Living in Peru : your everyday companion

by
Katarina Horrox

The name says it all: SELVAMONOS!!! Let’s go to the jungle!!! And what better reason to go to the jungle than a Music and Arts Festival. A festival with some of the best musicians and artists that Peru has to offer.

The aim of the Selvamonos Festival is to decentralize culture in Peru. The organisers, a team of Peruvian and International volunteers, want to make a first-rate festival outside of Lima. To bridge the gap between the capital and the 195 provinces of Peru. To create a cultural exchange between the different regions and people. Given the lack of political, social and cultural communication between Lima and most of the country, this is a worthy cause.

And what better place to build this cultural exchange than in Oxapampa, a lush region partway between the Andes and the Amazon. Based in the Pasco province, it is surrounded by rolling hills and covered in clambering granadilla vines and avocado trees.

On the weekend of the 10th of October festival-goers will assemble at the Ruffner Ranch, a lovely old rustic ranch on the perimeter of Oxapampa, where festivities will commence at 2pm on Saturday afternoon. Things will kick off with a grand performance from Jean-Pierre Magnet and his 22-piece Seranata de los Andes, followed by internationally-acclaimed Andres Prado and his Acid Jazz Experience. In the early evening, La Sarita, a hybrid band that crosses Rage Against The Machine with folklore, will perform. More big names are currently being confirmed, however, if the rumours are true, salsa-style Sabor y Control and old-time Limenian DJ, Mickey Gonzalez, will play.

The music will be interspersed by theatrical performances and circus acts, building a transition from one musician to the next. Fingers Crossed that Yuyachkani Theatre Group and the Tarumba Circus will perform. The ranch-owners and Oxapampinan cowboys will also play their part. They will perform a traditional horse-show, giving guests an insight into local customs.

Festival-goers will also get a taster of Oxapampinan culture through the delicious cuisine: Oxapampinans will prepare regional specialities using the freshest native products. The area is renowned for its good organic meat, fruit and vegetables, as well as its coffee and deserts. Given the region’s long German heritage, excellent pies and pastries are never far away. The menu has yet to be decided but needless to say, it’s got to be good.

Selvamonos is the first event of its kind. The organisers are excited, the young Limenians are excited and the Oxapampinans are definitely excited. This has the potential to be something great. Be there when it all kicks off on the 10th of October.

A few top tips:

• If you’ve got time, go to Oxapampa a few days early to explore the local countryside. Don’t miss the waterfalls.
  
• Bring shorts and a warm jumper. In the day it’s hot and sunny, but at night it can be chilly.
  
• Sample the Oxapampinan coffee and cakes
  
• Bring a tent and camp on-site. Wake up to roosters, calves and horses…if you like something a bit less rustic, try one of the many albergues in town.
  
• Make time for these three restaurants: Bonn Bonn’s, Italo’s and La Baca. Look out for rhubarb pudding at Bonn Bonn’s.
  

To learn more, check out the following video:

Add to del.icio.us | |

Please more information on how to get there from Lima
Reference of the area and surroundings.
Facilities for senior visitors. Hotels, sightseeings, transport, etc
Other activities

Thanks

There are some busses that can take you to Oxapampa. I will take "Transportes Junin" (http://www.transjunin.com.pe/) wednesday night,but there is another that is named Oxabus. The price will be around 50-60 soles (like 20 dolares.