Peru gastronomy. The Year of Quinoa Quinoa, the so-called “mother grain of the Incas,” has become increasingly popular throughout the world, not only for its excellent nutritional value, but also for its versatility in the kitchen and overall tastiness. So much so that the United Nations officially declared 2013 as the International Year of Quinoa to “raise awareness of the nutritional, economic, environmental and cultural value of a food that has been traditionally cultivated for thousands of years.” The UN hopes that by launching this campaign people will learn about this superfood and recognize the indigenous Andean people who have maintained and preserved it as food for thousands of years. In addition, they feel that the grain can play an essential role in achieving the Millenium Development Goals, global anti-poverty targets, by increasing food production of nutritious foods like quinoa. Quinoa is predominantly grown in and around the Andes, and Peru is currently one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of this superfood. However, the crop can easily adapt to various climates and locations, thriving in a wide range of temperatures and altitudes. Additionally, it is the only plant food to contain all of the essential amino acids for the human diet, its protein content is greater than that of wheat, rice, and oats, and it also happens to be gluten free. This versatility and remarkable nutritional value make it an excellent food option in areas with difficult farming conditions, with low amount of accessible animal proteins, and with high malnutrition rates. Quinoa Salad on the Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek The variety of flavors and textures make this versatile grain a delicious addition to a wide variety of dishes that you might already cook up! So why not celebrate the Year of Quinoa and incorporate it into
Peru gastronomy. The Year of Quinoa Quinoa, the so-called “mother grain of the Incas,” has become increasingly popular throughout the world, not only for its excellent nutritional value, but also for its versatility in the kitchen and overall tastiness. So much so that the United Nations officially declared 2013 as…
A Visit to Suasi Island Following our adventure to Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca, James and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a relaxing two days at Suasi Island, the only privately owned island on the Peruvian side of the lake. This tiny island is home to Martha Giraldo’s one-of-a-kind Suasi Lodge, where the focus on providing excellent service in a remote location coupled by beautiful and fragrant gardens, swaying hammocks and cozy fireplaces, and a plethora of wildlife make the long journey worthwhile. Upon our arrival to the island’s private dock, we were greeted by the friendly staff and walked the short distance to the lodge with our luggage safely in tow. As we walked up to the hotel, we couldn’t help but notice the aromatic and lush landscaping, which we would later discover was a nice personal touch of the owner’s. Our guide from the boat, Maria, helped us with check-in and briefed us on the activities that we had planned during our brief stay, including a tour of the facilities, a hike to watch the sunset, as well as a bird-watching boat tour around the island. Despite the secludedness of the island, there were plenty of things to do and places to explore, and the lodge conveniently displayed these options in their main lobby. Before heading to our room, we enjoyed a refreshing beverage from the open bar, which included everything from water and soft drinks, wine, whisky, beer, as well as some snacks. After getting settled into our comfortable, appealingly-rustic accommodations on the second floor, bright with sunshine from the overhead skylights and with great views of the lake, we ventured outside for a BBQ lunch on the patio overlooking the vast beauty of Lake Titicaca. Lunch consisted of soup, salad, locally-sourced bread, and grilled
A Visit to Suasi Island Following our adventure to Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca, James and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a relaxing two days at Suasi Island, the only privately owned island on the Peruvian side of the lake. This tiny island is home to Martha Giraldo’s…
In honor of the recent celebration of Chinese New Year, we thought we'd put together a brief introduction to Chinese culture in Peru, one of the many cultures that has helped shape Peru into the diverse country that it is today. Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru in the 19th century mostly as contracted laborers brought to work in the guano mines and sugar plantations following the abolition of slavery. Over a period of about twenty years, more than one hundred thousand Chinese workers arrived in Peru, establishing a community that has grown, evolved, and has had a significant cultural influence on the country. Later, in the 1980’s and 90’s, a wave of Chinese immigrants reactivated the migratory network and settled here, reinforcing the community and strengthening the culture in Peru. Today, Chinese cultural influence is very noticeable in everyday life. Walk down the street in Lima and you will be sure to interact with people of Chinese descent. Also to be noted, words like “chino” and “kion” (Cantonese word for ginger) have permeated into the Peruvian dialect of the Spanish language. The best place to gain insight into the Chinese-Peruvian culture is in downtown Lima’s Barrio Chino, or Chinatown, a thriving community of immigrants old and new in the heart of Peru’s capital city. A traditional Chinese arch welcomes you into a bustling concourse for Chinese businesses, shopping, and restaurants, and street food. Centralized around the seventh and eighth blocks of Jirón Ucayali in an area almost universally referred to as Calle Capón, Barrio Chino is the headquarters for several Chinese associations and businesses. These include La Voz de la Colonia China (“The Voice of the Chinese Colony”), a weekly publication for Chinese-Peruvians, and several temples ran by various Chinese cultural societies. But perhaps the most visible influence of Chinese
