It was during a walking tour of the neighborhood of Los Olivos in Lima that I encountered my first huaca. I stood behind a row of houses on a patch of dusty land that had a few hills and a sign that said "No Trespassing", which failed to deter any of the many trespassers who were crossing the open expanse to reach their homes on the other side. Huaca Pucllana is one of the highlights of a visit to the capital, Lima. Huaca Pucllana Lima A huaca, as I later found out after some investigation, comes from the Quechua word wak’a, which means “sacredness” or “holiness”. The term was used to describe objects with a spiritual significance like a sacred ritual or offering or to refer to the afterlife in pre-Inca cultures. Worship and Sacrifice Huaca is also used to refer to the ceremonial and administrative centers built with stone or adobe, which were used for community gatherings for sacred worship, sacrifices and rituals as well as social, administrative and political meetings. The remains of huacas, such as the one I encountered in Los Olivos, are scattered throughout Peru, many neglected, forgotten or built over by modern development. However, efforts to restore and protect these archeological sites have increased in recent years, and municipalities have built fences around huacas to protect them from vandalism and damage. Huacas in the heart of Peru's capital Lima, a fertile coastal region, was the home of many ancient cultures in Peru and is thus replete with the remains of huacas—more than three hundred are scattered throughout the region. Two well-preserved huacas in Lima are the Huaca Pachacamac in the south and the Huaca Pucllana, located right in Miraflores. The construction of Huaca Pucllana I recently visited the Huaca Pucllana or Huaca Juliana, as it is also called, which was a
It was during a walking tour of the neighborhood of Los Olivos in Lima that I encountered my first huaca. I stood behind a row of houses on a patch of dusty land that had a few hills and a sign that said “No Trespassing”, which failed to deter any of…
As one of the lucky countries with the Andes decorating its landscapes, Peru is rich in hiking and climbing opportunities for adventure travelers. But the best part about the varied terrain is that there is trekking for every skill set and fitness level. A great hike for soft adventurers, who love to be outside but aren't looking for a huge challenge, is the Canocota Canyon Colca Peru hike which can be included as a part of a luxury, tailormade trip to Peru with travel specialists, Aracari. Canocota Canyon Colca Peru Hike My colleague Caroline and I recently made a trip south to try out some of the great experiences Aracari offers in the Colca Valley and Canyon. Lucky for us this included two hikes, a difficult hike to Madrigal Chimpa Fortress and an easier half day hike through the Canocota Canyon, the smaller and lesser-known sister of the Colca Canyon. Located in the north-eastern area of the Colca Valley, the Canocota Canyon is home to dramatic landscapes and incredible views. This Colca Peru hike is a point to point trek, that starts in the small town of Canocota, which sits at 3,500m (11,482ft), and ends at La Calera, one of the many natural public thermal bathes in the Colca Valley. An easy-moderate option for travelers, the hike is about 8.2km (5.1mi) and on average takes 3 hours to walk. My Experience on the Canocota Canyon Colca Peru Hike We decided to bring a box lunch, and start our hike around 1pm. This turned out to be a great idea, as there was not a single other traveler on the path. Most of the tour companies hike this route from 2:30-5:30 in the afternoon, so we had the scenery and Andean landscapes all to ourselves. After admiring the colonial church while passing through the Canocota town square, Caroline, myself, and
As one of the lucky countries with the Andes decorating its landscapes, Peru is rich in hiking and climbing opportunities for adventure travelers. But the best part about the varied terrain is that there is trekking for every skill set and fitness level. A great hike for soft adventurers, who…
The Two Day Lares trek in Peru The two day Lares trek from Patakancha to Lares is a spectacular hike through the Peruvian Andes. One of the most popular alternative hikes to the Inca trail, the Lares trek can be done as a three day / two night trek, or quicker over two days and one night, camping en route. One of the best things about this two day lares trek is that you can avoid the tourist crowds and gain an insight into local culture: while other Peru treks focus exclusively on landscapes, with the two day Lares trek you get to hike through the country's Quechua highlands and pass rural communities along this spectacular hike. Aracari arranges the two day Lares trek on a private basis only, not as a group tour. The village of Patakancha I recently had the chance to take this two day trail through breathtaking landscapes, where life remains much unchanged since the time of the Incas. Our journey began with a drive through the Sacred Valley where upon reaching Olllantaytambo, we climbed our way up a partially-paved road for 45 minutes until reaching the small community of Patakancha. This small village is charming, with thatched roof buildings of stone or adobe bricks and cheery locals making their livings as they have for centuries from weaving textiles and farming and raising animals. Meeting the Porters It was here that we met up with our team of porters and muleteers. Once our mules were loaded and sunscreen had been applied to shield us from the strong Andean sun, we began our walk out from Patakancha. Heading gently upwards through the agricultural terraces and passing flocks of grazing llamas, there was already a feeling that we had escaped the main tourist trail and were experiencing Andean
The Two Day Lares trek in Peru The two day Lares trek from Patakancha to Lares is a spectacular hike through the Peruvian Andes. One of the most popular alternative hikes to the Inca trail, the Lares trek can be done as a three day / two night trek, or…
