La Guajira is a totally unique department in the country, both for the culture, as for the landscapes and ecosystems that are found in this part of Colombia that are not seen anywhere else in the country, making it a department rich in diversity of all. This richness also includes the typical dishes of La Guajira that show impressive cuisine .

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Typical dishes that you definitely have to try on your trip to La Guajira , since the food of this department is the most interesting in all of Colombia , since it is prepared with foods that only occur in this area, and that have the seal of the Wayuu culture.

What are the typical dishes of La Guajira?

Friche

The friche is not only one of the typical dishes of La Guajira , but the flagship and most famous food of the department. It is a goat-based dish that is prepared with the meat of the shredded animal, salt, oil and sometimes they add the animal's own blood to increase its flavor. Then it is put on firewood and served with yam or shrimp and chopped rice.

Iguana stewed with coconut

The iguana is a very abundant animal in the Caribbean region and widely consumed in La Guaira . It can be prepared in various ways but the most made, is stewed with coconut, especially with the water and milk of this fruit. You can also add other condiments such as sweet peppers, ginger, salt and garlic, which makes its flavor especially exquisite. This is one of the typical dishes that you can not stop eating.

Chirrinchi

It is not a meal especially, but it is part of the Guajira cuisine so it deserves a special mention here, and be one of the typical dishes or rather, typical drinks of La Guajira that you have to try. It is a distillate made only with water and panela, which is rich and has great meaning for the Wayuu ethnic group. Chirrinchi is a perfect drink to serve as a companion on an afternoon of adventure, as a digestive or to liven up the Guajiras nights.

Iguaraya

The iguaraya is one of the exotic fruits found in this department. It is deep red, sweet and sour, it is the fruit of cacti and its surface is covered by thorns that fall when it is ready to be consumed. This fruit serves to make various typical dishes , juices and cocktails from the region.

Papaya Sweet

Thanks to the influence of the Spaniards and Africans, this is one of the delicious sweets typical of La Guajira . The central ingredient is papaya, as the name implies, and it is super delicious, because it has a very particular flavor and texture, which is partly due to the way of preparation of the Wayuu people. So after eating one of the delicious typical dishes of La Guajira , a papaya candy will be the perfect dessert.

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