Then to my excitement, I learned that a certain type of eatery is particularly well-liked by Peruvians: chifas. These are Chinese restaurants, not to be missed on your Peru vacation if you really want a specific idea of Peruvian culture, that have been popularized since the mid 19th century when hoards of people from southern China’s Guangdong and Macau regions immigrated to Peru to work as laborers. Since I was born in Hong Kong and raised by a mother who never let me forget the fact, I was beyond eager to see just how authentic chifa dishes are to the Canton specialties I was used to.

The barbecue meats in Lima's Chinatown (Barrio Chino) are quite true to taste and texture.

BBQ meats: I found out that not only is Lima full of more than 6,000 chifa restaurants in all of its districts, that there is even a Barrio Chino (Chinatown) near the historic city center sure to stand out in your Lima trip! The short street had all the atmosphere of a Hong Kong market street down to the details of hanging meats in the windows and mooncakes for sale behind the counter. As it happened, then, my very first Peruvian meal was actually a taste of home! The small plate of barbeque duck meats and roasted sausages we ordered was absolutely identical and authentic to what I had eaten all my life and earned my expert eating seal of approval.

Wonton soups in Peru's chifa restaurants are on a playing field of their own.

Sopa wantan: The next two times I had a chance to eat out, I just had to try sopa wantan (wonton soup), arguably the most common starter seen on any chifa menu. Wontons, marinated seasoned ground pork or beef enveloped within a flour wrapper, are staples of any Guangdong diet. Both times when I received my hot bowl of soup and meat dumplings, they looked true enough to form. However, while the soup was always satisfyingly savory, the wontons themselves only disappointed. Apparently in Peruvian chifas, wontons are just pieces of carelessly wrapped white chicken breast rather than rich morsels of red meat. This appetizer is not entirely deniable, but it certainly lacks the spirit and character of a true Canton wonton soup.

Lomo saltado, or stir fried lean beef, is a true example of Peruvian and Cantonese Chinese tastes.

Lomo saltado: The name itself is Peruvian Spanish and so is the dish. Second perhaps only to chaufas (stir fried rice), lomo saltado can be found at any chifa. At its essence, it is composed of marinated beef strips, some light vegetables, French fries, and with a side of white rice. The uniquely delicious mixture of these elements, particularly the inclusion of French fries, makes lomo saltado both distinctively Cantonese in style but entirely Peruvian in flavor. That is to say, although this dish is not authentic to the culture that inspired it, it is unquestionably the ultimate example of Asian fusion cuisine great for rounding out your Peru trips.

Red is for the sultry details of tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Red is for… the Argentine tango
There is no image that comes clearer to mind upon thought of an Argentina trip than the tango. The energetic but sultry dance was born and fostered in the fringe communities of the country’s magnificent capital, Buenos Aires, and its artistic influence has since spread across the world through all social levels. The moves are fast paced and the dancers’ attitudes are evocative, enchanting every audience member with the dance’s brash sensuality. Whether you choose to experience the heart of tango along La Boca, Buenos Aires’s old port, or in an unmarked milonga venue, you won’t soon forget the blurred whirl of the female’s classic red dress, shoes, and lipstick detail as she plays with her partner on the dance floor.

Orange is for the sweet sun setting on the landscape of the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Orange is for… sunset in the Atacama Desert of Chile
If there was ever a place to test your feeling of mortality, it would be the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. This is the driest place on earth with absolutely no record of any rain since recordkeeping began more than 500 years ago. Standing in the middle of this vast desert composed of salt basins, sand, and the occasional hardy vegetation, you’ll want to clutch your water bottle tightly with newfound appreciation for every drop. This otherworldly landscape includes the dramatic Moon Valley and its stunning natural formations that champion out of the barren land around it. At sunset, however, you will forget for a moment the desert’s forsaking circumstance as the orange of the sky enhances every pore of the rocky surface, seeming as if existence itself is going to sleep for the night.

Yellow is for the glorious rays of the Costa Rican sun that blesses the entire country.

