Peru – Page 16 – Pirwa Hostels BLOG

A Peru for Every Type of Backpacker, pt 2

September 20, 2012 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!

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A Peru for Every Type of Backpacker

September 17, 2012 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 24^th 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.

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Border Crossing: From Puno Peru to La Paz Bolivia

September 12, 2012 Pirwa

Getting a mummy's-eye view at the Sillustani Chullpas in Puno, Peru — Getting a mummy’s-eye view at the Sillustani Chullpas in Puno, Peru

So you’ve been enjoying your stay Puno, visiting the Floating Islands of Uros and the Sillustani Burial Towers while relaxing in the evenings at Pirwa Puno Hostels. Good times, but perhaps you’ve begun to set your sights on that promising border with Bolivia….

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

Affordable Bus Travel in Peru — 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

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!

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What to do for National Pisco Day this July!

June 29, 2012 Pirwa

Peru is so proud of its famous Pisco grape brandy that it boasts two national holidays: Pisco Sour Day on the first Saturday of February, and National Pisco Day on the fourth Sunday of July. This year, it falls on July 22^nd.

Pisco, the only brandy made from pure grape juice as opposed to the skins and pressing, is aromatic with a complex taste. Pisco grew in popularity and renown during the 16^th & 17^th centuries as the Peruvian Viceroyalty became South America´s main wine producer, thanks to the robust production of Ica in the fertile Pisco Valley. As time passed, the production of Peruvian grape brandy increased. The Jesuits hawked it throughout Peru, and when the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake took hostages from the Port of Pisco in the 16^th century, he extorted a handsome ransom of 300 bottles. Today, it is the national drink and a component of the country’s most iconic cocktail, the Pisco Sour.

1. Drink From Lima’s Fountain of Pisco

You can toast the capital (after all, this is the week of Peru’s Independence Day!) by sampling a glass from the Plaza Mayor’s fountain. On this day, rather than water, it will be spouting more than 2000Lt of Pisco. It’s a unique way of celebrating the day, so stop by and, resisting the urge to jump in, have a taste.

2. Pub Crawwwwwllllll

Drinks will be flowing all over Lima, so look for freebies from promoters in the parks and plazas as well as half-priced specials in the bars and restaurants. Cusco is an excellent city for Pub Crawling, since most of the major bars and clubs are concentrated around the Plaza de Armas. If you’re interested in getting a group together, let them know in reception so we can go en masse!

3. Mix Your Own at the Hostels!

If you feel like staying in and testing your bartending skills, take advantage of our self-catering kitchens in our hostel locations to experiment a bit with the most classic Pisco cocktails!

Pisco Sour: Pisco, Lime, Cane Syrup, Egg White, Ice, and Aromatic Bitters
Canario: Pisco with orange juice.
Capitán: Aromatic Pisco with Vermouth.
Beatríz: Pisco, Granadine Syrup, Cream, Cinnamon & Cacao cream
Melate: Sweet Wine & Pisco
Biblia: Pisco, Port, Egg Yolk, Cacao Cream, Curasao, Cinnamon & Ice
Calentito: Pisco with lemon & hot tea
Chilcano: Aromatic Pisco with Ginger Ale, Aromatic Bitters, Lime & Ice
Pisco Punch: Pineapple, Lime Juice, Sugar, Acacia, Distilled Water

…..If things don’t work out, those of you staying in hostels with in-house bars such as Pirwa Inclan B&B, Pirwa Prada Backpackers, Pirwa Colonial Backpackers, and Pirwa Puno Backpackers have an easily accessible back-up plan at good prices!

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The Parading Saints of Corpus Christi

June 5, 2012 Pirwa

Corpus Christi is fervently and uniquely celebrated in Cusco. Fourteen Saints and Virgins, one from each of the city’s parishes, are carried in colorful procession atop heavy litters borne by members of each brotherhood guild, who can prepare for up to a year, fundraising for the saint’s elaborate attire and other adornments. The festival calls back to pre-Columbian times of the Inca Empire, when lavishly attired and adorned mummies of the highest-ranking Incas and venerated ancestors were carried on litters throughout the main streets during festivals. Along these same streets the saints and virgins now parade. They are to stay the night in the Cathedral, where they will greet Corpus Christi, the body of Christ.

This Wednesday, June 6^th, at 9am, the Corpus Christi Altars will be presented in their respective parishes. You’ll hear music emanating from the Cathedral- a call to the saints. The processions begin as all the saints make their way to the main square at 11am, each showing off the year’s new finery and accompanied by their faithful parishioners and a band. You’ll also hear the 16^th century María Angola throughout the day, South America’s largest church bell. Traditionally, Saint Sebastian, who resides 5 km from the Cathedral, and Saint Geronimo, whose parish is twice the distance from the Cathedral, race to see who will reach the Cathedral first, with Saint Sebastian beginning his route in the early hours of the morning.

Meanwhile….two blocks down, in the San Francisco Plaza, the Chiriuchu food fair will appear in Plaza San Francisco. With a name meaning cold chili pepper, this is a cold dish that features roast guinea pig, boiled chicken ch’arki (jerky), chorizo sausage, Andean cheese, toasted corn, corn bread, seaweed, and roe all piled up together. Sands will be set up throughout the square, with vendors serving up the most traditional meal of Corpus Christi. If it takes you a while to work up the courage, don’t worry, they’ll be there on Thursday too. Wednesday night families traditionally serve 12 dishes, but Thursday is about Chiriuchu. If you try a plate, wash it down with some beer or chicha, a fermented corn drink. Those of you staying at Pirwa Colonial Backpackers will find the food fair camped out right in front of the hostel in the next couple of days. If the guinea pigs don’t tempt you, you can always limit yourself to some interesting photo-taking…

The following day is the principal day of Corpus Christi: At noon on Thursday the 7^th (after the Archbishop performs the Te-Deum at 8am) it´s time for the main event, when the saints all process together, led by the 18^th century pure gold massif known as the Golden Sun of Custody. It holds the Host, is adorned with hundreds of pearls, diamonds, and other precious jewels, and is carried on a silver litter. All the saints and virgins will afterwards be placed upon their respective altars throughout the plaza, each decorated with mirrors, banners, flowers, and other ornaments. Keep your eyes peeled for costumed folkloric characters like ukukus, qollas, and pabluchas amongst the crowd.

The icons will stay for a week in the Cathedral, until the Octava, when they’ll process again amongst dancers performing the Mestiza Qoyacha and the Capaq Qoya before returning to their home parishes with their dancers and musicians.

All this takes place in Cusco’s main square, or Plaza de Armas, and in the surrounding main streets. You can expect the Plaza to fill as completely as possible with spectators both curious and devout. If you’re on ground level, of course be wary of pickpockets targeting cash and small electronics such as cameras, cell phones, and mp3 players. If you’re not up to jostling amongst the crowds for a view, remember the Pirwa Posada del Corregidor is located right in the Plaza de Armas, with an in-house restaurant whose windows overlook the square- it’s a great place to watch the festivities in a more comfortable setting!