Pirwa – Page 82 – Pirwa Hostels BLOG

Peru: A Surfer’s Dream

March 20, 2012 Pirwa

Learning to Surf in Lima

Lima and its surrounding area has several beaches that are popular among surfers, with the best time of year to go being May through August.

If you’re a beginner and would like to learn something new, your best bests are Waikiki Beach and Makaha Beach, both in Miraflores. (That’s the Miraflores District to the left. Its green seaside cliffs lead down to sandy beaches going into the Pacific Ocean.) If you’re staying in one of our Miraflores locations, the Pirwa Inclan B&B and Pirwa Prada Backpackers, you can stop by the in-house Pirwa Travel desk to ask them to hook you up with some affordable surfing lessons. Classes begin with instructions on using the gear, paddling, standing, dealing with rip tides, etc. Usually they are about 10 percent theory and 90 percent practice and charge by the hour. For a memorable time in Lima, definitely check with Pirwa Travel for surfing in Lima and other excursions!

Chasing the Waves

Surfers with a little more experience can go a little further down to La Herradura Beach in Chorrillos, known for its strong left break, or south of Lima at Cabelleros in Punta Hermosa. More serious surfers can head a little further south to Pico Alto beach in Punta Hermosa, where waves average around 4 meters high. If you’re visiting during the Peruvian summertime, you’ll find that the beach strip south of Lima becomes a party hotspot.

If you’re willing to leave Lima, there are beaches north of the city, such as in Mancora or Cabo Blanco, and really any of the beaches in Chicama, which are considered to have some of the world’s best surfing, as they have some of the longest waves on the planet- the ride you’ve been dreaming of !

An Ancient Sport

The ancient Mochica culture, which predates the Inca by two civilizations, would fashion from reads surf craft used for fishing and leisure, which today are known as Caballitos de Totora– Reed Horses. You can find artifacts depicting wave riding which date as far back as 3,000-4,000BC, which is why there are those who advocate for Peru as the origin of surfing rather than the Polynesians. You can still see fishermen using the Reed Horses today, especially in the town of Huachaco.

A Little More About Pirwa Travel

For years, Pirwa Travel has been providing quality traditional, ecological, and adventure tours throughout Peru, eventually branching out into Bolivia as well along with Pirwa Hostels. It’s more than just day trips such as surfing lessons or paragliding in Lima- Pirwa Travel can help you trek the world’s deepest canyons in Arequipa, take you down into the pristine lushness of the Amazon, and introduce you to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

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Why Choose a Hostel Rather Than a Hotel?

March 13, 2012 Pirwa

If you’re a travel junkie, you’re sure to come across die-hard hostel, or backpacker, fans throughout your trip. As hostels become more savvy and begin to provide a greater range of options for travelers, they’ve become more popular for those who wish to lodge with like-minded travelers (why, the young and the young-at-heart, of course) and save some money in the process. For those of you who’ve never stayed in a hostel before and are looking to take the leap, here are the top reasons for choosing a hostel from those of us who are converted.

Value For Money

Hostels have become more advanced with time, and for those who’d prefer to spend their money on other costs, such as food and drink, excursions, or longer trips, they offer great value for the money by keeping costs to a minimum while also offering other benefits you can’t get from hotels, such as a cooking or barbecue area.

Social & Cultural Interaction

Barbecuing at Pirwa Colonial Backpackers in Cusco

One of the best things about staying in a hostel rather than a hotel is that they facilitate interaction with other like-minded travelers. Many find themselves altering itineraries in order to fit in suggestions from, or excursions with, new-found friends! Hostels like Pirwa focus on young people interested in meeting others, but those craving privacy can always opt for private rooms rather than shared dormitories.

Each Pirwa hostel is different, but all have common areas for socializing, whether it’s hammocks in the patio, a rooftop terrace, bar, fast-food stand, and/or a TV and movie lounge with billiards, ping-pong, darts, or other games. Often, social activities are scheduled such as barbecues, tournaments for poker, twister, and other games, day-trips, movie nights, and dance classes.

