Lima Travel Forum

Thanks for suggesting I use an ATM card when I visit Peru and Bolivia. I went to my local bank to activate it for overseas usage today. My card does not have the Visa logo but Maestro and Cirrus. Will I be able to use them in Lima and La Paz?

Also , I would like to try the local food. What is popularly sold in the markets and stalls? Is the staple food potatoes or rice? What snacks are usually consumed? How much should I allocate for food a day?

Thanks.

Hi there,

You wonīt have a problem using your credit card in Peru and Bolivia. Most of the ATMīs have VISA, Cirrus, Maestro and PLUS signs. I had no problem with my Mastercard obtaining money and it was certainly the most convenient way to get cash.

The Peruvian food is really good. You should try Papas a la Huacaina, Aji de Gallina, Ceviche. You may have also heard that in Peru they eat Cui which is essentially Guinea Pig. I didnīt try it but you may like to.

I ate a guinea pig while I was waiting for the riot police to free our bus from the demonstraters, who periodically block the Pan-american highway, with their rocks and burning tyres. It wasn't very nice.

It's served whole, so you can see the little ears and eyes, and it's like old shoe leather. Also, If you see a dried llama foetus in the witches' market, don't eat it! Alpaca meat is nice to eat though. I also liked the quinhua soup. If you are into alcohol, then the pisco sours are great.

Peruvians and Bolivians are potato, not rice, eaters. They claim to have about a hundred different types, and can tell the difference between all of them!

ATM, with Maestro and Cirrus, no problem.