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…
Pisco is Peru’s national spirit and has been an integral element to Peruvian life and culture for more than 400 years. Outside the city of Arequipa, in Southern Peru, lies a scarcely-visited fertile, green grape-growing region that produces this popular liquor, alongside Peruvian wines. Comprised of around 17 vineyards, Arequipa's Pisco Route – launched as such in 2017 – is reachable as a day trip from Arequipa. I recently had the opportunity to visit a couple of the local bodegas on this route, following the entire production process right through to extensive sampling! It was a non-touristy experience, as I was the only visitor at both wineries I visited. A Day on Arequipa's Pisco Route Crossing swathes of desert driving 2.5-3 hours towards the coast with my guide, I headed to Mages Valley - one of a few valleys that comprise Arequipa's Pisco Route. The (relatively long) road journey eventually led us alongside the meandering River Mages, which flows through this oasis valley, before descending to visit Majes Tradicion and Cepas del Loro bodegas in the disctrict of La Casitlla. During the course of the day I was given a crash-course introduction to Pisco and wine-making. There are 8 types of pisco-producing grape and Arequipa grows all of these. Technically, they can’t claim to make Pisco with the ‘uvina’ variety, as only the regions of Ica and Pisco can, much like the word ‘champagne’ is reserved for a specific region of France. Contact us if you're interested in a private, tailormade trip to Arequipa & Peru The First Stop: Majes Tradición In Arequipa, my first stop was at Majes Tradicion, which characterizes itself as a ‘techno-artisanal’ bodega, i.e. uses some modern machinery and techniques, but still a relatively small scale in terms of production and industrialization. The winery is also known as Viñas
Pisco is Peru’s national spirit and has been an integral element to Peruvian life and culture for more than 400 years. Outside the city of Arequipa, in Southern Peru, lies a scarcely-visited fertile, green grape-growing region that produces this popular liquor, alongside Peruvian wines. Comprised of around 17 vineyards, Arequipa’s Pisco Route –…
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 –…
