Stories: Stories

Stephanie Borios is a French ethno-botonist who was trained in the UK and the US, and currently resides in Lima, Peru. She is an Aracari specialist in cultural anthropology and conducted her PHD research in the rural Lares area of Peru (just north of Cusco). Her education and background in academia, coupled with practical insight into the plants and people of the area having conducted research in remote parts of Peru, makes her one of the top Peru specialists to accompany Aracari guests on treks around Lares as a part of a private, tailormade trip to Peru. Contact travel@aracari.com for a private, custom journey led by top Peru specialists. One of Aracari's Top Peru Specialists: Stephanie Borios Stephanie’s background and experience is unique, and crosses many countries. Originally from Southern France, her passion for botany and ecology first blossomed during her studies. She pursued a Masters in France in Biology, before heading to England to pursue another masters in ethno-biology at the University of Kent. During her time at the University of Kent, she headed to Peru for the first time to research the palm leaves in the Amazon. She spent time working and attempting to understand the different uses of the leaves in the jungle, for example why people might choose to make their roofing out of one type versus another. Research in Peru After her masters, she returned to Peru to volunteer and worked for 6 years at the non-profit Instituto del Bien Común. The organization carries out conservation projects for natural resources, as well as cultural resources. The subject interested her for both the social and biological aspects of this work, and Stephanie worked as an environmental educator- working in schools, creating materials, and translating relevant information from her scientist colleagues to local communities. This experience inspired her to head to

Aracari specialist Jimmy McSparron is a wildly versatile, and energetic character with 10 years living, or shall we say adventuring, in Peru. Originally from the UK, and currently serving as British Consular Agent in Cusco, he spent time in the British Rifles Regiment and Office Training Corps before traveling extensively through the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Jimmy is a specialist jungle survival instructor and high mountain engineer with 700+ days spent on expeditions. Aracari can arrange expert guiding in Peru with Jimmy - from learning jungle survival techniques to trekking in the mountains - as a part any tailormade trip to Peru. Contact travel@aracari.com for a private, custom journey led by top Peru specialists. See Jimmy in Action: Jimmy McSparron: One of Aracari's Top Peru Specialists One of Aracari's top Peru specialists, Jimmy’s expeditions and adventures include kayaking solo down the Amazon, ice climbing in the Andes, living in some of the most remote jungles on the planet and meeting head-hunters and cannibals - documenting their languages and cultures along the way. Not only have these experiences made him an honorary member of several indigenous groups (he has tattoos that were done with sticks to prove it), but they have made him a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, the Explorers Club, and the Royal Anthropological Institute. Jimmy’s adventures have gotten him featured both on and off screen in prestigious outlets like National Geographic and BBC. An Adventurer and Foodie A genuinely curious guy, Jimmy’s adventurous spirit overflows into all aspects of his life, especially food. He is a self-proclaimed foodie, crediting his extensive time in remote parts of Peru for his knowledge and appreciation of all the exotic ingredients and foods the country has to offer. Well-connected in the both the Cusco outdoor adventure and culinary scene, Jimmy is a one of a kind

Aracari is thrilled to introduce you to our photography and archaeology specialist, Kevin Floerke. With 9 years of experience working in Peru, Kevin is a United States native with a wealth of information on Incan archaeology, and photography techniques for shooting Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Aracari can connect you with Kevin, one of our many top Peru specialists, on any private, tailormade trip to Peru. He is the perfect companion for travelers looking to experience Peru through the eyes (and lens) of a professional photographer and archaeologist. Contact travel@aracari.com now for a private, custom journey led by top Peru specialists. Kevin Floerke: One of Aracari's Top Peru Specialists Archaeology Expertise Kevin is a charismatic young professional with extensive accomplishments and energy that make him a great guide and specialist on a tailormade trip to Peru. A graduate from UCLA, Kevin's archaeology accolades include working with the Smithsonian Institute to help create the most extensive map of the Inca Road system in the Cusco Valley to date, leading explorations and excavations in the Yanama Valley north of Choquequirao, directing data collection and mapmaking for The Great Inca Trail expedition, and accompanying National Geographic sponsored expeditions in Peru. Photography Expertise Over the course of time he has spent exploring the Andes on these archaeological expeditions, including challenging hikes over little-visited terrain, Kevin simultaneously pursued his professional photography and filmmaking passions. Kevin’s media work has been featured in prestigious outlets such as BBC Travel, and the Outdoor Channel. Kevin’s passion for photography and archaeology may seem like standalone talents, but interestingly enough they go perfectly hand in hand. When he joined the team for The Great Inca Trail project- which was hiking for 5 months with a llama train from Cuenca, Ecuador to Cusco, Peru- the expedition welcomed him aboard to collect archaeological data on the