Highlights of Chilean Wine Country I had two and a half days to visit the areas of interest near Santiago, in particular the Chilean wine country. Christian Ramcke, my host, took me to the lovely town of Valparaiso and to two of the wine growing areas that are famous and very much visited due to their proximity to Santiago, namely Maipo and Colchagua. If deciding to spend a few days in the Santiago area (Central Chile), I would encourage the traveller to skip overnighting in Santiago altogether. Santiago is modern and efficient capital city with a good restaurant scene and fine hotels, but with little in terms of cultural interest that would warrant an overnight stay. I stayed at a great hotel, the W, which I loved, but for all its avant-garde style and hip crowd, it is 75% business, and now you know why. There is another fine boutique hotel that we like, called "Le Reve.” With only 33 rooms and 2 suites and a traditional style, this and "W", are our chosen accommodation options. They are both located in the residential areas of Las Condes ("Sanhattan" owing to its financial connections) and Providencia respectively. Whereas these neighborhoods are pleasant, leafy, and quiet, the traffic in and out of Santiago as well as in the Centre is another big deterrent to staying in this city. Valparaiso - Chile's Cultural Capital A much more interesting alternative is driving north straight from the airport to the port city of Valparaiso, which takes no more than one -and-a half hours. Valparaiso (or "Valpo" as it is commonly called) is Chile´s cultural capital. It is bohemian, picturesque and full of history, culture, and interesting architecture. The most important port city in Chile during the 19th century, it is full of charm as well positioned on a steep
Highlights of Chilean Wine Country I had two and a half days to visit the areas of interest near Santiago, in particular the Chilean wine country. Christian Ramcke, my host, took me to the lovely town of Valparaiso and to two of the wine growing areas that are famous and…
A Weekend in the Andes at Llanganuco Lodge Peru Part 2 of our weekend escape travel article on the Cordillera Blanca: read part 1 of our Llanganuco Lodge stay. Traveler Tales: Gathering for dinner Shortly after the sun had set over the Cordillera Negra, the amazing moon emerged over the opposite snow covered peaks, slowly creeping into the dark sky and illuminating the valley. Light pollution is relatively unknown to this remote area, and this gave us an unencumbered view of the celestial bodies that dominated the night sky. We convened in the candlelit lodge, joining our fellow guests, who gathered around the communal dining table or snuggled into the couches enjoying some locally brewed craft beers and sharing conversations about the day’s adventures, the forces that brought us to the lodge, and bits and pieces about our individual lives. When Lucho “rang the dinner bell,” we gathered together to enjoy yet another beer, some wine, and indulged ourselves in the delicious three-course meal that had been prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients from the area. This nightly ritual was both an excellent way to unwind after our adventures and brought us closer to the people who shared our same magnetic draw to this particular spot in the Andes. Meeting fellow hikers We got to know many different types of people during such evenings, confirming all of the positive reviews speaking to Llanganuco Lodge’s variety of opportunities to adventure. During our first evening, we met the actual owners of the massive German tanker, a friendly middle-aged couple from Belgium who had taken over a year and half off from work to explore South America via their decked-out vehicle. After five years of planning their route and several years of outfitting their ex-military vehicle with a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom,
A Weekend in the Andes at Llanganuco Lodge Peru Part 2 of our weekend escape travel article on the Cordillera Blanca: read part 1 of our Llanganuco Lodge stay. Traveler Tales: Gathering for dinner Shortly after the sun had set over the Cordillera Negra, the amazing moon emerged over the…
Throughout October, hundreds of thousands of faithful Peruvians celebrate Lima’s patron Saint El Señor de los Milagros, or “The Lord of Miracles,” in what is one the largest and most significant Catholic processions in South America. October is known as “Purple Month” throughout Lima, and the faithful outwardly display their devotion by decorating the streets and dressing in purple. The patron Saint is materialized and symbolized by a 17th century painting of a dark-skinned Jesus Christ by an Angolan slave. The highly controversial painting survived futile attempts at Colonial destruction, and its survival is part of the reason the image is so venerated. It went on to withstand the deadly earthquake in 1746 that destroyed the entire church housing the painting except for the wall bearing the image. Its astonishing survival spread throughout the country and thousands gathered to partake in a procession to venerate the image. From this point on, the painting has held a particular significance, and the annual processions continued to celebrate its perseverance. The Church of the Nazarenas was constructed around the wall that survived amidst the rubble and the painting is displayed prominently. Today marks the start of one of the largest and most significant Catholic processions in Peru, a 24-hour parade beginning at this church and finishing at the Church of La Merced in Barrios Altos. The sacred painting is adorned in silver, the representative purple, and flowers and is carried through the city with thousands of followers singing hymns of adoration and hoping to benefit from the supposed miraculous healing powers the painting is said to possess. Church bells ring, candles are lit, incense is burned, and vendors provide the famous Turrón de Doña Pepa, a dessert associated with the month of October and this famous procession in Peru. If you find yourself in Lima particularly near
Throughout October, hundreds of thousands of faithful Peruvians celebrate Lima’s patron Saint El Señor de los Milagros, or “The Lord of Miracles,” in what is one the largest and most significant Catholic processions in South America. October is known as “Purple Month” throughout Lima, and the faithful outwardly display their devotion by…
