Learn About Peru

Llama Taxis in Colca, Peru

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:58:00 +0000

Credit: Peru This Week

What do you picture when you think of Peru? Machu Picchu? The Amazon? Peruvian food? Many people would probably list llamas or alpacas as one of the things they associate most with Peru. These intriguing animals are a standard part of Peru’s beautiful landscape, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to ride in a llama taxi. Available in the Colca Canyon area, llama taxis are an interesting way to travel as you take in the sights. The llamas wear traditional Peruvian decorations, and guide carts through Chivay and the Sibayo district. Right now the service is limited to a group of 6 llama taxis in that area, but the service will expand to other regions provided it is successful. It seems that it will be a great option for travelers, and a good source of income for local tour guides.

Inlaid Peruvian Bracelet

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:33:37 +0000

Handcrafted Peruvian Jewelry stands out for several reasons. Each piece shows a particular artisan’s style, as well as Peruvian tradition. The materials are often native to Peru, making them exotic and unique. Huayruro seeds, for example, are natural seeds found in Peru’s Amazon. Butterfly wings from the Amazon are also placed in jewelry settings to create beautifully organic jewelry. Native stones and shells include sodalite, chrysocolla, spondylus, obsidian, and nacar. Each one ranges in hues, making every Peruvian bracelet, earrings, or necklace a special treasure for a woman with discerning taste. This Peruvian Nacar Bracelet is made with shells that are perfectly polished and meticulously set. Nacar is another word for mother of pearl, and this mother of pearl bracelet is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

Peruvians Hope to Bake Best Bread in the World

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:51 +0000

The Coupe du Monde, or World Cup of Baking, takes place in a likely location – France. However, some people may be surprised to hear that one of the favorite teams heading to the international invitational is from Peru. Already a top team in South America, Peru’s bakers have been working on their recipes and techniques for the past year in preparation for this high stakes event. Their most valuable ingredients are Peru’s native super grains – kiwicha, quinoa, purple corn flour, and more. The team includes an expert in savory breads, a pastry specialist, a bread artist, and an alternate. The other countries that will be represented at this prestigious event are France, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Netherlands, Japan, Correa, Taiwan, Senegal, United States and Costa Rica. The teams have less than one month to perfect their creations before the event, which runs from March 3rd to the 7th. One promising Peruvian recipe, called Machu Picchu bread, is marbled with chocolate pastry. It will take some strong competition to compete with Peru’s grains and culinary techniques.

Peruvian Huacatay

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:37:11 +0000

Huacatay (wa-ka-tie) is black mint, native to Peru. The leaves are ground into a paste before they are used in most recipes, and pre-made huacatay paste is one of the best ingredients to have in your pantry when cooking Peruvian food. Mama Tina’s Huacatay Paste, pictured here, is imported from Peru and contains no artificial preservatives. Use it to create pollo a la brasa, or Peruvian rotisserie chicken, or a list of other condiments and dishes. Mama Tina’s will also be introducing frozen huacatay leaves soon, which can be ground as needed. Pastes, along with frozen and dried peppers, make Peruvian cooking easy. We also recommend The Art of Peruvian Cuisine as a comprehensive cookbook, along with the Mama Tina’s Peruvian Food website.

Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:36:20 +0000

Photo from Living in Peru

So you’ve heard of boogie boarding, skateboarding, and snowboarding, but how about sandboarding? In the oasis of Huacachina, a short drive from Ica, locals and adventurous travelers enjoy the sand dunes with their own form of boarding. For the less adventurous, there are buggy rides through the dunes, and hotel pools within the resort town.

As a growing attraction for young people, Huacachina also has clubs and bars that provide entertainment all night, with the parties ending around 5 am. The town itself is a sight to see, with a lush green landscape surrounded by the stark contrast of the dunes. Legend has it that the lagoon this tiny town is built around was left when a goddess was surprised by a hunter during her bath and quickly fled, leaving the puddle of water behind her. Some say the goddess now lives as a mermaid inside the lagoon. However this fascinating town was formed, it is a rarity within the desert. Local families visit Huacachina for holidays, and more and more travelers are discovering this oasis in Peru.

