Taquile Island On a recent visit to the expansive and picturesque Lake Titicaca, James and I were rewarded with a visit to a community unlike any other that we had experienced before. Although much of the area is associated with inauthentic gimmicks aimed at attracting tourists, as Marisol described in her post, “Trip Report: Lake Titicaca,” we were afforded the opportunity to spend some time learning about the intriguing island community known as Taquile. Departing from the pier in Puno, James and I traveled on a boat bound for Suasi Island Eco Lodge. The warm rays of the sun, the cool breeze of the lake, and the gently rocking of the boat were mesmerizing and complemented the tranquil views of the shoreline, the Andean ducks, and the passing boats. Following a two-hour boat ride, we arrived to the pier, where members of the community welcomed us with a handshake and a smile. During our visit, our guide Maria, with the help of one of the community members, explained the various aspects of the Quechua-speaking people living here - people who are able to successfully fuse their ancient Inca traditions with modern technology. We listened intently as they described the Inca communal laws which they live by as well as the rudimentary process of farming potatoes, quinoa, barley, and other agricultural products, yet we were shocked when Maria explained that the islanders opted to use solar energy as their power source. There were also various demonstrations during our visit. One volunteer showed us how they use the natural flora to create a very important household item: laundry detergent. They produced this powerful and natural cleaning agent by grinding a particular cactus in between two stones, yielding a frothy and green mixture that is then strained and diluted with fresh water from
Taquile Island On a recent visit to the expansive and picturesque Lake Titicaca, James and I were rewarded with a visit to a community unlike any other that we had experienced before. Although much of the area is associated with inauthentic gimmicks aimed at attracting tourists, as Marisol described in…
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are attracting a new demographic of discerning travelers. A destination once known only for its historical offerings, Peru is now a big player in the world of leading luxury destinations. The base of any trip starts with the accommodations, and the emergence of high-end boutiques and luxury hotels throughout Peru provides travelers with a combination of personalized service, high-quality and ample amenities, and a mix of style and comfort that permeates the importance of attention to the “finer details.” Luxury hotel brands have invested huge amounts in introducing hotels defined by their facilities and attention to customer service, and come fully equipped with spa services, gyms, and business centers. Boutiques, meanwhile, add quirky details and highly authentic touches to bring an altogether different flavor to options in Peru. A perfect example of an accommodation raising the bar of luxury hotels in Peru is Cusco’s Palacio Nazarenas (2012), a colonial convent refurbished by Orient-Express into a refined and fashionable property featuring 55 suites lavished in the most luxurious décor and amenities. The brand new JW Marriott Cusco also seeks to satisfy the needs of today’s luxury travelers with the style and design elements of an architecturally stunning site. For those looking for a more unique, personalized, and cozy property, La Lune One Suite (2012 … actually two suites) is an owner-operated boutique hotel? perfect for discerning travelers looking for a refined, lavish, and exclusive experience, with a hotel owner and operator who goes out of his way accommodate his guests and make
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are…
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…
