As Aracari has evolved, so has our brand. Last year in August, we launched our new brand with three pillars that define us: Aracari Travel: Inspiring, Connecting, Celebrating Aracari inspires memorable journeys. Aracari creates experiences that are sophisticated, simple and conscious. Aracari is the bridge that connects travelers with the spirit of magical places in Perú, Bolivia and Galapagos. Aracari celebrates the roots and histories of these places making all dreams possible in an environment of respect for local cultures and the environment. Inspiration, Celebration and Connection are the three words and pillars that encapsulate the essence of what we are about. We invite you to visit our website www.aracari.com which is now much more user friendly and visual. Aracari's New Look The flat logo design draws on the feathers used in the original Aracari bird logo from when the company was founded by Marisol Mosquera in 1996. A highly intelligent and sociable toucan found in Central and South America, the Aracari bird is friendly and affectionate, full of personality and loving toward everyone. Aracari proudly draws on these traits in taking care of discerning clients in the region throughout their hand-crafted journeys. The new brand is also inspired by the religion and mythology of apus, the spirits of the mountains that protect local people living in the highlands. Aracari‘s unique travel experiences are the bridge that connect travelers with the spirit of these magical places. Aracari celebrates each destination’s roots and history, crafting extraordinary experiences with the utmost respect for local cultures and the environment. Aracari holds the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark in recognition of our responsible travel initiatives. The colors selected for the new brand draw on Peru’s magnificent diversity: Pacific blue air, Peruvian yellow and red peppers, corn juice, the ruins of Caral and garúa, the overcast drizzle typical in Peru’s capital, Lima. “It is not what you know
As Aracari has evolved, so has our brand. Last year in August, we launched our new brand with three pillars that define us: Aracari Travel: Inspiring, Connecting, Celebrating Aracari inspires memorable journeys. Aracari creates experiences that are sophisticated, simple and conscious. Aracari is the bridge that connects travelers with the spirit of magical places…
Peruvians love an excuse to celebrate. This rings particularly true in Cusco, Peru’s cultural capital. In the days leading up to Christmas, Cusco’s main square bursts into life with Santuranticuy, a magical Christmas festival that merges Spanish and Quechua traditions. Here’s what to do in Peru over Christmas. Here’s what to do in Peru over Christmas Translated as “the sale of saints,” Santuranticuy is an authentic Christmas market that takes over Cusco’s main square. The market is centered around the tradition of building a pesebre, a carefully-crafted nativity scene that is kept in the home. As the tradition goes, the nativity scene is lit on Christmas Eve. This is the day the Plaza de Armas is at its liveliest. For those seeking Christmas cheer, this magical market is among the best things to do in Peru over the holidays. Admire the artisan-made figurines and keep warm with a cup of traditional rum punch. At night, the fair takes on a new glow: biblical animals covered in lights decorate the square. Artisans and sculptors come from throughout the country to sell their pesebre adornments. The ornaments range from traditional to contemporary, affordable to high-end and everything in between. For many locals, the goal is to acquire the most realistic, glorious looking pesebre. The nativity scenes are placed in churches, homes and public plazas. Families comb through the market, pouring their heart into finding ever-better pieces for their pesebre. The star, of course, is baby Jesus, or Niño Manuelito in Andean terms. There is even clothing on offer for the figures, should you want to give them a new look. The night of Christmas Eve – or “la noche buena” (the good night) – is the big celebration. Families gather together for dinner and merriment before opening presents. It’s a very
Peruvians love an excuse to celebrate. This rings particularly true in Cusco, Peru’s cultural capital. In the days leading up to Christmas, Cusco’s main square bursts into life with Santuranticuy, a magical Christmas festival that merges Spanish and Quechua traditions. Here’s what to do in Peru over Christmas. Here’s…
As you travel through the Andes, a few things might catch your eye: the flash of a snow-capped mountain, a shaggy-haired alpaca or the vibrant clothes of the Andean women. The beautiful skirts you’ll see are called polleras. Their patterns, colors and designs change from village to village, and their story is a fascinating one. We’ve assembled a guide to polleras and where you can purchase one on your next Peru trip. A pollera is a full skirt made from cotton or wool that is decorated in vibrant embroidery. Decorations often include flowers and local animals. The rounded shape is similar to that of a bird cage, which is where we get the term pollera. Pollo, of course, means chicken. The Andean pollera The Andean pollera dates back to colonial times. During Spanish colonization, the settlers brought their European fashion sense along with them. One of the most popular pieces was the long and voluminous skirt that was particularly popular among peasants in Andalusia. Andean women decided to make their own out of alpaca wool. However, they decided to put their own twist on the garment. As such, the result was often more vibrant than its Spanish counterpart. While polleras are used for traditional festivals and folklore, you’re sure to see the dazzling dresses as you explore with a Bolivia or Peru travel guide. In these countries, the word pollera denotes a skirt worn by the urban mestizo and the rural indigenous classes. In the Bolivian altiplano, the urban pollera is made of eight meters of cloth and it is worn with four to five embroidered underskirts, which gives the Cholitas (mestizo women who wear the pollera) a "round" shape. Many women wear polleras daily, though they save their more elegant garments for special occasions. The most expensive polleras have very full