The natural wonders of Colca Canyon and Valley, are ideal to explore on foot or horseback. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the mountains and abundant flora and fauna of the region than deserting your vehicle for a day of fresh air. I was lucky enough to do just that, and spend a full day in the saddle on an unforgettable horseback ride in Colca to Achoma viewpoint. Aracari also offers a shorter, three hour horseriding experience in Colca that's also suitable for beginners. Achoma Horseback Ride in Colca on Paso Horses At around 9:30 our guide Thomas met us at our hotel, Belmond Las Casitas, with 5 horses in tow. We would be accompanied by his expert Chalans, equestrian guides, who seemed like horse whisperers as they seamlessly dressed the serene horses in gorgeous leather details. The horseriding guides can meet you also at Colca Lodge, if you're staying there, to start your trip. The Peruvian Paso Horse As they saddled up the Peruvian Paso horses, they explained how this world-renowned breed, declared Cultural Patrimony by the National Institute of Culture, has a distinguished, four-beat lateral gait called the paso llano and provides a stable and smooth ride perfect for new riders and experienced horsemen alike. I was pleased to hear this, having only ridden horses a few times on previous vacations, and listened attentively as they explained techniques and tips for handling the horse with the reins. We then hopped on, and began trotting into the valley towards the agricultural town of Achoma. I was impressed to feel the truth in their words about the Peruvian Paso horse's gait, and felt very secure in my saddle. While we traversed rocky paths, streams, and terraced feilds, my horse kept me gracefully upright leaving me to simply enjoy the ride and the sweeping
The natural wonders of Colca Canyon and Valley, are ideal to explore on foot or horseback. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the mountains and abundant flora and fauna of the region than deserting your vehicle for a day of fresh air. I was lucky enough to do just…
In the heart of one of the richest and most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Tambopata National Reserve, lies the most remote Amazon lodge in Peru and an incredible conservation initiative, Wired Amazon. Rainforest Expeditions, the owners of Tambopata Research Center, Refugio Amazonas, and Posada Amazonas, are collaborating with scientists to conduct Wired Amazon, a citizen science project that gets guests involved in the identification of new species, the assessing of botany, and the appraising of biodiversity in the jungle. Aracari is proud to support and promote Wired Amazon. We encourage you to contact us so we can tell you more about the project or help arrange a stay at the lodges as part of a private, tailormade trip to Peru. Wired Amazon: The Projects In 2016 began the Wired Amazon initiative, which is a collection of 3 science projects powered by Rainforest Expeditions. The goal of Wired Amazon is to connect guests with the research that is taking place in the forest, and give them an opportunity to participate in the important scientific data collection. For example, travelers can partake in wildlife investigations with scientists in the field- setting light traps and camera traps or you can help out by counting species. This project is unique in that when the trip is over, the citizen scientists can continue their involvement via their personal computer. Through the Wired Amazon website, people around the world can help identify fauna and flora and new species by watching live videos and photos taken by the camera traps and mini drones across the jungle. Biodiversity Using AmazonCam, the biodiversity element of Wired Amazon studies the species both at canopy level, and on the rainforest floor. The cameras take a picture when they sense the heat of an animal, and citizen scientists help identify the species in the photos. Overseen by Dr. Mark Bowler, check
In the heart of one of the richest and most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Tambopata National Reserve, lies the most remote Amazon lodge in Peru and an incredible conservation initiative, Wired Amazon. Rainforest Expeditions, the owners of Tambopata Research Center, Refugio Amazonas, and Posada Amazonas, are collaborating with scientists…
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Che Guevara's death, Aracari retraces the last steps of the iconic revolutionary in Bolivia with journalist Sarah Gilbert. Aracari offers a 6 day/5 night trip on the Che Route including full board starting at USD $3,055 Contact Us Ruta del Che, the Che Route 50 years ago, on October 9 1967, Che Guevara was shot in a small town in eastern Bolivia. The historically significant villages and local sites that he visited during his last living days and the first days of his death make up the 'Che Route' or Ruta del Che. Along the route, Che's spirit lives on in colorful memorials and historic sites that can be visited by interested travelers. Read about journalist Sarah Gilbert's experience on The Che Route with Aracari in The Evening Standard, The Independent, Yahoo! Style, and The I. A Brief History of Che Guevara Originally from Argentina, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was a revolutionary and guerrilla leader that worked to spread Marxist and socialist ideals around the world. He rose to fame during the Cuban revolution, when he worked beside the Castro's to overthrow the US backed Batista regime. After assuming many important roles in the new Cuban government, Che left the country to spread the revolution abroad. He made an unsuccessful attempt in Congo before heading to Bolivia where he was captured and executed. To this day Che remains a polarized figure, hated or loved by people around the world. His story and writing were developed into the 2004 international film, The Motorcycle Diaries, and his image, a famous photo of long haired Che Geuvara in a beret looking determined, has become a pop culture symbol for rebellion and standing up to 'the man' and was cited as the most famous photograph in the world. Stops Along the Che Route The Che Route through southern Bolivia has become
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Che Guevara’s death, Aracari retraces the last steps of the iconic revolutionary in Bolivia with journalist Sarah Gilbert. Aracari offers a 6 day/5 night trip on the Che Route including full board starting at USD $3,055 Contact Us Ruta del Che, the Che Route 50 years ago, on October…
