Guinea pigs have been eaten in South America for hundreds of years, long before they became pets in the West. Eating roasted or fried guinea pig is an ancient tradition in parts of South America and still common today. But in other parts of the world, the animal is known as a stuffed pet for children. In the Andean mountains of Ecuador, guinea pigs are not treated as pets; they are raised, boiled and fried for dinner. Guinea pig or Cuy, as it is known in South America, is a local delicacy unique to the highlands of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. The guinea pig is an essential part of traditional Andean culture. Besides its importance as a staple food, it plays a crucial role in a variety of socially important holiday rituals. Guinea pig is most commonly eaten on special occasions, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years to the Inca Empire. Many Indian families in rural Ecuador raise guinea pigs, which they kill and eat. The meat is said to be delicious, but there is very little of it. In the United States, Ecuadorians have difficulty obtaining guinea pig meat. But beef, chi...