In honor of the recent celebration of Chinese New Year, we thought we’d put together a brief introduction to Chinese culture in Peru, one of the many cultures that has helped shape Peru into the diverse country that it is today. Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru in the 19th century…
Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike In every well-known photo of the Machu Picchu ruins is Huayna Picchu Mountain, standing majestically as if it were a watchful guardian protecting the sacred sanctuary below. Its prominent peak rises from the depths of the valley and beckons for you to climb its winding, vertical path to the ruins that sit atop. For me it was through this trek and from this vantage point that I experienced Machu Picchu to the fullest. Each day, only 500 people are allowed to make the journey up, providing every boldly adventurous trekker with a less cumbersome trail and with more room to maneuver and explore around the summit. Perhaps the most incredible aspect of this trek is the 360-degree view from the top, which overlooks the ruins, the snaking Urubamba River, and the lush mountainous landscape. Tickets to Huayna Picchu Due to the restrictions on visitor numbers to hike up Huayna Picchu, tickets must be purchased well in advance as they always sell out. You cannot buy tickets on the day, and the ticket is an addition to your main Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Entrance times to start the hike are divided into two slots, allowing 250 visitors in each. The first entrance slot is from 7-8am and the second is from 10-11am. The average time for the round-trip ascent and descent is three hours; note that you must exit Huayna Picchu by 1pm in the afternoon. When Huayna Picchu sells out, there are still sometimes tickets available to the alternative hike Machu Picchu Mountain. Uphill Hiking One overcast and muggy day last January, Aracari team member James, his brother, his father, and I were among the intrigued and daring hikers to make the climb. Entering through the main gate of Machu Picchu, we made our way across
Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike In every well-known photo of the Machu Picchu ruins is Huayna Picchu Mountain, standing majestically as if it were a watchful guardian protecting the sacred sanctuary below. Its prominent peak rises from the depths of the valley and beckons for you to climb its winding, vertical…
An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America - the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of dancers and musicians from all over the Peruvian Altiplano gather together on the shores of Lake Titicaca transforming Puno into the “Folkloric Capital of Peru.” Legend has it that during a large battle in the 1700’s, rebels attempted to overtake the city of Puno. Largely outnumbered, the townspeople struggled and were on the verge of losing the city until one villager desperately took a statue of the Virgin into battle. Morale quickly rose, and with the Virgin’s protection, the city’s inhabitants were able to force the invaders into retreat. Since then, La Candelaria is considered the patron saint of the land. The original statue is proudly venerated in the city’s main church and is taken out each year for the festival. For many days, the streets are flooded with colorful processions, strewn with confetti, and alit with fireworks. Dances are performed throughout the festival including a full-day competition featuring over 200 different styles of dance. The diverse styles reflect the deep folkloric tradition of the Quechua and Aymara cultures of the region. Donned in spectacularly colorful costumes and masks, the performers dance and sing along to traditional Andean music aiming to please the Lady of Candelaria, and to of course win the competition and that year’s bragging rights. The festivities culminate days later with thousands taking part in a lively five-kilometer parade through the city. Contact us to visit and take part in next year’s Candelaria Festival Puno.
An amazing Peru festival in your trip Each year during the first two weeks of February, Puno hosts one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in all of South America – the spectacular Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Paying homage to their patron saint, tens of thousands of…
As if we needed another reason to indulge in this wonderfully tangy and frothy cocktail - each year on the first Saturday of February, Peru celebrates its National Drink, the iconic Pisco Sour. The cocktail has become such an institution and part of the national identity here that Peruvians demanded a day dedicated to the drink they adore. For them, it isn’t only a delicious concoction, but also a symbol of their country and what it has to offer. The simple, yet sophisticated drink is the perfect refreshment for a warm day in Lima; the tang of the lime, sweetness of the sugar, the bite of the Pisco, and the velvety texture from the egg white combine perfectly to create a well-balanced beverage sure to be your new go-to summer drink. A number of fairs and festivals are set to take place in Lima's Plaza de Armas, Barranco, and other areas throughout the city where people will gather together for a day inevitably filled with free-flowing Pisco Sours, music, and partying. We understand that busy schedules, prior arrangements, and living outside of our fine country makes it impossible to attend such events, so we've included our very own homemade cocktail recipe in the spirit of the day! Pisco Sour 2 ounces of Peruvian Pisco Juice of 1 Lime 2 tablespoons of simple syrup 1 tablespoon egg white 1/4 cup ice Bitters Preparation: Combine the lime juice with the syrup and mix to dissolve. Add pisco and ice and blend. Add the egg white and continue to blend until frothy. Pour, add a few drops of bitters, and serve. Contact Aracari today to book your very own Pisco Sour-filled adventure in Peru.
As if we needed another reason to indulge in this wonderfully tangy and frothy cocktail – each year on the first Saturday of February, Peru celebrates its National Drink, the iconic Pisco Sour. The cocktail has become such an institution and part of the national identity here that Peruvians demanded…
