On a recent trip to Peru I took a long weekend and headed 4 hours south of Lima to visit Ica, an area of vast fertile land that produces succulent grapes for Pisco (Peru's national drink). I am thrilled to share my experience which was centered around my stay at Hacienda La Caravedo, one of the top accommodations in the area that also delivers the best of fine Peruvian spirits. Pisco & Paso Horses at Hacienda La Caravedo Ica I began my journey to Hacienda La Caravedo around 9am when my private car picked me up in Lima. I was already looking forward to my weekend away, but the anticipation only grew as coastal desert sprawled out my window. I passed through several local towns before arriving to the green vineyard oasis of the traditional Hacienda and distillery. Set on 48 hectares of gorgeous green vineyards in the middle of Peru’s coastal desert, this traditional hacienda is more than just a place to stay – it is a true experience. La Caravedo is known for being the oldest working distillery in the Americas and was founded in 1684 to produce Peru’s national spirit of Pisco. Guests of the hacienda are treated to tours of the famed distillery and sampling of the award winning Pisco, in between relaxing by the pool and exploring the surrounding area. The hacienda boasts 5 air-conditioned bungalows, each of which is equipped with a private terrace and kitchenette to help guests feel right at home. Highlights of My Stay at Hacienda La Caravedo Ica What I liked most about La Caravedo was that it offered me the possibility of staying in first class accommodation, in complete privacy and wonderful surroundings, while I had the opportunity to immerse myself in authentic traditions from the southern coast of Peru. Apart
On a recent trip to Peru I took a long weekend and headed 4 hours south of Lima to visit Ica, an area of vast fertile land that produces succulent grapes for Pisco (Peru’s national drink). I am thrilled to share my experience which was centered around my stay at Hacienda…
During a trip to the Sacred Valley of Peru, I had the chance to participate in an unforgettable day hiking through remote mountains, visiting little-known ruins, and eating lunch with the friendliest community imaginable. The experience gave me insight into the real Sacred Valley, something most tourists long to see but never get the chance to. Aracari offers the experience as a full-day cultural Peru hike, and can be included as a part of a private, tailormade trip to Peru. A Cultural Peru Hike in the Sacred Valley The day started with a morning pick-up from my hotel in the Sacred Valley. My knowledgeable guide Kathy explained the schedule for our day as we drove about an hour in our private vehicle to Chinchero. We would start with a visit to the town and ruins of Chinchero, before walking about 4 hours through the mountins to the rural community of Rachji. In the community we would enjoy lunch, and participate in a farming and weaving demonstration to get a better understanding of the locals' day to day life before wrapping up with another private car ride to my hotel. Hiking with Llamas I was so excited to get started that I practically jumped out of the car when we arrived at our starting point of Chinchero (3,800m/12,500ft). The town is picture-perfectly surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, and is buzzing with local women in voluminous colorful skirts selling textiles and produce. We took a tour of the town and ruins and Kathy explained that the area was once home to the great conquering emperor Inca Topa Yupanqui and features incredible history. We walked through the ruins and down some stairs and were greeted by the greatest suprise ever - llamas! During our trek we would be accompanied
During a trip to the Sacred Valley of Peru, I had the chance to participate in an unforgettable day hiking through remote mountains, visiting little-known ruins, and eating lunch with the friendliest community imaginable. The experience gave me insight into the real Sacred Valley, something most tourists long to see…
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located just a one and a half hour drive from Cusco - the gateway to Machu Picchu - is a must-visit destination on a trip to Peru. Dotted with archaeological ruins, traditional rural villages and sweeping landscapes of rich, fertile land, the Sacred Valley is also home to an exquisite selection of some of Peru's finest hotels. Aracari shares our handpicked round-up of the best hotels in the Sacred Valley, selected based on our first-hand stays and 20 years of experience scouting out the stand-out properties. The Best Hotels in the Sacred Valley Sol y Luna We adore this stunning, socially-responsible five-star hotel, one of the best hotels in all of Peru. Sol y Luna is set in spacious grounds with an outdoor swimming pool, dedicated spa, two top-notch restaurants and a wine cellar for private dining. There's even a horse-ranch, with riding trails offered in the surrounding countryside. The stand-out rooms are comprised of individual private villa bungalows, with supremely tasteful, artistic design that gives Sol y Luna a unique edge in the Sacred Valley style-stakes. Each 'casita' bungalow has ample amenities, though we recommend you upgrade to a deluxe casita which is almost double the size of the standard. If luxurious comfort isn't enough - the hotel is a Relais & Chateaux property - sleep well knowing that Sol y Luna was set up to fund the non-profit Sol y Luna Association to sustainably fund education projects, including running its own school for children from the local community. A stay at Sol y Luna directly helps support these initiatives, and visits to the Association can be coordinated with the hotel. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Colonial-inspired Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is comprised of a hacienda-style building with 16 rooms constructed around a central courtyard, along with an additional collection of
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located just a one and a half hour drive from Cusco – the gateway to Machu Picchu – is a must-visit destination on a trip to Peru. Dotted with archaeological ruins, traditional rural villages and sweeping landscapes of rich, fertile land, the Sacred Valley…
