4 trips out of the Andes
The Andes mountain range stretches across a large part of South America and is, for many, a reason to visit this continent. It is characterised by its breathtaking landscapes and rich indigenous cultures. In addition, a number of well-known products originate from this region. We have listed four of them below.
1. Alpaca wool
We’re seeing them more and more often in the Netherlands: llamas and alpacas. You’ll see their images on cushions, bags, key rings and so on. There are even farms where you can take part in workshops to cuddle alpacas. In South America, these animals were already present amongst the indigenous peoples before the Spanish arrived on the continent. The animals were used to transport goods, for their wool and for their meat. Today, the alpaca in particular is an important source of wool. Alpaca wool is very soft and has a lovely sheen. It makes a great fabric for a cosy, warm jumper or a lovely scarf.
2. Coca leaves
We’re unlikely to come across this product in the Netherlands any time soon. This is because the leaves of this plant are used in the production of cocaine. However, this is not the reason why coca is so popular in the Andes. Here, it has been used for various purposes for centuries. It is used daily by the local population who have to work hard, for example on the land. The work is hard and long. Chewing coca leaves gives you more energy and makes you feel less hungry. It is also said to help with medical ailments, and if you’re travelling, it may be offered to you to prevent altitude sickness. You might, for example, be served it as a herbal tea.
3. Quinoa
A superfood that has made its way into the Western world in recent years. In South America, it was already being cultivated by the Incas 5,000 years ago. Quinoa is a word from Quechua, the language of the Incas, and translates as ‘supergrain’. It is packed with nutrients and, as it is one of the few grains that can grow at high altitudes, it is a very important staple for the local population.
4. Potatoes
We Dutch are so proud of the potato. However, the potato does not actually originate from the Netherlands at all. The potato has its origins in the Andes. And whilst we are mainly familiar with the yellow potato, there are in fact more than 400 varieties in the Andes, ranging from purple to blue, and from bitter to sweet. Tip: In Arequipa, you’ll find the little restaurant Hatunpa, which is entirely dedicated to the potato. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes, choosing from the various types of potato yourself and selecting a suitable topping to go with them.
