Between the years 1200 and 1500 AD, and until the Spanish colonization of South America, Ecuadorians and Peruvians, especially the Incas, bred varieties of guinea pigs that became increasingly exotic. Many of these had fur and coloration very similar to the varieties we know today.
When trade with Europe really took off in the 16th century, guinea pigs became popular imports, generally more as pets than as food. Introduced into Europe initially by Spanish explorers, they were appreciated as exotic pets, especially among the wealthy and royal courts; for example, Queen Elizabeth I of England was among the first Europeans to take a liking to guinea pigs. The earliest written records about guinea pigs date back to 1547 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Guinea pigs also held religious significance. Some civilizations, such as the Moche (between 100 and 800 AD in northern Peru), worshiped them and incorporated them into their artwork or placed statues of them. The Incas, in turn, sacrificed them to their gods.
Today, many families in the Andean highlands continue raising guinea pigs for food. They are a great alternative to more common animals like cows or pigs, as they require little food and space, and are cheaper to raise. Additionally, they produce far less carbon dioxide than livestock farming.
Guinea pig dishes, often roasted on spits, can be found along the roads of towns and cities in the Andean region of Ecuador.
