There’s lots of activity going on in the department of Apurímac as its Tourism Month continues, mainly concentrated in Abancay and the surrounding areas. This year’s enticing slogan is “All Tourism, All Extreme”. Each weekend highlights extreme adventures you can have in the region:
This Weekend: Oct 6 & 7
This Saturday and Sunday in Abancay, there’ll be slalom kayaking at 10am, a slack-line exhibition, and rock climbing at 11am, all in the Yaca community. There’ll also be a rafting competition on these days, at 9am in Casinchihua also in Yaca.
Next Weekend: Oct 13th
The following weekend, on Saturday, there’ll be Motocross and Quadcross along the Circuito Extremo in Tamburco at 10am.
Saturday, Oct 20th
Downhill biking at Chalhuanca 9:00am
If the weekends sound a little extreme for you, there are some cultural offerings available on the weekdays (Wed 9th through Fri 12thand again from Mon 15th through 19th). On all of these days there will be half-day programs titled “Beauty and Tradition: Social Tourism” starting at 9am and 1pm which begin in Saywite and continue on to Concacha and Yaca.
For more details on how you can participate in activities and offers, you can stop by the Abancay Tourism Office, which is located right next to the Plaza de Armas, or Main Square.
While you’re in the department of Apurímac, try visiting some area attractions such as the National Shrine of Ampay with its rolling countryside and deep blue Pacucha lagoon, and Pampachiri Stone Forest whose gigantic rock formations have even been appropriated for carving out homes.
How to Get There
All the buses which travel from Lima through Nazca to Cuzco pass through Abancay in Apurímac. If you’re in Cuzco, it’s easy to get there. Just ask at your hostel reception where you can catch a bus or shared taxi, colectivo. If you want to take a shared taxi from Cusco to Abancay, it takes about 3-4 hours. If you go by bus, it’s 4-5 hours. The road is well-paved and the trip quite inexpensive.
Extreme Fun in Apurímac was last modified: October 5th, 2012 by Pirwa
Have you got a little bit of Indiana Jones in you? Travelers and locals alike will flock to the Sacred City of Caral, three hours outside of Lima, as it celebrates its archeological project’s 18th anniversary this month. This project, entrusted with the site’s continuing archeological excavation and conservation, traditionally celebrates the anniversary with pre-Columbian offerings, the unveiling of new findings, and festival events replete with music, dance, exuberant costumes, and fairs.
If you can’t make it to Caral for the anniversary festival, don’t worry, you can still see the site at least. Pirwa Travel Service offers guided tours of the sacred city on the weekends that begin and end in Lima.
Mystical Night (Oct 26)
Those who want to take part in the Mystical Night camp in front of the archeological complex, making a pilgrimage to Gozne Hill along an illuminated route. There, only once a year, they perform ceremonies on the hill, play music and dance, and see the ruins lit up in the night. (If you want to take part, check the archeological project’s website or ask us for assistance at pirwatravel@gmail.com or reservaspirwa@gmail.com. You need to arrange this ahead of time because the event is very popular- thousands take part.)
Caral Raymi Festival (Oct 27)
The Caral Raymi Anniversary Festival lasts from about 9:00am to 4:00pm and falls on October 27th this year. The festivities focus on ancestral Andean music, dance, food and drink. If you go in the afternoon, you can purchase a spot in their traditional lunch prepared with native ingredients by a culinary team guided by the researchers. In the reception center there will be a catu, or Andean market, which functioned through the barter of products and even knowledge.
Take a tour with one of the local guides trained by the team with the aim of improving socio-economic conditions in the surrounding towns. Participate in interactive workshops where you can see the archeologists’ work up close and their latest findings. The day is topped off with a visit to the natural lookout from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the imposing sacred city and the Supe Valley together with the team.
You can get out to Caral by yourself, or with help from the Pirwa Travel Service team. If you would like to take part in one of well-scheduled programs offered by the project itself, you can contact them through their website; they offer one- and two-day programs with transport to and from Lima, all of the activities described, plus some extras such as horseback riding through the Supe Valley and a visit to a contemporaneous site.
