The Point Hostels Blog

AUSTRALIA DAY on January 26th at every The Point Hostel

2012-01-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

On January 26th its time to honour kangaroos, koalas and our friends from the far, far west with a massive party at THE POINT HOSTELS!
For all Aussies this means one Free Drink at the bar and for the rest of you guys: Beer Pong, 2 UP, BBQ and everything what is needed to make the best of your AUSTRALIA DAY!

For more info about Australia Day and THE POINT HOSTELS check out our web page: www.thepointhostels.com

New years eve @ The Point Lima

2011-12-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

2011-12-14T08:57:00.001-08:00

New years eve @ The Point Cusco

2011-12-09T10:43:00.001-08:00

VIP Party Sat 26th The Point Lima

2011-11-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Point Lima Wristband Club Pass

2011-11-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

Like nightlife? The you will love Lima and The Point as Well, your wristband along with our nighlife guide edwin acts as you key to queue jump and free entry into the clubs in Lima! After drinks in our bar we head out to party, a typical week is:

Tuesday - OM bar - Save S./25
Wednesday - El Dragon Save S./10
Thursday - Help Discoteque Save S./15 + 30 mins in the queue!
Friday - Torro Save S./ 10 + 20 mins in the queue!
Saturday - New! Hypnotic Save S./25 + 30 mins in the queue!

No other hostel in Lima gives you these kinds of saving, we are the envy of other hostels with our club contacts.

Celebrate Halloween at a Point Hostel near you!

2011-10-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Point Puno has Moved

2011-10-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Point Puno has moved to within 1 block of Plaza de Armas in Puno. This is part of a restructuring of the chain and our continuous commitment to improve our hostels.

www.thepointhostels.com

Mancora Price Crash

2011-10-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Barranco

2011-09-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Point hostel is located in Barranco. Barranco is the bohemian district of Lima, a strong concentration of bars and clubs that in the after-dark hours becomes the party heart of town. There are many quirky attractions and some great viewpoints overlooking the pacific. It is less well known among backpakers than miraflores (which it borders), though is far richer in terms of history, culture and nightlife.

All of the sights and attractions here are within 5 minutes walk from The Point Lima, within 2 minutes walk are some of the best restaurants in Lima like the famous el muelle just 1 minute from the hostel!

Boom your bed now at www.thepointhostels.com
or email direct at Lima@thepointhostels.com

Spanish Lessons Available in The Point Lima!

2011-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

All levels all abilities, from beginner to advanced. Exceptional prices!

Learn Spanish in Lima

Study Spanish with Silvana, an experienced teacher who holds a degree in foreign languages of the National University of Trujillo, and has six years experience working for several language schools in her hometown and in Lima. Choose the type of program you like, private and group lessons (maximum 4), all levels, hours from 9am to 2pm (for later times please ask), intensive or extended courses, she provides different Spanish levels based on your current ability. Whatever the level of Spanish you have and your expectations, the time you have at your disposal for the lessons she will provide a tailor-made Spanish lesson for you. If you wish for example to carry out an intensive two-week Spanish course or just some basic lessons Silvana will certainly allow you to find the ideal option for your Spanish lessons.

The materials will be provided by the teacher with a minimum extra charge, who better than a native Spanish speaker to help you learn?

Rates:

30 soles per hour per student

20 soles per hour for up to 3 students

15 soles per hour for up to 4 students

Packages also available, for information please speak to Silvanna

For more information email the hostel direct Lima@thepointhostels.com

Arequipa hostel moves to the city centre! 15 soles a night!!

2011-09-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

The new reception

All new bar area

After 6 fantastic years we have moved to the city centre in Arequipa, our new hostel is just 2 blocks from Plaza de Armas in Arequipa. The new hostel is not 100% finished yet so we are selling all nights in dorm rooms for just 15 soles!

The new city centre location

If you stay with us and have any suggestions please let us know, then we can make sure the hostel is tailored to you needs!

The Point

New Point T shirt available now!

2011-09-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Our new t shirts are now available!

The Point would never rip off a logo like some of our competitors...

Point Cusco wins Facebook Poll!

2011-08-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

The point cusco wins our facebook poll asking people which hostel is the best

click to see details!

well done to Ben and then team!

