Visiting Puno these next two weeks en route to the famously vibrant Virgen of Candelaria Festival? You can’t visit Puno without exploring the millennial culture of the traditional islands of massive Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Its surprisingly transparent waters stretch between Peru and Bolivia and provide refuge for more than sixty different bird species such as the Parihuana, which inspired the colors of the Peruvian flag. Together with the surrounding high plateau, it forms the Titicaca National Reserve.

One of its most unique draws is the famous Floating Islands of Uros, 40 manmade islands made of the lake’s prevalent plant: the totora reed. They are the home of about 2,000 people of the Aymara-speaking Uros tribe (also known as the kot-suña, or People of the Lake), one of the continent’s oldest cultures. The same reeds from which the islands are constructed are used for building houses and boats, the root can be eaten or made into a tea. Islanders rely on fishing, weaving, and tourism for their subsistence. Visitors can often arrange to embark on a short reed boat ride while at Uros.

Another fascinating stop is Amantani Island, whose approximately 4,000 traditional Quechua-speaking residents still don a mixture of Spanish peasant dress with Andean accessories, adopted shortly after the Spanish Conquest. Most tours of Lake Titicaca begin with the Floating Islands and then continue on to Amantani, where there are no inns but where local families welcome travelers for meals and offer their homes for the night. You’ll be able to see grazing alpacas along the terr It’s a 2-hour hike to one of the islands two hilltop temples, Pachatata (Father Earth) or Pachamama (Mother Earth). They are not used during much of the year, although on January 20^th half the population congregates at one, half at the other. A representative from each temple races to a midpoint between the two peaks, and the coming year is predicted based on who which temple wins the race. Guests are generally invited to try the native dress and attend a dance in the evenings.

Most travelers visit Taquile Island after spending the night in Amantani. Taquile was known as Intika when it was incorporated into the Inca empire. During Colonial times the Spanish converted it to a prison. It was finally returned to the people of Taquile in 1970, and like Amantani and the Floating Islands of Uros, is managed collectively. Visitors can explore the pre-Inca ruins and stone agricultural terraces still in use. This is also a wonderful place for purchasing textiles, as the traditional weavings and embroideries of Taquile are considered to be some of the highest-quality artisan products in Peru; they’ve even been proclaimed “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. You’ll notice while on the island that it is the men who knit and the women who weave. They can cost more on the island than in Puno’s artisanal markets, but buyers are supporting the artisans directly.

Pirwa Travel Service, our own tour operator, can arrange 2-Day tours embarking on Lake Titicaca from Puno and visiting the Floating Islands of Uros, Amantani Island, and Taquile Island. You can check out the detailed program here: 2-Day Lake Titicaca Tour: Uros, Amantani & Taquile. For those looking for nearby lodging, Pirwa Puno Backpackers is located just a 15 minute walk from Puno’s Lake Titicaca harbor. You can see Pirwa Puno Backpackers by clicking here, and to the left some of our lovely volunteers!

Travel Tips

• Prepare for the cold and dry Puno weather, with the average temperature hovering around 45 degrees, dipping as low as 30 degrees in the June to August winter months and rising as high as 60 degrees in the December to January summertime.
• Don’t let the cold weather lure you into a false sense of security: use plenty of sunscreen no matter which time of year it is, as the high altitude means the sun scorches.
• Symptoms of altitude sickness include nausea and fatigue, plan to take the first day easy just in case, resting well and hydrating, perhaps with some coca tea, a preferred local remedy.
• Puno has no airport, with the nearest located in the city of Juliaca 28 miles north of Puno. Many travelers opt to arrive by bus, with buses by reputable companies like Cruz del Sur and Ormeño arriving throughout the day from Cusco, Arequipa, and other cities. Pirwa Travel can assist you with your transport needs as well if you’d like some help.

We’re offering special prices for you February and March travelers- in Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu we’re offering rooms at prices

than regular. And since flights and bus transport are cutting prices for a short time as well, this means that February and March are the ideal time for budget-minded travelers!