Because Caral is 3 hours from Lima, it makes for a little bit of a long day, so it pays to already have a place worked out to spend the night. For budget-friendly dorms and private rooms in Lima’s most popular neighborhood, Miraflores, look to Pirwa Hostels! Pirwa Inclan B&B and Pirwa Prada Backpackers are both located in relaxed Miraflores, close to lively Kennedy Park with its live performers, restaurants and clubs, and the famous costa verde, or “green coast”, the seaside cliffs with its charming parks which acts as a jump-off site for paragliding.
The hostels themselves have common areas where you can relax with other travelers (including TV & Movie lounges, terraces, guest kitchens, and a bar), are secure with 24hr reception and security lockers, and comfortable with soft beds and hot water 24/7.
Celebrating Caral Raymi this October near Lima was last modified: October 2nd, 2012 by Pirwa
This is the culmination of our two-part article on the different types of backpackers and what Peru has to offer them. So far, we’ve dealt with the hiking and trekking enthusiasts, the extreme sport junkies, the eco-travelers, and the cultural immersionists. What’s left?…
Time Travelers
From the modern high rises of Miraflores, Lima and the pre-Columbian pyramid shrine in their midst to the traditional villages and towns of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with vibrantly dressed locals chatting on cellphones and internet cafés housed in adobe structures lining cobblestone streets, Peru is a land of contrasts which in the throes of modernizations still offers up a past rich in mystery and wonder.
The world-famous mysterious Nazca Lines and the remarkable thousand year old mummies of Chauchillas
Kuelap, a fortress in northern Peru of the Chachapoyas, the most formidable foes of the Inca.
The Inca Fortress of Saqsayuhuamán on the outskirts of Cusco and the Lost City of Machu Picchu, the worldwide icon of the Inca Empire
the pre-Inca city of Caral north of Lima, the oldest city in the Americas, which as a flourishing urban center as far back as 2600BC
Culinary Crusaders
Whether or not you’re a foodie, chances are some fresh ceviche in Lima and roast guinea pig (cuy) in Cusco are on your travel to-do list, the former for the delicate flavors and the latter for the bragging rights. The culinary crusaders among you, hoever, probably have a list that’s more dishes than tourist attractions. What shouldn’t you miss?…
Marinated, grilled, and skewered beef hearts (anticuchos) in Ica, proud guardian of Afro-Peruvian cuisine
Pollo a la Brasa. Why eat roaster chicken in Peru when you’ve had it before? Because here, it tastes like nowhere else
Stir-fried tenderloin and fries known as lomo saltado
Seco de Cabrito, or stewed goat in the north
In the Andes, Olluquito con Charqui, is a firm potato-like tuber stewed with charqui (dried alpaca)
Even if you’re not ready to go as far as some toasted ants, the jungle region has some great dishes to offer, such as Juanes, bundles of chicken and rice cooked in banana leaves, and Inchicapi peanut stew.
Mystic Travelers
A new breed of traveler seeks not only cultural insight but mystical and personal insight as well. The survival of pre-Columbian beliefs in Peru, often in syncretic form, makes Andean or Amazonian Peru an attractive destination for such travelers. What kind of options does Peru offer the mystical backpacker?:
Ceremonies at the pre-Columbian sacred sites still believed to contain special energy by New Age practitioners
Spiritual cleansings with rubdowns with sacred plants and even with a guinea pig by Andean Curanderos, Healers
Hallucinogenic Ayahuasca ceremonies overseen by Amazonian shamans, which are thought to remove the curtain separating the natural and supernatural world, allow one to commune with universal spirits, and to heal problems with one’s own soul and psyche.
Very rarely, a traveler gets to visit the town of Queros, which thanks to a willful isolation is considered the town wherein Inca culture has continued unbroken.
Probably your interests fit into more than one category, and the gung-ho backpackers are likely a little bit of each…that just means you’ll have to plan a longer trip! The Pirwa Team includes not only Pirwa Travel Service, which can exist with transport, entrances, and guided excursions, but also Pirwa Hostels, which has 13 different locations throughout Peru and Bolivia. This means that no matter what your interests, and where you end up, you can probably find us nearby!
Stop by the social butterfly Pirwa Colonial Backpackers or the cozy and cheerful Pirwa San Blas Familiar in Cusco, enjoy breakfast on the sunny rooftop terrace at Pirwa Park Hostel Arequipa, or even cross the border and head out on the town with Pirwa La Paz‘s fun-loving team. A a country as varied as Peru, and such diverse groups of backpackers, require a home-grown chain that can offer all that the modern backpacker needs in terms of facilities, budget options, entertainment, and comfort. Check out all of our locations here …see you on the road!
