As more people across the globe look to shrubs, herbs and other vegetation for their natural wellbeing benefits, Aracari is anticipating a boom in traveling for wellness. After decades of working closely with local communities, we know that in Peru, making a return to Mother Earth’s own linctus cabinet is nothing new here. Peruvians have long cultivated crops for their medicinal and healing properties, and in fact - many of our guides are themselves encyclopaedias of knowledge on the properties of locally grown flora and fauna. In the coming months, we predict many travelers will look to countries like Peru, choosing to journey in search of wellness travel retreats and wholesome experiences, which offer a sanctuary from their modern busy lives, especially after the stress and seclusion caused by numerous lockdowns. For Aracari’s longstanding hotel partner and owner of the premium wellness retreat Willka T’ika - Terry Cumes, this is welcome news. A premium wellness retreat in the Sacred Valley Aracari has had a strong relationship with Carol and Terry Cumes for a number of years. Founded in 1995 by Carol Cumes, Willka T’ika has become a pioneer of natural wellness in Peru. Marisol and her team have visited the wellness center more than once, while curating experiences in the Sacred Valley. Each visit has been a source of great inspiration, discovering more of the natural benefits of plants, flowers and native shrubs growing in their Seven Chakra Gardens. The grounds of which are tended to by no fewer than 19 Quechua farmers – who have continued the ancient practices of their forefathers, using medicinal plants to treat all manner of ailments. In fact, it is this Seven Chakra Gardens, which has become the focus of a brand new Aracari wellness itinerary developed in partnership with our friends at
As more people across the globe look to shrubs, herbs and other vegetation for their natural wellbeing benefits, Aracari is anticipating a boom in traveling for wellness. After decades of working closely with local communities, we know that in Peru, making a return to Mother Earth’s own linctus cabinet is…
Aracari is well versed in understanding Peru’s yearly calendar scattered with celebrations, and the Easter period is no exception. In fact, the days of Easter celebrations in Peru – the Holy Week of the Catholic faith – are marked by some of the nation’s most notable festivals and events. Catholicism arrived with the Spanish in the XVI century and was adopted by the indigenous communities alongside existing practices and beliefs. Today, this hybridity makes for an interesting blend in the religious identity of the country, one that is uniquely Peruvian. The duality emerges in rituals that blend the native enamour for Mother Earth with the ceremonies of the Catholic church, in a way that Marisol and her team know to be immensely captivating for both participant and spectator. So, as we approach the weekend of Easter celebrations in Peru, Aracari offer you a glimpse into the real Peru at Easter. Not the attractions performed for visitors, but those celebrations revelled in by locals each year, from the Central Andes to Northern tip of the Huascarán National Park. This insider guide to Peru at Easter time has been crafted from 25 years’ experience in showcasing the heritage and history of the country. From the sombreness of Good Friday, to the jubilation of Easter Sunday – the following celebrations are those which to Aracari, encapsulate the spirit of Peru at Easter time. ***Due to the pandemic, celebrations in 2021 are set to be a little different. But as pioneers of exceptional travel experiences, Aracari wanted to look forward to a time when crowds can be shoulder-to-shoulder once more, revelling in some of Peru's most spectacular Easter celebrations. 1. Our Lord of the Earthquakes Procession Cusco is of course one of the most popular destinations for Aracari guests, and during Holy Week this
Aracari is well versed in understanding Peru’s yearly calendar scattered with celebrations, and the Easter period is no exception. In fact, the days of Easter celebrations in Peru – the Holy Week of the Catholic faith – are marked by some of the nation’s most notable festivals and events. Catholicism…
One of Peru’s best kept secrets is the exquisite, handmade collectables produced here. From cotton to clay, the country is rich in raw materials and for generations, Peruvians have harvested these bountiful resources. Cultivating and creating – molding natural materials into expressions of Peruvian identity or talismans of spiritual and historical significance. Yet it is Aracari’s belief that the artisanship found in Peru is more than artistic creation; it’s a crossover of artistry and ingenuity. How to weave textiles to be striking and sturdy, or how to sculpt pottery that is decorative and durable. And although some of the practical necessities might have faded, the appreciation for the craft has not. Aracari has always been close to the Peruvian art and craft scene. Today the country’s artists are some of the world’s leading visionaries. They all inherit artistic legacy of their ancestors – even if some elements have been brought into the 21st Century. Partnering with a number of these creatives has meant Marisol and her team are able to connect our guests with remarkable experiences; the chance to visit studios, enjoy private exhibitions guided by the artist themselves and participate exclusive workshops. If you’re curious about handmade Peruvian art and craft, here’s the insider guide to what you can expect, exploring artisanship with Aracari. Textiles From the brightly colored patterns of Andean fabrics, to premium garments produced in organically grown, naturally dyed pima cotton and vicuña wool, Peru’s textiles are some of the world’s most renowned. Each step of the process, from natural dyes to the faming of the animals, is part of craft that has been honed over generations. Many of guests have journeyed to Peru with Aracari looking to discover more about these highly sought-after textiles, and it’s been a pleasure to connect travelers with some
One of Peru’s best kept secrets is the exquisite, handmade collectables produced here. From cotton to clay, the country is rich in raw materials and for generations, Peruvians have harvested these bountiful resources. Cultivating and creating – molding natural materials into expressions of Peruvian identity or talismans of spiritual and…