A Weekend in the Andes at Llanganuco Lodge Peru Part one of our weekend escape travel article. Read part two of our Llanganuco Lodge stay. Arriving in the Cordillera Blanca A burrito, a brownie, and an 8-hour overnight bus trip later, we arrived in Yungay, a relatively small city located in the Cordillera Blanca in north-central Peru. We hopped in a cab outside the bus station, instructed the driver that we were headed towards “Casa de Charlie” (everyone in Yungay seemed to know of Charlie and the LLanganuco Lodge), and were on our way up the winding, dirt road for a 40 minute journey to a long weekend in paradise. Snow capped mountains Our tired eyes were welcomed by the amazing sight of the sun rising over the mountain range, reflecting magnificently on the snow capped peaks above us. The view on our own terrestrial level was equally interesting, as we passed traditionally dressed women tending to their crops, fat fuzzy pigs rooting around in the soil, and a bubbling stream that shadowed our route. The silent journey was interrupted as the forest line ended: “Mira - la Casa de Charlie,” our driver instructed, casting his finger towards a distant building perched atop a hill. Llanganuco Lodge's setting Lined with fairly young coniferous trees, the final ascent up the hill unfolded the image of our destination with a view of the lodge, the restaurant and bar, and the separate dorm accommodation that comprised the main buildings on the property, as well as what appeared to be a massive WWII military vehicle parked at the entrance. We looked at each other in confusion, sharing concern about what our weekend with the ex-accountant gone rogue living in a German tanker in the Peruvian mountains would amount to. We noticed several people sitting at
A Weekend in the Andes at Llanganuco Lodge Peru Part one of our weekend escape travel article. Read part two of our Llanganuco Lodge stay. Arriving in the Cordillera Blanca A burrito, a brownie, and an 8-hour overnight bus trip later, we arrived in Yungay, a relatively small city located…
Check out Aracari founder and CEO, Marisol's, experience whale watching in the Northern Peru Beaches of Mancora, here. Whale Watching Peru: The Northern Peru Beaches of Mancora Experience a half day on the coast of Peru whale watching and swimming with turtles led by a marine biologist guide. Book this tour with Aracari as part of any tailormade trip Peru. From August to November each year, humpback whales travel thousands of miles from Antarctica to the tropical waters around Mancora to give birth to their offspring. During this reproductive season, male humpbacks display mating techniques that include jumps, as well as fin, tail and head exposure for the female whales- and lucky spectators. Today you can be one of those lucky spectators and adventure out on a boat to see these most impressive creatures along their journey. After an early morning transport from your Mancora hotel, climb aboard a 46ft yacht to begin your aquatic experience. Take a seat on the shaded upper deck, and keep your eyes peeled as you venture out to sea in search of the massive and often playful creatures. The biologist on board will be happy to answer your questions as you enjoy snacks while crossing the waters. During the excursion you will make a stop at an inactive oil platform where you can view sea lions and a variety of birds including pelicans, cormorants and frigates. Hop back on the yacht and keep on your way, looking out for dolphins and manta rays that frequent the area along with the seasonal whales. With luck, you will have several spottings and a few excellent photo-ops before heading to Ñuro cove, also known as “turtle paradise.” Here you can jump in the water and swim alongside tranquil green turtles. After you have enjoyed some time splashing
Check out Aracari founder and CEO, Marisol’s, experience whale watching in the Northern Peru Beaches of Mancora, here. Whale Watching Peru: The Northern Peru Beaches of Mancora Experience a half day on the coast of Peru whale watching and swimming with turtles led by a marine biologist guide. Book this…
Peru Motorcycle Tours Coasting along the open road, the exhilarating feeling of cruising through wild mountain landscapes between multiple points of interest: Peru motorcycle tours are a great way of blowing off steam and having the freedom to visit destinations that you wish on your own schedule. The King of Jordan recently tried his hand at this innovative way of travelling during his visit to Peru for the summit of South America-Arab countries, he went all the way from Lima to Cusco on his bike. Aracari’s close friends Juanjo and Carlos, who travelled to Cusco in August, could have taught him a trick or two before his trip: they hired their own motorbikes for 4 days to explore the Cusco and Sacred Valley region. “It’s the best sensation” said Juanjo, “you have the freedom to go where you want… along beautiful roads and to a multitude of different points of interest in the area.” Starting in Cusco, and provided with detailed maps, the pair set out on their 400cc bikes along a variety of routes around the valley. Their first excursion was to the archeological site of Moray, racing through isolated countryside to arrive at the site in time for a beautiful sunset. They also sped along a quite fantastic route beginning at Abra Malaga and following a winding road downhill for 45km to the town of Ollantaytambo, and made a trip to Hacienda Huayoccari. With short and manageable distances around Cusco and the valley, Juanjo told me that this experience is very accessible for those who have prior experience of riding. There is parking with security at the majority of hotels, and garages in the main towns should any maintenance be required. To ensure total flexibility, they were able to leave their bikes parked securely in Ollantaytambo overnight while
Peru Motorcycle Tours Coasting along the open road, the exhilarating feeling of cruising through wild mountain landscapes between multiple points of interest: Peru motorcycle tours are a great way of blowing off steam and having the freedom to visit destinations that you wish on your own schedule. The King of…
