2017 Peru Inspired Gift Guide

If you're looking for Peru inspired gifts, you've come to the right place! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Food and Drink
Peruvian grains are becoming famous around the world. A great healthy gift is maca. There's a reason this super food is getting tons of attention. It's much better than rice and packed with nutrition.

Paneton and hot chocolate is a staple during the Christmas season. Don't forget a Peruvian mug. While some might snub their nose at fruitcake (paneton), Peruvians love it. If you're in Peru, drinking hot chocolate during summer might seem odd, but hey, it's Christmas, so why not?

Know someone who loves cooking? The Fire of Peru: Recipes and Stories from My Peruvian Kitchen is a great cookbook written by Ricardo Zarate. True to the title, he also has stories in this cookbook, which make it all the more interesting. The cookbook has tons of recipes like lomo saltado, causa, ceviche, pisco sour (Pisco is Peruvian), loads of sauces, and more.

 
Alpaca
Forget about cotton, alpaca is a game changer. It is superior than wool since it is softer, warmer, and has no lanolin which means it's hypoallergenic. Some people say it's as luxurious as cashmere, but more durable and longer lasting. Good socks can last for years. They're much better for your feet than cotton since they're anti-fungal, and many of them can be tossed in the dryer. You have got to try Alpaca socks for yourself, check out these: they are terry lined for extra warmth! 


Alpaca makes great blankets and throws. This alpaca throw is gorgeous and cozy. The rich colors are sure to cheer you up during the dreary winter days. It's great for cozying up on the couch and drinking hot cocoa, from a Peruvian mug with a llama on it, of course.

Accessories

Small gifts can be wonderful. This hand painted coin purse or this traditional purse, as well as fine jewelry like this blue Opal to woven handicrafts like these bracelets are sure to make unique gifts.

If you're looking for a practical gift, look no further than Tumi, which is a Peru inspired company that makes quality bags, backpacks, and luggage that are made to last.

Homemade gifts are always appreciated. Here's some yarn available in traditional Peruvian colors so you can knit your heart out and make someone a blanket to snuggle up to this winter.  

More Gifts
If you're looking for more ideas, here are other Peru inspired gift guides I've written.

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Help Those Affected by the Devastating Floods in Peru

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Since December 2016, rains have been beating down on Peru resulting in the worst flooding in 30 years. Mostly recently, catastrophic floods have hit northern Peru leaving hundreds of thousands affected. Piura River has flooded in banks. Having lived in Piura, I know how much rain can affect this desert. Nearly 100 people have died and 700,000 have been left homeless in 12 of the 25 regions. Thousands of kilometers of roads and crops have been swept away. Archeological sites have been affected as well which will in turn affect tourism.

Many organisations are raising money for Peru Flood Relief. Peruvian embassies and consulates are also helping out. Below you can find some places that are accepting donations.

• Children's Hunger Fund
• Convoy of Hope
• Direct Relief 
• Embassy of Peru in Washington, D.C.
• Global Giving
• PADF
• Red Cross

You can also read more about the flooding at the following sites.

• BBC
• Los Angeles Times
• NBC News
• Reuters

 

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Internships in Peru

The following is a guest post by Nils Schulz. Nils is CEO at Inside Peru. He lives in Hamburg, Germany and visits Peru regularly.

Internships abroad are increasingly common today and there are many good reasons for that. Broad language and cultural skills are needed in many jobs if you want to succeed in a global economy. Many degree programs require at least one internship as part of the training and many students choose to go abroad. For many people their years of study are the time in their life where they are able to live abroad for a while without much hassle.

There are many ways to do so: volunteering, work and travel, taking a language course, study one or more semesters abroad, or – last but not least – doing an internship. Of course, apart from learning new skills and testing possible future career paths, a given time abroad always enriches ones personality and leaves you with many new experiences, memories, friends, ideas…

At Inside Peru, a placement agency from Germany specializing in Peru, we notice that Peru is also a place which is increasingly popular with young people from all over the world. It’s a relatively stable country with continuous economic growth (which has been a bit slower lately) and the Spanish spoken in Peru is considered to be especially “pure” and easier to learn and to understand than in many other Spanish speaking countries. But above all, Peru is just an exciting country full of colors and contrasts, perfect to discover marvelous landscapes and ancient cultures.