Celebrating New Year's at Pirwa Colonial Backpackers in Cusco

Flexibility

Those without fixed itineraries will find that finding availability without a prior booking is much easier at a hostel than a hotel.

Local Flavor
Those of you who’ve stayed in hotel chains know that city to city, country to country, they don’t change. Many who choose staying in a hostel do so because they want to stay in a place with a more authentic local touch, preferably locally-owned like Pirwa.

Knowledge & a Personal Touch

Often people working in hostels are themselves backpackers and because of this they are usually a fountain of knowledge for anything and everything in the local area. Receptionists in a hotel may provide you with a map and a few pointers, but in a hostel these people really know what they are talking about and often go out of their way in order to help.

Trips and Tours

Starting the Day in Pirwa La Paz's Breakfast Room

Hostels generally have a wide range of trip and tours on offer. In all Pirwa hostels, you can conveniently book short day trips or multiple-day tours and treks, as well as lodging in other cities of Peru and Bolivia.

Customized Facilities

Because hostels usually cater to a younger crowd, you’ll find that Wi-Fi is always free, and in the case of Pirwa Hostels, internet access is included as well, should you be without a computer. Since backpackers are often a thrifty lot as well, you’ll also find kitchens in all of Pirwa’s hostels, should you feel the need to fix up a quick snack. We provide the bed linens and towels, but as always in hostels, soap and shampoo are on you.

How We Address Backpacker Concerns

Security

One of the Shared Dormitories in Pirwa Inclan B&B in Lima

A good hostel should be secure, ensuring that no one enters shared dormitories who is not a guest staying in that particular room, but you should also exercise common sense and not leave money, passports, cell phones, cameras, and other electronics or valuables lying around in a shared room. (In fact, whether you’re staying in a private room or shared, in a hotel or hostel, this is not a recommendable practice.)

Pirwa offers in-room lockers for your bags in the shared dormitories, secure luggage storage whilst you are in the middle of a hike or trek that will keep you away for a night or two, and lockers or safes around reception for those who require extra security for their smaller valuables. (The first two are included, the last is often a rentable service, depending on which locale you are staying at.)

Cleanliness

With so many people sharing common spaces, hostels have gotten a bit of a reputation for unhygienic practices, but hostels have improved in this area. Pirwa Hostels has daily cleanings, and for shared bathrooms, cleanings throughout the day, in order to ensure the comfort of our guests.

Most hostels provide individual lockers for your valuables, though you’ll need your own lock. Otherwise, you can leave your valuables under lock and key at the reception.

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Ica’s International Vendimia Festival 2012

February 28, 2012 Pirwa

March 2 to March 12th

The Vendimia, or Harvest, Festival has been realized in the region of Ica during the first weeks of March since 1958 in honor of the region’s claim to fame- the best quality wines in Peru, and the world’s finest piscos, the Peruvian grape brandy which originated in this region.

During the festival, the city and countryside are transformed as musical festivals celebrating the region’s Afro-Peruvian heritage abound, with Marinera dance contests, shows exhibiting the unique side-stepping Peruvian paso horse, open-air parties nightly, folkloric shows, fireworks, and more.

You’ll definitely want to visit one of the food fairs to experience the region’s cuisine, or check out the sandboarding competitions on the dunes outside of Huacachina Oasis. If you plan a daytrip to the oasis, you can even experiment with this unique adrenaline-filled sport as well! Our agency department, Pirwa Travel Service, can arrange an sandboarding excursion for you to Huacachina Oasis if you want to give it at try!

Other attractions include the Main Parade with its floats and local and international beauty queens tossing bunches of grapes and the Election of the Festival Queen, which was scheduled pre-festival for Feb 25^th but has been postponed due to permit issues. The Festival Queen and her court will tread the grapes after the rite of the cutting of the bunches.

The main parade is on Sunday and is traditionally followed by a yunza, whereby a tree is laden with treats and prizes like a piñata and one by one people come to try and cut it down. Once the game is complete attendees scramble for the treats.

One of the best activities that travelers can engage in is known as the Pisco Route– visiting the valley’s wineries to learn about the process of creating these artisanal wines and brandies and enjoying tastings afterwards. During the festival the wineries will often schedule fiestas with traditional wine stomping, dance contests, cockfights, and more.

