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Destination Peru
Vamos Pa' Chincha!
By Tanilee Eichelberger, South American Explorers

Casa Hacienda San José

Chincha is known as Peru's hub of Afro-Peruvian music, dance, food and culture. Located 194 kilometers on the Panamerican highway south of Lima, it currently holds a population of 100,000 decedents of hacienda slaves. The slave trade brought many West Africans to the Americans to work the once-widespread sugar plantations. This migration pattern in Peru lead to a rich and distinct culture best known for its music with the typical “cajon”, or wooden box used for rhythms, along with singing and dance movements that depict the struggles their descendent faced in Peru as plantation slaves.

By auto, the two-hour trip south of Lima provides refreshing ride and escape from the capital city. Traveling from Lima to Chincha by bus will take about 3.5 hours. Bus lines that make this journey include Cruz del Sur, Soyna and Ormeño. All buses with destinations to Ica will pass through Chincha, where you can get off and stay for a visit. The South American Explorers office has a complete list of departure times and contact information for the different bus lines.

Once in Chinhca there are a few places to stay, although I recommend a piece of history slightly outside of Chincha. La Casa Hacienda San José, constructed in 1688, offers a perfect get away from Lima. It retains much of Peru's Spanish colonial history, including an example of an old slave cell. The architecture is well preserved, including a baroque style alter providing an accurate image of the Catholicism and basic life on a sugar plantation. The beauty of this historic monument remains and is juxtaposed on the modern conveniences this resort offers. Casa Hacienda amenities include bar, restaurant, private parking, swimming pool, tennis court, game room and fronton. Sundays include a live music and dance show with local cuisine. During high season, (January-April) rooms range from suites at $41.00, doubles at $36.00 per adult to children at $35.00. Countryside excursions may also be booked. Reservations must be made in advance. http://www.peru-hotels.com/chinsanj.htm

If you are looking to stay in the town of Chinhca, El Saulsa Hotel is conveniently located on Sunampe-Chinhca Alta, km 197.5 of the Panamerican highway. A relaxing hotel with a country club feel, there is a pool, gardens and plenty of space to sunbathe. Call 056-262-451 for reservations, or visit http://www.peru-hotels.com/chinsau.htm.

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