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…
Aracari has long been an enthusiastic supporter of contemporary art in Peru. Over the years, we've supported the work of countless talented Peruvian artists and watched them hone their craft. Now, we're thrilled to witness many of them take on the world stage at the renowned contemporary art fair ARCOmadrid. This year, the annual fair will run from 27 February - 3 March, and Peru will be highlighted as ARCO's honored guest country. This means that 23 Peruvian artists, seven Peruvian galleries, and many skilled Peruvian curators and art professionals will have their work exhibited at the fair. Peru will be highlighted as ARCO's honored guest country The exhibit is made even more exciting by the fact that Aracari has been following and supporting the work of many of these artists for years. The art world is finally catching up to what Aracari has known all along: that Peru's cutting-edge creative scene is only going to more expansive and adventurous as time goes on. In 2011, long before Peru's exhibition at ARCOmadrid was on the horizon, Aracari sponsored an exhibition of budding contemporary Peruvian artists at Tasneem Gallery in Barcelona, Spain. The exhibition, called "El placer es más importante que la victoria" ("Pleasure is more important than victory"), featured several of the artists whose work will now be exhibited at ARCOmadrid. This includes talents like Ishmael Randall Weeks, José Vera Matos, Gilda Mantilla, and Juan Javier Salazar. At ARCOmadrid, art professionals from Peru will also organize and participate in the fair's Forum of Experts. This event invites curators, art historians, and artists to conduct important discussions about the current state of contemporary art - both in Peru and beyond. The Forum will be organized by Miguel A. Lopez, who curated "El placer es más importante que la victoria" back in 2011.
Aracari has long been an enthusiastic supporter of contemporary art in Peru. Over the years, we’ve supported the work of countless talented Peruvian artists and watched them hone their craft. Now, we’re thrilled to witness many of them take on the world stage at the renowned contemporary art fair ARCOmadrid. This…
In the mood to celebrate this January? You’re in luck: one of the most exciting Bolivia festivals, Las Alasitas in La Paz, Bolivia, is well underway. The festival, held each January as a way to make wishes for the upcoming year, is a colorful and joyful experience that fills the stress of La Paz. A month-long street fair sells miniatures that represent dreams and goals for the new year, and locals flock to La Paz to stock up on the minis that mean the most to them. On the most important day of the festival, January 24th at 12pm, celebrations hit their peak. In Honor Of Ekeko The festival is meant to honor Ekeko, an Aymara god who represents success and abundance. Before stocking up on their miniatures, locals buy a small Ekeko statue that will sit in their homes throughout the year. Then, they purchase their miniatures, which are then blessed and offered to Ekeko. Ekeko is also provided with cigarettes, alcohol, and other gifts. In exchange, Ekeko looks out for locals’ families throughout the year. Historically, the festival was celebrated in September, as farmers prayed to Ekeko for a bountiful harvest. However, the festival was later moved to January to honor the 1781 La Paz revolution. While the ritual has changed slightly over the years, the basics remain the same. But now, locals pray for a wider variety of gifts than solely a big farm harvest. Today, the Catholic church takes part in the festivities (as it currently does with many Bolivia celebrations) by blessing the miniature gifts on January 24th. In addition to miniatures, you can also buy local artisan crafts and enjoy fantastic street food as you stroll past the festival stalls. Join In On The Adventure International visitors love to join in on the fun
In the mood to celebrate this January? You’re in luck: one of the most exciting Bolivia festivals, Las Alasitas in La Paz, Bolivia, is well underway. The festival, held each January as a way to make wishes for the upcoming year, is a colorful and joyful experience that fills the…
Peru with kids is its own special kind of experience. There’s nothing quite like seeing a new place through the eyes of your kids, and if you’re an adventurous bunch, there are all kinds of Peru activities tailor made for teens and young people. Below are Peru’s top 10 adventures to put smiles on your whole family’s faces. 1. Via Ferrata + Sky Lodge In The Sacred Valley Ever wanted to sleep hanging off the side of a cliff? (Yes, really!) The Sky Lodge in the Sacred Valley is a hotel that offers overnight stays in virtual hanging modules at 1,312 feet. To reach the Sky Lodge, you’ll get your adrenaline pumping by partaking in a one-hour climb up a via ferrata or mountain ladder. (There’s also an alternative trekking option if climbing isn’t your forte.) Once you reach the top, you can catch the sunset and stay overnight, or simply enjoy the views over lunch before heading back down. If you or your kids are afraid of heights, this might be a tough one - but the views make it all worth it in the end. 2. Paragliding in Miraflores, Lima https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3u5PWUmL7I This is another activity that reaches great altitudes, but it’s so much fun that it just might be worth it for even height-phobic travelers. This paragliding adventure begins in the heart of Miraflores, and it’s one of the most thrilling experiences in Peru for kids. An expert guide will board with you and lead you on a 15-20 minute flight over Lima. You’ll be treated to an expansive birds-eye view of the coast, the cliffs, and the cityscape of Lima. It’s exhilarating for guests of all ages, and the rush will last far beyond the length of your flight. 3. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Peru with kids is its own special kind of experience. There’s nothing quite like seeing a new place through the eyes of your kids, and if you’re an adventurous bunch, there are all kinds of Peru activities tailor made for teens and young people. Below are Peru’s top 10 adventures…
The magic of seeing a dream destination feels a little less like a technicolor memory when it’s packed with slow-moving crowds. Overcrowding is a very real problem when visiting cherished historical sites, and it can be tough to gain the solitude and cultural understanding you crave while wading through thousands of tour bus crowds. Overtourism in Machu Picchu is a serious problem, which authorities are trying to mitigate by implementing new entrance regulations, with timed entrance slots. So far, the crowds persist, and it will be unlikely that things change, as more and more people want to visit bucket list destinations. And Machu Picchu is one of the top ones in every list. So, why not try something a little different? If you want a taste of South American culture and history without all the crowds, there are plenty of alternative adventures to try. On a tailor made experience with Aracari, you’ll visit pristine little known sites, and your expert guides can help you avoid the throngs of crowds. Below, some of Aracari’s top experiences to inspire. 1. Choquequirao Known as a sister city to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a rarely visited Incan site that is sometimes thought of as an alternative Machu Picchu. Tucked into the mountains, this ancient city can only be reached by foot. The ruins are as far-reaching and extensive as Machu Picchu, but have remained under the radar for centuries. It’s one of the top trips to Peru to inspire. Like Machu Picchu, the city sits on a mountain outcrop and looks out over a river. In fact, Choquequirao was even known by Machu Picchu’s current nickname, “the lost city of the Incas,” for over one hundred years. It’s believed to be where Inca leaders fled when Cusco was taken by the Spanish.
The magic of seeing a dream destination feels a little less like a technicolor memory when it’s packed with slow-moving crowds. Overcrowding is a very real problem when visiting cherished historical sites, and it can be tough to gain the solitude and cultural understanding you crave while wading through thousands…
