On Monday, October 1st, I had the privileged opportunity to attend the Cebiche and Pisco Party in Barcelona, Spain. Held at the Palau de Padralbes, with its manicured garden and royal roots, this elegant setting was absolutely perfect for this stylish yet informative affair. The event, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism & PromPeru, aimed to showcase Peruvian cuisine via emblematic ceviche and pisco paired with the film “SABE PERU: Cuisine as an agent of social change” featuring world-renowned chefs Gastón Acurio’s and Ferran Adriá’s exploration of the connections between gastronomy, identity, and the fight against poverty in this Andean country. The film, which was previously highlighted in our blog post, “Peruvian Cuisine: A tool for Social Empowerment,” aims to foster progress and development of Peruvian cuisine for the world and has been presented at various events including the prestigious Festival of San Sebastian. Similar promotional tasting and film events to be held in Paris, Berlin, and the United States have also been reported. Thanks to Peruvian-native Gastón's deeply rooted connections to the cuisine world, this prestigious gathering was possible and had caught the attention of Catalan and Spanish chefs as well as famous film directors alike. Among the guests and hosts in attendance were Ferran Adriá (no introduction necessary!), head chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca (annually awarded three Michelin Stars since 2009), owner and head chef of Arzak in San Sebastian Juan Mari Arzak (who traveled with Aracari in 2005!), and the talented Peruvian writer, producer, and film director Claudia Llosa (awarded the Teddy (2012) and Golden Bear (2010) Awards at Berlin International Film Festival). The event was wonderful, featuring pisco and ceviche tastings, debuting the documentary film, and accompanied by the musical talents of Jaime Cuadro. The evening in its entirety
On Monday, October 1st, I had the privileged opportunity to attend the Cebiche and Pisco Party in Barcelona, Spain. Held at the Palau de Padralbes, with its manicured garden and royal roots, this elegant setting was absolutely perfect for this stylish yet informative affair. The event, promoted by the Ministry…
On October 5th, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada will open the exhibit Luminescence: the Silver of Peru. Exploring the extensive history of silverwork and its cultural importance throughout the region, over 140 pieces will be on display, including regalia, sculpture, jewelry, masks, and costumes. The exhibit consists of pre-Columbian and Contemporary work from various museum collections including a fabulous selection from the Larco Museum in Lima. Ever curious, we spoke with the Chief Curator of Museo Larco Ulla Holmquist about the museum's role in this upcoming exhibit, and she gave us a sneak preview about their selection and why they were chosen. Seven alluring silver pieces from Larco's collection (which is comprised of ceramics, extraordinary textiles, woodcarvings, stone sculpture, as well as rare gold and silver objects) will be featured, a selection of which are pictured below (codes are provided for those who want to search for more info on the catalogue). “These pieces are beautiful and meaningful examples of the silverwork of the ancient Peruvian cultures,” Ulla commented. “Their technology is sophisticated but they also portray ritual and mythological scenes." "We have been invited by the organizers, considering the importance of our silver collection," she explained, adding that she had personally “helped the organizers to choose pieces that could adequately communicate the concepts of the exhibition.” Of the pieces on display, Ulla recommends paying special attention to one item from Larco’s collection in particular: an engraved silver bowl. This intricately detailed piece displays one of "the most important rituals of ancient Peru - the diving and picking of the Spondylus shell, considered to be food for the gods.” The indigenous people of Peru were fascinated with the luminosity and the incredible, reflective properties of metals like silver. Priests and rulers such as
On October 5th, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada will open the exhibit Luminescence: the Silver of Peru. Exploring the extensive history of silverwork and its cultural importance throughout the region, over 140 pieces will be on display, including regalia, sculpture, jewelry, masks,…
By Lauren | Six AM is quite a time to start a long journey of any sort, but my colleagues, Simon and Yasmin, and I knew that a wonderful day was ahead of us, a day filled with sunshine, gentle lapping waves, and the survey of a solar observatory dating back to the 4th Century BC. Las Aldas in Peru Our first destination was the seaside retreat of Las Aldas. Situated a mile off the Pan-American highway, some 350km north of Lima, and down a winding, sandy road, this little bungalow-style lodging is a hidden retreat amongst the amazing mountains of sand that comprise the coastal landscape in and around Casma located in the north of Peru. Upon our arrival, host Mr. Dante Scarpati and our associate Wilson Diaz, our local operator and expert, graciously welcomed us. The sun was radiant and the ocean breeze was calming to the senses, as we stretched our legs and began our tour of the premises. Each of the 18 minimally outfitted cabins is equipped with its own bathroom, 24-hour hot water, and electricity. Rustic in style, each cabin has its own unique decorations and features. Some have beautiful woven thatch ceilings, others with additional bedrooms or dining areas. As a pre-caution, all beds are equipped with mosquito netting, although the presence of these pests is seldom seen, Mr. Scarpati informed us. Where the cabins lack in luxury, they compensate with glorious views of the ocean, and you can take in the relaxing sights, smells, and sounds from the comfort and privacy of your very own porch and lounge chairs. The most beautiful accommodation, however, was the cabin directly attached to the main dining room and communal porch. Immediately upon entering, I couldn’t help but notice the headboard and bedposts, beautifully hand-carved and stained
