A Journey in the Two Worlds of Peru "This notion of travel as moving through space, but also being in one place at a time, is vividly exemplified in the travel books of Ronald Wright," says Alberto Manguel in the introduction to the new Eland edition of Ronald Wright's classic book on Peru - 'Cut Stones & Crossroads - A Journey in the Two Worlds of Peru'. For those who have hiked the Inca Trail; experienced Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca, you will know precisely what Alberto Manguel is inferring. When visiting these ancient metropolises today, one only imagines how they must have operated in the era of the Incas. The thrill is real, just as Ronald Wright has captured in all his writings on Peru. This month Aracari has been very fortunate to pose a few questions to the acclaimed travel writer, ahead of the re-release of Cut Stones and Crossroads. Here's what we discovered ... AT: Why did you write Cut Stones and Crossroads? RW: Cut Stones and Crossroads was my very first book, written after I spent some years in Peru and other parts of Latin America in the 1970s and 1980s. The book's success launched me as a writer, and it's a great pleasure to see it re-issued in Eland's new edition with a fresh introduction and update. I've now written ten books in various forms -- fiction, history, and works on ecology, anthropology and politics. Some also focus on Peru, like my latest, The Gold Eaters, a novel set during the Spanish invasion of the Inca Empire five centuries ago. But I think all my work, whether about Peru or not, flows from a youthful fascination with the Incas, which began by chance reading in my teens. Peru was one of civilization's six or
A Journey in the Two Worlds of Peru “This notion of travel as moving through space, but also being in one place at a time, is vividly exemplified in the travel books of Ronald Wright,” says Alberto Manguel in the introduction to the new Eland edition of Ronald Wright’s classic…
Bolivia is a mesmerizing and thrilling destination for adventure travelers. It boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world. Travelers can experience soaring mountain peaks, pristine rainforest, extraordinary salt flats and sweeping savannahs, all in one land-locked country. In today’s blog post we’re sharing five of our favourite itinerary stops. Be sure to consider these for your next Bolivian adventure: Uyuni Salt Flats Bolivia’s expansive salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) draw curious travelers from all over the world. The largest salt flat in the world is also one of South America’s greatest natural wonders. As you travel across these pristine plains, you’ll happen upon colorful lagoons, rock gardens, geyser fields and cactus forests. It’s an otherworldly experience you’ll never forget. Aracari can arrange a private excursion to the salt flats as part of your Bolivian itinerary. This intimate tour is led by expert guides who will take you to the most exhilarating spots. The salt flats are located in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes. You can fly to Uyuni from La Paz in less than an hour, which makes it very accessible as part of a wider itinerary. Eduardo de Avaroa National Park Eduardo de Avaroa National Park is another extremely remote but utterly breathtaking location in southwest Bolivia. In fact, the ethereal scenery of the park pairs perfectly with a trip to the salt flats. Eduardo de Avaroa National Park boasts a diverse and complex array of landscapes in just 7,147sq km (2,760 square miles). Mountains, high desert plains, active volcanoes, hot springs, fumaroles and a mysterious red lake are just some of the things you can expect to see. There is also a huge amount of wildlife in the park, including three types of rare flamingo, 10 species of lizard, pumas,
Bolivia is a mesmerizing and thrilling destination for adventure travelers. It boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world. Travelers can experience soaring mountain peaks, pristine rainforest, extraordinary salt flats and sweeping savannahs, all in one land-locked country. In today’s blog post we’re sharing five of…
Happy International Women’s Day! We would like to introduce you to these eight inspiring women. Each of them does exceptional work preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Peru and Bolivia and we are proud to collaborate with them. In these times of globalization, their work protecting the the environment, architectural heritage and arts and crafts of our region carry particular importance. During the next few months we will be featuring a story about each of them individually and highlighting their work. We hope you enjoy meeting them! Nilda Callanaupa / Master Weaver, Chinchero, Peru Nilda Callanaupa’s story began as a young woman in Chinchero, learning to spin and weave with her friends. She recognized there was a rich history behind the art of her people, but could see that this was slowly being lost. She went on to found the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (Centre for Traditional Textiles of Cusco), and become an award-winning author, international speaker and expert in Cusqueñan textiles. Thanks to her work, this traditional art form has been preserved. We always visit her workshop in Chinchero when we explore this lovely village, church and ruins during our visits of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Ana Maria Cogorno /Researcher, Nasca Lines, Peru Ana Maria Cogorno spent nearly two decades studying the Nazca lines with Maria Reiche, whose research helped the lines become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A charismatic speaker, she is particularly erudite in the Nazca and Paracas cultures, and as a result of her time with Maria Reiche, is the best source in Peru of information about the history and significance of the Nazca lines. Ana Maria is Aracari's specialist for the Nasca culture. She lives in Lima and is available to discuss the history of these enigmatic lines
Happy International Women’s Day! We would like to introduce you to these eight inspiring women. Each of them does exceptional work preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Peru and Bolivia and we are proud to collaborate with them. In these times of globalization, their work protecting the the environment,…