Yellow is for… the brilliant sunrays of Costa Rica
The sun defines Costa Rica. Without it, the paradise of tropical beaches would lose their essence, the mist of the jungles would linger less mystifyingly, and the massive volcanoes dotting the land would have less aesthetic faces to show throughout the passage of a day. Thankfully, the brilliant yellow rays persist, helping to showcase the country in all its glory. Whether you wish to kayak in one of Costa Rica’s many rapids, trek the impressive Arenal Volcano, party up in the capital of San José, or discover the unique microclimate of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the feel and illumination of the sun and its cycles will mark your Costa Rica holiday memories.

Green is for the lush natural wonders of the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil.

Green is for… the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil
A more obvious green point would be the Amazon Rainforest that covers most of South America, but the less frequented freshwater Brazilian Pantanal has well earned its reputation as well. Located in the southwestern state of Mato Grosso do Sol, the large reserve continues to spread into Bolivia and Paraguay as well. The wetland foliage’s gradient of green hues is beautiful to behold, and a boat excursion as part of your Brazil vacation package will take you on the crisp waters for an even more intimate exploration of the Pantanal. Delight in the exotic animals that hide in the verdant foliage and perhaps even spot a jaguar!

Blue is for the stark ripples and reflections of Lake Titicaca in Peru.

Blue is for… the waters of Lake Titicaca in Peru
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigatable lake in the world, can be approached from the Bolivian side as well, but the Puno gateway in Peru remains the more popular access point. From Puno, meander along the waterside, or take a boat tour to one of the reed islands such as Amantaní and Taquile where some traditional families still call home. A most spectacular time to see the lake is during the afternoon barrage of sunlight when the blues of the serene ripples shine brightest.

Purple is for the deep but light chicha morada juice so ubiquitously found throughout Lima, Peru.

Purple is for… chicha morada in Lima, Peru
Lima was once the capital of the Spanish empire in South America and it continues to stand today as a living reminder of colonial history as well as catalyst of contemporary culture. One new reputation the Peruvian metropolis has enjoyed is its status as the gastronomic capital of the Americas. From intimidating platters of ceviche (the national dish of raw seafood marinated in lime juice and spices) to the succulent sandwiches found streetside, dining in Lima is nothing short of an adventure in and of itself. In the end, wash it all down with a chilled glass of dark purple chicha morada, a non-alcoholic corn drink that dates to eras predating even the legendary Inca Empire. Cheers!

Black is for the rich, sleek skin of the sea lions that call the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador their home.

Black is for… the smooth skin of the Galapagos sea lions of Ecuador
To spice up your Ecuador travel plans, fly out to the Galapagos Islands to feel as if you’re an explorer of the old days. As you embark on your Galapagos cruise, admire the vast diversity of wildlife that populate this remote archipelagos, which includes but by no means is limited to its iconic sea lions, ancient sea turtles, marine iguanas, lava lizards, penguins, various colored boobies, and creatures deep underwater such as sharks, rays, dolphins, eels, and more. Finally, of course, you will be able to watch the local finches flit back and forth, the very birds who helped to inspire Charles Darwin and the development of his theory of evolution.

White is for the pristine emptiness of the vast Salar de Uyuni salt lake of Bolivia.

White is for… the Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia
Within Bolivia’s quieter personality lies the conspicuous Salar de Uyuni salt flat, a must-see destination for any Bolivia tour or South America trip. It is the largest of its kind on earth, and the panoramas here will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. A driving expedition will take you into the core of the 4,085-square-mile salt lake where the visage of this alien landscape seemingly extends endlessly into infinity. After a rain, Uyuni becomes the grandest natural mirror in existence when the reflected sky fuses seamlessly with the horizon and the terrain. If you are lucky and come in the right season on your Bolivia vacation, you might even get to see the local flamingoes that breed in this surreal plain.

Lomas de Lachay National Park, a spectacular Lima daytrip, is a particularly special microclimate that exists for only about 1 month out of the year along Peru's dry coastal desert.