By Lauren | Six AM is quite a time to start a long journey of any sort, but my colleagues, Simon and Yasmin, and I knew that a wonderful day was ahead of us, a day filled with sunshine, gentle lapping waves, and the survey of a solar observatory dating…
Your Luxury amazon cruise By Marisol | This 4-day, 3-night journey on the Delfin I has vastly exceeded my expectations. I had travelled on the Delfin I in 2007 (before it was refurbished into what it is now, and when it was much less luxurious), and on the Delfin II in 2009 on its Maiden Voyage. Although both experiences were fantastic, this Delfin I is even better: it is an entirely different concept, essentially because it is so small (just 4 cabins) and intimate. I dare say that it must be one of the most luxurious small river cruise ships in the world. I travelled with my friends Juanjo and Carlos, and the owner of the boat Lissy also joined us later. In addition, we were accompanied by two charming couples from Athens. In order to travel on an Amazon cruise, you need to first fly from Lima into Iquitos (1 hour and 30 minutes). There are plans for an international flight reaching Iquitos from Panama on Copa Airlines. This will be very good news for the destination, as apparently they also want to link it to Cusco. We shall see how things pan out. Once we reached Iquitos we were collected from the airport, and we all drove together for 1 hour and a half to reach the town of Nauta, where our floating home, the Delfin I, was waiting for us. The reason why the Delfin cruises begin in Nauta is because this port is much nearer to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which was the objective of our journey. We wanted to spend as much time as possible in the Reserved Area, because it is here where there is more abundance of flora and fauna. If we departed from Iquitos, we’d spend approximately 2 days cruising upriver
Your Luxury amazon cruise By Marisol | This 4-day, 3-night journey on the Delfin I has vastly exceeded my expectations. I had travelled on the Delfin I in 2007 (before it was refurbished into what it is now, and when it was much less luxurious), and on the Delfin II…
Perfect for a Galapagos Family Vacation Following our recent blog post where we discussed the latest Galapagos Islands news with expert Santiago Martinez, we were in contact with our friends at Galapagos Safari Camp regarding another exciting peice of Galapagos news: their brand new family-oriented suite. In addition to nine luxury tents, the safari camp now features a three-bedroom suite that comfortably sleeps six. This is ideal for families looking for a space of their own or for those with young children who would prefer not to be separated between multiple tents. Owners Michael and Stephanie Bonham-Carter once called the Family Suite their own and were inspired to offer this luxury suite to guests to give them the same unique experience that they valued so much. Having also raised their children in the Galapagos, they see the importance of providing families - especially ones with younger children - with a memorable, safe, and special accommodation for their Galapagos Family Vacation. This unique perspective is what separates their suite and family safari from other offerings throughout the Islands. The suite features a master bedroom with a king-size bed and two additional rooms with twin beds, each connected but with their own bathroom. The rooms can also all be accessed via private entrances on the large wraparound deck that overlooks the lush property. Children are sure to enjoy the downstairs playroom stocked with tons of toys, books, and games as well. In addition to the family-oriented lodging, Galapagos Safari Camp has also recently developed a six-day safari geared towards families, again ideal for those with small children. The program is operated mostly privately and designed to provide a broad overview experience in the Galapagos that avoids repetition and long travel time to keep the experience engaging and educational for both the children
Perfect for a Galapagos Family Vacation Following our recent blog post where we discussed the latest Galapagos Islands news with expert Santiago Martinez, we were in contact with our friends at Galapagos Safari Camp regarding another exciting peice of Galapagos news: their brand new family-oriented suite. In addition to nine…
Some of you will remember back in April 2011 we ran a trip led by World-renowned historian and author Dr. John Hemming, The Trip of the Century. Well, for those of you with kindles and the like, Dr. Hemming has recently released a new e-book version of his captivating and informative book The Conquest of the Incas. In the new edition Hemming successfully builds upon his already evocative and highly acclaimed account of one of the most exciting conquests known to history. We at Aracari believe that no other work brings to light so brilliantly the determination, tragedy, and perseverance that defined the Spanish conquest of the expansive Inca Empire. We feel it is a must-read prior to or after a trip to the very heart of the Inca Empire. This digital version, available to purchase on amazon.com, includes many fantastic features: extensive revisions and updates of the texts, bibliography, and notes, additions of the latest theories and discoveries, and a new appendix about recent discoveries of Inca ruins in Vilcabamba, located beyond Machu Picchu. Below are just a few of the positive remarks attesting to the brilliance of Dr. Hemming’s latest release: "The Conquest of the Incas is an extraordinary book. In it, rigorous historical research and profound analysis combine with stylistic elegance to produce a work that conveys to us, in all its richness and diversity, the tragic and fabulous history of the Inca realm; it is as delightful to read as the best novels." - Mario Vargas Llosa, Peruvian, Nobel Laureate in Literature "Simply put, The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming is the bible for historians and archaeologists studying the final days of the Inca. There is no other book which is even in the same class. For South American scholars, visitors to Peru, or any adventurer, it is an unmatched must-read book. The
Some of you will remember back in April 2011 we ran a trip led by World-renowned historian and author Dr. John Hemming, The Trip of the Century. Well, for those of you with kindles and the like, Dr. Hemming has recently released a new e-book version of his captivating and…
