The main language spoken in Iquitos, Peru is Spanish, but there are also many indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Aymara, spoken by the tribes living deeper in the rainforest.
We use the Peruvian sol, and the conversion rate between Peruvian soles and American dollars is usually around 4:1 (four Peruvian soles to every one American dollar).
A typical bottle of water cost about four Peruvian soles (i.e., $1).
Cajamarca is surrounded by farmland and is, therefore, known for its dairy products. This week, my friends and I visited Marengo Pizzeria where I ordered a “Cajamarcan” pizza with cheese, ham, chicken and pineapple. These may not be your typical pizza toppings, but the combination was delicious …and the cheese was out of this world!
While living abroad, I have immersed myself in the music of my host country. Music is a really important component of any culture. Here in Peru, cumbia--a fusion between Colombian, Cuban, and native rhythms--is the favorite and is beloved everywhere throughout the country.