For the last few months, Lima has been plagued by the annual winter garúa cloud, keeping the city in a persistent state of somberness and gloominess. With the gray coastal fog tightly hugging the capital, the skies are a constant shade of overcast often offering no sight of the sun for weeks on end. However, out of lemons comes lemonade—in this case, exemplified by Lomas de Lachay National Reserve just 2 hours north of Lima.

The unique ecosystem at Lomas de Lachay is part of Peru’s Yungas geography, a genre of area much like a cloud forest in which a haze of humidity occupies the land for long periods of time. At the end of the humid season, the moisture will have created a lush spread of vegetation, which is why mid-September to mid-October is the best time to visit this particular Yungas as part of your Peru vacation.

What makes Lomas de Lachay so aesthetically striking is its location. The national reserve is situated among a mountain valley, surrounded to all sides by rocky slopes and Peru’s dry coastal desert. As well, the waves of the Pacific are just beyond the stretchs of sand, 3.5 miles from the park’s entrance. Because of this, it is possible to see ocean waters, sand dunes, and a dramatic mountain range all from one viewpoint at various perspectives throughout Lomas de Lachay.

The trees in the national park make for some truly wicked motifs.

Hikers who embark on any of the handful of designated, well-posted, and fenced trailed throughout the park will be delighted with the bright, verdant green foliage that dominates the landscape during these early spring days. The trees in Lomas de Lachay are surreal items to behold as well, with all of their leafless limbs twisting about in the most warped fashion like those that dominate horror movies. If visitors are lucky, they may even catch glimpses of various species of wildlife such as small foxes, field mice, snakes, rabbits, and soaring falcons above the valley.

The sun shines down quite strongly in the afternoon (so be sure to bring a hat or some sunscreen!), but when it occasionally ducks behind the ephemeral wisps of clouds, a light golden gauze of light blesses the scenery, giving it a completely dreamlike feel. Also well worth the planning is a hike to a higher point in time to see the sunset, sure to be an unforgettable experience on your Peru holidays. Although the fading Andean range blocks the final moments, visitors will enjoy bathing in the pastel-colored sky that illuminates the Yungas’ lime green vines and ferns. And for a moment before heading back to the campgrounds or a bus to the city, relish in the light fog that reclaims the land just as twilight begins to fade away.

Therefore, see what knowledge one of our Operations staff members, Dario Meneses, has for those visiting Lima, the capital of Peru, for the first time. A native of Cusco, Dario first became a local of Lima in 2002, and his Peruvian but not-quite-Limeñan background offers a unique perspective on what to see and do in the bustling city.

Welcome to Peru!

I have what I think is one of the most exciting jobs here at Latin America For Less: I meet our travelers at the Lima International Airport, take them to their hotel, give them a short briefing about their itinerary and activities while in Peru, and, of course, answer all the questions or comments they may have. Some of those questions and comments seem to pop up a lot, so I thought it would be interesting to gather a few of them in this post.

The historic city center of Lima, Peru's capital city, is a charming place to lose oneself in the details of old colonial architectures.

Some people are surprised to hear that seasons in Peru (and in all countries in the Southern Hemisphere) are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, for example, we are seeing the end of winter right now and hoping that spring comes early, while people in North America and Europe are enjoying their last days of summer.

Second, Lima is a city with 8 million citizens, which means it concentrates almost a third of the between 29 and 30 million people that live in the whole country. Being such a big city, Lima has many faces and many neighborhoods, each with different personalities.

• The airport is situated in Callao, the port town, where several warehouses and factories are located.
• On the other hand, the hotels we book for our clients are usually located in Miraflores, the touristic and residential district. Around Miraflores’ main park are numerous cafes, restaurants, libraries, and even some karaoke bars. The park itself hosts street performers and live dance music on the weekends, all in a pretty safe and family-friendly environment.
• The third face of Lima that you’re likely to see is the downtown historic center. The Spanish establishment of Lima dates to 1535, so the Old Town is full of baroque style temples, stately mansions, and ample squares. This is a nice place to visit on a city tour, but beware that straying away from the touristic route might get you engulfed by Lima’s chaotic, restless daily life; a fascinating sight to behold, to be sure, but not quite safe for the faint of heart.