As you travel through the Andes, a few things might catch your eye: the flash of a snow-capped mountain, a shaggy-haired alpaca or the vibrant clothes of the Andean women. The beautiful skirts you’ll see are called polleras. Their patterns, colors and designs change from village to village, and their…
Lima is one of the great gastronomic cities of the world, drawing food-loving travelers from far and wide. Thanks to Lima’s award-winning chefs and world-class restaurants, the country’s cuisine is the second most popular tourist attraction in Peru. What is the top thing to do in Peru? That would be the great Machu Picchu, of course. For all the talk of the country’s culinary prowess – who doesn’t love ceviche? – Peruvian desserts don’t garner quite as much attention. (You could say they’re icing on the cake.) However, if you dig a little deeper, Peru’s sweet treats can teach you volumes about the country’s history. What do you know about Peruvian desserts? Peru is a melting pot of cultures. Each group that passed through left a footprint on the country’s culture and cuisine. As some background, Lima was founded in 1521 by Spanish conquistadors. Thanks to the gold and silver trade, the colony flourished and the settlers’ pockets bulged. Drawn by the promise of wealth, Spanish people continued to flock to Lima. Along with them, they brought their tastes, recipes and ingredients. The Spanish combined their recipes with the native ingredients. And with that, many of the most popular Peruvian desserts were born. As Spain had been Arab territory for 800 years, many of the sweets the Spanish brought were Moorish in origin. Today, Peru’s desserts are super sweet. They often feature honey and almonds, just like Middle Eastern and Turkish treats. Take alfajores, the delicious Christmas cookie made with honey, almonds and spices. Alfajores came to Spain in the days of al-Andalus. Their origin lies in the Arab sweet called “alajú.” The Peruvian version is made of two fine cookies filled with dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is found in all sorts of Peruvian desserts, from ice
Lima is one of the great gastronomic cities of the world, drawing food-loving travelers from far and wide. Thanks to Lima’s award-winning chefs and world-class restaurants, the country’s cuisine is the second most popular tourist attraction in Peru. What is the top thing to do in Peru? That would be…
And if you are looking for things to do in Lima, the list is constantly growing. The city is brimming with activity and is full of unexpected surprises such as a culinary journey by motorcycle, paragliding over Miraflores, a visit to long-time friend Mari Solari as she sets up her new show on animal-inspired folk art in Perú, a visit to Sanctuary of Nazarenas to pay tribute to Señor de los Milagros and discovering a French designer’s take on alpaca. And of course, dinner at Kjolle, Lima's new world-class top-rated restaurant. The variety is staggering, and there is something for every age and interest. Lima is always a great idea! Lima is always a good idea Festivities and Folk Art in Lima October is called “the purple month” in Lima, as this is the color of the Senior de los Milagros, Lima’s Patron Christ. October is his month and a visit to his Temple, Las Nazarenas, located in the Centre of the City is a unique experience. Crowds of people flock to worship his image in the temple and street vendors sell candles, rosaries and a variety of objects with his image. Dozens of stalls sell Turron de Doña Pepa, a very sweet local delicacy. A very early visit is recommended as it can get very crowded later in the day. If you happen to have a cool friend and culinary expert like Maria Julia Raffo, one of Aracari’s experts, she can take you on her motorcycle to her favorite places. Keep in mind her list is long and you MUST try all of her very well curated recommendations. Her neighborhood market is a good starting point to see all the varieties of corn, potatoes and fruit. October is artichoke and pumpkin month. Next stop is Pan de la Chola, for a quick
And if you are looking for things to do in Lima, the list is constantly growing. The city is brimming with activity and is full of unexpected surprises such as a culinary journey by motorcycle, paragliding over Miraflores, a visit to long-time friend Mari Solari as she sets up her…
Imagine visiting a Spanish Colonial hacienda in the Sacred Valley and having lunch hosted by the owners who love orchids, food, horses and collect Peruvian archaeology and folk art. This is Hacienda Huayoccari, owned by the Lambarri-Orihuela Family and conveniently located between Pisac and Urubamba. Stepping Back in Time: Hacienda Huayoccari Since the 17th Century, Hacienda Huayoccari was producing white corn, the most precious of the Inca crops and the one responsible for the expansion of the area and the wealth of many of these haciendas that had thousands of hectares. After the agrarian reform in 1968. Huayoccari was reduced to 40 hectares but was able to remain with the family thanks to the harmonious relationships developed with the surrounding community. In fact, the hacienda and the restaurant employ community members who have been with the family for generations. Celebrate with special hosts After being warmly greeted by Jose Ignacio Lambarri our host an old friend of Aracari the afternoon kicks off with a few pisco sours, Peru’s national drink, and a show of Peruvian Paso Horses known for their unique lateral gait, fancy foot movements and their performing nature. The rhythmical dance blends in perfectly with La Marinera, a couple’s tale that tells the story of a soldier flirting with a young woman. The couple and the horse dance mimicking each other’s gestures and steps. Lunch is served at the colonial dining room surrounded by the family’s personal collection of paintings, carved wood pieces, glazed pottery plates from Lake Titicaca, Toritos of Pucará, colonial saints, silver pieces and gorgeous furniture. The menu is a well curated selection of Peruvian homemade food using ingredients grown in their own chacra, the Andean garden. Classic dishes such as ají de gallina, chicken stew; lomo saltado, stir-fried loin; or the sara lawa, a
Imagine visiting a Spanish Colonial hacienda in the Sacred Valley and having lunch hosted by the owners who love orchids, food, horses and collect Peruvian archaeology and folk art. This is Hacienda Huayoccari, owned by the Lambarri-Orihuela Family and conveniently located between Pisac and Urubamba. Stepping Back in Time: Hacienda…
