A Trip Across Bolivia with Aracari Journalist Lauren Holmes shares her personal experience travelling through Bolivia with Aracari as part of her research trip for her Bolivia destination article for House & Garden Magazine. During my first trip to Bolivia, backpacking across the continent a decade ago, I had time on my side. Yet, despite a month spent hopping between Andean Altiplano and dense jungle, ticking off the major must-sees, I left feeling like I had missed something, that of all the countries I had visited, it was the hardest one to crack. A multitude of worlds within one The country’s complexities are no secret and date back to the Incas, who maintained their grip of power over their vast empire by shuffling tribes around to dissuade dissent. When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, their disregard for anything associated with the indigenous way of life made the already hermetic communities ever more fiercely protective of customs and traditions – and forged a wariness of foreigners that is still palpable. Today, Bolivia is a multitude of worlds within one - 35 officially recognized indigenous languages and cultures that enable you to jump between historical periods as if you had a time machine. Bolivia is a difficult country to travel alone Second time round, I was determined to forge a stronger connection to the culture and find the understanding I had lacked, as well as exploring all that was to enjoy of Bolivia’s ‘new luxury’ for a feature for the UK’s House & Garden magazine. This was where Aracari would prove invaluable. With a culture as dense and confusing as the topography, limited infrastructure and regular roadblocks, Bolivia is a difficult country to travel alone, particularly if you want to head off the well-trodden tourist path. Exploring La Paz We started in La
A Trip Across Bolivia with Aracari Journalist Lauren Holmes shares her personal experience travelling through Bolivia with Aracari as part of her research trip for her Bolivia destination article for House & Garden Magazine. During my first trip to Bolivia, backpacking across the continent a decade ago, I had time…
Amongst the most bio diverse regions of the planet, the Western Amazon rainforest and the corridor of national parks between Peru, Bolivia and Brazil offer an unrivalled experience for the adventurous traveller and anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife. In parks such as Manu, Tambopata and Madidi, it is not only possible to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, but to experience raw, unfettered wilderness in what is still a relatively isolated part of the planet. In 2013, this may well all be in the process of changing. The Interoceanic Highway, a network of roughly 2,600 kilometres of road stretching between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean - and traversing directly through the rainforest in southern Peru - for the first time directly connects booming industrial cities in Brazil to ports on Peru’s south coast. It is hoped that this grand project will not only ease the trade of commodities between the two South American nations, but also give Brazilian manufacturers and producers more direct access to Asian markets. Photos from www.southamericanpictures.com Aside from the fact that the road has been a remarkable feat of engineering, there is wide support for the highway locally in Peru. The economic benefits of being directly connected to the giant Brazil are widely lauded; more money is arriving with investment in regions of the southern Peruvian Amazon, improving the quality of people’s lives. I recently visited the town of Puerto Maldonado, one of the main transition points of the highway. The local people that we talked to were generally excited about the new influence from Brazil, listening to popular music from their Amazonian neighbours and sporting the latest fashions from Brazilian clothes manufacturers. For others, as portrayed in an article in the Wall Street Journal last week, the highway presents exciting
Amongst the most bio diverse regions of the planet, the Western Amazon rainforest and the corridor of national parks between Peru, Bolivia and Brazil offer an unrivalled experience for the adventurous traveller and anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife. In parks such as Manu, Tambopata and Madidi, it…
A transient and brilliant rainbow spanning across the commanding andean mountain range...majestic pink dolphins skimming through the waters of the Amazon...the intricate tattoos blanketing the mummy arm of the only known female Inca priestess...gently lapping waves along the shores of a private-island retreat... Inspiration comes in many forms and in our recent discussion with Peruvian-artist Grimanesa Amorós, we discussed her work and how a trip with Aracari through her homeland can be a source of inspiration for new ideas. An interdisciplinary artist, Grimanesa makes use of various mediums including sculpture, video, and lighting, Grimanesa to complement her diverse areas of interest in social history, scientific research and critical history. During her absence from Peru for formal training and to showcase her professional work, Grimanesa sourced and continues to source her inspiration from the fascinating and diverse aspects of her home country. Grimanesa began studying at the Art Students League of New York, where she explored painting and printmaking for several years before realizing that her true calling was working with light instead of paint. Despite moving at a relatively young age to pursue her career as an artist, Grimanesa has always had a deep connection with her homeland. In our recent interview with her, Grimanesa said she “was exposed at an early age to the colors, the variation of the landscape - coast, sierra and jungle along with all the tropical fruits that Peru has to offer.” She often found herself having deja vu moments when natural landscapes and breathtaking phenomenons reminded her of home. Trips back to her Peru were particularly moving for Grimanesa and provided her with inspiration for several of her projects. Among these was a trip to the Uros reed islands in Lake Titicaca. These unique floating islets, situated in the world’s highest navigable lake, are