Spend an afternoon along the Miraflores district's clifftop stretch of urban parks and watch paragliders sail over the coast.

And my last piece of advice for now will be about money. Dollars and credit cards are widely accepted by tourist-oriented businesses (such as hotels, restaurants and supermarkets) throughout Peru. Traveler’s checks, however, are practically not in use anymore. Therefore, it is advisable to always have some Soles (the official Peruvian currency) on hand in case you need to take a taxi or buy something from a smaller shop. The most convenient place to exchange Dollars (or Euros) for soles is at the hotel’s front desk. However, you can get a slightly better rate at exchange houses found in all touristic areas.

I hope these tips will help you get the most of your time in Peru. Remember that our whole team is always ready to answer your questions and help you plan the perfect Peru holiday and South American vacation.

Meet Dario, our friendly Cusco native but now 10-year Lima local. He thinks it's hilarious when first-time visitors are surprised there are fast food chains such as McDonald's and KFC all over Lima.

Grilled and smoked meats were a big hit at Mistura 2011.

At the entrance, we were appropriately faced with a giant, neon yellow inflatable fork, of which one of our staff members commented, “I want that to be my fork.” None of us could remember the last time we were so excited to simply eat. After buying our food credit tickets at one of the many bank booths conveniently distributed throughout the grounds, we were ready to start exploring.

Many of Mistura’s most delectable cuisines for sale involved the presence of seafood, understandable since Peru has over 1,500 miles of Pacific coastline teeming with marine life. The dishes offered ranged from the obvious national favorite of ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice paired with choclo corn, sweet potato, and fresh red onions), to elaborate Japanese-fusion sushi rolls, all the way to luxuriously spiced fresh conches and hundreds of other items bathed in flavorful cream- and cheese-based sauces courtesy of each chef’s special touch. These light cuisines paired with a cool and refreshing pisco sour, the country’s most popular spirit with a tangy twist, definitely helped enrich our afternoon even more.

Over in another corner of the park, however, were what seemed to be the two most sought-after dishes of Mistura: cancho al palo, and lasagna lomo saltado. The first consisted of large, dark red and brown slabs of pork roasted over a fire pit which had a line we later heard was over 2 hours long filled with people of all ages. This type of open cooking is uncommon to be found in the urban limits of Lima, which is why so many patiently lined up to get a taste of the provincial countryside. The second, lasagna lomo saltado, was an enchanting mix of your regular lasagna but with the Peruvian special of pieces of stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and mild ahi peppers used in place of ground meats. This dish won first place at Mistura 2010 and was still as popular as it ever was. We got to try some and could barely wipe the savory, melting cheese from our mouths before reaching for second and third bites!

Dishes from areas as wide reaching as the Andean highlands and Amazon Rainforest were unique offerings for those interested in an exotic experience.

Finally, after getting our fill on other dishes such as black noodles topped with a rich seafood sauce, a thick rice and beans mixture topped with baked plantains chips and sautéed meats from Tarapoto in the high Peruvian jungle plateau region, hand-spun Arequipan ice cream, and piping hot chocolate of 100% cacao, we headed to the marketplace. The market was just around the corner from the impressive, large-scale Rincon del Pan (Bread Corner) which hosted a bustling, fully functioning baking kitchen transplanted to the middle of the fairgrounds, and seemed to present endless opportunities for experiencing Peru’s niche produce products. From fascinating tropical Amazon fruits to handmade sauces and jams to samples of some of the country’s thousands of potato varieties, Mistura’s market area was an absolute must-see for foodies. Hosts from some of the country’s farthest-reaching towns enthusiastically shared their knowledge with curious observers, offering generous samples and explanations of their proud work. It was here that people of rural and urban backgrounds interacted more intimately than anywhere else in the festival, bonded by a mutual passion in their nation’s glorious gastronomy, which, above all else, just might have been Mistura’s most important significance.

