Category: SOUTH AMERICA
Discover cacao in Chichen Itza, the most important archaeological vestige of the Maya-Toltec civilization in Yucatan, Mexico. I am a historian and… read more
The “hoja sagrada” or sacred leaf has enormous significance to Aymara and Quechua people in the Andes. Discover the coca leaf in… read more
Discover the curative use of cocoa among the Maya & Mexica/Aztec of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, based on reports from the colonial era to… read more
Southamericans chew coca leaves to eradicate hunger, thirst, improve muscle stamina, to counter altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation. The leaf is also… read more
Potatoes are stem tubers and considered a starchy vegetable. There are many health benefits to potatoes, they are rich in starch, fiber,… read more
Paraguayans and North Argentinians drink Tereré – cold mate with iced water or fruit juice (orange or lemonade) and herbs such as… read more
Ancient Meso-Americans consumed chocolate in a variety of ways. It could be everything from a ritual potion, to a healing elixir and… read more
For the Incas, as well as for today’s Aymara and Quechua farmers of the Andes, the potato is more then sustenance, it… read more
Cuy, is part of the culture, history, mythology, folklore and every day life, of Peruvians from time immemorial. This small rodent is… read more
Along roadsides throughout Argentina we notice mystical shrines with red flags flying around them. Discover the folk saint Gauchito Gil. We hitchhiked… read more
Throughout Argentina, we notice roadside shrines amid of water bottles and a statuette of a lactating mother. Discover the folk saint Difunta… read more
Discover cacao in Popol Vuh and the iconographic relationship between cacao and maize reflecting their importance within Maya cultures. Before this, the… read more
Discover historical and mythical origins of Cacao in Mesoamerica. Cacao – or traces of the compounds theobromine and caffeine – have been… read more
Visiting South America, we have often been invited to share a mate, by friendly and curious locals. Having a mate or terere means… read more
The island’s enormous carved stone moai statues, have given allure for generations. Myths and Legends of the Moai on Rapa Nui- The… read more
CHILE: Myths and Legends of the birdman cult on the Easter Island- Rapa Nui Learn about Makemake and the incredible competition that… read more
Myths and legends from Chiloé possess a multitude of creatures and a distinct and interesting history of male witches, Francisco Goya’s painting… read more
Violeta Parra was a folklorist and an ethnomusicologist, a poet, a musician, a painter, a sculptor and a tapestry maker. Above all,… read more
Discover the Aymara legend, history and folklore of the quinoa in Peru and its use in traditional culture. For millions quinoa is… read more
This legend came to us, sitting in a restaurant in Foz do Iguacu, near the Iguazu falls, sharing my meal with a… read more
Kuka, is Quechua and means unique, excellent and sacred, its the name of the coca plant and leaf. Khoka, the Aymara word… read more
