One of Peru’s best kept secrets is the exquisite, handmade collectables produced here. From cotton to clay, the country is rich in raw materials and for generations, Peruvians have harvested these bountiful resources. Cultivating and creating – molding natural materials into expressions of Peruvian identity or talismans of spiritual and historical significance. Yet it is Aracari’s belief that the artisanship found in Peru is more than artistic creation; it’s a crossover of artistry and ingenuity. How to weave textiles to be striking and sturdy, or how to sculpt pottery that is decorative and durable. And although some of the practical necessities might have faded, the appreciation for the craft has not. Aracari has always been close to the Peruvian art and craft scene. Today the country’s artists are some of the world’s leading visionaries. They all inherit artistic legacy of their ancestors – even if some elements have been brought into the 21st Century. Partnering with a number of these creatives has meant Marisol and her team are able to connect our guests with remarkable experiences; the chance to visit studios, enjoy private exhibitions guided by the artist themselves and participate exclusive workshops. If you’re curious about handmade Peruvian art and craft, here’s the insider guide to what you can expect, exploring artisanship with Aracari. Textiles From the brightly colored patterns of Andean fabrics, to premium garments produced in organically grown, naturally dyed pima cotton and vicuña wool, Peru’s textiles are some of the world’s most renowned. Each step of the process, from natural dyes to the faming of the animals, is part of craft that has been honed over generations. Many of guests have journeyed to Peru with Aracari looking to discover more about these highly sought-after textiles, and it’s been a pleasure to connect travelers with some
One of Peru’s best kept secrets is the exquisite, handmade collectables produced here. From cotton to clay, the country is rich in raw materials and for generations, Peruvians have harvested these bountiful resources. Cultivating and creating – molding natural materials into expressions of Peruvian identity or talismans of spiritual and…
Are you pining for exclusive travel experiences? Do you want to connect with culture, community and craft from the comfort of your own home? Don’t miss your chance to sign up to our special event – and experience pure Peru with our virtual Hacienda art tour followed by a show from the wonderful Paso horses. Read the full story below for more about this exclusive event. In January of this year, we invited friends from around the world to join us for a live streaming of the Pachamama Ceremony – or offering to Mother Earth – conducted by Shaman Rufino Turpo high in the Andean mountains. The idea was to connect people to culture, community and craft in a time when there are so many restrictions on how we’re able to interact with the world around us. The event was a great success, and Marisol and her team of Travel Designers were thrilled to be able to play a part in facilitating such a unique and immersive experience once more, albeit virtually. Since then, we’ve been working hard to engage with many of our expert friends across Peru. In the hope that we are able to take more of our exclusive experiences online and make them globally accessible to everyone stuck at home. Thankfully our call was heard, this time by long-time friend of Aracari and owner of the beautiful Hacienda Huayoccari - Jose Ignacio Lambarri. On the 17th April, we invite you to join Jose as he takes us on a remarkable tour of this 17th century hacienda. The virtual event will include an introduction to the family’s impressive private collection of paintings, carved wood, glazed pottery from Lake Titicaca, Toritos of Pucará, colonial saints and silver pieces, dating from pre-Inca, Inca, Viceregal and Republican times. But not before heading
Are you pining for exclusive travel experiences? Do you want to connect with culture, community and craft from the comfort of your own home? Don’t miss your chance to sign up to our special event – and experience pure Peru with our virtual Hacienda art tour followed by a show from…
After a year of such stasis, we are predicting that slow travel is set to make a return to bucket list adventures. Continental and domestic flights swapped for South American adventure road trips, crossing countries the old-fashioned way: over land borders. Crowded transport terminals ditched for the open expanse. Travellers looking for ways to soak up as much of a destination as possible during the days of their vacation. Preparing for these changes in travel habits has kept our Travel Designers busy over the last few months. Using expert knowledge to map roads that cross some of the continent’s most spectacular National Parks, pass through ancient villages and pinpoint remarkable pit-stops, from Inca ruins and secret lagoons. Pair your unique road trip with overnight stays at some of our exclusive hotel partners, and you’ll have the perfect post-pandemic travel itinerary. From an eco-friendly beach-front boutique, where each one of its 18 rooms feature a terrace opening straight onto the rugged coastline of Chile’s extreme north. To a family-owned working hacienda in rural Ecuador, that produces tree-to-bar handmade chocolate, dulce de leche, honey and other farm-fresh products. Let us take you over land and off the beaten track, with our pioneering, tailormade, adventure road trips, designed to showcase the open road. 1. The Vast and the Curious Luxury Road Trip – Bolivia and Northern Argentina Beginning in the city of Sucre, in the southern highlands of Bolivia, this private journey explores some of the most untouched landscapes on earth. The route passes through Potosí, which at 4,090 meters above sea level stands at one of the world’s highest cities. Before reaching Bolivia’s breath-taking natural wonder – Salar de Uyuni. Here, the roaring log fires and sloping ceilings of Luna Salada offer cozy sanctuary from the dropping desert temperatures. Half a
After a year of such stasis, we are predicting that slow travel is set to make a return to bucket list adventures. Continental and domestic flights swapped for South American adventure road trips, crossing countries the old-fashioned way: over land borders. Crowded transport terminals ditched for the open expanse. Travellers…