The Point Arequipa Closing Party

2011-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

OFRENDA A LA PACHAMAMA

2011-08-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28

Tomorrow

“CEREMONY OF OFFERING TO THE EARTH”

“OFRENDA A LA PACHAMAMA”

PLACE : THE POINT HOSTELS

TIME : 8:00 P.M.

This Inca ritual, which many Andean communities still continue, consists of offering gifts to mother earth in thanks for all that she provides for the people and animals. Favors are asked of the earth and through the provision of gifts Ayni (retribution) is produced where by the earth returns the favors by providing all that the people need. Everything needs to be in harmony, if anything bad happens it is because the harmony has been broken, most importantly in the spiritual sense. To rebalance the harmony help from the Apus or mother earth is needed who were once living with necessities such as hunger and thirst and so these offerings are needed.

The Point Lima's 9th Birthday Party!

2011-08-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

ABC Party Ideas

2011-08-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

The anything but clothes party or ABC party is a common theme in many a party hostel, basically the instructions are in the title, this gives you a great chance not to wear clothes so less laundry! Incredible! Also you main even be lucky enough to see some naked flesh as well! So here are some ideas for you, sexy and not so sexy...

Last Minute sticker idea

Sexy girls in bin bags

The gimp

Jesus and Borat

Good old tape

So there you go, look out for the next ABC party at The Point Hostels.
for more ABC ideas click here
www.thepointhostels.com
The Point Hostels on Facebook

Full Moon Party 13 de Agosto

2011-08-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Trabajando duro toda la semana? Gente este sábado 13 de Agosto vamos a Full Moon Party Mancora , cae sábado así que es super fácil ir un bus a las 3 pm desde Lima y llegan al día siguiente an la manana a Mancora a disfrutar de la mejor fiesta en Mancora! y a para gente de Trujillo mas facil un bus en la noche 9 pm y llegan al día siguiente ! rapidisimo

Upgrade your breakfast for free at The Point Mancora

2011-08-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Fed up of your standard hostel breakfast?

www.thepointhostels.com
mancora@thepointhostels.com
The Point Mancora Beach Cabins
The Point Mancora Hostel

Beach Cabins at The Point Mancora

2011-08-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted your own private cabin on the beach? yet want to keep the fun and friendly hostel atmosphere?

Beach cabin mancora

Double bed upstairs

Now you can with The Point Mancora beach cabins, situated right on the beach with ocean views the cabins are far enough away from the bar so that you can enjoy the peace and quite yet when you want you can come and join in the debauchery in the hostel. So the best of both worlds!

View from the room

Good morning

We have the following cabins: Private Cabin for 3 people S./40 pp
Private Cabin for 2 people S./40 pp
Private Cabin for 1 Person S./60 pp

To book go to our official website www.thepointhostels.com
or email the hostel direct Mancora@thepointhostels.com
Beach cabins mancora, Mancora Beach Cabins, Private beach maBeach cabins mancora, Mancora Beach Cabins, Private beach mancora

Living in Peru Interview the Point Hostels Owner Tamir Bazaz

2011-07-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

The most renowned English language online magazine in South America has interviewed The Point Hostels owner Tamir Bazaz. Click image to read the interview.

They even managed to find a normal photo of Tamir!

Peru loses football but still has best looking women in South America

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Peru's Copa America run came to an end but Peru still wins the title of having the most beautiful women in South America

Book your bed now! www.thepointhostels.com Lima - Arequipa - Cusco - Mancora and Puno

Top 10 Restaurants Lima

2011-07-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

As a foodie and traveller I have been to many places in the world as a food tourist, i have tried cuisine around the world from frogs legs in France to Shitake beef in Japan and eaten in some of the best restaurants around. However I am far from snobby eater, and will happily eat street food with the locals.

I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed with food in South America it seemed a very run of the mill affair with rice, beans a little heat nothing to write home about. That was until i came to Peru, in my opinion Peru has one of the best cuisines in the world with a huge variety of ingredients and techniques, this broad range of ingredients is mainly due to the huge array of climates to be found in Peru (80 of the worlds 120) and the migration of people and customs to Peru.

A Brief History of Peruvian Food

The history of the varied menu goes back to the Incas who harvested many types of potato and corn, then the Spanish came with their slaves and bought all sorts of new animals (cows, hens, rabbit etc) as well as a large array of fruit and vegetables all of which flourished in Peru. Along with the Spanish came the African slaves who had their traditions particularly Anticuchos, Italians and French bought their influence and then more recently the Chinese and Japanese arrive. So now it is impossible to go 1 block in Lima and not see a Chifa.

