You’ve seen them, you petted them at your local pet store, and some of you might have even had them as pets yourself. But did you know in Peru, guinea pigs aren't bred as pets, but as livestock meant to be eaten?! Considered a delicacy and usually only meant to be eaten on special occasions. You may be able to find them in restaurants located around Cusco for curious tourists such as yourself. Though make sure not to say call it guinea pig. That won't get you anywhere. “Cuy”, pronounced “COO-ee”, is the proper word for it. With my history of trying exotic foods, from the spiky rimmed, stinky fruit durian, to alligator, and even balut; better known as duck embryo, there isn't nearly a thing I haven't tried. Nearly. So, when my travels landed me in Cusco, you should already know what my first thought was. “Where can a crazy tourist such as myself get a plate full of cuy?!" History of Cuy Whether you wanted to know it or not, the guinea pig started in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. Shortly after it was found, the natives started breeding it to eat. It was only much later they became the furry pets we know and love today as they were shipped to Europe. Their purpose changing drastically. At this point you might be wondering what is different and special about cuy. While smaller in size, perfect for a single person with a big appetite, cuy is higher in protein and lower in cholesterol than the big three main meat staples. Chicken, beef and pork. In Cusco, there I was lucky enough to meet a girl who volunteers with a program that raises the aforementioned animal. Who do they serve exactly? Cancer patients. Their meat being a healthier option
You’ve seen them, you petted them at your local pet store, and some of you might have even had them as pets yourself. But did you know in Peru, guinea pigs aren’t bred as pets, but as livestock meant to be eaten?! Considered a delicacy and usually only meant to be eaten on special occasions.