A Peru for Every Type of Backpacker, pt 2 was last modified: September 20th, 2012 by Pirwa
To truly experience a country as culturally diverse, geologically varied, and historically rich as Peru, one would need much more time than the average backpacker. Regardless, those of us guided by wanderlust seek some insight, a window into the host country. We’ve compiled a two-part list of the attractions that Peru has to offer every type of traveler… What type of backpacker are you?
Conquering Geological Wonders
Peru’s distinct environmental regions provide excellent trekking options for both experienced hikers and casual trekkers alike. There are plenty of trails to choose from, including multi-day slogs and one-day walks. Some of the most popular treks include:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the alternative Lares Trek, actually favored by locals thanks to its superior sweeping views
Descend into the depths of the world’s deepest canyons, Cotahuasi Canyon and Colca Canyon, home of the endangered and massive Andean Condors
The Cordillera Huayhuash Blanca treks- considered among the best in the world
Thrill Seekers
From catching air to catching waves, there’s plenty in Peru to keep the most demanding thrill-seeker occupied.
Paragliding of the cliffs of Miraflores and over the Pacific Ocean
Rafting the rapids around Cusco, in the Canyons of Arequipa, and into the Amazon
Sandbuggy riding and Sandboarding down White Hill and the sand dunes surrounding Huacachina Oasis
Surfing some of the best waves in the world along the Peruvian Coast north of Lima
Scaling the rocks and ice of the Cordillera Blanca Range
Eco-Travelers
With a landscape boasting incredible range from the desert coast to snow-capped Andean peaks and down into the lush Amazon Basin, Peru has a number of astounding national parks, sanctuaries, and reserves which would delight any nature-lover and inspire everyone else to becoming nature-lovers:
Manú National Park in the Amazon Rainforest, one of the world’s most biologically diverse zones
Paracas National Reserve, off the Peruvian coast south of Lima, with its bustling penguin and sea lion colonies
Tingo Maria National Park in the Amazon with its cave-dwelling oil birds
Culturally Curious
To foreigners, it will appear that Peru’s year has as many festival days as non-festival days.
Candelaria in Puno, where you can experience the greatest number of folkloric dances, music, and costumes
Some popular celebrations such as Inti Raymi in Cusco on June 24th and Fiestas Patrias Independence Days in July, have festivities which last all month
Holy Week, or SemanaSanta, popularly and distinctly celebrated in Ayacucho
Festival of San Juan celebrated on Amazon riversides.
A Peru for Every Type of Backpacker was last modified: September 17th, 2012 by Pirwa
For the first time border-crosser, it can be intimidating. Those delicious salteñas paceñas won’t come to you though, so here’s our primer and tips on getting from Puno to La Paz:
Tourist-Class Buses
Bus Travel in Peru
The most common way to cross the border into Bolivia from Peru is a tourist-class bus from Puno to Copacabana vía the border town of Yunguyo. Some travelers stop off at Copacabana to explore the Isla del Sol, Sun Island, in Lake Titicaca and the smaller Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon), while other continue on directly to La Paz. The 7 hour Puno – Yunguyo – Copacabana – La Paz route boasts views of scenic lakeside villages and a ferry rid across Tiquina Strait. Go with a well-recommended bus company, after all, you’ll be sitting there for seven hours. Some options are Panamericano, which leaves Puno at 7:30am each morning, and Tour Peru which departs for Copacabana and La Paz daily as well.
The direct route from Puno to La Paz crosses the border at Desaguadero rather than Yunguyo, but scenic it is not….Desaguadero is known for being a small, dirty, and unattractive bordertown. However, your total trip time would be 5 hours, and the buses pass the ruins of Tiwanaku en route. Ormeño buses leave Puno at 5:45am each day.
Stop in Copacabana to visit Sun Island before continuing to La Paz!
Local Buses
If you’d rather have the option to stop in any towns along the way that interest you, you can opt for the small local buses known as colectivos, which leave from the local bus station on the intersection of 1 de Mayo and Bolivar, two blocks away from Puno’s Terminal Terrestre (main bus terminal). This is a cheaper option, but you must be wary of pickpockets and may need to deal with uncomfortable overcrowding.
