Cusco – Page 15 – Pirwa Hostels BLOG

A Stunning Trek to the Ruins of Choquequirao

November 17, 2015 Pirwa

For an unforgettable adventure, trek past snow-capped Andean peaks, sheer cliffs, and the spectacular Apurímac River canyon in an odyssey through the cloud forest and to the high-altitude jungle which hides the little-known ruins of Choquequirao. The name Choquequirao comes from the Quechua chuqui k’iraw, which means ‘Cradle of Gold’. Unlike its overrun ‘sister city’ Machu Picchu, the ruins of Choquequirao are still remote and nearly deserted. Although it’s only been 30% excavated and there is much more to discover at this site, which once served as the link between the imperial capital of the Incas, Cusco, and the Amazon Jungle.

+ Read more

Exciting & Chaotic New Year’s Eve in Cusco

November 14, 2015 Pirwa

New Year’s Eve in Cusco is chaotic and exciting, marked by free concerts, uncontrolled fireworks and drinking, fun traditions and local superstitions. Learn why the former imperial city of the Incas is the most popular city in Peru to celebrate the festivities…

+ Read more

Santurantikuy in Cusco this Christmas Eve

November 7, 2015 Pirwa

Santurantikuy: Then & Now

On December 24th each year, Peru’s largest folk art fair, Santurantikuy, hits the main square of Cusco in a tradition dating back to the colonial period. The name is Quechua for Saints’ Sale, which is what it originally was: an art fair providing wise men, holy family, virgins and saints for home nativities. The fair’s most prevalent product was the Niño Manuelito in many manifestations. (The Niño Manuelito is the child Christ, and the most traditional incarnation is that of a young child seated in a wooden chair with a raised foot showing a wound into which buyers insert a thorn which remains in the wound until a wish is granted.)

+ Read more

You’re Invited to the Pirwa Colonial Bar in Cusco this Halloween!

October 31, 2015 Pirwa

+ Read more

All Saints Day & Day of the Dead in Peru

September 23, 2015 Pirwa

In Peru, All Saints Day (Día de Todos los Santos Vivos) and Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos) are celebrated by picnicking with the deceased. As in other Latin American countries, the belief that souls visit the earth on this day inspires families to bring offerings and share meals with departed family members. Large cemeteries throughout the country suddenly fill with color, barking vendors, street musicians, flowers, families, food and alcohol in lively celebrations that contrast starkly with traditions in other countries.