Good food is everywhere in Peru from street corner to extravagant diner, In Lima in particular you will find some amazing restaurants at pocket kind prices: so here is my top 10 restaurants in Lima from humble lunch menu to 5 star dining.

My Top 10 Restaurants in Lima

1) Edo Sushi Bar: The best sushi in Lima a small chain with great décor and fantastic food. Try the selections for S./98 and you will not be disappointed. This place gets busy for dinner so book in advance or head for there for Lunch. Its on Calle Berlin so easy to find. Directions from The Point, take bus from Grau (2 blocks from hostel) to Kennedy park walk down pizza street and you will find calle berlin.

Top class sushi in Edo

2) Don Kike, lunch menu: I have eaten in more almeurzo restaurants in South America than I can possibly remember, I think I can remember around 4 of them. This is one of them, for 7 soles you get starter, main, juice, bread and strange for an almuerzo friendly service! No grunts and slapped down plates actual service! Maybe it will catch on... The portions are good, they will happily give you extra bread and juice and the food is packed with flavour. All the traditional Peruvian dishes are tasty and portions are generous too, the restaurant is 3 blocks from the Point Lima on a small avenue from Grau, opposite BCP.

3) Rafa: A strange restaurant located in Barranco stuffed full of old antiques and photos of the owner travelling all around the world, it can be hit and miss but the set menu for S./10 can be incredible value one time i had Cream of Vegetable soup, Mushroom Pasta served with Bread and Juice and even fruit for dessert for just S./10 truly epic value. Located just 1 block from The Point Lima this has to be checked out if staying there.

4) Punto Azul: Cheap food, Good portions very good seafood for the money. This place is however always packed and 2 times i have gone and not been able to get a table.

5) La Linterna: I love pizza, but all too often pizza is terrible and expensive. It really is hard to find good pizza in the world, thin base, punchy tomato sauce, fresh basil, good stringy mozzarella, basil, oregano this should be the start then the world is your oyster. Luckily i was recommended this place by a student of mine and it is great all of the above s well as great pasta and very reasonable prices incomparably better than doughy dominoes or greasy pizza hut. Directions from The Point take any bus "Arequipa" from Grau and stop at Angamos S/.1, then bus from Angamos heading right and down Camino del Incas S/.1.

Best Pizza in Lima

6) Astrid y Gaston: The pinnacle of Peruvian gastronomy is Gaston Aculios flagship restaurant it was recently voted one of the best in the world. I was lucky enough to eat here last year and the food is absolutely fantastic, expect to pay 25-40 for a starter and between 50-100 for a main. Located in Miraflores, Take a Bus from Grau for S./1.

5 star dining in Lima

7) San Ceferini: Huge portions and Menu don’t mean poor quality in this traditional looking Trattoria that is packed with interesting artefacts including vintage guns, bottles and farming equipment. Dos de Mayo in Sanisidro, Bus from Grau to Dos de Mayo and then its 6 blocks west.

San Ceferini

8) Arabica Coffee bar: Not strictly a restaurant but gets a mention for its delightful homemade desserts, the cheesecake (baked), carrot cake and pie de mango con chocolate blanco (sure there is a shorter name) are to die for and the coffee isn’t bad either, service is very non plus though.

Carrot cake and Cheesecake in Arabica

9) Any chifa restaurant: I have still not found a favourite chifa I usually go for a menu for around 9 soles which is such good value when i think how much this would cost in the UK. A winner usually seems to be wanton soup and pollo enrollado. I have heard that Gaston Aculio has opened a Chinese restaurant so I will be checking that place out very soon. Location, Everywhere!

10) Pardos Chicken, Polo a la Brasa franchise, great chips, succulent chicken, good salad and nice sauces make this a winner, the basic ¼ chicken is just S./14 drinks are pricey but the chicken and anticuchos are great. Location Various

Honourable mentions

La Gloria - High class dining big on flavour small on portions.

Bembos - The Peruvina Mcdonalds, check out the mushroom burger here.