When our guests return from an Aracari adventure with memories and reflections to last a lifetime, we know our job as pioneers of extraordinary travel experiences, has been done right. This was the case for Tom Cohen and his wife, a couple from San Diego, USA, who travelled to Peru with Aracari just a few months before the pandemic hit. Having never visited South America, Tom was keen to work closely with our expert Travel Designers, to ensure their trip would be aligned to their personal interests and passions. From there, the partnership between Aracari and our guests flourished. The couple enjoyed a one-of-a-kind adventure in Peru. Traversing rainforest and rocky valleys, their trip encountered some of the most spectacular sites in the country, incorporating luxury every step of the way. From a first-class train ticket to Machu Picchu, to a lodge hidden in the forest canopy. Fast forward 12-months on from then, and sadly many of us are still experiencing restrictions on international travel. Pining for adventure, Tom and his wife began reminiscing on their personal journey with Aracari, collating photographs and videos from their experience. And it’s this nostalgic recollecting, that resulted in an Aracari first. Tom generously opened an invite to the Aracari community. Inviting our friends into their home, to join them at a unique virtual travel event, as they look back on treasured memories of a wonderful trip. The couple also reached out to two of the Aracari guides who made their experience whilst in Peru even more memorable: Alberto in Lima and Ruben in Cusco. Hoping to reconnect with both guides, who became great friends during their time in South America, Tom asked if Alberto and Ruben would join them as co-hosts of their virtual showcase. Of course, our experts were more than happy
When our guests return from an Aracari adventure with memories and reflections to last a lifetime, we know our job as pioneers of extraordinary travel experiences, has been done right. This was the case for Tom Cohen and his wife, a couple from San Diego, USA, who travelled to Peru…
Peru is a captivating land of striking natural beauty, remarkable ancient heritage, and increasingly cosmopolitan culture - reflected especially in its arts and gastronomic scenes. So no doubt choosing to honeymoon in the land of the Incas, will give you and your partner memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. We've tailormade the honeymoon experiences of numerous guests over the years and in this post we've picked out some of our top experiences for honeymooners in Peru. 1.Horseback ride in Colca Canyon What could be more romantic than two soulmates galloping into the sunset, across the breath-taking terrain of the world's deepest rock canyon. The sights and sounds of wild vicuñas, and condors soaring overhead will surely make this honeymoon experience like no other. In fact, we can even recommend the perfect spa lodge, situated by nearby hot-springs, Colca Lodge offers an array of indulgent spa treatments after a long day of horseback riding. Learn More 2.Dine in Peru's world-renowned restaurants Even if you're more attracted to the wilderness and Inca culture of Peru, than it's gastronomy. A special occasion, such as a honeymoon, warrants dining somewhere memorable. Fortunately, Peru is home to three of Latin America's top ten restaurants which include Maido, Central, and Osso all located in Lima. In each of these restaurants, you'll sample some of the delights of Peru's natural larder, prepared and cooked to the finest standards. If you'd like to book a table, we can even help make the reservations. Learn More 3.Take a romantic cruise through the Amazon Gazing out over the rainforest, to the sound of exotic birdlife, as the sun sets over the Amazon river has to be one of the most romantic experiences we can help newlyweds arrange. We can reserve some of the most luxurious private charter yachts
Peru is a captivating land of striking natural beauty, remarkable ancient heritage, and increasingly cosmopolitan culture – reflected especially in its arts and gastronomic scenes. So no doubt choosing to honeymoon in the land of the Incas, will give you and your partner memories that will be cherished for a…
As a wellness destination, Peru has it all. Ancient mountains, tropical beaches, high-altitude lagoons, and lush rainforest create an idyllic setting for some truly unadulterated rest and relaxation. Tailormade wellness experiences are something we've acquired much experience over the years, so if you're feeling burned-out and looking for new ways to nourish your mind and body, here's some inspiration to guide your next wellness adventure. 1.Attend A Traditional Andean Ceremony In our busy modern lives, we have few moments to re-connect with mother earth and focus on what we're truly grateful. For centuries Andean communities have paused to give thanks and share their future hopes in a ceremony called the Pago a la Pachamama (a.k.a 'The Offering To Mother Earth'). Led by a local Shaman, high in the mountains, it's one of our favorite experiences to organize for travelers. Learn More 2.Retreat To Watch The Hummingbirds Sol y Luna is a blissful getaway in the heart of the Sacred Valley, and one of the most relaxing hotels in Peru. Located off the main tourist trail, amid a charming meadow-scape, guests always savor the hotel's mountain views, and enjoy gentle strolls that can be had through Sol y Luna's heavenly grounds. Even on a short stay, the perfume of wildflowers and an array of colorful hummingbirds under crisp blue skies leave all our guests feeling truly unwound. Learn More 3.Watch Humpback Whales in Northern Peru Between August and October is typically the best time of year to go humpback whale watching in Peru. These magnificent ocean creatures are known for their blissful song and awe-inspiring acrobatics. If you're looking for an experience that will spark inspiration and reinvigorate your connection to nature - this spectacle is a must. Furthermore, we can recommend a handful of hidden beach houses and private accommodation
As a wellness destination, Peru has it all. Ancient mountains, tropical beaches, high-altitude lagoons, and lush rainforest create an idyllic setting for some truly unadulterated rest and relaxation. Tailormade wellness experiences are something we’ve acquired much experience over the years, so if you’re feeling burned-out and looking for new ways…
