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…
By Caitlin, Photos: Caroline Maxcy Photography | On July 4th, 2012 I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most unique schools I have ever seen. It is located in the Urubamba Valley just walking distance from one of the most famous markets in Cusco, the Pisac Market. Kusi Kawsay School, which means happy life in the native language of Quechua, is made up of students that range from kindergarten to 8th grade with an upper grade study group. It is an Andean Waldorf inspired school, an academic structure and philosophy that can be found in many countries around the world. It offers an alternative integral education that promotes high self esteem in economically challenged children through the integration of their native Andean traditional culture, which is both valued and respected. Upon my arrival in Pisac I met Fielding, our host, at the Pisac Inn. She accompanied us up the flight of terraced steps that lead you from the market to where the Kusi Kawsay School is located. Along the way she gave us an excellent introduction to the school and its philosophies. Fielding and her husband are the owners of the Pisac Inn and close friends of Aracari for some time now. We frequently send our clients to their delicious restaurant located within the inn, Cuchara de Palo. I actually had lunch there during my visit and I can hands down say it was one of the best lunches I had in the Valley! Once we learned that Fielding was involved with this school (sending their own children there) and was actively trying to help fundraise, we decided that this organization was definitely worth a personal visit. When we arrived at the school, we visited each classroom starting with kindergarten. Luckily, we arrived on a Wednesday, the day
By Caitlin, Photos: Caroline Maxcy Photography | On July 4th, 2012 I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most unique schools I have ever seen. It is located in the Urubamba Valley just walking distance from one of the most famous markets in Cusco, the Pisac Market. Kusi…
By Marisol The highlights of my trip across Chile, Bolivia and Peru in July/August 2012. Favourite Hotel | Tierra Atacama Best Service | Titilaka Cosiest Hotel | Posada del Inca, Isla del Sol Funkiest Hotel | Luna Salada Most personalised Hotel | La Lune, Cusco Loveliest Room | Awasi Best food | This wasn’t exactly a foodie trip, but the best ice creams were at Alto Atacama (white chocolate and Chaniar) and Rosas Ice cream at Rinascimento Ice Cream Parlour in La Paz. Most stunning views | 1) Lake Chalalan from highest Mirador, 2) Lake Titicaca from boat on the way to Isla del Sol Best view from room | Titilaka Most Memorable Moments | 1) View of Sucre from rooftop of San Felipe Neri; 2) Sunset in Uyuni; 3) Laguna Hedionda. Best Experience | Fly fishing Best guides| 1) Elias Alaka (Lagoons, Uyuni, Sucre and Potosi); 2) Alvaro Ibanez (fly fishing); 3) Paul Cripps (biking) Best family guide | Mario from the Chalalan Lodge Most Inspiring Person I met | Sonia Newhouse from Living Heart Marisol has now completed her Peru Bolivia Chile tour. You can read all of her reports and see her photos: Sand, Salt, Sierra & Selva.
By Marisol The highlights of my trip across Chile, Bolivia and Peru in July/August 2012. Favourite Hotel | Tierra Atacama Best Service | Titilaka Cosiest Hotel | Posada del Inca, Isla del Sol Funkiest Hotel | Luna Salada Most personalised Hotel | La Lune, Cusco Loveliest Room | Awasi Best food | This wasn’t exactly a foodie trip,…
Aracari is delighted to announce that our Peru itinerary has been included in World on Sale, a special collection of trips featured by the prestigious travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Ours was one of just 32 trips selected from across the world, with incredible discounts for the first Condé Nast readers to snap up the offer. From today there is a presale of the itineraries exclusively for subscribers of Condé Nast Traveler. The promotion will be available to the public on August 21st. To register for the early access pre-sale and for full details of our itinerary visit the Condé Nast Traveler website. For more information, Wendy Perrin discussed the World on Sale program on her recent blog post Our Gift to You: 32 Unique Trips of a Lifetime, at up to 65% Off, while the New York Times also ran an article previewing the event: Condé Nast Traveler Sees the World in Anniversary Style.
Aracari is delighted to announce that our Peru itinerary has been included in World on Sale, a special collection of trips featured by the prestigious travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Ours was one of just 32 trips selected from across the world, with incredible discounts…
By Marisol Discovering Cusco and the Urubamba Valley There are so many new options coming up in Cusco and the Urubamba Valley - to stay the night, to dine and to be active - there was no doubt that part of our trip was going to be spent in the area, trying out new services and hotels. I define the Urubamba Valley as the area between Pisac and Ollantaytambo and also encompassing the town of Chinchero and the archaeological remains of Maras and Moray. This is an area where Aracari guests stop for a few days after they land at Cusco airport. The reason they do this is because it is a valley of absolute beauty that lends itself to a variety of outdoor pursuits, and lies at lower altitude than Cusco, making acclimatisation easier. Plus there are wonderful places to stay: luxury hotels, lodges and private villas. After our guests visit this area, they go to Machu Picchu (which is the goal of most everyone's trip), and then they visit the city of Cusco. The whole area has changed much over the years since I have been travelling here, and there is so much on offer: different options for different tastes, which is a wonderful thing. We also have new people to meet and old friends to visit, and there was a great deal of fun to be had! On arrival into Cusco Wanchaq Station, after our 11 hour train ride from Puno on the Andean Explorer, we were swiftly whisked to Urubamba town (1 hour and 30 minutes), on the outskirts of which the lovely Rio Sagrado hotel is situated. On the way, we saw the sunset over the Vilcabamba range, which was fantastic. Urubamba is a sad case of poor (or rather a complete lack of) orderly development,
By Marisol Discovering Cusco and the Urubamba Valley There are so many new options coming up in Cusco and the Urubamba Valley – to stay the night, to dine and to be active – there was no doubt that part of our trip was going to be spent in the…
