Gastronomical International Festival - Mistura

Yearly the APEGA (Peruvian Gastronomical Association) organizes an International Food Festival in Lima. Peruvian food is becoming more and more popular, nowadays you can find Peruvian restaurants in big cities and the chefs worldwide are amazed by its diversity.

This Festival takes place late September - usually last weekend - and lasts 4 days. There are conferences, contests and movies daily. Check their website for the schedule.

The Festival is for everyone, not only for chefs. Foodies would be in a paradise here. Entrance is not free, but it's so cheap, just S/.20 or US$ 6,50. Fee doesn't include anything, but the money is used to pay for the installations and bring the farmers from their towns inside the country. There's also the VIP pass valid for the whole festival US$125 and includes transport, food sample too.

Here is what you can find at the Festival:
+Food Court: last time there were 33 of the best restaurants in Lima. Delicious food at incredibly cheap prices US$2,50 and US$ 4,50
You have to exchange your money for ticket, which you will use to pay here. You'll find restaurants about Peruvian food from the coast, highlands, rainforest, fusion cuisines, upscale restaurants and also pisco places.

+Rustic Cuisines: a sample of the most simple cuisines like pachamanca (cooking underground), cylinder, etc.

+Bread and Cheese corner: there are several types of cheese and bread in Peru. Here you'll see how they bake it and get free samples.

+Market: big reunion of farmers and producers from all over the country. You can buy fresh products here, that you aren't able to find in a market in the city.

+Stalls: the most traditional flavors from our food. They are actually stalls or small restaurants. Most of them are very well known and having all together in a same place is great.

+Fish biodiversity tunnel: to learn a bit more about our sea and everything you can find there.

+Irreplaceable restaurants: restaurants, not big or fancy, but with an amazing chef.

+Conferences and contests: there are daily conferences from important national and international chefs. There are also contests about the best dishes and new recipes.

Tips:
-Buy your tickets in advance in the designated points. Lines to buy them at the entrance are long and not guaranteed you'd find any.
-Offer of food is so wide, that it'd be better if you can read about what food they are offering before going to the festival, so you won't waste time.
-Don't drive. It's better to take a cab.
-Bring small bills for buying at the stands. It can be problems getting change.
-Arrive early, to avoid long lines. Specially for the most popular stands and restaurants.
-Wear comfy shoes, you'd be stood up most of the time.
-If you are interested in movies or conferences, check the schedule before buying your ticket. It's valid for 1 day.
-When you visit the market, you'd see many different and new things. Don't be afraid to try them.

and

-be ready to have tons and tons of fun!