Latin America Travel Tips

Latin American cuisine relies on a variety of staple ingredients that form the foundation of many traditional dishes. Across Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Brazil, you'll find the prominent use of corn, beans, potatoes, rice, meat, and fresh herbs.

Corn is a central ingredient in many countries, especially in Peru and Brazil, where it’s used to make dishes like arepas and beiju (a type of tapioca flatbread). In Argentina, corn plays a key role in making empanadas and humitas, a traditional corn dish.

Beans, particularly black beans, are essential in Brazil for dishes like feijoada, a hearty stew made with beans and pork, and in Peru, beans are often paired with rice to make simple, satisfying meals.

Potatoes are another essential ingredient, particularly in Peru, which is home to thousands of varieties, and they are used in a variety of dishes, from the famous aji de gallina to papas a la huancaina. In Chile, potatoes appear frequently, especially in traditional dishes like pastel de choclo.

Rice is a common side dish throughout the region, particularly in Brazil, where it is served alongside feijoada, and in Argentina and Chile, it’s often paired with grilled meats.

Meat, especially beef, is a major ingredient in Argentina, where the famous asado (barbecue) is a social and culinary tradition. Similarly, Brazil also has a strong meat culture, particularly with churrasco, a Brazilian-style barbecue. Chicken, pork, and seafood are also commonly used in Peru and Chile, where fresh fish and shellfish feature prominently in dishes like ceviche.

Fresh herbs such as cilantro and oregano are widely used to add depth and flavor to dishes, with cilantro especially prevalent in Peru and Brazil, where it is often used in stews, marinades, and salsas.

Asado is a traditional Argentine dish, renowned for its slow-grilled meats, especially beef, which is considered some of the best in the world. The meat is cooked over an open flame or on a grill (parrilla), often accompanied by chimichurri sauce. Asado is more than just a meal; it’s a social event, typically enjoyed with family and friends, and holds a central place in Argentine culture.

Ceviche is a beloved dish in Peru, made from raw fish marinated in citrus juices, most commonly lime or lemon, which “cooks” the fish. It’s typically served with red onions, cilantro, and a touch of chili pepper, providing a refreshing and tangy flavor. In Chile and Brazil, variations of ceviche are also enjoyed, with regional twists like adding coconut milk in Brazil or serving it with sweet potato in Peru.

Feijoada is a hearty Brazilian stew made with black beans, a variety of meats like pork and beef, and served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. It’s a dish rich in history, often enjoyed during gatherings and celebrations, with the combination of tender meats and flavorful beans offering comfort and warmth.

Arepas are a staple in Venezuela and Colombia, but in Brazil, a similar dish called beiju is made from tapioca flour and often filled with ingredients like cheese, coconut, or chocolate. In Argentina, empanadas are a close cousin to arepas, filled with a variety of ingredients like ground meat, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, then fried or baked. These dishes highlight the regional use of corn and flour-based doughs, served with a variety of fillings.

Pastel de Choclo is a Chilean dish made with a savory meat mixture of ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, topped with a sweet corn mixture and baked. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish unique and a comforting choice for Chileans, often enjoyed during the country’s national holidays.

Aji de Gallina is a creamy and mildly spicy Peruvian dish made with shredded chicken cooked in a sauce made from yellow chili peppers, cheese, and walnuts. It’s typically served with rice and boiled potatoes, offering a comforting and flavorful experience that showcases Peru’s love for bold yet balanced flavors.

Milanesa is a popular breaded meat cutlet in Argentina, similar to schnitzel, made from beef or chicken. It’s typically served with mashed potatoes or a salad, offering a simple yet beloved dish that’s often part of family meals in Argentine homes.

Churrasco is Brazil’s version of grilled meat, often served as part of a traditional Rodízio or Brazilian barbecue. The meat is often seasoned with simple salt and cooked over a charcoal grill. Served with rice, beans, and salad, it’s a favorite across the country, particularly in the southern regions.

Latin American street food offers a rich variety of flavors, with each country contributing its own distinct snacks to the vibrant food scene. In Brazil, coxinha is a favorite snack found at street food stalls. Made of shredded chicken wrapped in dough and deep-fried to golden perfection, coxinhas are shaped like small drumsticks and are often served with a side of dipping sauce. These crispy treats are perfect for a quick, savory snack.

n Peru, papas rellenas (stuffed potatoes) are a common street food. Mashed potatoes are filled with a mix of seasoned meat and other ingredients, then breaded and deep-fried, creating a crispy exterior with a soft, savory filling inside. They are often found at food stalls in bustling areas.

Another street snack in Brazil is pastel, a crispy, deep-fried pastry typically filled with cheese, ground beef, or chicken. It's a favorite in markets, where the golden, crispy pastels are served fresh and hot, perfect for a quick bite on the go.

For a sweet option, churros are a favorite in Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. These deep-fried dough sticks are sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and often served with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. Churros are a popular treat in parks and festivals, offering a sweet indulgence after a long day of exploring.

These street foods are more than just snacks; they are an integral part of the food culture in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Brazil, offering quick and delicious bites that capture the essence of each country’s culinary traditions.

Desserts in Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil reflect the unique culinary traditions of each country, often blending local ingredients with sweet indulgence. Peru is known for its use of native fruits and grains, while Argentina, Chile, and Brazil offer their own rich and diverse dessert options that highlight their distinct cultural flavors.

In Peru, tres leches cake is a popular dessert, known for its moist texture and sweet, rich flavor. Made with a combination of three types of milk - evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk - this cake is soaked in the milks, giving it a soft, creamy consistency. It's often topped with whipped cream and served chilled. Another traditional dessert is picarones, a Peruvian twist on doughnuts, made with sweet potato and squash, then fried and drizzled with syrup made from chancaca (a type of unrefined sugar).

Chile is known for torta de mil hojas, a layered puff pastry dessert filled with dulce de leche (caramelized milk) and often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a sweet and flaky treat that's beloved across the country. Another popular Chilean dessert is mote con huesillos, a refreshing treat made with dried peaches (huesillos) and husked wheat (mote), soaked in a sweet syrup. It’s typically enjoyed during the summer months, often as a snack or dessert at outdoor markets.

In Argentina, dulce de leche is the cornerstone of many desserts. This caramelized milk spread is used in a variety of sweets, from cakes and pastries to alfajores, delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche and often dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate. Another Argentine classic is chocotorta, a no-bake cake made with layers of chocolate cookies and a creamy filling made from cream cheese, dulce de leche, and whipped cream.

Brazil has a range of delicious desserts, with brigadeiro standing out as the most iconic. These small, bite-sized sweets are made from sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles, creating a rich and indulgent treat. Another Brazilian favorite is pudim, a flan-like dessert made with condensed milk, eggs, and sugar, and typically topped with a caramel syrup. It’s creamy, smooth, and a popular dessert at family gatherings and celebrations.