Huayruro Jewelry for Christmas

admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:41:50 +0000

Looking for an interesting yet inexpensive gift that will “wow” your family and friends? How about if this gift was also organic, earth-friendly and meaningful? Yes, there is a gift idea that fits the bill: Huayruro Jewelry. This jewelry from Peru is handmade with huayruro seeds, which are considered to be natural good luck charms. The red and black seeds are beautiful, and even look festive for Christmas, but the story behind them is what makes them so intriguing. I wear my Huayruro Necklace with a simple black top, and it’s always a conversation starter. This Huayruro Pendant would be a great mom, sister or friend gift. Huayruro earrings and bracelets also make great gifts for women of all ages.

Frommer’s Names Lima Top Foodie Destination

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:10:57 +0000

Frommer’s, one of the top guide book publishers in the world, has named Lima as its Top Foodie Destination for 2012. Beating out cities across Europe, Asia, North and South America that are known for their local cuisine is quite an honor. The diversity and creativity on Peruvian menus keeps people coming back for more. From Asian-inspired Chuafa and Lomo Saltado to fresh Ceviche, each Peruvian meal is filled with alluring sights, smells and flavors. Whether it’s a simple meal of Anticuchos or Papa a la Huancaina, or a taste of Peruvian Food at a five-star restaurant, visitors to Lima find that they are amazed at the array of traditional dishes as well as creative new ones. Peru’s capital city is certainly an essential vacation spot for foodies.

Humpback Whales in Peru

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:49:52 +0000

Living in Peru

In the Piura region of Peru’s northern coast, a rare opportunity exists. Here, travelers board small boats to get up close and personal with humpback whales. 95% of the boat charters include whale sightings, and many include very close encounters, as this photo demonstrates. Humpback whales are surprisingly graceful and docile, despite their overwhelming size. Some experts believe there are only 40,000 humpback whales left in the world today, putting them on the list of endangered species. However, the whales can always be found in Peru, and many whales are also born in these waters. The experience of seeing a humpback whale up close is yet another opportunity that awaits travelers in Peru. Countless adventures involving local wildlife, native traditions, exotic cuisine, and breathtaking sights are just a plane ride away.

Creative Peruvian Cuisine

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:55:45 +0000

There are so many interesting Peruvian dishes to choose from. If you’re new to Peruvian cuisine, you might have trouble deciding where to start. One idea is to try a layered Peruvian dish of potatoes and meat or rice and meat. Arroz Tapado is a wonderful Peruvian specialty that uses ingredients you probably already have, with a few special flavors added to the mix. In its simplest form, Arroz Tapado is a layering of seasoned meat between two layers of rice. However, dried aji peppers add heat and depth, and tomatoes, carrots and peas add color to make a fun dish. The presentation of this Peruvian dish is what makes it especially unique, as you can see from the photo on the left. However, a similar presentation is also used for Causa, which substitutes a pureed potato mixture for the white rice. Causa can be filled with chicken salad, shrimp and other fillings. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal of meat and starch with some interesting flavor combinations, why not try making your own version of Arroz Tapado or Causa tonight? And if you’d rather be served, check this search engine for a Peruvian restaurant in your area.

Peru’s Seed Jewelry

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:20:30 +0000

When it comes to Seed Jewelry, Peru is a great place to start your search. Peruvians have found ways to use their natural resources like seeds to create very unique designs. My favorite kind of Peruvian jewelry is Huayruro Jewelry, which is made with tiny red and black seeds. The seeds are collected from the Amazon rainforest, where they have been admired by locals for centuries. They believe the seeds attract good luck and ward off negativity, and bring protection to those who keep them in their homes or wear them in jewelry. The vibrant red and sleek black seeds make gorgeous and Seed Necklaces and earrings, as well as bracelets. In Peruvian tradition, newborn babies are often given a Huayruro Seed bracelet as a good luck charm. An Huayruro Seed Necklace or bracelet makes a fantastic gift idea for the woman who has everything, or anyone who could use a little bit of extra luck and encouragement.