Peru is a country of diverse landscapes ranging from the jagged peaked Andes mountains, to the densely forested Amazon jungle. Though the distinct regions can be explored by practically any mode of transportation, one of our preferred methods is on horseback. That's why we have rounded up the best horse riding in Peru, any of which can be included on a tailormade journey by Aracari. Forget your vehicle, and hop on the back of a gorgeous steed who can take you to panoramic vistas and traditional local villages. The Best Horse Riding in Peru Rein Supreme in the Sacred Valley 2 Hour Horseback Ride - Ideal for Beginner Riders (or 7 Hour Ride for Experienced Riders) Head outdoors for a horseback ride through the scenic Sacred Valley. The shorter 2 hour ride starts at Hacienda Huayoccari, a traditional hacienda that is owned and operated by the prestigious Lambarri family. From here you will ride across the Vilcanota River to the quaint town of Urquillos and then head into the rural and picturesque town of Huicho. Though some paved roads are unavoidable, the majority of the excursion will be on rural dirt roads with views of adobe homes, farms and the impressive Urubamba mountain range. This is a great ride for beginners as the famed Peruvian paso horse has a smooth trot that keeps you steady and secure on their back. Alternatively, experienced riders can opt to enjoy a longer ride through the Sacred Valley starting at Sol y Luna hotel. You’ll ride through Rumichaca Baja, a community where you can observe the daily life of the villagers, pass alongside corn fields, and the Urubamba river. From there continue to Media Luna gorge, a local famers’ settlement and irrigation reservoirs, through Chajwar, and ascend to the Pumahuanca gorge, a protected zone with beautiful
Peru is a country of diverse landscapes ranging from the jagged peaked Andes mountains, to the densely forested Amazon jungle. Though the distinct regions can be explored by practically any mode of transportation, one of our preferred methods is on horseback. That’s why we have rounded up the best horse…
For art aficionados visiting Lima, Aracari’s special-access visit to the workshops and home of Lima’s renowned family of artists, the Liébanas, is an exclusive opportunity for culturally curious travellers to delve into Peru’s art world, past and present. The Casa Liébana art tour in the capital’s bohemian art district of Barranco invites you to delve into the contemporary work spaces of the two Liébana brothers; Mateo, a painter, and Joaquin, a sculptor, followed by a visit to the private home of their late father, Jaime Liébana. Jaime’s house comprises an impressive personal collection of ‘Arte Popular’, antiques, and his hand-crafted furniture designs. This visit is arranged by Aracari as part of any private, tailormade trip to Peru. Insider Art Experience: Casa Liébana Joaquin Liébana's Workshop After a private transfer to Lima's hipster district of Barranco, I arrived at an unassuming light blue door marking the entrance to Joaquin Liébana's studio workshop. Behind it I was greeted by the brothers, who showed me down a narrow outdoor pathway that led to rooms filled with the skilled sculptor's newest designs and in-progress pieces. I explored the studio of this talented artist freely, whose unique and eye-catching abstract works included pieces made of wood, metal, and fabric. As I wandered the various rooms, the brothers explained some of the dynamic of their family. Their father, Jaime, recently passed away leaving them with not just their artistic talent but also his collection of fine Peruvian art and his hand-crafted furniture business. Joaquin, the younger brother, has taken over the bespoke furniture business and is now splitting his time between creating unique wooden furniture with local artisans, and sculpting in his workshop. Mateo Liébana's Workshop After a while exploring and understanding the sculptures of Joaquin, I followed his charismatic brother Mateo, a practiced painter, to his
For art aficionados visiting Lima, Aracari’s special-access visit to the workshops and home of Lima’s renowned family of artists, the Liébanas, is an exclusive opportunity for culturally curious travellers to delve into Peru’s art world, past and present. The Casa Liébana art tour in the capital’s bohemian art district of…
Amid the striking coastal desert of Peru lies the Paracas National Reserve. A protected natural area known for an abundance of marine wildlife, arid, orange-colored desert, and dramatic shoreline of wind and wave-sculpted rock formations. Found just a four-hour drive from Lima, the Paracas National Reserve is well worth a visit, especially suited to those seeking adventure travel to Peru. At Aracari, we have spent almost three decades curating bespoke experiences in the Paracas National Reserve, with many of our tailor-made itineraries featuring a few days here during a private Peru tour. Those such as An Amazing Andean Adventure – a journey that culminates with three days spent exploring Paracas and the surrounding region. Explore our Itineraries 5 Highlights of Paracas National Reserve Our knowledge of this area of Peru is extensive – with longstanding connections to the most authentic experiences on offer in the Paracas National Reserve. As Peru’s only protected marine area, a myriad of wildlife can be found here – benefitting from the cool water of the Humboldt Current. There are also over 215 species of birds, that use the Paracas National Reserve as a key stopover during their annual migration path. But that’s not all, there are also opportunities to connect with local communities and understand their way of life, along with learning about the rich history that dates back long before the Inca Empire. Plus adventure experiences, with the option to zip through the towering dunes that form much of the desert here. But how to experience all the above with authenticity? This exclusive Aracari guide will show you how. With our expert tips, discover a true insider glimpse into our five highlights of Paracas National Reserve. 1. Take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands One of the main attractions of the Paracas
Amid the striking coastal desert of Peru lies the Paracas National Reserve. A protected natural area known for an abundance of marine wildlife, arid, orange-colored desert, and dramatic shoreline of wind and wave-sculpted rock formations. Found just a four-hour drive from Lima, the Paracas National Reserve is well worth a…