2½hr Puno – Yunguyo Trip: US$3.00 30min Yunguyo – Copacabana: US$0.50 5hr Copacabana – La Paz: US$4.00
If your goal is the cheapest possible transport, go local and cross at Desaguadero- the local buses are slower though. Buses leave from Puno to Desaguadero throughout the day (US$2.00 for a 4hr trip) and from Desaguadero to La Paz (US$3.00 for a 4hr) up until 5pm.
Crossing the Border into Bolivia
Success! The Welcome to Bolivia Sign
The Peru-Bolivia border is open from 8am–midday and from 2pm–7:30pm. From either side, it’s a mostly stress-free process that won’t take more than half an hour if your passport and tourist visa are in order. When you enter Peru, you receive a 90 day tourist visa which you must present upon entering the country; when you enter Bolivia, you receive a 30 day tourist visa- these are stamped upon exiting the countries. Keep the following tips in mind:
You can save time at the border by completing your visa form for entering Bolivia online.
North & South Americans, New Zealanders, and Australians won’t need entry visas, but French nationals must arrange this ahead of time.
United States citizens are charged a hefty entry tax- US$135.00, so make sure you bring enough money. Torn, ripped, or merely old bills will be declined, so keep it pristine and as close to exact change as you can.
Upon entering Bolivia, they ask for 2 passport-sized photos for your visa, but if you don’t have them they can try to match you up with the closest match from the leftover pile….
Save yourself the time and hassle of crossing back to Peru just to make photocopies of your passport or visa! Bring them with you
Officially, border officials can ask about the following: your hotel reservation, itinerary, yellow fever vaccination, and even request proof of economic solvency in the form of a credit card copy or bank statement. Very rarely does this happen….but it’s possible.
You made it to La Paz! Now what?…
Left to Right: Wrestling Cholitas, On top of the world at Huayna Potasí, Gazing into the Abyss at Death Road, Bridge Swinging in La Paz
Once you get to La Paz, there’s a whole new world open to you. You’ll want to take it easy for a few days to adjust to La Paz’s high altitude, going for easy day trips like visiting Moon Valley or taking in a Cholitas Wrestling show. After you’ve been fully acclimatized, you can up the ante. Outdoorsy types can hike Bolivia’s popular Huayna Potosí or up to pristine Glacier Lagoon for expansive views like no other. Thrill-seekers can go extreme, biking down the World’s Most Dangerous Road or Bridge Swinging, which is literally throwing yourself of a high bridge with an elastic cord about your chest and waist. If you want help arranging any of these excursion, you can get in touch with Pirwa Travel Service.
While looking for a place to stay in La Paz, you won’t have to go far to find Pirwa La Paz located just a block and a half from the La Paz bus terminal. We’re also just a few blocks from major attractions like San Francisco Church, tourist one-stop-shopping Sagarnaga Street, and Plaza Murillo. With a variety of affordable shared dormitories and private rooms, all with hot water access 24/7 and comfy beds, as well as a TV & movie lounge, patios, bar, free internet & wi-fi, secure luggage storage, free continental breakfast, and a friendly staff that can help you organize your trip!
Border Crossing: From Puno Peru to La Paz Bolivia was last modified: May 7th, 2016 by Pirwa
If the weekends sound a little extreme for you, there are some cultural offerings available on the weekdays (Wed 9th through Fri 12th and again from Mon 15th through 19th). On all of these days there will be half-day programs titled “Beauty and Tradition: Social Tourism” starting at 9am and 1pm which begin in Saywite and continue on to Concacha and Yaca.
in activities and offers, you can stop by the Abancay Tourism Office, which is located right next to the Plaza de Armas, or Main Square.
All the buses which travel from Lima through Nazca to Cuzco pass through Abancay in Apurímac. If you’re in Cuzco, it’s easy to get there. Just ask at your hostel reception where you can catch a bus or shared taxi, colectivo. If you want to take a shared taxi from Cusco to Abancay, it takes about 3-4 hours. If you go by bus, it’s 4-5 hours. The road is well-paved and the trip quite inexpensive.
