Peruvian food

The three main staples of Peruvian food are corn, potatoes, and beans. Different regions of the country have different specialties. In the Andean mountains, cuy (guinea pig) is a delicacy. It is usually served whole (see left), but does not have too much meat on it. The meat that is there is a bit greasy, and does not taste good.

A much better option is alpaca meat, often served like a hamburger.

On the coast, ceviche is one of the most popular dishes. It consists of white fish, marinated raw in lime juice and chilis.

Desserts are often flavored with a rare fruit called lucuma, an orange-colored fruit, grown exclusively in the Andes. Dulce de leche, a caramel topping, is also a popular option for dessert.

Inti Raymi

Recreations of the sacrifice for Inti Raymi

One of the most important festivals in Peru, and the second-largest in all of South America is Inti Raymi, celebrated in Cusco.

During Inti Raymi, the Inca people would sacrifice an animal (usually a llama) to Inca, Son of the Sun, to ensure good crops in the year to come. Every year, the ceremony takes place on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year (in June in the southern hemisphere) to invite the sun back.

In 1572, Spanish conquistadors banned the ceremony for being Pagan, and not in line with the Catholic faith, so the holiday went underground. Today, however, a theatrical version of the ceremony is staged every year at Saqsayhuaman. Peruvians and tourists travel to Cusco in the hundreds of thousands every June to participate in the ceremony or one of the many parades that take place in the town center.

Assignment #6: Holidays

Your next assignment is holidays. You can do one of two things for this assignment. First, you could tell us about holidays that are unique to your country. Maybe it is an independence day, or a holiday celebrating a special event in that country. You could also tell us about traditions for holidays that are celebrated all over the world (i.e. Christmas or New Year's.) Be sure to include pictures!

Assignment #5: Entertainment

This week, we're all about entertainment. What do the people of your country like to do for fun? What kind of music is popular? TV? Movies? Sports? Include links to examples whenever you can. Have fun!

Trip to Peru: Part I

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco, via Lima. Spend the day getting acclimated to the altitude, while walking around central Cusco and the Plaza de Armas, as well as San Blas. Visit Qoricancha, a Spanish colonial church built on Inca ruins, and the Cathedral in the Plaza. Have an alpaca burger for dinner just off the Plaza.

Day 2: Take a slow hike (beware the altitude!) up above the city to visit the ruins of Saqsayhuaman, a former Incan military fortress, as well as the ruins of Puca Pucara, Tambo Machay, and Qenko.








Day 3: Spend the morning exploring the Central Market and have a fresh fruit jugo to start the day. After the market, take a bus out of town to Tipon to visit more ruins. First, find a taxi to take you up to the ruins of Tipon. Then take the taxi further down the road to the pre-Inca ruins of Pikillakta








Day 4-7: Hike the Inca Trail! The tour begins in Cusco, and your tour company will drop you off (with a guide) at the head of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The hike will take 4 days through the Andes mountains, following the original Inca highway. The tour ends on the fourth day at Machu Picchu, an important archeological site, and one of the new 7 wonders of the world.

Assignment #4: Tourism

Your fourth assignment is to take a cyber vacation to your country. Plan a 8-10 day trip. What are you going to visit on your trip? Come up with an itinerary for 8-10 days in the country, detailing each day's activities.

Assignment #3: A look back

Today's assignment is all about the past.. Research and write a brief history of your country. Be sure to include early people, independence, important leaders, and other important events that helped shape your country. You obviously can't write about everything, so make sure you include the most important information!