On a recent trip to Peru I took a long weekend and headed 4 hours south of Lima to visit Ica, an area of vast fertile land that produces succulent grapes for Pisco (Peru's national drink). I am thrilled to share my experience which was centered around my stay at Hacienda La Caravedo, one of the top accommodations in the area that also delivers the best of fine Peruvian spirits. Pisco & Paso Horses at Hacienda La Caravedo Ica I began my journey to Hacienda La Caravedo around 9am when my private car picked me up in Lima. I was already looking forward to my weekend away, but the anticipation only grew as coastal desert sprawled out my window. I passed through several local towns before arriving to the green vineyard oasis of the traditional Hacienda and distillery. Set on 48 hectares of gorgeous green vineyards in the middle of Peru’s coastal desert, this traditional hacienda is more than just a place to stay – it is a true experience. La Caravedo is known for being the oldest working distillery in the Americas and was founded in 1684 to produce Peru’s national spirit of Pisco. Guests of the hacienda are treated to tours of the famed distillery and sampling of the award winning Pisco, in between relaxing by the pool and exploring the surrounding area. The hacienda boasts 5 air-conditioned bungalows, each of which is equipped with a private terrace and kitchenette to help guests feel right at home. Highlights of My Stay at Hacienda La Caravedo Ica What I liked most about La Caravedo was that it offered me the possibility of staying in first class accommodation, in complete privacy and wonderful surroundings, while I had the opportunity to immerse myself in authentic traditions from the southern coast of Peru. Apart
On a recent trip to Peru I took a long weekend and headed 4 hours south of Lima to visit Ica, an area of vast fertile land that produces succulent grapes for Pisco (Peru’s national drink). I am thrilled to share my experience which was centered around my stay at Hacienda…
The oasis of Ica, some 300km south of Lima, is home to Peru’s wine and pisco-producing vineyards. There, tucked amidst rows of grapes, sits the sprawling bright-pink Hacienda Tacama, a standout winery in the region, which lays claim to being both the oldest winery in South America and Peru’s largest. Having undergone extensive renovations in 2016, I headed to the sand-dune surrounded valley to test out the updated tour of Hacienda Tacama and to learn about and sample some of Peru’s best wines and pisco - a white grape brandy and the much-loved national spirit. Hacienda Tacama offering heaps of history A long driveway greeted us as we entered through the imposing estate walls. The property extends over 250 hectares in an area that has long been used for cultivation - the Incas planted coca leaves here long before the Spanish started growing grapes. The vineyard at Hacienda Tacama was created in the 16th century, thus eliminating the need to import communion wine from Europe for the recently established religious orders. Then in the 18th century pisco production began in the region. We were quite happy to sample both products of the vine – enjoying creative pisco cocktails and wine paired with our lunch. We ate on the patio of the onsite restaurant Tambo – a new addition to the property with an otherwise long history and commitment to preserving tradition. 1889 was the year the Olaechea family purchased Tacama from the Order of St. Augustine, and it has remained in the same family, producing wine and pisco, to this day. Tacama Horses at Hacienda Tacama While we ate lunch, we enjoyed a traditional horse show on the green grounds in front of us. The first owner of the vineyard was an equestrian fan and brought over Arabian horses from
The oasis of Ica, some 300km south of Lima, is home to Peru’s wine and pisco-producing vineyards. There, tucked amidst rows of grapes, sits the sprawling bright-pink Hacienda Tacama, a standout winery in the region, which lays claim to being both the oldest winery in South America and Peru’s largest….
Etched into the desert plains over 2000 years ago, The Nazca Lines geoglyphs are one of Peru's most capitvating sites to visit. Flying over the Nazca Lines offers the best perspective to appreciate the large scale of these mysterious shapes, an impressive feat achieved by the ancient Nazca culture. These ancient geoglyphs - consisting of several hundred individual figures - were created by brushing away the dark top layer of barren desert to reveal the light, sandy soil underneath and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Aracari arranges Nazca lines tours from Lima as part of a multi-day private tour to Peru including all accommodation, guiding and transfers. We do not arrange visits to the Nazca Lines on a standalone basis. Planning a Nazca Lines Tour from Lima Getting to Nazca, Pisco or Ica airport from Lima by Road The Nazca Lines are located south of Lima. To see the lines you take short scenic flight from one of the three nearby airports: Nazca, Pisco or Ica. The nearest airport to the Nazca lines is Nazca airport. The closest airport to Lima is Pisco, which is around a 3.5hr drive from the capital; alternatively there are limited commercial flights from Cusco to Pisco. The advantage in visiting the Nazca lines from Pisco airport is that it is the closest to the coastal destination of Paracas, a half hour drive away, which has plenty of other attractions that merit an overnight stay. These include the Ballesta Islands and Paracas National Reserve. Paracas has excellent luxury hotels including Libertador Luxury Collection and Hacienda Bahia Paracas. Aracari arranges trips to the Nazca Lines combined with Paracas on a private basis only, as part of a multi-day itinerary to Peru. Getting to Pisco Airport by Commercial Flight Pisco is one of the three airports that
Etched into the desert plains over 2000 years ago, The Nazca Lines geoglyphs are one of Peru’s most capitvating sites to visit. Flying over the Nazca Lines offers the best perspective to appreciate the large scale of these mysterious shapes, an impressive feat achieved by the ancient Nazca culture. These ancient geoglyphs –…
