'll meet Lissy Urtaega of Delfin Amazon Cruises. Lissy Urteaga is the creative force behind Delfin Amazon Cruises. Delfin Amazon Cruise has three luxury vessels (with 22, 14, and 4 cabins) that cruise upriver to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Delfin is the only Relais & Chateaux river cruise company in South America. “I have the privilege to cruise through the mightiest of the rivers in the world, the Amazon River,” Lissy shares. “Given the destination is so unique and pristine, our vessels thrive smoothly with the environment. They are river vessels that can only cruise in these waters, all 3 of them are locally made and in perfect harmony with the ecosystem, covered with local woods from sustainable forests, palm fibers, and an Amazon ambiance all around.” Lissy runs Delfin with her husband Aldo Macchiavello, a former investment banker. For her, cruising through the most important river basin in the world is a gift that connects her to nature. “To feel immersed in the vastness of the forest surrounded by wildlife of every kind is humbling and exhilarating,” she says. “To meet its local people and learn its dynamic is an experience that will be cherished in your heart and mind forever.” Their contribution to female entrepreneurship and creativity does not end with Delfin. Their two daughters, Chiara and Giuliana are the founders and force behind Escudo, one of the most successful social fashion brands in Peru. Celebrating Perú's Diverse Ecosystem Perú is known as an Andean country, but what people don’t always know is that it has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world - spanning from flat lands, highlands, deserts, mountains,
In honor of International Women’s Day, Aracari is celebrating women who dedicate their lives to leading responsible businesses connected to tourism in Perú. Here, you’ll meet Lissy Urtaega of Delfin Amazon Cruises. Lissy Urteaga is the creative force behind Delfin Amazon Cruises. Delfin Amazon Cruise has three luxury vessels (with…
This past August, I visited the Galapagos with my son for the first time in many years. I first visited the Galapagos twenty years ago, and then again ten years ago, so I was due for another visit. My son is 16, and the last time he visited the Galapagos was ten years ago. He was just six years old, and though he loved every minute of it back then, he certainly didn’t remember the trip! We were both excited to create new memories around experiences in the Galapagos this time around. The Galapagos islands are maintained and managed in a sustainable way, but there are certainly more environmental pressures on the islands these days than ten years ago. The islands are facing an influx of visitors, so there is more focus than ever on making sure that the destination's delicate ecosystem is treated with care. What To Know About The Galapagos The Galapagos Islands sit high at the top of most people's bucket lists, and for good reason: they're the ultimate immersive travel experience. This archipelago of volcanic islands sit more than 550 miles off the western coast of Ecuador, and is known for its high concentration of species that can only be found on the islands. The wildlife of the Galapagos is so extraordinary that Charles Darwin studied there while compiling his theory of evolution. The subtropical climate of the islands makes for consistently warm temperatures and soothing waters. The warmest months are December through May, when you'll mostly find high-temp forecasts and afternoon rains. The rest of the year, from June to November, is cloudier and slightly less warm. As if the warm weather weren't calming enough, the islands look like a scene from a postcard. Bright blue waters, high peaks, and stunning snapshots of the natural
This past August, I visited the Galapagos with my son for the first time in many years. I first visited the Galapagos twenty years ago, and then again ten years ago, so I was due for another visit. My son is 16, and the last time he visited the Galapagos…
If you’re a fan of chocolate, Peru is the perfect place to visit. Chocolate has been part of life in Peru for centuries, so it's no surprise that chocolate in Peru is known as some of the best in the world. Chocolate, cocoa butter, and cocoa all come from cacao, which grows as seeds on tropical evergreen cacao trees. The trees are relatively environmentally friendly to grow, as they are shade crops and can help protect soils. Cacao trees first originated in the Amazon, and chocolate became an important part of cultures like the Aztec and the Maya. The Spanish brought chocolate to Europe from South America and added in sugar to the mix for a sweeter taste. The Origins Of Chocolate To make chocolate, the bitter cacao seeds are fermented, dried, and cleaned. Then, the cacao seeds are roasted, shells are removed, and they are ground into what's called a cocoa mass. This cocoa mass is heated until it becomes a liquid chocolately heaven (known as chocolate liquor), and then is often combined with sugars and oils to ultimately become a delicious chocolate bar. Ten Peruvian regions harvest cacao: Cajamarca, Junín, Huánuco, Ayacucho, Cusco, Ucayali, San Martín, Piura, Tumbes, and Amazonas. Peru's wide range of diverse soils and climates makes for a variety of different flavor possibilities. Cacao is grown in many places, but only a small percentage of cacao harvested in the world is considered to be of high quality - and that's the caliber you can find in Peru. Peru is known for growing three main varieties of cacao: Amazon foreign, Creole, and Trinitary, all of which lead to excellent chocolate. The Creole variety is especially growing in popularity because of its high fat content, which equates to high-quality chocolate. Peruvian chocolate is receiving more and more recognition on