Peru is famous for its thousands of potato varieties and derivatives.

If all of this has you hungering for more, why not consider trying out the real deal? With all of Peru’s diverse geographic and cultural regions, a great alternative to busy destinations such as Machu Picchu would be to tour the country’s regional treasures that will be sure delight the eyes and stomach. Otherwise, visit Lima around the same time next year to experience the magic of Mistura for yourself!

Mistura is the ultimate Lima event to experience if eating is your idea of fun.

Mistura 2011 is only in its 4^th year, but it has already garnered the respect and fanatical praise of professionals and locals from all over. According to weeks of national buzz in everything from newspapers to Twitter hashtags, the event is certainly one of the most anticipated and beloved of the year. After all, who doesn’t like to eat?

Friday September 9 marked Mistura’s inauguration which was ceremoniously opened by Peruvian president Ollanta Humala and other government officials. From September 9 to 18, more than 500,000 Peruvians are expected to attend at the Parque de la Exposicion over the duration of the 10-day fair, in addition to over 4,000 guests from overseas. Serving all the hungry and craving appetites will be more than 250 stands, restaurants, carts, and regional kitchens of all classes and categories.

This year in particular, the focus is on fruits and especially exotic Amazonian varieties rarely found at other times of the year. A lively market full of items from far and wide is available for those who want to take some of Mistura’s enchantment home with them. As well, over 40 types of Peruvian breads will be offered, introducing unique new twists and angles to a dining staple. And if you think you are already an expert in the national cuisine—think again. Chefs at Mistura will be unveiling thrilling innovative methods of cooking that reinvent daily favorites such as cuy (guinea pig), various native potato dishes, anticuchos (skewered marinated meats), tamales, sandwiches, ceviche (marinated fresh raw fish), and even ice cream. However, there is one thing that locals would never stand for if it were changed: the national drink called pisco sour.

Peruvian food is a highlight to be experienced on any Peru vacation.

For those who are lucky enough to be in Lima this week, Mistura is certainly the cultural highlight to check out. Entrance tickets may be purchased at any Teleticket outlet throughout the city, most conveniently within major supermarkets. However, many of the fair’s days have already been sold out for weeks. In this case, it should be noted that buyers should be cautious of purchasing any tickets from street touts. Once you have an entrance ticket, make way to any one of Mistura’s 130 ticket dispensary desks distributed around the grounds. These food tickets come in values of 1, 3, 6, and 12 soles and can be purchased with cash, credit card, or debit card.

If you cannot experience Mistura this year, Peru For Less will be posting a review on Monday of all the food and fun that the country has been talking about all year!

As part of a two-part series of posts, let’s see exactly which locations will be affected by this initiative.

1. Amazon River in Loreto – US$ 24.7 million

The mighty Amazon Rainforest covers over 60% of Peru’s territory and so much remains unknown and deserves to be discovered and shared. The Loreto region is the country’s most northern area and includes Iquitos, the most populated city on earth reachable only by air or water, and a popular gateway for exotic jungle adventure excursions. Investments will help to develop the resources and activities that exist because of the Amazon River, hopefully drawing more visitors to visit this isolated but incredible section of the rainforest.

The Amazon River in Peru's northern Loreto region holds countless secrets just waiting to be discovered.

2. Lima – US $24 million

The heart and soul of the Spanish Empire during their conquest of South America was Lima, today the capital of Peru. The metropolis is home to over 8 million people and an extremely long list of cultural centers, museums, restaurants, bars, and urban parks for the traveler who just can’t get enough. With so much to offer for anyone of any background and any interests, funds to promote Lima might never be enough.

The colorful streets of Lima's city center are only some of the colonial delights in this both traditional yet rapidly modernizing capital city.

