Get to know what the provinces of Peru can offer before you go on a protein bar diet (the diet of those hard core trekkers) or get on the bathroom rampage (like I always do ugh).

Chifa- the Peruvians version of Chinese food consist of your common stir fry and fried rice. Expect potatoes in all of meals since it is a staple food and then you can drown yourself with Inca Cola.

fried rice with chicken

stir fry beef with inca cola

If ever you find yourself challenged in looking for good food while at Aguas Calientes on or before your maiden voyage to Machu Picchu, go to the Mercado Central for cheap home cooked meals for 5-7 soles only and some fruit juice.

Coca tea- Yes, it has an alkaloid of cocaine. If you're an athlete, please don't take it before a game because you'll test positive for drugs. No kidding! It is offered everywhere- from the hostel to the Peru Rail- and as candy!

Coca leaves

Alpaca meat- From the same family of the Llamas, the Alpacas are also well known as good material for clothing, scarves and the like. The alpaca meat below with tomato based sauce tasted like the kambing ('goat') kaldereta of the Philippines. Ick.

Alpaca meat

Now you're all set for a protein, carbo rich Peruvian meal on high altitude.