How low can we go?:

Dorms as low as S/18.27 (soles) in lively and vibrant Pirwa Colonial Backpackers in Cusco, an ideal hostel for hanging out with other travelers, complete with bar, fast food stand, billiards, darts, ping pong and fun activities! At right: up on the bar at Pirwa Colonial.

Private rooms for two as low as S/51.00 in cozy Pirwa San Blas Familiar, located in Cusco’s bohemian San Blas neighborhood! San Blas is known for its many galleries and artists’ studios, as well some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Cheery Pirwa San Blas Familiar has a real home-like feel; its patio is pictured at left.

Private rooms for two in Pirwa Posada del Corregidor B&B and Pirwa San Blas B&B, the first in the main square of Cusco and the second only a block away, at as low as S/90 S/76.50!

In Machu Picchu, you can get dorms as low as S/34.00 in Pirwa Machu Picchu Backpackers, and Private rooms for two in our Pirwa Machu Picchu B&B as low as S/114 S/96.90. Our prices include comfy beds, 24/7 hot water, friendly staff and fun atmosphere, internet + wifi, luggage storage and travel information, and more! In the case of our Machu Picchu Pueblo (colloquially known as Aguas Calientes) hostels, we’ll even come and pick you up at the airport for free!

Let’s not forget the City of Kings- in our Lima hostels, both located in the relaxed seaside neighborhood of Miraflores near the always lively Kennedy Park, you can find rooms for two with private baths for as low as S/82 S/69.70 in Pirwa Inclan B&B and shared dorms as low as S/20.40 in Pirwa Prada Backpackers!

Want to check availability and prices for your travel dates? Click here!

What’s Febrero Viajero?

We’re not alone! The commission for the Promotion of Peru in Tourism, known around these parts as Promperú has launched a campaign to promote tourism in February known as “Febrero Viajero.” It’s already begun, meaning that not only can you get your lodging cheap with Pirwa Hostels, but it’s also an ideal time for purchasing your flight or bus tickets as well. We know you need to watch your budget while you’re traveling, which is why we specialize in comfortable but economic lodging throughout Peru and Bolivia, so we wanted to make sure you knew about these deals too!

Special Feb Discounts for TACA Airlines…….

Buy from now until March 15th, for flights occurring between now and March 28th, and get some special discounts- the conditions are that you must have a 3 day minimum stay, or a Sunday, and you can only buy up to 3 tickets per flight.

Special Feb Discounts for LAN Airlines…….

Buy from now until February 29^th, for flights occurring between February 1^st and April 30^th, and get these special prices- you have to buy 7 days in advance, for a minimum stay of 3 days or including a Saturday, and it applies for certain flights only.

Special Feb Discounts for Oltursa…….

All February and March Oltursa is knocking down its prices as well. Open dates aren’t applicable, so you need to buy roundtrip. Bed Service is discounted, but not for online purchases, so you need to buy in person.

So if you’ve been dreaming about that South American backpacking trip, maybe that time has finally come. Take advantage of the lower prices and come experience all that Peru has to offer. Pirwa Travel Service, our own travel agency can even help arrange tours and excursions for you at rock-bottom prices- all you need to do is pack your bags and let us take care of the rest!

Tomorrow is Lima‘s turn to welcome the Dakar 2012 riders, who raced from Nazca to Pisco today and tomorrow will receive their prizes on the podium at the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) of Lima! This isn’t the only action that’s taking place this week in Peru’s capital, however, because this week is the 477th anniversary of the founding of Lima. Below is a selection of activities from the official program:

Sunday, Jan 15th: Lima Remix 2012 at the Magical Water Circuit

The Haciendo Pueblo Cultural Association will kick off festivities with a performance covering the Lima’s musical history decade by decade. The show will take place at the Magical Water Circuit at Reserve Park from 7:30-8:30pm. (Admission: S/.4.00)

Sunday Jan 15^th: Cultura Viva
Each Sunday this month in Parque de la Muralla you can experience the street art, street theater, music and dance of Lima, from 1-5pm. (Admission: S/.2.50)

Tuesday Jan 17^th: “Mácula” presented at the Plazuela de las Artes Municipal Theater

Presentation of ‘Mácula’, incorporating contemporary dance, theater, and musical performance. The show’s at 8pm at the Plazuela de la Artes del Teatro Municipal (Jirón Ica cuadra 3 in the City Center). (Admission: Free)

Tuesday Jan 17^th: Serenade in the Plaza de Armas

More than 400 artists will offer an incomparable spectacular created and directed by Miguel Rubio, the director of Yuyachkani, to showcase the history and diversity of Lima.