3. Kuelap – US$ 22.7 million

The immense golden fortress walls of Kuelap were built by the pre-Columbian Chachapoyas culture in the 6^th century. This gigantic complex contains over 400 buildings! The Andean people in this Amazonas region were eventually conquered by the Incas, but at their height, they created an incredible city for themselves. Situated on top of a ridge overlooking the Utcubamba Valley, this is one of the most unique and scenic archeological sites in the entire country. However, it is still relatively unknown to travelers. With this new investment, the government hopes this will change in due time.

4. Moche Route – US$ 22 million

The government has invested heavily on this project in recent years, and if things go as planned, the path will become the next most popular destination in Peru after Machu Picchu. The pre-Inca Moche culture lived in the valleys of Peru’s north coast some 1,500 years ago. They left thousands of treasures and relics, many of which are still being discovered. The “Moche Route” comprises the destinations that showcase the best of this ancient culture’s legacy. Running in the Lambayeque and La Libertad regions and including cities such as Chiclayo and Trujillo, the route contains a number of archaeological sites, museums, and beaches. Among them are the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, the pyramids of Tucume, the Huacas (sacred sites) del Sol y la Luna, and Chan Chan ruins in La Libertad. Tours that serve this circuit typically occur over 3 days.

5. Paracas / Nazca – US$ 16.6 million

These two towns are just a few hours south of the chaotic capital city of Lima but they couldn’t feel further away. Paracas is the hub for trips out to the extremely ecologically diverse Ballestas Islands, and the UNESCO-sanctioned Paracas National Reservation where visitors can roam over Peru’s pampas desert lands. Sea lions, penguins, and numerous bird species are the draw here, and funds are expected to contribute to the conservation and preservation efforts. Further south in Nazca are the infamous and mysterious Nazca Lines carved by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 A.D. These can be better seen from the sky.

The Paracas National Reserve is only one location in the state of Ica that will benefit from the government's newly dedicated focus and support of national tourism.

Check back tomorrow to see the other 4 locations in Peru that will be receiving some tourism financial support in the near future!

View of the bustling city of Lima

Lima is a city for city lovers who relish getting lost among crowds, meandering through shaded streets, sampling street food bursting with flavor, and peeking around hidden corners. It’s almost impossible to become bored in this city, for Lima is a metropolis that takes years to know. Lima has countless neighborhoods to wander through from posh San Isidro with its ancient olive grove, to picturesque bohemian Barranco, to Miraflores with its cliff side promenade boasting ocean views, and each has its own distinct ambiance.

However, the increasing chaos, with the constant overflow of people, taxis, cars, and buses, has made it harder and harder to explore the various neighborhoods in Lima without losing precious time in traffic. Luckily, this is all about to drastically improve.

Soon, Lima will open its first subway line, a long overdue project that is finally heading towards a happy ending. The Lima electric train project started in 1986 but was halted for over 23 years before construction finally resumed in 2010. In July 2011, the electric train will ride across town, covering 8 districts and transporting over 250,000 people each day.  This Tren Urbano as it is known will constitute a significant improvement in the quality of life for many people, reducing commuting time from sometimes two and a half hours to a single half hour.

Travelers will have the chance to experience firsthand this tremendous accomplishment and see Lima’s first steps towards creating a fully developed public transportation system and growing into a true 21^st century capital, and a Latin American city of the future.

Another noteworthy embellishment to Peru’s increasingly trendy capital is the brand new and chic extension to the already gigantic shopping mall of Jockey Plaza in the eastern Monterrico district. Opened on November 24^th, Boulevard Jockey is the most luxurious shopping place in Peru and will, without a doubt, ravish all fashion addict travelers. Even those who are not keen on shopping will enjoy a stroll in this modern and stylish area and maybe try the new Italian restaurant on the Boulevard’s main plaza.

Exclusive luxury foreign brands have started opening their stores here, such as Hugo Boss, Montblanc, Calvin Klein, and Armani. Jockey Plaza made an investment of US$ 50 million to build this 7,600 square meter high class shopping area that should have over forty international fashion stores upon completion.

For more information about Lima’s most fascinating neighborhoods, contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your Peru travel plans.