Who are some of the confirmed artists thus far? Well, it’s been a little difficult tracking down the official programme, which will hopefully hit the web in the coming days. Columbian artist Tego Calderon, one of reggaeton’s first superstars, often referred to as The Street Poet, will be performing at the campground on March 3^rd along with the Argentinean Wachiturros, who’ve had a lot of hits in Peru the last year. Classical guitarist Gianmarco will perform on the 9^th, and Chino and Nacho on the 8^th.

From there on, there are names being thrown around as disparate as Evanescence’s Amy Lee and Mexican rockers Maná, but we’re still waiting on the official roster, so check back here for the programme because we’ll be confirming as soon as it’s available.

While in Ica…

Well, first, you need to get there- Ica is just a 4 hour drive south of Lima, so it’s easy to arrange for a bus trip. If you need any assistance or recommendations, Pirwa Travel Service can help. You can reach them at pirwatravel@gmail.com, or, if you’re staying in one of our hostels in Miraflores, Lima, simply stop by the information desk which you’ll find in each of our hostels.

Of course, the number one item on your sampling list needs to be the aromatic Peruvian pisco, but also try another local drink known as cachina. Together with the liquors, you can sample snacks such as the delicious tejas caramelized fruit filled with a rich caramel sauce and coated with fondant, or in the case of tejas de pecanas, with pecans instead of fruit.

The Verano Negro Festival continues in Chincha, so this is a great time to stop by Ica. If you’re not sure what activities you’re interested in exploring while here, check out our earlier blog post with our top recommendations in Nazca.

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Backpacking Peru: Top Activities in Nazca!

February 23, 2012 Pirwa

Named after the Nazca Civilization which rose to prominence in this area, travelers to Nazca, Peru can explore the ruins, mummies, and famous marks this great civilization left upon the desert floor before they disappeared into mystery. While the town itself may seem sleepy at first glance, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that it is also a popular stop for those interested in more extreme pastimes like sandboarding and dunebuggying!

pirwa-hostel-nazca — A look at Pirwa Nazca Backpackers!

What are our top recommendations for your stay in Nazca?…..

#5 The Cantalloc Aqueducts

Thousands of years ago the Nazca developed an extensive system of subterranean aqueducts to provie year-round access to water in the arid desert unlike any found elsewhere. More than 30 of these channels of have not only survived seismic activity but actually remain in use by farmers! The best-preserved channels are in the higher Nazca Valley’s Cantayo zone. You’ll find the channels lined with riverocks and manholes with descending spiral paths to be both beautiful and fascinating.

Check an Itinerary for the Cantalloc Aqueducts .

#4 Chauchillas Cemetery

Gain valuable insight into the Nazca culture by visiting the remarkably well-preserved mummies of the ancient necropolis of Chauchillas. These bodies still retain hair and soft tissue such as skin after a thousand years. You’ll see trophy heads and head jars as well. Tours to Chauchillas generally include a demonstration of artisan gold mining and the traditional method of producing the beautiful polychrome ceramics for which the Nazca were famed.

Check an Itinerary for Chauchillas Cemetery .

#3 Dunebuggies!

Exploring the Usaca Desert in dunebuggies brings off-roading fun to your trip. Despite their small size, these can go pretty fast, hitting and jumping dunes for some desert thrills. Many tours stop for guided visits at the abandoned adobe city of Cahuachi, once the religious center of the Nazca, and Estaquería, the Place of the Stakes, where it is believed mummies were painted in a dark resin and put out to dry.

Check an Itinerary for Dunebuggying in the Usaca Desert.

#2 Sandboarding

The most popular options for sandboarding are Cerro Blanco (White Hill), once considered a deity known as Yuraq Orjo. It’s reputed to be the world’s largest sand dune, reaching 2,087m above sea level in the Nazca Valley. One can practice on smaller dunes around the peak before taking the big leap! Another popular spot for adrenaline-seekers wishing to try sandboarding is the beautiful Huacachina Oasis, along its surrounding dunes.

