Mistura 2012 is coming to Lima this September!
Only a little more than a week until Mistura! It’ll run from Sept 7th-16th at the Campo de Marte. This is only its fifth year and already it’s grown into one of Lima’s biggest events of the year. There’ll be products from all the regions of Peru (jungle, Andes, and desert coast), with a special focus this year on Andean grains like cañihua, quinua and kiwicha. Pick up piscos, chocolates and other souvenirs, and sample creations by Peru’s best cooks and international chefs as well. There’ll be forums and contests from best bread and ceviche to best ají de gallina (try it!) and cow’s lung stew (Chanfainita– maybe try it?). Hundreds of thousands are expected to pass by its doors to enjoy drink, music, dance, revelry, and lots and lots of food from all over Peru! Pay less and avoid the lines- purchase your entrance (S/20) and prepaid cards in advance at Teleticket in Wong & Metro and Banco Continental locations, and recharge them throughout at automatic teller machines.
People are already talking about whose dishes can’t be missed:
- Doña Julia’s Cancacho (brick oven lamb reared on the ichu grasses of Ayaviri)
- Doña Delia Cahuana’s Anticuchos (shishkabobs- beef heart is the most traditional)
- Doña Juliana Huayllani’s Tamales (Cusco-style tamales)
- Mi Paulita’s Goat Stew with White Beans
- El Pichito’s Inchicapi (ground peanut soup from the Amazon)
Where to Stay in Lima
Visit us at Pirwa Prada Backpackers, where our friendly staff is eager to help you with your trip and day plans. You can bunk up in a comfy bed in the shared dormitories for an option that won’t bust your budget. Not sure if shared dorms are your style? Pirwa Inclan B&B now has more married and twin double rooms with private baths! Cheerfully decorated with lots of space to relax from the Movie, TV and Game Lounge where you can challenge some friends to a game of billiards or foosball to outdoor terraces and a rooftop bar.
Both of our Lima hostels are located in Miraflores, the most-recommended area for travelers to Lima, and for good reason. It’s a relaxed, safe, and seaside district known for its quality restaurants, cafés, and shopping, and offers a lot of activity and sightseeing options. It’s a great spot for people-watching, from the surfers and sunbathers on the beach to the paragliders who leap from the ocean-side cliffs to circle over the Pacific to the musicians and performers who perform live in Kennedy Park.
Fun Things to do in Miraflores
- Paraglide You’ll find the experts
catching wind out on the cliffs of Miraflores every day the weather permits. It’s no problem if it’s your first time, as they’ll take you out on a tandem flight. - Get active! There are some great waves in Peru. Beginners can take some surfing lessons in Miraflores, and experienced surfers can head north of the city to find some of the best waves in the world. Surfboards and wetsuits are easily and cheaply available for rent. (Learn all about surfing in Peru in our previous post.) If surfing seems a bit intimidating, try joining a beach volleyball or soccer game- there are beachside soccer fields north of Miraflores, and it’s easy to hop in on games.
- Climb Huaca Pucllana Incongruous for such a modern area, the ancient 5th century temple pyramid known as Huaca Puccllana stands in the center of Miraflores. Still under ongoing excavation, the site is open from 9am to 5pm, with guided tours of its structures and relics as well as an onsite restaurant. Stop by at night, when the temple is creatively illuminated, for some unique photos.
Seeking assistance or information about city attractions, guided excursions, transport, or other trip aspects? Stop by the Pirwa Travel information desk in any of our hostels, or contact them in advance at pirwatravel@gmail.com.