Pisco the Alpaca from the Andes surfs the wave

Before summer ends in Peru everybody wants to enjoy water sports before the fall weather returns. During the last days of summer, Pisco the adventurous alpaca accepts the challenge to ride the Pacific waves. Domingo Pianezzi is his teacher and partner on this journey. Domingo, a Peruvian surfer has helped dogs for many years on their incursion into the surf waves. He has also surfed at various times with a cat, hamster and parrot. This time, he has taken it to the next level. His new surfing companion is Pisco the Alpaca. Domingo loves to ride the waves now that he is joined by this emblematic Peruvian animal.

Alpacas are known worldwide for their incredible yarn that makes warm and exclusive clothing and their exquisite flavor for cooking.Now they are working on joining the surfer elite – so watch for them soon at a surfing competition near you. If Pisco can surf maybe it is time for you to take some surfing lessons. What do you think?


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Guinea Pig: Do you accept the challenge?

In many countries Guinea Pigs are pets but for many Peruvians it is a source of protein and a delicious food. People have eaten Guinea pig for thousands of years – they are known for a high amount of protein and low fat. I know it sounds weird but I have tried it and it’s delicious!



Throughout Peru it is a very common dish but especially in Cuzco, Arequipa and Huaraz among other cities. If you are in Lima you can also try Guinea Pig at many great restaurants like El Tarwi , El Rocoto and Malabar. Malabar is one of my favorite places to try new gourmet dishes. It is characterized by its unique use of native Andean products mixed with other cuisines. The result: great flavor with every dish a delicacy.



If you decided to try this new dish –especially at one of these great restaurants- let me know your impressions. Of course, if I have not convinced you there is always the option to adopt a Guinea pig and save it.

Which month is the best to travel to Peru?

Why pick just one? If you are planning a vacation consider Peru in your plans for year round travel! You can visit anytime but can you leave? Be prepared to stay up all night long if you like to party. The food year round is delicious & inexpensive if you are a foodie. Of course Peru and its cities like Lima, Cusco and Iquitos can’t be beat for a sample of unique history, architecture and nature. From the highlands to coast and through the jungles of the Amazon Peru is a treat for every taste.

Here are some seasonal suggestions to help you decide:

Pacific Coast: December to March is the warmest season with beautiful blue skies and crystal clear waters. Like any beach you might need a light jacket to be comfortable during the breezy summer nights. Many secluded and romantic beaches are hidden for you to discover as you explore this 1,500 miles of secluded coastline – most of the best finds aren’t on any tourist maps.


Andes mountain highlands: The Andes experience 2 seasons. The rainy season between November and March is filled with heavy rains and cold temperatures. Many backpackers choose the season of rain to visit because of the lower cost of the slow season. However, most travelers plan their visit to the Andes during the dry season from April to October. Vivid mountain landscapes are framed by blue skies and sun. In the Andes the sun is the key, in the shade of the mountains it is chilly but you can warm up under Inca sun.


The Rainforest Jungle of the Amazon: A visit to the Amazon Rainforest is the experience of a lifetime. One of the last pristine and untouched landscapes on earth, the virgin jungle is a gift for those who love nature in all its glory. Unique species extinct in other latitudes still thrive in this land. It rains a lot in the Rainforest so plan on bringing your rain gear. The wet season runs from November to May with many choosing to visit during the dry season of June through October. Just remember both seasons are HOT and humid with an average daily temperature of 82 F. If you are brave enough you can sleep in a nature preserve and return home with exotic tales for your family and friends.


Peru:Land of the Inkas

ExpoRock 2010: Such a blast!!

More than 20,000 people celebrated during the 45th Vintage Ica Festival at the ExpoRock 2010 concert with a explosion of lights, fireworks and LCD screens. The party lasted all night long with most of the famous Peruvian singers and rock bands played to the crowds.

Locals and visitors alike enjoyed the variety of wines, pisco and cachina (the sweet drink of the Icas). All the big Peruvian wineries: Tacama, Tabernero and Ocucaje were there in full force.

So, if you are tempted by this news… Mark your calendar, make your plans and be ready for next year’s festival in 2011.

ExpoRock 2010 Concert

Another Easter Travel Tip For Peru

Easter is often the last opportunity Peruvians have to relax before the end of summer. Catholic traditions dictate that Easter is a time for meditation time but many also travel to the north of Peru and enjoy the sandy beaches and surfing. Mancora is a favorite of many with wonderful beaches, blue skies, great marine biodiversity and rich flora.