Check an Itinerary for Sandboarding Huacachina Oasis .

#1 Nazca Lines

Of course any list on activities in Nazca must culminate with the world-famous and enigmatic Nazca lines, whose original purpose and method of construction still incite debate. Tours include an introductory video and then half hour flight in light aircraft, from where you’ll be able to see the animal figures and geometric shapes which sprawl over miles of the desert floor, so large that they can only be seen from the sky. Among other figures, you’ll be able to spot the monkey, lizards, spider, dogs, hummingbirds, the condor, and plants and flowers.

Check an Itinerary for a Flight Over the Nazca Lines.

All About Pirwa Nazca Backpackers!

Pirwa Nazca Backpackers located only a few blocks from Nazca’s Main Square, just 5 minutes from the bus terminal and 10 minutes from the airport. You’ll be able to take advantage of the sunny climate in the outdoor patio, where you can throw a barbecue and relax in the hammocks. After a day of exploration, you can retire to a comfortable bed in a room with private bath (whether private room or shared dormitory) with 24/7 hot water access. You’ll find that Fernando and the rest of the Pirwa Nazca family are eager to help travelers feel comfortable and to assist with trip planning, be it transport, guided excursions, or lodging reservations in other cities. We hope you’ll come visit us in Nazca during your trip through Peru!

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Carnaval La Paz II: A Colorful Cast of Misfits!

January 16, 2012 Pirwa

We wrote earlier about the special character and whimsy of Carnaval in La Paz, Bolivia, and thought we’d follow that up with a rundown on who you’re likely to see there…..

Pepino (The Prankster)

The Pepino is the principal character of La Paz’s Carnaval, a mestizo fusion of the Spanish harlequin and the Andean Kusillo. In his multicolored costumed adorned with jangling bells, a mask, streamers and whistles, he plays pranks on the crowd, whom sprays with water, colored flour and confetti, hits with his “mother-in-law killer” club of cloth-covered sponge, inviting participants to dance. A Pepino costume is unearthed each year in the General Cementery of La Paz to initiate Carnaval. During his short but mischievous life the Pepino must marry, and he’ll be buried anew to bring Carnaval to a close.

Ch’uta (The Merry Womanizer)

The woman-chasing Ch’uta arose in the 18^th and 19^th century, wearing a mask with a rosy face, blue eyes, and laugh all meant to imitate the Spanish lord. Changes to the Ch’uta’s outfit over time has left him with a vest reminiscent of a matador’s coat, pants with openings on both sides as well as bells and ribbons, the lluch’u ccapand ch’uspa. Today brightly colored beards are also the norm.

The Ch’uta Cholero is a recent variant of the traditional Ch’uta character that never fails to animate the crowd, dancing to the rhythm of the music in a lolling dance simulating a euphoric or drunken state and accompanied by two women- the one he left in the country and the one he found in the city; sometimes he might invite a couple to join him, but he is always well-accompanied.

He appears on the Sunday of Temptation for the Ch’uta’s parade, on hand to help bury the Pepino.

Kusillo (The Aymara Ancestor)

The Kusillo is the oldest of these characters- during the times of the Aymara he would pop up throughout Bolivian altiplano during the Anata Festival celebrating the beginning of the harvest season and the arrival of the rains. He wears a bi-color mask with prominent nose and 3 to 5 horns.

Cholas (the Women of La Paz!)

Prancing on the arms of the women-loving Ch’utas, participating in the Pepinos’ obligatory marriages, parading through the Plaza Murillo asking for their widows’ rights following the symbolic burial of the Pepino- without the wide-skirted, bowler-hatted Bolivian Chola, Carnaval is not complete!

Alongside these principal characters are others of pre-Columbian or colonial origin, as well as modern costumed heroes and personalities from national politics. Remember to check our earlier posts for tips on enjoying La Paz’s Carnaval- and because this is the largest festival of the year for La Paz, make your plans as soon as possible! At Pirwa La Paz Hostel, we still have rooms available- all complete with comfy beds, hot water 24/7, internet + wifi, and a continental breakfast all at rock-bottom prices!

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