Provincial bands, flamenco guitars and dancers, and Peruvian Paso horses open the event, which then continues on to a variety of musical performances, some accompanied by Peruvian scissor dancers, Sikuris, Members of Cantagallo’s Shipibo community, and more. The show begins at 8pm in the Plaza de Armas and culminates at midnight. (Admission is Free)

Wednesday Jan 18: Offering to the Last Inca Chief, Taulichusco

Taulichusco was the chief of the Rímac Valley, when Pizarro and the other conquistadores arrived in Lima. At Pasaje Nicolás de Rivera in central Lima an offering will be made in homage to him on this day. (Admission is Free)

Wednesday Jan 18th: Homage to Lima at Magical Water Circuit

The Magical Water Circuit at Reserve Park will present a varied spectacular of music and dance from 11am to 10pm. (Admission is Free.)

Wednesday Jan 18thTourist Circuit for Lima’s 447th Anniversary

In celebration of the 477^th anniversary of Lima’s founding, a touristic circuit will be offered visiting the pre-Inca Taulichusco Monument, Lima’s Cathedral and Pizarro’s Tomb, Aliaga’s House, and the Municipal Palace, ending at the Municipal Library to view the founding document of Lima. Departures are at 10am and 3pm and information & sign-Up is at the Turistic Information Office of the Municipality of Lima (Pasaje Los Escribanos 145 in Lima’s Historic Center). (315-1542)

Friday Jan 20^th, Saturday Jan 21^st, and Sunday Jan 22^nd: Scenes of Old Lima at the Magical Water Circuit
Spectacular presenting characters of creole Lima which persist in collective memory: towncriers, vendors of picarones and anticuchos, the popular vendor of “Revolución Caliente” and other traditions of yesteryear to the music of the marinera and Peruvian sons. The show will take place from 7-8pm at Reserve Park’s Magical Water Circuit. (Admission: S/.4.00)

Between Dakar and the anniversary festivities, expect Lima to fill up. However, at the moment we still have availability in our Lima hostels, Pirwa Prada Backpackers and Pirwa Inclan B&B, both ideally located in the Miraflores district!

This January is the 477^th anniversary of the founding of Lima as the The City of Kings by 70 year old Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, rumored to have traced the outline for the Plaza Mayor in the earth with his sword.

Thousands of people gather in the Plaza Mayor of Lima on the main day, January 18^th, festively decked out with lights and music. Concerts and shows by renowned dancers, singers, and poets continue into the wee hours of the night. The day starts with a street parade and continues with a program of folk dances, ballet, creole music and more! The day ends with the requisite fireworks.

So far it’s been confirmed that celebrated Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flores will head the Serenade to Lima (Limapaq Taki in Quechua) in the Municipal Theater this year. Other persformers thus far announced are the Youth Symphony Orchestra on Jan 17^th and the Municipal Ballet. Cultural and musical activities will take place in the Plaza’s Mall, Chabuca Granda, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Another recently announced event was the Jan 22^nd 12K run “Lima For All” organized by the Municipal Workers Syndicate.

We hope to have the official program detailing all the scheduled events for you soon, so keep checking back!