If you’re a fan of chocolate, Peru is the perfect place to visit. Chocolate has been part of life in Peru for centuries, so it’s no surprise that chocolate in Peru is known as some of the best in the world. Chocolate, cocoa butter, and cocoa all come from cacao,…
When you're shopping in Lima, you’ll come across unique treasures that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Whether you love Peruvian textiles, art, local gourmet treats, or anything else in between, there’s something for everyone on the Lima shopping scene. Here’s where to find the best Lima shopping. Shopping In Barranco Escudo The designs created at this atelier are in inspired by the past. Each clothing piece is woven and embroidered with traditional textile skills at Escudo's workshop in the Peruvian mountains before the finishing touches are added in Lima. The designers are two bold, stylish sisters who aren't afraid to try new looks. Be especially sure to check out Escudo's fringed cotton ponchos! Cajamarca 219 Cajamarca 219 was first opened in 2014 by designer and creator Thibault Van Der Straete, who has been in Peru since 2008. Since then, it’s become a treasured space that offers fantastic clothing, alpaca furniture, and a whole host of Peruvian treasures. It's an experience in itself, and even includes a cafe where you can enjoy snacks, coffee, chocolates, and Pisco. When shopping in Lima, you won't want to pass it by. Bodega MATE If you love fashion, design, and seeing how the two come together, you'll adore this boutique at the Mario Testino Museum. In addition to displaying Testino's photography books, the store includes beautiful Peruvian clothes and accessories, like purses, jewelry, baskets, and clothes. It's an art experience in itself, and it's on the leading edge of Latin American style. Dédalo This delightful artistic hub has provided a space to buy art and celebrate craftsmanship for two decades. The shop sprawls across a historic mansion, with enticing showrooms around every corner. As you wander through Dédalo's maze of gorgeous color and design, you’ll find handmade creations and awe-inspiring works that
When you’re shopping in Lima, you’ll come across unique treasures that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Whether you love Peruvian textiles, art, local gourmet treats, or anything else in between, there’s something for everyone on the Lima shopping scene. Here’s where to find the best Lima shopping….
The glory of train travel is alive and well in Peru. Here, it’s a fantastic mode of transportation for getting up close and personal with all that the country has to offer. Make the most of your experience with this guide to the best train rides in Peru. The Best Train Rides In Peru Journey To Lake Titicaca This route to Lake Titicaca is one of the most exciting train rides in Peru. Your train will travel from Cusco to Puno, a city on the shore of Lake Titicaca. You can take the PeruRail Titicaca Train in either direction, and the gorgeous route through the Andes mountains will take about ten hours. Lake Titicaca is a must-see while in Peru, but many travelers miss some of the magic of the experience by flying most of the distance between Cusco and the lake rather than hopping on the train. As the Titicaca train travels through the Andes to the Altiplano (Peru's high central plains), you’ll take in scenery worth writing home about. The train moves slowly enough to allow you to take as many photos as you please and extend the magic of the moment. Along the journey, you’ll get a personalized feel for the variety of Peru’s natural landscape. You’ll pass by traditional villages, gaze out at happy grazing vicuña and alpaca, and get to know the Huatanay River Valley in a whole new light. Mid-route, the train will make a stop at La Raya Market, the highest point along the train route. At 4,300 m above sea level, the market provides panoramic views and a great opportunity to sfit in a refreshing walk between pictures. The train itself is a delight, known for its beautiful Pullman-style decor, relaxing armchairs, gourmet lunch featuring Andean ingredients, and a stunning observation coach.
The glory of train travel is alive and well in Peru. Here, it’s a fantastic mode of transportation for getting up close and personal with all that the country has to offer. Make the most of your experience with this guide to the best train rides in Peru. The Best…
