Peru: Arequipa – Mercado San Camilo

Arequipa’s location at the foothills of the Andes makes its main market a meeting point of farmers, fishermen, mountain villagers, and everybody else. The selection and variety of goods on offer here is truly amazing – fresh Andean cheeses, fresh meats of all shapes and sizes (from chicken to duck to alpaca to bull’s testicles), fish from both the ocean and the mountain lakes and rivers, and fruits and vegetables. The latter stands are particularly plentiful and you can order a juice from ingredients of your choice – several types of cactus fruits, local varieties of papayas and guavas, star fruits, or something else you never saw in your life. There is also a section of a cafeteria where you can try a meat or cheese sandwich or a hot creole chicken soup.