If you’re looking for the ideal base from which to explore the vibrant culture and cuisine that Lima has developed over the last 477 years, an exciting mix of its indigenous pre-Columbian, African, and Spanish influences, you can’t do any better than Miraflores! The relaxed seaside neighborhood boasts ample parks and gardens, exciting activities such as parasailing and and surfing, some of the best ceviche in Lima, and quality bars and clubs for those seeking to sample the nightlife. Pirwa Hostels has 02 locations in Miraflores, Pirwa Inclan B&B and Pirwa Prada Backpackers, with a warm and friendly staff eager to help you enjoy all that the City of Kings has to offer. (To the left a cheery sampling of the Pirwa Crew!)

All of us at Pirwa Hostels Peru hope your holidays went well! The Pirwa hostels in Cusco united for our traditional Christmas Eve Dinner in Pirwa Colonial Backpackers, and the pics just came  in.

It’s time to start planning ahead for our biggest events of the year, our New Year’s Eve Parties- this year we’ll be celebrating in Lima and Cusco in Peru and La Paz in Bolivia!

If you’re traveling through Peru or Bolivia during the holidays we hope you’ll be joining us for the festivities! Otherwise, happy holidays to everyone no matter where you spend it!

The announcement has been made that this January Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile will submit the Inca Trail as a Candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although never before have 6 countries united for one candidacy, the complex road network known as the Great Inka Trail stretched into all of these countries over its 6000km. The honor would afford it worldwide recognition, guaranteeing its protection and conservation. The solicitude which will be presented to UNESCO comprises six segments which are conserved and which total 1,200km.

A main path starting in Cusco led to each of the 4 suyos, or regions, with roads branching off through the diverse geography of Andean peaks, coastal plains, desert, and jungle. Its infrastructure included bridges and pulleys with hanging baskets for crossing rivers and ravines, wayside inns (tambos) every 21km, warehouses (kallankas), control check-points every 7km, and sacred sites.  In the mountains, one finds zones paved with stone slabs, carved stone steps, retaining walls, and tunnels. In the jungle, zones with drainage channels on either side to avoid flooding.

Pirwa Travel offers the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the most famous segment of the Inca Trail network, as well as other excursions utilizing original Inca trails, such as Inka Jungle and Sanctuary Garden.

During the time of the Empire, it was known as Qhapac Ñan, or the Royal Road. It was built under the order of Inca Pachacutec in the 15^th century (the same Inca responsible for Machu Picchu).

Then, it allowed for rapid administration, trade, and military deployment. Now, it is popular with travelers for its ruins, lauded history, and beautiful landscapes- if you’re planning a trip to South America, it’s an unmissable stop. Let’s all hope the petition is accepted!

Dec 25nd to 27th in Huancavelica

Every December Huancavelica celebrates one of its major claims to fame- the Peruvian Scissor Dance (Danza de las Tijeras or Galas), which UNESCO declared part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. This unique and acrobatic dance with roots honoring the pre-Columbian deities of the natural world was once danced by the holy men, the “Tusuq Laylas”, whom the Spaniards ran off into the hills, declaring them devil`s spawn. They were allowed to return only on the condition that from that point forward their dance would honor the Catholic religion.

This festival consists of a series of contests to declare the best scissor dancers. Two or more dancers take turns performing, with intricate stepwork and acrobatic flips and jumps. Violin and harp orchestras accompany the deance, with the scissors marking the beat. Dances must not only exhibit their dancing skills, but also fortitude in marathon 10 to 12 hours competitions known as the Atapanacuy, where they continue dancing intermittently with their competitors throughout. Tradition holds that the dancers gain their ability to compete for so long from the devil himself. As part of this pact, the Atipanacuy ritual presents the devil’s tests to the scissor dancers, where some of these “sons of the devil” will even spill their blood in the name of Christ. They run metal spikes through their bodies and perform other extreme spectacles- this one is not for the timid! Thus, the challenges will at times include not only dance but also contests of physical skill, magic and blood challenges.

When to Travel: The Program

Here’s the official program for this year’s festivities. Don’t forget your camera and, during this time of year, your rain gear!

December 24^th: INC (National Institute of Culture) Huancavelica / From 2:00 pm

The festival’s sponsors lead the inauguration, kicking off the scissor dances and a contest between the Quichkas.