It is heavenly. Just sunbathing on the beach is enough for many. However, there are plenty of other things to keep you busy - water sports, horse riding, long walks and delicious seafood can all be found on the beach during the day. At night, the world is your oyster with people from around the world playing all night long.
So if your favorite place is the beach … Go to Mancora and enjoy the long weekend. You will be happy you did.

Special tips just for you: Try the Lobster, its world famous! It’s made in different ways but always has an exquisite flavor. The most important thing: It’s cheaper than you will find in many of the other beaches throughout the world. Also if you like to dance the night away you will need recover with Ceviche Mixto with Leche de Tigre (Tiger´s Milk). This Peruvian tradition is the secret sauce to combat strong hangovers. Try and let me know if helps you :)

Kite Surfer in Mancora, Peru from Theodore Scott on Vimeo.

Easter: Traveling, tradition and beautiful landscape in Peru

Like many Catholic countries, Peru is getting ready to celebrate Easter. As country with deep historical roots as a Spanish colony, the Catholic religion mixed with indigenous practices resulting in a rich tradition that unique and special.

Will you be near to Lima for Easter? Tarma, known as the Pearl of the Andes, is a good option for visiting anytime of the year. Tarma is located 150 miles from Lima (5 hours by bus) in a fertile valley with excellent weather throughout the year. It is known worldwide for its colorful variety of flowers. If you visit, plan on being surrounded by its floral beauty as you enjoy the wonderful sights.

During Easter an ancient tradition is followed where city streets are carpeted with flowers to receive the holiday processions. This festival tradition can be complimented with a trek through the colorful and peaceful valley or by exploring the ancient caves like Huagapo. Spelunkers know Huagapo as one of the deepest cave in South America with depths reaching 2000 m.

While you are there don’t forget to try Pachamanca a mixture of various meats, corn and potatoes cooked on stones nestled in the ground. This cooking technique creates a special flavor that can be traced to the times of the Inca. If you get cold ask for “calientito”, made with herbs, spices, honey, mixed with either rum, pisco or vodka. It is served hot (hence the name) and is excellent way to warm up on a chilly evening.

Pachamanca




Tarma:The city carpet with flowers

Magaly Solier : From Ayacucho to the World

Party time! Around the world the Oscar Awards are a reason to celebrate. Tonights the night, unless you are trying to watch in the Big Apple. Peruvians are especially excited this year as one of our own, actress Magaly Solier who is vying for an Oscar. She is in LA right now getting ready to walk down the Red Carpet as the star of the film The Milk of Sorrow. Its a controversial movie that is competing for the Best Foreign Language Picture. Its the first time ever that a Peruvian has been nominated and Lima is buzzing with plans to set up a big screen in the main square.

This Peruvian actress and singer was born in Ayacucho, a beautiful city famous for its 33 churches built during the colonial period. It is also well known for the arts and fine rugs of cotton and virgin lamb wool. My favorite are the impressive virgin wool rugs with magnificent colors. However you might like the nativity scenes made from Huamanga stone, retablos and wood. This artwork is an excellent example of the fusion between Spanish and indigenous culture.

Good luck Magaly. Bet you have some visitors to your hometown soon!

Huascar: The Hero’s Survival

Many countries continue to work to provide relief to Haiti but another disaster has hit close to my home country of Peru. When a recent earthquake hit Chile it was graded as an 8.8 which is thought to be the seventh strongest earthquake in history.

This earthquake created a tsunami that hit the Chilean coast and warnings were issued for 53 other countries in the Pacific. Some reports said that the Huascar Monitor, anchored in Talcahuano harbor, had disappeared. This Peruvian flagship was captured and kept as a trophy in The War of the Pacific (1879-1884) between Peru, Chile and Bolivia. A national treasure in Chile, it was good to hear that the Huascar had been found and was ok. The ship is now back in her original position. Maybe Admiral Miguel Grau, known as "Knight of the Seas" for his chivalry, sailed her away and to a safe place during the danger.

What do you think? Do you know about this story? It begins with Chile and Bolivia fighting over salt. Peru entered the picture to make peace but soon found itself in the fighting. It is an epic tale and well worth the read.

Besides our relief that this ship safe, we should all look for ways to help Chileans in their time of need. Here is an idea from the Red Cross where you can text Chile to 90999 to donate $10 to help out.