The Best Foodie Destinations in Latin America

From Mexico City to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, South America has the world’s hippest new food destinations. From a lush green rainforest, a bio-diversity filled Amazon, the soaring Andes, ocean and river fish in plenty, and a soil that has been enriched with volcanic-ash, the Latin countries have everything you could wish for.

And as their culinary fusions merge indigenous foods with European and Asian influences, these are the pit-stops to halt at if you’re considering a gourmet trek through the Americas.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires offers incredible traditional cuisine with European sophistication, and has been called the Paris of the south. Famous the world over for its beef, this city is a meat lover’s dream. Experiment with dishes like kidneys, or blood sausage, or even a platter papilla. This grilled steak is a simple preparation that lets the natural flavours of the meat shine. Also remember to try alfajores, an Argentine dessert of shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche.

Quito, Ecuador

For a taste of truly authentic South American cuisine, head to Quito. With many staples like beans, rice, plantains, fresh fish and yuca to choose from, the real highlight is the fresh fruit in the city. Sold on street carts at every street corner, it is the perfect afternoon snack. Sample the mangoes and dragon fruit, and the exotic guanabana, a prickly green fruit that is an exotic blend of strawberries, coconut and pineapples.

Lima, Peru

Lima is a haven for the adventurous eater. Its coastal location makes it the perfect spot to try their national dish, ceviche. Ceviche is made from fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and chilli, or spices. It is refreshing and tangy and all kinds of delicious. If you’re feeling really brave though, try the historical dish of cuy, which is barbecued or fried guinea pig, a dish that has been eaten in Peru for over 4,000 years.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo offers a great variety of cuisines lead by a community of renowned chefs heading very upscale restaurants. Sample Brazilian, African, European and Japanese cuisine at these establishments, which are good enough to rival the best in the world. One speciality is pastel, a delicious dumpling stuffed with ground meat, or cheese, even fresh guava jam, that has then been deep-fried. For those with a sweet tooth, try the clado de cana, or sugar cane juice.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago is the ideal designation for the gourmand. Surrounded by fields and orchards, this cuisine features locally grown fresh produce front and centre. From olive and papaya, you can be sure everything is of top quality. Visit Mercado Central, the largest market in town, and buy fresh seafood – sea urchin, abalone, salmon and anything else you could dream of. Chile’s local wines must also be sampled, as it is gaining a loyal following around the world.

Eat your way through Latin America!

A holiday in Latin America is the perfect way to spend your vacations. With a personal loan for travel ,which allows you to acquire a loan in 72 hours, there’s nothing stopping you from having the holiday of a lifetime.