Chachapoyas (day 18)

We arrived in Chacha late on Tuesday after our (harrowing) ride down from Kuelap. We checked into Hostal Revash on the Plaza de Armas. This is a real backpacker hotel, with a central garden and an owner (Carlos) who is very involved in helping out the guests and organizing tours of the surrounding areas. It cost more than we were hoping to pay (s/65), but it was late and we were pretty tired after a long day.

We had dinner at Chacha, a restaurant about two doors down from the hotel (did I mention we were tired?). The sopa sustancia de pollo was kind on the stomach, and the tortilla de pollo was also tasty.

On Wednesday we did very little other than spend some time walking around Chachapoyas. We visited the market and searched for artesan shops (later came to the conclusion that there are nothing but crappy tourist tchotchkes for sale here). We had some soda and humitas and tamales at a little place one block from the plaza.

For dinner we headed to La Tushpa, which is the fancy restaurant in town (there is usually at least one in every town, even the smaller ones) specializing in grilled meats (parillas). The lomo fino was tender and juicy; the pork chop less so.

After dinner we finally made it to one of those elusive video pubs, Silvias Pub (on Ayaucho, one block from the plaza). The place was hopping and included photos of the Beatles, Elvis and Jon Bon Jovi on the walls, as well as some colored lights and a loft area. And they didn't disappoint: "Livin' on a Prayer" was the fourth or fifth video they showed on the TV (preceded by "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and "New Sensation"). Now I know what all the fuss is about!

Overall opinions:
Hostal Revash, Chachapoyas: 8. Decent backpacker style hostal at higher-than-backpacker-prices. The water is indeed very hot. Nice courtyard with lounge chairs great for wasting an afternoon. Cost for a double w/bath: s/65.
Restaurant Turistico Chacha: 6. Food is ok, atmosphere feels a little like a cafeteria.
Restaurant la Tushpa: 8. Good grilled meat, stuffy service.
Silvias Video Pub: 10. Everything we hoped a video pub would be.