Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
How they earned the name guinea pig is also in doubt. Guinea may be a corruption of the South American
colony of Guiana, or it may refer to Guinea, the African country that
cuy
would have passed through on their voy-
age to Europe. Their squeals probably account for the latter half of their name.
Cuy
are practical animals to raise and have adapted well over the centuries to survive in environments ranging
from the high Andean plains to the barren coastal deserts. Many Andean households today raise
cuy
as part of
their animal stock and you'll often see them scampering around the kitchen in true free-range style.
Cuy
are the
ideal livestock alternative: they're high in protein, feed on kitchen scraps, breed profusely and require much less
room and maintenance than traditional domesticated animals.
Cuy
is seen as a true delicacy, so much so that in many indigenous interpretations of
The Last Supper
, Jesus
and his disciples are sitting down to a hearty final feast of roast
cuy
.
An integral part of Andean culture, even beyond the kitchen table,
cuy
are also used by
curanderos
(healers) in
ceremonial healing rituals.
Cuy
can be passed over a patient's body and used to sense out a source of illness and
cuy
meat is sometimes ingested in place of hallucinogenic plants during shamanistic ceremonies.
If you can overcome your sentimental inhibitions, sample this furry treat. The rich flavors are a cross between
rabbit and quail, and correctly prepared
cuy
can be an exceptional feast with thousands of years of history.
SAN BLAS
Second Home Cusco $$$
( 23-5873;
www.secondhomecusco.com
;
Atocsaycuchi 616; d/tr incl breakfast S318/
384; )
A cozy boutique lodging with three chic suites, featuring original artwork,
adobe walls and skylights. Carlos Delfin, the affable and cosmopolitan English-speaking
owner, orchestrates free airport pickups and even private tours; he has even hunted down
the best baguettes in town to serve at breakfast. Longer stays are discounted.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
La Encantada $$$
( 24-2206;
www.encantadaperu.com
; Tandapata 354; s/d incl breakfast S212/265;
)
Bright and cheerful, this modern boutique hotel features terraced gardens and im-
mense views from iron-rail balconies. A circular staircase leads to small, tasteful rooms
with soft linens and king-sized beds. The onsite spa helps hikers work out the aches and
kinks. Be aware that checkout is at 9am.
Hostal Pensión Alemana $$
HOTEL