A transient and brilliant rainbow spanning across the commanding andean mountain range…majestic pink dolphins skimming through the waters of the Amazon…the intricate tattoos blanketing the mummy arm of the only known female Inca priestess…gently lapping waves along the shores of a private-island retreat… Inspiration comes in many forms and in…
An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America - the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of dancers and musicians from all over the Peruvian Altiplano gather together on the shores of Lake Titicaca transforming Puno into the “Folkloric Capital of Peru.” Legend has it that during a large battle in the 1700’s, rebels attempted to overtake the city of Puno. Largely outnumbered, the townspeople struggled and were on the verge of losing the city until one villager desperately took a statue of the Virgin into battle. Morale quickly rose, and with the Virgin’s protection, the city’s inhabitants were able to force the invaders into retreat. Since then, La Candelaria is considered the patron saint of the land. The original statue is proudly venerated in the city’s main church and is taken out each year for the festival. For many days, the streets are flooded with colorful processions, strewn with confetti, and alit with fireworks. Dances are performed throughout the festival including a full-day competition featuring over 200 different styles of dance. The diverse styles reflect the deep folkloric tradition of the Quechua and Aymara cultures of the region. Donned in spectacularly colorful costumes and masks, the performers dance and sing along to traditional Andean music aiming to please the Lady of Candelaria, and to of course win the competition and that year’s bragging rights. The festivities culminate days later with thousands taking part in a lively five-kilometer parade through the city. Contact us to visit and take part in next year’s Candelaria Festival Puno.
An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America – the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of…
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are attracting a new demographic of discerning travelers. A destination once known only for its historical offerings, Peru is now a big player in the world of leading luxury destinations. The base of any trip starts with the accommodations, and the emergence of high-end boutiques and luxury hotels throughout Peru provides travelers with a combination of personalized service, high-quality and ample amenities, and a mix of style and comfort that permeates the importance of attention to the “finer details.” Luxury hotel brands have invested huge amounts in introducing hotels defined by their facilities and attention to customer service, and come fully equipped with spa services, gyms, and business centers. Boutiques, meanwhile, add quirky details and highly authentic touches to bring an altogether different flavor to options in Peru. A perfect example of an accommodation raising the bar of luxury hotels in Peru is Cusco’s Palacio Nazarenas (2012), a colonial convent refurbished by Orient-Express into a refined and fashionable property featuring 55 suites lavished in the most luxurious décor and amenities. The brand new JW Marriott Cusco also seeks to satisfy the needs of today’s luxury travelers with the style and design elements of an architecturally stunning site. For those looking for a more unique, personalized, and cozy property, La Lune One Suite (2012 … actually two suites) is an owner-operated boutique hotel? perfect for discerning travelers looking for a refined, lavish, and exclusive experience, with a hotel owner and operator who goes out of his way accommodate his guests and make
Over the past few years, Peru has developed into a destination that is no longer just for backpackers looking for adventure in the Andes or historians studying ancient civilizations. Popping up at an increasingly growing rate in various regions throughout the country, luxury hotels, five-star dining, and private experiences are…
New Year’s Eve in Peru New Year's Eve is one of the most popular times of the year for visitors to travel to Peru. In Lima, New Year's is around the time that Summer arrives, while in the Andes - including Cusco and Lake Titicaca - rainy season has arrived (though this does not mean it rains all the time!). Peru is a year-round destination thanks to its varied climates. As one of the most beautiful cities in the country and home to a range of luxury hotels, Cusco is a popular base to ring in the New Year. As such, the best hotels in Cusco should be booked well in advance. Hotels often arrange dinners and special galas to mark the occassion, included in the New Year's rates. New Year's Eve Traditions in Peru Every culture celebrates the New Year different and Peru is no exception in its wildly varied celebrations! In all the major cities locals celebrate by letting of fireworks and gathering in the main squares. No matter what traditions you take part in or where you’re celebrating it in Peru, New Year’s is a special time for everyone. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate about the passing year with friends and family, and to turn the page and look ahead to what the following year will bring. We asked members of the Aracari team how they will be ringing in the New Year... "I always put a small bag of lentils in my pocket for good luck for the upcoming year." - Raul, Lima Client Relations “We throw coins into the house from the entrance as a symbol that next year we won’t lose any money.” - Lidia, Travel Planner "We wait in the main square, and when it's 12.00 we all start running around
New Year’s Eve in Peru New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular times of the year for visitors to travel to Peru. In Lima, New Year’s is around the time that Summer arrives, while in the Andes – including Cusco and Lake Titicaca – rainy season has arrived…