A short boat ride from the Tambopata Research Center, a jungle lodge eight hours upriver from Puerto Maldonado, lies the largest known macaw clay-lick in the Amazon. On most mornings, hundreds of birds, including various species of macaws and parrots congregate at the clay, offering guests the unique opportunity to view this colorful spectacle and learn about the project through experiencing some of the daily activities of the lodge’s researchers. Recently, my colleague Simon and I were able to visit the research center and do just that. Tambopata's Macaw Project https://youtu.be/O2k6WCyII08 Visiting the Clay Lick We were awoken bright and early by our expert guide Yuri to visit the nearby claylick before sunrise, as we were informed this was the best time to visit just before the birds begin to arrive. Following our short boat trip to a small island across from the lick, we positioned ourselves on chairs and set up viewing scopes to watch from a distance, as to not disturb the birds and interrupt the research being conducted. As the sun rose through the jungle canopy, birds began to slowly arrive, first hovering in the distance, before a group of brave souls decided the lick was safe from predators and approached the clay to begin their daily routine. Hundreds followed screeching and screaming, and we spent the next few hours on the island viewing the birds, taking photos, and spotting different species from our guide’s field map. Scarlet, Blue-and Yellow, Red-and-Green, Blue-headed, and Red-bellied to name a few of the types of macaws we had the opportunity to see. It was a true spectacle of the natural world and a dynamic sensory experience, the sounds and colors of this much birdlife assembling together. Contact us to speak to an expert travel planner for information on visiting the
A short boat ride from the Tambopata Research Center, a jungle lodge eight hours upriver from Puerto Maldonado, lies the largest known macaw clay-lick in the Amazon. On most mornings, hundreds of birds, including various species of macaws and parrots congregate at the clay, offering guests the unique opportunity to…
In the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, hidden among its beautiful private gardens, ranch, and the picturesque mountains of the Valley lies a tranquil retreat and one of my personal and Aracari’s favorite hotels in Peru: Sol y Luna. TripAdvisor and the masses seem to agree with our praise; Sol y Luna was recently named to the Travelers’ Choice 2013 Top 25 Hotels in the World, a well-deserved distinction for this stylish yet cozy escape. A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to have spent a few days at Sol y Luna during a family vacation that took us all over Peru and discovered firsthand what makes this property a hidden gem worthy of acclaim. It is not to be treated as merely a place to stop between Cusco and a trip to Machu Picchu; the wonderful casitas built in perfect harmony with the surrounding gardens and valley, the Peruvian artwork boasting unique and colorful taste that echoes the vibrant floral display of these gardens, the hotel’s level of service, the onsite ranch with Peruvian Paso horses, the exciting activities available, and the excellent menu crafted by one of Lima’s hottest chefs are just some of the many reasons why you should take the time to spend a few days at this pleasant sanctuary. Whether you venture out to the nearby archaeological sites like Maras and Moray on quad or horseback, enjoy a massage at the charming Yacu Wasi spa, or just tote your camera around the grounds photographing the birds and the flowers, Sol y Luna is an unpretentious accommodation perfectly suitable for all types of travelers.My only complaint was that I could not stay longer, the only solution...return for another visit, and soon! Read more about Sol y Luna on our website and contact us to include
In the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, hidden among its beautiful private gardens, ranch, and the picturesque mountains of the Valley lies a tranquil retreat and one of my personal and Aracari’s favorite hotels in Peru: Sol y Luna. TripAdvisor and the masses seem to agree with our praise; Sol…
It’s finally arrived: Chilcano week 2013! This delightfully tangy Peruvian cocktail might have been overshadowed by the Pisco Sour as far as being Peru’s national drink is concerned, but that certainly doesn’t mean it can be overlooked. (Photo Credit: Musuk Nolte, El Comercio) Concocted of 3 basic ingredients – Pisco, ginger ale and lime – and with endless variations, the Chilcano is a popular hit at summertime, a refreshing accompaniment to the scorching hot sun that graces Peru’s capital. It’s a hugely popular drink at bars across the city, a local custom is to buy a bottle of pisco between friends and to prepare your own chilcanos into the wee hours. Chilcano week will entail much of what you might expect. Events are taking place across the city, with all sorts of ridiculously tempting promotions being touted by bars and restaurants. Peruvian paper El Comercio rounds up the offerings nicely, our hat tip is Mayta restaurant in Miraflores who offer a selection of macerated piscos serving as a base for different types of Chilcano. Coca leaf Chilcano? Passion fruit Chilcano? Spicy chili chilcano? It’s all possible. If you want to try a Chilcano in one of Lima’s best bars then you could perhaps be tempted by our Lima Bar tour. If you want to make one at home here’s how: CHILCANO DE PISCO 6 measures of good quality Peruvian Pisco (Quebranta variety recommended) 1 measure of lime Ginger Ale Ice Angostura bitters (optional) Add ice to the glass. Pour Pisco over ice. Add lime. Add Ginger Ale. Garnish glass with a slice of lime. Enjoy. Adventurous mixologists might like to experiment with: fresh ginger, macerated pisco.