Yet when people start planning their stay in Peru they often encounter obstacles. How do I find the place for my internship that really fits? Why is it so hard to get in touch and they never answer to my emails? These are typical situations many have to deal with. Let alone the language barrier or concerns about security, visa matters, and the like. So reaching out to a place like Inside Peru turns out to be a good decision for many people willing to go to Peru in order to get things done well right from the start. For a modest one-time fee they get professional help planning the trip, finding the right internship and a cosy and secure place to stay. Also while staying in Peru they get follow-up assistance via Internet or with a local contact person and regular activities with other foreign interns.

Many interns going to Peru are social-minded and look for internships dealing e.g. with indigenous people or human rights matters, development cooperation or social work (working with vulnerable groups in society). But also many other work areas like law, teaching, environment or sturdy marketing and economy-related internships are asked for and provided by Inside Peru. If you are interested in a stay in Peru visit Inside Peru’s website and get in touch with us. We are happy to help. -Nils Schulz

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Trujillo - City of Culture and Contrasts

Trujillo, known as Peru's city of culture, is a lesser known city of Peru. After the capital - Lima - and Cusco, the jumping off point for Machu Picchu, there is usually a more vague notion of the other populated parts of Peru.

Lauded by the Lonely Planet, as "glamorously colonial", Trujillo is a delicious (quite literally) melting pot of culture, tradition, young,  and old.

Trujillo's Plaza de Armas is well-described, with brightly painted old colonial buildings surrounding a pristine main square, an impressive Cathedral, and palm trees swaying in the oceanic breeze.

To give a balanced account, I would have to mention the constant stream of taxis in and around the city.  There is a good and a bad side to this - when waiting more than 30 seconds for a taxi here, I find myself wondering if something is wrong...but they also contribute to the noise pollution in the city centre and many of the surrounding areas.

Since moving to Trujillo in March of this year with my family, I have often visited the centre to get a taste of 'old' Peru, as Trujillo is a fast developing city - the surrounding districts changing on an almost weekly basis as new businesses open and renovations are made.  

Most visitors to Trujillo only stop here for a few days on their way from or to Huanchaco, the fishing and surfing town about 20 minutes drive away. For these people, the historic centre of Trujillo has enough to keep them going, including a four star hotel (and plenty of hostels for backpackers).

Having lived here for 9 months now, I am still assimilating all that Trujillo has to offer. There is obviously more to the place than the centuries old buildings and the tours to the ancient ruins that tourists may add to their itinerary.

In the past ten years, so I am told, the city has expanded and developed at an incredibly fast pace - still, right now, there are apartment buildings going up all over the city.

There is a distinct culture here (one that I admittedly am still quite ignorant of) from Lima and the other cities further south - and I must do the best I can (with three children to raise) to learn about and assimilate into this culture, if my family and I are going to make Trujillo our long-term home.

The city has different personalities morning, noon, and night - completely different at night when more restaurants are open, music is blaring, and the market is bustling, compared to the morning, when it is possible to get to the centre and back in a taxi in twenty minutes. 

There are several universities in Trujillo - it is known as a university city, the buzz and energy of the young people adding to the character of the place.

Traffic here is nowhere near as bad as in Lima, but there are some spots around the city that snarl up in the early evenings.  It is around these times that the (very often) female police officers are marshalled to keep things moving, at work with a facial expression that only a woman could have.

My third son was born here in this city and his birth was registered in the Victor Larco Herrera municipal office, just metres away from the South Pacific Ocean.  

Locals are intrigued to see a very tiny Trujillano/Peruano when we are out walking locally with his Scottish and Canadian older brothers. We have been lucky to experience only very friendly and welcoming locals everywhere, who want to know why we are here and where we have come from.

Just a single glance at the local newspaper will tell you that there are the same problems here in Trujillo as there are in other cities, all over the world.

For now, I have seen just the surface of what this place is all about. There is a gravitation towards a North American culture, with two big malls of chain stores, a Starbucks in each. There seems to be a melding of cultures happening, and at the same time, something very distinct. 