Dishonourable mention

This is perhaps the worst restaraunt in Lima and certainly the worst chifa in Lima. Bad and rude service, dirty and expensive. Do not go here at any price.It ocupies a prime location just off Kennedy Park (near la lucha and flying dog) and because of this thinks it has to make no effort with its food, do not ever, ever go here!

Bad Bad and more bad, this place is awful

Do you agree or disagree with me? Please post comments or questions here.

Thanks for reading, David

www.thepointhostels.com

Edwin The Point Lima Nightlife guide

2011-07-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

If you have been to the point Lima and chose to party with us you will undoubtedly have met Edwin, he is the friendly fun Maradonna look alike in the hostel who knows Lima´s night-life like the back of his hand. After partying in our bar Edwin and the staff will take you to the hot spots in Lima and with us entrance is free even into VIP areas, Edwin takes care of everyone, sorts out any issues and makes sure everyone gets home safely.

Fun and Sexy Limeans Know how to have fun

The legend himself

Edwin and the staff, Ronaldhino getting in the shot as well

Nightlife is a big part of travelling in fact for many people its the most important thing, friends are made, relationships formed, you can hook up with the locals and more. Lima has some of the best night-life on the continent and The Point with Edwin is quite simply the best way to experience it.

Book your bed now at www.thepointhostels.com
For information on romance and dating in Peru and Lima Click Here!

Friday 15th July Full Moon Party Mancora 8pm - 3:00am

2011-07-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Point hostels monthly full moon parties are the stuff of Legends!

New Bar and BBQ area in Cusco

2011-07-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

We are always trying to improve our hostels, and the new outside bar and BBQ area at The Point Cusco makes a great hostel even better!

Bar and BBQ area

The outside bar

To book go to www.thepointhostels.com

Or for information email Cusco@thepointhostels.com

Bar staff needed Arequipa and Puno!

2011-07-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

We need fun loving backpackers to join our teams in Arequipa and Puno!
We offer free accommodation, lunch, breakfast, great discounts and a fun place to work!
Email the hostels Arequipa@thepointhostels.com, puno@thepointhostels.com or pop in for a chat.

The Point Lookalikes!

2011-06-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

The best lookalikes in the hostel including Jude Law Lookalike, V for vendetta lookalike and Lily Tomlin lookalike. Let us know what you think of our look alikes! Judelawlookalikelooks just like jude law v for vendetta lookalike v fo

r vendetta look alike

Best Market in South America?

2011-06-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

Markets are a big part of South American culture, from San Telmo in BA to Polvos Azules in Lima, markets prevent the perfect place to buy gifts, meet the locals and absorb the culture. Often however they are tourist traps and as authentic as Chinese takeaway so here is my opinion on the best market in south America

Forget about the witches market in La Paz, about 30 mins and 30 cents in bus or 15 minutes and 30 Bs in a taxi outside of la paz brings you to the mercado 16 Julio, at el alto, on Thursday and Sunday this is a heaving market with stunning views of La Paz the market has just about everything from turtles to car parts. But for me its a second hand clothes fans dream, shirts, jackets, suits, t shirts leather jackets, all for rock bottom prices.

Spectacular views on the journey to the market

Shirt $1, Shoes $1.5

Stools included piles of American football shirts, suits and shirts, T shirts, Knitwear, Jeans and hundreds of casual shirts. I bought check shirts for $1.50 American football jumpers for $0.75, t shirts for $1 and a collection of 80s style jackets for the upcoming fancy dress party all for $1 each. I came back another day and stocked up on knitwear for around $1 - $2 a piece and then i found a stool with designer aftershave bottles all old and haggard and only about a quarter full but for around $1.5 and then another $2 I bought 2 bottles and i am sure it was genuine most probably stolen items.

Navigating around this market is difficult as it is so huge and being high up it really takes it out of you, the sun is also a factor and I came back like a tomato the first time I went. The locals told me not to go as it was dangerous and I am sad to admit that one of the girls I was with had her purse taken with all money and cards in, which blighted the whole thing. I advise people to go here but to exercise extreme caution and only bring what you are prepared to lose. But don't let this deter you from stocking up on some absolute bargains!

Happy Shopping

Bar and Events Manager Lima

2011-06-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Point Lima is looking for a outgoing backpacker to manage our lively bar. We offer a excellent package including free accommodation, breakfast and lunch as well as great discounts on food and drinks. We also offer a monthly salary as well (thepointmarketing@gmail.com for details).