December 25th: Atrium of the San Francisco Church / From 1:00 pm

Dance and Zapateo with sonajas and scissors, men and women

December 26^th: Atrium of the San Francisco Church / From 1:00 pm

December 27^th: Pucachaca / From 1:00 pm

On these two days the dances continue as in the previous days, but here is the addition of the celebration of Atipanacuy.

1. Fireworks, Firecrackers & Noisemakers

2. Confetti

3. Yellow Underwear**

4. Champagne

5. Boxed Fruitcake*

6. Assorted Accessories

7. All Your Friends at Pirwa!!
   

*Really

**REALLY….Do you want to have a “lucky” 2012 or not?

Don’t worry about where you’re going to find yellow underwear and the other items on the list- you won’t be able to avoid them on all the street corners!

If you’re in Cusco, be ready for the traditional “Run Around the Plaza”. We may all start the night off in our separate parties, but once the clock nears 12 it all empties into the Plaza de Armas for a loud, firework-lit race around the square!

The World’s Deepest Canyon

If for many years neighboring Colca Canyon was famed as the world’s deepest canyon, it is only because Cotahuasi Canyon wasn’t measured until 1995. At 3,535m, this geological wonder is the rightful owner of that title. The canyon  was home to the Wari before the Inca conquered this region and annexed it to their empire in order to shorten the salt route connecting Cusco and the coast.

Let yourself be humbled by the immense landscapes and humbling profundity of Cotahuasi Canyon, and the power of the river that carved it out over the millennia during this four-day tour that will take you along a route marked by stunning lakes, thermal baths, waterfalls, petrified forests, and puya and cactus forests. Walk along Inca trails, passing local peasants with llamas or donkeys; visit quaint towns with narrow streets bordered by white-washed buildings and centered round colonial churches; relax in the Luicho Medicinal Baths. Observe how pre-Inca terraces are still being farmed today, producing quinoa, amaranth, purple corn, and other native crops. We’ll descend through the 12 ecosystems of the “Canyon of Wonder” See the surprising Sipia Waterfalls, where the rocks narrow the river to 5m wide so that they burst through, fall 150m, and crash over the rocks in a spectacle of spray and rainbows. Explore the canyon floor and riverside.

During the return trip to Arequipa, we stop to visit the rock formation known as Maje Castle, fodder for a variety of legends, the mysterious Toro Muerto (Dead Bull) petroglyphs, where volcanic rock resulting from eruptions of Coropuna and Chachani were engraved 1000 to 1500 years ago. They are believed to be the work of the Wari and Chuquibamba cultures, but no archeological  remains have been directly associated with this site.

Click here and check out this and other tours by Pirwa Travel Service in Arequipa!

Matador Assistant by Jorge Vera

Although bullfights take place in Peru throughout the year, it is during the October/November bullfighting season that the most prestigious bullfighters of Spain and the Americas come together to compete in the world’s second-oldest bullring, the 244 year old Lima’s Plaza de Acho. This year the Feria begins on Nov. 2^nd and ends in December, with 05 scheduled events featuring the world’s best bullfighters each Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm. The bullfighter executing the best moves wins the 18k Escapulario de Oro and the best bull wins the Escapulario de Plata.

Bullfighting’s popularity in Peru is rising alongside rising protests on the grounds of animal cruelty. For a unique look into Peruvian culture, you can join in with the spectators or with the protestors according to your personal conviction. Those interested in watching a match, though, should be aware that in Peru it is to the death (and, as always, the bull has the disadvantage.)

Passageway in the Plaza de Acho

How to Get There

Tickets are sold at Teleticket shops at the Wong and Metro Supermarkets chain. You’ll have the option of sol, sun, and sombra, shade. Sol is cheaper at around US$20, with prices climbing up to US$120 for first-row sombra.

You can check newspapers for restaurant offers, as varius locales offer special pre-event menus and then bus their clients to the bullring, a good option for those worried about going to the Rímac neighborhood and the Plaza de Acho bullring by themselves. (The area around the bullring is not the best, and anytime there are .)