Religious influences are still very strong, but subtle at the same time. Many homes display a rosary or a religious picture, while on Catholic holidays, the parks are still full and the streets busy.

From what I have seen so far, Peru is a child-loving place, and as well as open air religious festivals, children's events are everywhere, usually related to schools or nurseries, of which there are several all over the city.

And of course the weather (which is probably the factor I have overlooked the most since I got here) means so much is happening outside, all the time, every day. Just walking outside of my front door, there is a different view every day.

Alison is currently guest blogging for The Ultimate Peru List. She’s a freelance editor, writer, and craniosacral therapist. She lives in Trujillo, Peru with her husband and three sons.

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2016 Peru Inspired Gift Guide

If you're looking for Peru inspired gifts, you've come to the right place! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Food and Drink
Peruvian grains are becoming famous around the world. A great healthy gift is maca. There's a reason this super food is getting tons of attention. It's much better than rice and packed with nutrition.

If you want to buy a unique non-alcoholic drink for someone, try Inca Kola. It's what Coca Cola is to the USA and what Irn Bru is to Scotland. Chicha morada is a drink made from purple corn. Although it sounds weird, it's really good and unique to Peru.

Know someone who loves cooking? Peruvian cookbooks have tons of great recipes like ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, papa rellena, and much more.

Alpaca
Wool socks are a game changer. Once you try them out you won't go back to cotton socks. Wool socks can last for years, they're much better for your feet than cotton since they're anti-fungal, and many of them can be tossed in the dryer. Alpaca is superior than wool since it is softer, warmer, and has no lanolin which means it's hypoallergenic. If you haven't tried alpaca socks, you definitely need to!

Traditional Peruvian hats, such as the chullo, will keep you warm through the cold winter months. Don't forget a warm shawl or even a poncho that you can wrap around you to protect you from windy days. Alpaca can be used for more than clothing. It also makes great blankets and throws. You can cozy up on your couch and drink hot cocoa from a Peruvian mug.

Christmas Ornaments
Ornaments make great gifts. There are a number of Peruvian ornaments out there, such as Machu Picchu, nativity scenes, llamas, and the Peruvian flag.

Accessories
Tumi  is a Peru inspired company that makes quality bags, backpacks, and luggage that are made to last.

More Gifts
If you're looking for more ideas, here are other Peru inspired gift guides I've written.

Disclaimer:

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• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

The Real Price of Gold

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It's strange how our society values things that are relatively worthless and convinces people that not only do they need them, but they should pay a lot for them. I've heard of blood diamonds and decided way before I got married not to get a diamond wedding ring. Precious metals also have a dark side to them.

I recently came across this article published by National Geographic in January 2009 about the real price of gold. While 7 years old it still holds true today. It has loads of interesting subjects, such as Incas, coca, pisco, an ancient lottery system that is still used today, Quechua, shantytowns, and the impracticality of gold which makes it an interesting read. Gold is Peru's biggest export and Peru is the fifth largest exporter of gold in the world. All this comes at a price though. 

At 13 pages it is a bit of a long article, but it's thought-provoking and makes me think how first world countries take advantage of third world countries. Other countries such as Indonesia, India, China, and the US are mentioned as the history of gold is discussed. There are a number of good books about Peruvian history, such as the New York Times Best Seller: Turn Right at Machu Picchu and The Last Day of the Incas if you're interested n learning more.

Some people believe that the bubble has burst and that gold will no longer be as highly valued as it is today.Gold Bubble: Profiting From Gold's Impending Collapse discusses the history of gold and talks about what the future brings.

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New Tourist Visa Regulations for Peru and Border Hopping

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Updated 5 April 2017

People love Peru so much that they don't want to leave! Unfortunately, some of them overstay their visa.

The Rumours
There were rumors that the $1 a day fine was going to increase to $5 a day. Here's info about the proposal.

"If passed, the new law will allow you up to 183 days in a 365 day period and the fine for overstaying is $5 a day. You can read all 18 pages of the law at El Peruano."

What Happened
The good news is that the law did NOT go into effect, but it did increase a bit. On Expatriates in Peru, Craig Ess asked about the fine on 16 September 2016.  It's $1.25 (yes, that's US dollars that they use since the sol historically isn't stable). Not only that, but there are no other penalties for overstaying, and you can pay, leave, and then come back 10 minutes later.