The right person must be a fun and friendly backpacker and be able to manage a small team of staff and keep control of stock, the correct person will also have to organise events at the bar and help continue the tradition of a fun and friendly atmosphere in the bar.

If interested please email the aforementioned email or come into the hostel and talk to Shalom.

We look forward to hearing from you!
The Point

Bar Staff Needed in Lima!

2011-06-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Are you a fun loving backpacker and looking to stay in Lima for a month? The why not work for the Point? We offer free accommodation, food and great discounts and above all a fun place to work and meet travellers. If interested please email the hostel or pop in and speak to Claudia.

Can You Help?

2011-06-08T09:30:00.001-07:00

In february, 8 year old Marco Tirado Cruzardo, of Milagro, Trujillo, Peru was a victim of a terrible event. He went to play out in the street with his friends and another child through a flammable liquid at his leg and set it on fire. He has been left with the vast majority of the lower part of his leg severely burnt. He was sent to a plastic surgery hospital were his mother was told he would need an operation. Not only could his mother not afford to pay for the operation, but she also could not afford to keep him in hospital. Help Donate Here

MSH with the great support from some very kind people raised the money to put Marco back into hospital. The money paid for all the bills until his mother got her health insurance and then for all the medicine the insurance did not cover and for the plastic surgery. Marco was recovering well, but the doctors were worried that he was not recovering as quickly as they hope, so they suggested he visit a specialist in Lima. MSH with money from this appeal paid for Marco and his Mother to go to Lima and see the specialist, it was hoped this trip would only be for a week. However, the specialist informed Marco´s mother that the leg had once again become infected and that he would need to stay in the hospital in Lima for what is hoped no more than three months. However, this hospital costs 50 soles a night (just over 10 pounds), and Marcos family’s income is about 300 soles a month. The health insurance fails once again as it does not cover these costs because the hospital in Lima is not the hospital attached to Marcos local area. Marcos mother has had to take out a loan from her sister to pay for Marcos hospital expenses. The fact is she lives in extreme poverty and cannot pay for the treatment and the government is not going to help. We need to make sure that Marco gets THE BEST treatment available, he is 8 years old and cannot lose his leg. MSH wants to pay for Marcos treatment, and make sure he is getting the best available, for this we may be looking at private treatment. Marco should be well on the road to recovery by now and the fact that his leg is infected again is extremely worrying.

Marco has 5 brothers and sisters and his father left his mother to bring them all up alone. Mysmallhelp recently found Marco in the barrio of Milagro, Trujillo in urgent need of support. His family is extremely poor; his mother does not work as she has to look after her children, so the oldest of her children have to work to support the family. The children have ever been to school for a few random years, and some not at all because their mother simply cannot afford to pay.

Mysmallhelp is currently looking for regular monthly sponsorship for Marco and his siblings.

Please help us continue to raise money to get Marco all the medicine and treatment he needs. This boy is only 8 years old he wants to run around with his friends, play sports, or just simply be able to walk again. Please help us make sure that this does not get taken away from him, especially at such a young age.

To Donate click this link

"Gringo" hostels and snobbery

2011-05-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Often maligned so called "gringo" hostels seem to come in for some stick from a certain section of traveller. While it’s always nice to meet some locals and get to know there culture the fact is that a large majority of travellers love to socialize with people from their own cultures or even countries. It is nearly always far easier to bond make friends and have a laugh if people speak the same languages. Sometimes differences in culture and humour are just too great even when the locals speak English or vice versa, so often we all too often head to the so called gringo hostels to meet people and party, and why the hell not? Some so called hippy travellers will try to dismiss these hostels as uncultured etc but those know that it is just all about fun times and making friends.

The misconception that people who go to gringo hostels like The Point, Loki, Wild Rover is that they are uncultured and or only interested in getting drunk. Indeed partying is a big part of the experience, however, many of the people who stay in these hostels have juts as much interest in cultural activities and experiencing local life as any other traveller. Or perhaps one sometimes goes off and stays in small hospedajes or B and Bs while exploring places off the gringo trail and so it’s always nice when coming back to a big city or traveller hot spot to have some unashamed fun in a gringo hostel. This hostel snobbery that some people seem to have is completely arrogant and unjust in its routes, and really has no place in my travel world.

Karl Sheedy