Some of you may be familiar with one of our favorite hidden gems in Barranco: Las Pallas. For those of you who are not, this is one stop you should absolutely include on your list of galleries to visit when in Lima. With over 25 years of providing quality Peruvian artisans’ products from around the country, Mari Solari, proud owner and operator, continues to bring handmade crafts to her discerning clients. Last year, we had the opportunity to celebrate the gallery’s quarter of a century milestone, but we can’t help but return to this wonderfully eclectic shop with its collection of some of the finest crafts that Peru has to offer. From delicately woven textiles, to jewelry, pottery, fine carvings, and a myriad of other interesting handmade goods, the gallery is a treasure-chest of pieces representative of the diversity found in Peru. To truly understand and appreciate a gallery this unique, take the time to aimlessly wander throughout the house taking in each room and all of its pieces, and be sure to ask Mari questions about her life and work along the way. Las Pallas’ current exhibit features bird motifs from a diverse range of artisans from the jungle, the Andes, and coastal regions. Some of our favorite pieces included the intricately carved gourds and jewelry as well as the colorful array of textiles and retablos, or Latin American votive paintings. From tiny, almost overlooked garden decorations to larger carvings, the current exhibit gives “bird watching” a whole new meaning. As Las Pallas is constantly looking for new and updated work to complement its vintage collection, the annual Christmas exhibit will begin in late November and is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind decorations and gifts for your family and friends. Read more about Las Pallas on our previous
Some of you may be familiar with one of our favorite hidden gems in Barranco: Las Pallas. For those of you who are not, this is one stop you should absolutely include on your list of galleries to visit when in Lima. With over 25 years of providing quality Peruvian…
The perfect adventure travel Peru There’s nothing like sailing the Pacific seas… Several weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to go sailing in Lima near the San Lorenzo Island, just off the port of Callao in Lima. With Owners Rafael and Renzo taking care of all of the guests, our sailing tour aboard the sailboat “Thaya” was a leisurely and relaxing experience. Unlike other boating trips offered to the Islands, the destination is not the highlight of this trip; rather, the act of sailing through the peaceful waters, taking in the sights of the Islands and the coastline, the cool and calming oceanic breeze, and the tasty assortment of on-board snacks and beverages amongst the company of family or friends is what makes this chartered sailing trip a worthwhile venture. The crew emphasized just how laid-back and flexible their four-hour sailing tour can be. If you prefer to catch some early-morning rays or to cast a line, the crew will gladly depart in the morning or provide all the necessary fishing equipment. Need a healthy dose of midday heat to counterbalance your cool glass of wine and the ocean breeze? Trips can leave around midday, taking advantage of the warmth of the sun. The boat is also equipped with a dingy to escort you to the beach and the little walking trails on San Lorenzo Island. Perhaps one of my favorite options, however, would be to wrap up in a warm blanket and head out right before sunset to watch the brilliant colors dance off the reflective waters until silently disappearing over the horizon. Although my trip took place during Lima’s winter months when the ocean wind has a little bite and the sun takes to hiding behind the clouds more often than not, I had a pleasant and
The perfect adventure travel Peru There’s nothing like sailing the Pacific seas… Several weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to go sailing in Lima near the San Lorenzo Island, just off the port of Callao in Lima. With Owners Rafael and Renzo taking care of all of the guests,…
Of the many accommodation options in Peru’s Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, we have recently come across a very special and unique alternative being offered by our friend Mariana: KusyWasi Villa. Located near the town of Pisac, this beautiful villa allows for guests to escape the crowds and tour groups that frequent nearby hotels and enjoy the privacy and tranquility that the property has to offer. Amidst an estate with other privately owned villas and beautiful gardens, KusyWasi Villa is an ideal accommodation for families or groups looking for a private and spacious property to stay in the breathtaking Valley. "I got the idea after renting a home in the countryside in Tuscany", Mariana told us of the very elegant villa, which features an atrium complete with a fountain among other details. Guests can expect a personalized welcome upon arrival at the two-story, four bedroom villa. The house features two master bedrooms equipped with king-sized beds, cozy linens, and elegant ensuite bathrooms as well as two additional smaller bedrooms. Guests can also enjoy the comforts of home, relaxing in front of the fireplace in the living room, perhaps, or cooking their own meal in the full-sized kitchen with local Peruvian ingredients. Mariana goes out of her way to make guests' stay at KusyWasi Villa memorable and personalized. She prides herself in making the cozy villa a “home away from home” for all her guests, accommodating their requests and arranging additional services if required. Please contact us for more information about staying at KusyWasi Villa and incorporating a stay at the villa into your trip to the Urubamba Valley.