Visa changes happened in 2008. As a tourist, you are allowed up to 183 days at a time and then you can either border hop or pay the $1.25 a day fine once you leave. Some people have been known to bargain especially those who overstay their visa by years. Yes, years. I've known people to overstay by 1, 2 and even 7 years. While it's not ideal, it's still done.

If you're going to stay in Peru for years and year, make sure you see all the sites worth seeing!

NB: I'll be taking a break from blogging at The Ultimate Peru List in March. While I'm gone you can take a look at my other blogs. New posts will be published starting in April.

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3 Famous Companies with Peruvian Roots

Peru is famous for many things such as Pisco, asparagus, pima cotton, alpacas, the Incas, and Machu Picchu. Some companies are looking to Peru for inspiration and below you can find the results.

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Started in 2012, by a man who was backpacking through Latin America, this company wanted make quality shoes using  authentic materials made by local people. They use traditional Peruvian designs in their footwear. They believe in fair trade and give back through the OneShoeOneTree project as well as TreesForTheFuture.

They're trying to provide quality shoes while helping people and the environment in developing countries. You can read more about their story and see the shoes they have. You can buy their products directly from their website or Amazon.

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Created in 1976 by a mother and daughter team who was inspired by anthropology research on women in the Andean marketplaces. You can read more about the sweater that started it all.

They mainly have clothing made from alpaca, vicuna, and pima cotton. They also have jewelry, accessories, and things for the home. Unlike Inkkas which uses traditional designs, Peruvian connection uses modern designs not related to Peru. You can buy their products directly from their website.

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Founded in 1975, by a former Peace Corp volunteer, the word tumi means a ceremonial knife. Traditionally it was used to perform sacrifices in ancient Peru. However, nowadays, it is often hung in people's home for good luck.

Their quality black-on-black bags launched the company into fame in the 80s. While most of their products are bags and luggage, they also sell accessories. They take pride in their products' quality and each item goes through vigorous testing before it can be sold. You can buy their products directly from their website or from Amazon.

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2015 Peru Inspired Gift Guide

If you're looking for Peru inspired gifts, you've come to the right place! Here are a few ideas to get you started.


Food and Drinks
Paneton and hot chocolate is a staple during the Christmas season. Don't forget a Peruvian mug. While some might snub their nose at fruitcake (paneton), Peruvians love it. Drinking hot chocolate during summer might seem odd, but hey, it's Christmas, so why not?

If you want to buy a unique non-alcoholic drink for someone, try Inca Kola. It's what Coca Cola is to the USA and what Irn Bru is to Scotland. Chicha morada is a drink made from purple corn. Although it sounds weird, it's really good and unique to Peru.

For the cook in your life, Peruvian cookbooks are the way to go. They'll find great recipes like ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, papa rellena, and much more.

Blankets and Throws
When people think of warm winter blankets, they often think of wool. Alpaca is superior than wool since it is softer, warmer, and has no lanolin which means it's hypoallergenic. It makes great blankets and throws with rich colours. It's great for cozying up on the couch and drinking hot cocoa, from a Peruvian mug, of course.

Pima Cotton 
Peru has quality material such as alpaca and pima cotton. When buying cloth, don't skimp on the price since you will get what you pay for. Although something might be more expensive, it will probably last much longer than the cheaper item and therefore save you money in the long-run.

Famous throughout the world, pima cotton is used to make many things such as sheets, clothing for kids and babies, as well as shirts for adults.

Shoes and Accessories
Inkkas is a great company that uses local resources and gives back to the community. Their shoes are handmade by artisans in Peru using ethically sourced material from South America. The result is sustainable footwear with rich colours and unique designs.

Peruvian jewelry ranges from fine jewelry to woven handicrafts. Bracelets featuring the Nazca Lines and a Tumi pendant make pretty, unique gifts.

More Gifts
If you're looking for more ideas, here are other Peru inspired gift guides I've written.

