A Fiery Adventure: My Chili Pepper Journey in South America
- The Agricoutourist
- Jan 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 26
So I got my final itinerary just as the snow started to fall here in Alabama. I spent all week planning, reading, cooking spicy meals and shopping!
I’m gearing up for a trip that’s sure to heat things up—quite literally! This summer, I’ll be venturing through South America to explore the birthplace and cultivation of chili peppers. From wandering ancient markets rich with heritage peppers to visiting local farms that carry on centuries-old growing traditions, I’m excited to discover how each region nurtures its own spin on spice. And yes, I’ll be documenting every sizzling detail for future blog posts and lessons in my agriculture classes.
Along the way, I’m stocking up on a few travel essentials that will help me cover two weeks of pepper-filled adventures—plus some chili-themed items to feed my passion. Below, you’ll find Amazon product suggestions (with affiliate links) I either already have or plan to purchase. Should you use any of these links, remember that I am an Amazon Associate and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Exploring South America’s Spicy Roots
The Birthplace of the Chili Pepper
Many believe chili peppers originated in the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia. It’s here that I plan to trace the genetic ancestors of the peppers we know and love today. Think tangy ají peppers, robust rocoto peppers, and countless heirloom varieties you won’t find in your neighborhood grocery store. By exploring these regions’ farms and speaking with local farmers, I hope to gain firsthand insights into how climate, geography, and culture have shaped these unique peppers over centuries.
Travel Tip: In certain mountainous areas, the altitude can make you feel breathless. Plan for rest days or slower hikes if you’re not used to high elevations.
2. Must-Have Travel Items for a 2-Week Adventure
Organizing for two weeks in South America means planning for variable climates, long bus rides, and bustling city streets. Here’s my packing list for a smooth, comfortable journey:
Lightweight, Durable Luggage
Why I’m Choosing It: I need something easy to maneuver during layovers and small internal flights.
Amazon Idea: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner – Reliable, scratch-resistant, and offers plenty of room for souvenirs (like dried peppers).
Compact Daypack
Why I’m Choosing It: Perfect for day trips to farms, markets, and short hikes without dragging my main suitcase.
Amazon Idea: Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack – Light, comfortable shoulder straps, and enough pockets for a water bottle, camera, and notebook.
Universal Travel Adapter
Why I’m Choosing It: Different outlets in South America mean I need a reliable adapter for charging electronics.
Amazon Idea: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter – Covers multiple plug types and includes USB ports for devices.
Money Belt or Travel Wallet
Why I’m Choosing It: Peace of mind when carrying cash, credit cards, and important documents through busy markets.
Amazon Idea: Peak Gear Travel Money Belt – Lightweight, discreet, and RFID-blocking.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Why I’m Choosing Them: Long days on uneven terrain require sturdy footwear that can handle both city sidewalks and dirt roads on farms.
Amazon Idea: Columbia Women’s/Men’s Hiking Shoes – Known for supportive soles and good traction.
Portable Water Filter Bottle
Why I’m Choosing It: Staying hydrated is essential, and this ensures I have clean water on the go—even in remote areas.
Amazon Idea: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle – Filters out bacteria and parasites, reducing plastic waste from bottled water.
Lightweight Rain Jacket or Poncho
Why I’m Choosing It: Weather can be unpredictable; a sudden rain shower shouldn’t dampen my pepper explorations.
Amazon Idea: Columbia Arcadia II Jacket – Packs down small and is breathable yet waterproof.
3. Delving into Chili Culture
Markets, Farms & Food Stalls
Bustling Markets: Places like the San Pedro Market in Cusco, Peru, or Bolivia’s La Paz stalls are brimming with dried chilies, fresh produce, and vibrant pepper pastes.
Local Farms: Meeting farmers who carry on heirloom pepper traditions using age-old methods is a must. I’ll investigate irrigation systems, traditional pest control, and how peppers adapt to varying elevations.
Cooking Workshops & Tastings
No chili adventure is complete without tasting local dishes. I’m booked for cooking workshops where I’ll learn about rocoto relleno (stuffed hot peppers) or mild yet flavorful ají amarillo sauces. Expect plenty of recipe testing and step-by-step guides once I’m back and ready to share my findings!
4. Recommended Reads & Chili Essentials
While on the road, I’m also bolstering my knowledge (and kitchen) with chili-focused resources. Here are a couple of items I find invaluable for fellow pepper enthusiasts:
Chile Pepper Field Guide or Cookbook
Why I Recommend It: Helps identify different pepper varieties and offers recipe inspiration.
The Complete Chile Pepper Book – Great resource for everything from pepper taxonomy to unique cooking tips.
Peppers of the Americas: The Remarkable Capsicums That Forever Changed Flavor Beautiful book from my favorite publishers.
Chile Peppers: A Global History - The guide I am using as I plan my around the world by pepper trip. Introduces farms, recipes, scientists and culinary stars from around the world.
Peru another beautiful cookbook I'll use to start learning about the items we will be selecting from the markets and cooking with our chefs.
Dried Chili Sampler Pack
Why I Recommend It: Perfect for taste-testing diverse flavors (smoky, sweet, searingly hot) even before you embark on your trip.
Amazon Idea: Assorted Dried Chile Combo – Includes classics like ancho and guajillo, plus less common peppers for adventurous palates.
Want to try growing some of your own peppers? I have succsecfully grown and begun harvesting over 20 types of peppers both at home and with the students in our school greenhouse. Here are the ones I have had the most success with but don't forget you can buy them (organic is best) at the store and save and use all of those seeds.
I like to use this sustainable coconut core for seed starting soil, this heat mat in winter as well as these easy grow lights and plant in these to start seeds prior to hardening off in the greenhouse.
5. Bringing the Journey Home
Upon returning, I’ll transform these fiery discoveries into classroom lessons and blog updates that underscore:
Real-World Agriculture Insights: How distinct climates and cultural practices affect pepper evolution and global food systems.
Sustainability in Action: Many South American farmers prioritize eco-friendly methods, ideal for lessons on responsible farming.
Culinary Bridges: From the hills of Peru to kitchens worldwide, peppers connect us all through flavor and tradition.
I can’t wait to share photos, videos, and personal anecdotes from my journey, as well as the tips and recipes I gather from local chefs and home cooks along the way.
Final Word & Disclaimer
Thank you for joining me as I gear up for this 2-week chili-pepper adventure across South America. Whether you’re interested in the bold flavors, the agricultural techniques, or the cultural significance of these fiery fruits, I hope my experiences offer a new perspective on the incredible journey chili peppers have made across continents.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through any of the product links mentioned, I may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Every bit helps me keep traveling, researching, and sharing the spicy stories behind these legendary peppers.
Stay tuned for updates, more product recommendations, and a deeper dive into the heart (and heat) of chili peppers!
I will be posting my custom itinerary in a few days.
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