Of the many accommodation options in Peru’s Urubamba (Sacred) Valley, we have recently come across a very special and unique alternative being offered by our friend Mariana: KusyWasi Villa. Located near the town of Pisac, this beautiful villa allows for guests to escape the crowds and tour groups that frequent…
On Wednesday October 31st the San Pedro de Apóstol de Andahuaylillas church – known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” - was inaugurated after extensive work undertaken by the World Monuments Fund. This church can be visited on Cusco's Andean Baroque Route. San Pedro de Apóstol de Andahuaylillas church San Pedro de Apóstol - along with San Juan Bautista de Huaro and Virgen de la Candelaria de Canincunca - is one of three noted churches in the area to the south of Cusco that conform to the style now known as “Andean baroque.” The churches were constructed by the Jesuits in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries as a part of their efforts to convert indigenous people of the Altiplano to Christianity. They adopted traditional European styles that incorporated local materials and symbols of native plants and wildlife. The three churches form a circuit known as the “Andean Baroque Route” which is becoming increasingly popular among travellers for the investigation of this unique style of architecture. The World Monuments Fund Notable figures from WMF in Peru and the USA gathered with dignateries and local people from Cusco and Andahuaylillas to mark the work that has been undertaken. They were accompanied by a group of WMF benefactors who came from across the world for the event, who travelled with Aracari on a private, tailormade trip. WMF began working in Andahuaylillas in 2008 following the inclusion of San Pedro Apostol on their Watch. The project focused on the restoration of the main facade, choir, chapels, and a youth training program designed to promote awareness of cultural heritage. The 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas' Built at the beginning of the 17th Century, the interior of the temple is decorated with murals created by Luis Riaño, representing the path to glory and the path to
On Wednesday October 31st the San Pedro de Apóstol de Andahuaylillas church – known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” – was inaugurated after extensive work undertaken by the World Monuments Fund. This church can be visited on Cusco’s Andean Baroque Route. San Pedro de Apóstol de Andahuaylillas church…
Día de la Canción Criolla Before coming to Peru a few months ago, I had always associated October 31st with Halloween, candy, and spooky costumes. However, I recently found out that while children in the United States and other countries are trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes to celebrate Halloween, many Peruvians are partaking in a different, yet equally as popular holiday known as “El Día de la Canción Criolla.” Halloween, like other occidental holidays, is also celebrated and popular here in Peru, especially with young children, but it lacks the Peruvian tradition and history associated with the alternative. I now find myself with the dilemma of choosing which holiday celebration to partake in! Read our guide to Peru's top festivals and download a free festivals calendar Celebrating the Day of Criolla Music Dating back to 1944 when then President Manuel Prado declared the holiday, October 31st has been known as “El Día de la Canción Criolla” or the Day of Criolla Music, and is a celebration of Peruvian music and associated folklore. The term criolla has come to define the people and culture of the coastal regions of Peru, the distinct result of a myriad of influences including that of Spanish, African, and Andean traditions. This mingling of tradition had an effect on various aspects of Peruvian culture, specifically on the music, songs, and dances. Marinera Music and Identity The most popular style of this celebrated "criolla" music is the Marinera, said to be the national dance of Peru, but others include the Peruvian Waltz, Tondero, Festejo, Polka, Zamacueca, and the Landó. Every October 31st, Peruvians join together at bars, parties, and peñas for “El Día de la Canción Criolla,” a celebration of their music and more importantly, their national identity. Peña Night Seeing that I have recently arrived
Día de la Canción Criolla Before coming to Peru a few months ago, I had always associated October 31st with Halloween, candy, and spooky costumes. However, I recently found out that while children in the United States and other countries are trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes to celebrate Halloween,…
Bolivian Gaston Ugalde is considered one of the most important contemporary artists, and is famous for his photography and installation work, specifically those shot at the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Southern Bolivia. In our previous post on March 12th (The Salar de Uyuni: a blank canvas for the creative traveller), we displayed some of his marvelous photos that make use of the spectacular “blank canvas” that is the salt flats, and below are some more images that juxtapose the stark landscape of the flats with unique and colorful objects. The vast emptiness of the Salar de Uyuni contrasts the vibrant colors creating truly sublime images. In many of his photographs and installations during the past thirty years, Gaston has incorporated and engaged the Bolivian landscape, specifically the salt flats as seen in the images below and in our previous post, as well as traditional fabrics like the Andean blankets in some of the photos. He then transforms these landscapes and traditional materials into works of art that address modern day issues, posing universal questions of commerce, politics and spirituality. Visiting the Salar de Uyuni is a unique experience in its own right, and you can contact Aracari today to plan an exclusive trip to Bolivia and these incredible salt flats. If you are feeling even more adventurous, you can even use this blank canvas to create your own artistic photographs - and we'd be happy to share your creative and inspiring images with all of our friends on our Facebook page! Also, read more about Aracari founder Marisol Mosquera’s recent trip to the salt flats here: Trip Report: Desert, Lagoons and the Salar de Uyuni
Bolivian Gaston Ugalde is considered one of the most important contemporary artists, and is famous for his photography and installation work, specifically those shot at the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Southern Bolivia. In our previous post on March 12th (The Salar de Uyuni: a blank canvas for the…