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• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Reader Request: Registering a Foreign Marriage in Peru

Congrats on your marriage! I get a lot of emails asking me how to register a foreign marriage in Peru when one of the spouses is Peruvian. This information was originally posted here and I've re-posted it below.

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You will have to register your marriage in the country where you got married (probably at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and then go to the Peruvian consulate or embassy and register it with them. Do this as quickly as possible because there may be a time limit. If possible, get a couple marriage certificates. You will need a new marriage certificate every year in order to renew residency.
After you register it at the consulate or embassy, they will then give you a Peruvian marriage certificate.

Ask them if your marriage will be registered with RENIEC. If it will not be registered with RENIEC, then you will also have to do that when you get here. When you come to Peru, you have between 30 and 90 days to register your marriage depending on the person you talk to.

• It will have to be apostillised; see Peru and the Hague Agreement for more info. 
• It will also have to be translated by a certified translator, if it's not already in Spanish (see Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (RREE) and do a search for traductores oficiales). 
• Then go to RENIEC and register your marriage if it hasn't already been registered.

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5 Fantastic Peruvian Grains

Updated 27 October 2017

With all the diets and super food information out there, you've probably heard of some famous Peruvian grains, such as quinoa. Grain is technically a misnomer since they're seeds, legumes, and roots. Affordable and healthy, they're much better than rice. People believe that these grains are anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-lipedemic. 

Believed to be eaten by people long ago, they invoke thoughts of the ancient Incas. These grains were a staple in their diet. Wonderment and amazement surrounds the Incan culture, similar to that around the ancient Romans and Greeks. To this day scientists still can't figure out how Manchu Picchu was formed, or how the rocks were moved there since that area of Peru doesn't contain any massive rocks. You'll notice that the names of these grains aren't Spanish. They're Quechua. One of the languages spoken by the indigenous people of Peru.

Your local health food store will probably have them, if not you can always order them off iHerb (and get up to $10 off your first order by using code: LNQ216).

Source: Allyson Kramer

Kañiwa
This is similar to quinoa, this seed is high in protein and amino acids. It's also a great source of iron and is gluten-free. Make sure you rinse kañiwa thoroughly before cooking. The grains are covered with a bitter coating that must be removed before cooking. Some people say that it's better to lightly toast it and then cover it with water. You'll want to use 1 part kañiwa to 2 parts water and drain thoroughly.

Source: Peru this Week

Kiwicha
Better known as amaranth and sometimes referred to as the mini-quinoa, this is also a gluten-free seed. Kiwicha is red, gold, and purple. It's high in fiber and protein and has a number of essential minerals. During the Day of the Dead celebrations, kiwicha is popped and sugar is added to make alegria, a candy.



Maca

Source: Veg Kitchen

Technically a herb, since maca has a flour-like consistency, it is often referred to as a grain. Commonly known as Peruvian ginseng, this root has been used as a supplement to help with energy, libido, and hormone balance. You can add maca to cold dishes or drinks, but be careful about adding it to anything hot as the heat can cause it to lose its health benefits. 



Quinoa

Source: The Kitchn

Technically not a grain, quinoa is a seed that is high in protein and doesn't contain gluten. It's easy to cook. Rinse thoroughly! The seeds have a coating on them and if you don't rinse it off the quinoa will taste very bitter. You add 1 part quinoa to 2 parts of water and boil. Once the water reaches a boil, cover the pot, and turn the heat down low. Wait until the quinoa is soft. It should take about 15 minutes. Drain and put back into the pot. This will help it dry out more and make sure the quinoa is fluffy and not soggy. Wait about 15 minutes and serve.

Tarwi

Source: Cuzco Eats

Better than soybeans, this legume is high in protein and amino acids. Sometimes called chocho, it takes longer to make than quinoa, kiwicha, or kañiwa. You'll have to soak it in water for about a day before using. You can eat it whole or mash it, similar to potatoes.





More Info
Here are some more posts that might interest you.

• Peruvian desserts
• Peruvian food and drink 
• Peruvian fruits
• Peruvian grains 
• Pisco Sour

If you're interested in finding out more about Peruvian gastronomy, check out The Fire of Peru and Gaston Acurio's cookbook. There are also lots of Peruvian remedies that use traditional Peruvian foods.

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