It’s finally arrived: Chilcano week 2013! This delightfully tangy Peruvian cocktail might have been overshadowed by the Pisco Sour as far as being Peru’s national drink is concerned, but that certainly doesn’t mean it can be overlooked. (Photo Credit: Musuk Nolte, El Comercio) Concocted of 3 basic ingredients – Pisco,…
It’s that time of year again, and the Dakar rally is returning to Peru for the second time! Last year the race finished in Lima, with the final stages taking place in the country’s southern desert coast. The Peruvian capital is now in the spotlight as the race kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 5th January, with the Grand Start running along Lima's costa verde seafront. After setting off from Lima, bikes, quads, cars and trucks alike will speed south to Ica, Pisco, Nazca and Arequipa. They will then head over the Peruvian border with Chile to Arica, continuing the route through Chile and Argentina. The race finishes in Santiago on January 20th after covering some 8,000 kilometres. As many as 300 million people will watch Dakar 2013 from across the world according to PromPeru. Originally the Dakar ran through the Sahara desert, but it relocated to South America 5 years ago, primarily because of security reasons, but also because the terrain between Argentina and Chile offered a variety of different challenges for the enduring racers of Dakar. Peru was included in 2012 for similar reasons, with the vast desert coast offering vast sand dunes and barren terrains to negotiate. Peru's barren southern desert (Source: dakar.peru.travel) This year, measures have been taken to protect fossil remains in the southern desert around Ica. As drivers search for ever more adventurous routes there has been concern that they could trample over fossil deposits. The Peruvian Ministery of Culture has implemented a signage campaign which it is confident will eliminate any damage. If you want to follow the race check out the official Dakar website and if you want to speed about like a Dakar rally racer on your very own sand buggy in the southern Peruvian desert then contact us straight away!
It’s that time of year again, and the Dakar rally is returning to Peru for the second time! Last year the race finished in Lima, with the final stages taking place in the country’s southern desert coast. The Peruvian capital is now in the spotlight as the race kicks off…
New Year’s Eve in Peru New Year's Eve is one of the most popular times of the year for visitors to travel to Peru. In Lima, New Year's is around the time that Summer arrives, while in the Andes - including Cusco and Lake Titicaca - rainy season has arrived (though this does not mean it rains all the time!). Peru is a year-round destination thanks to its varied climates. As one of the most beautiful cities in the country and home to a range of luxury hotels, Cusco is a popular base to ring in the New Year. As such, the best hotels in Cusco should be booked well in advance. Hotels often arrange dinners and special galas to mark the occassion, included in the New Year's rates. New Year's Eve Traditions in Peru Every culture celebrates the New Year different and Peru is no exception in its wildly varied celebrations! In all the major cities locals celebrate by letting of fireworks and gathering in the main squares. No matter what traditions you take part in or where you’re celebrating it in Peru, New Year’s is a special time for everyone. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate about the passing year with friends and family, and to turn the page and look ahead to what the following year will bring. We asked members of the Aracari team how they will be ringing in the New Year... "I always put a small bag of lentils in my pocket for good luck for the upcoming year." - Raul, Lima Client Relations “We throw coins into the house from the entrance as a symbol that next year we won’t lose any money.” - Lidia, Travel Planner "We wait in the main square, and when it's 12.00 we all start running around
New Year’s Eve in Peru New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular times of the year for visitors to travel to Peru. In Lima, New Year’s is around the time that Summer arrives, while in the Andes – including Cusco and Lake Titicaca – rainy season has arrived…
A new luxury hotel in Peru Popping up throughout Peru are a new breed of luxury accommodations that provide distinguished travelers with the high quality of service, amenities, and comfort that they have come to expect on their adventures. One such notable property is the recently opened JW Marriott Hotel in Cusco. Given the rich and vibrant history that surrounds the ground on which this hotel now stands, we thought it ideal to seek the professional advice of Colonial Art Historian, Anthropologist, and Aracari specialist guide Ms. Lisy Kuon to hear her thoughts on the history, the presentation and the service of this new luxury property. Lisy told us that the hotel comes with all of the modern services that would one would expect from a five-star property, including a full service spa, restaurant, an oxygen-enriched system, and full amenities. She hinted that the décor was somewhat "eclectic", as it fuses motifs from a wide range of eras. “The service is good in my personal experience,” she explains. “The hotel lives up to its category, and its services are highly recommended for their quality and price.” Of the fascinating history of the building, Lisy explained that “The convent of San Agustin was built in the second half of the sixteenth century. It suffered severe damage in the earthquake that devastated the city of Cuzco in 1650, being rebuilt by Augustinian priests.” More devastation ensued: “In the 1820s, it was destroyed by cannon fire ordered by General Agustín Gamarra, because of their political differences with the Augustinians. This was during the Peruvian wars of independence against the Spanish Crown. The priests of this Order were royalists, i.e. supporters of the Kings of Spain. In the twentieth century, what remained of the old convent passed into private ownership, having been sold to
A new luxury hotel in Peru Popping up throughout Peru are a new breed of luxury accommodations that provide distinguished travelers with the high quality of service, amenities, and comfort that they have come to expect on their adventures. One such notable property is the recently opened JW Marriott Hotel…
