Continue learning about what specific kinds of music go into the mix to make the special sound that is Novalima.

Novalima mixes Peruvian folk music with electronic beats. Touring has become an important source of inspiration. That’s how they translate their musical roots onto the dance floor. Universal tunes with local sounds!

Novalima is very aware of the importance of Peruvian folk music, not just in their sound but in another musical genres as well. Paco de Lucía, a Spanish flamenco musician, might have made the sound of the “cajón” (a box-like musical instrument) famous, but that sound is Peruvian as it gets.

Deep in the heart of Old San Juan you can hear live salsa music playing most any night at the Nuyorican Cafe. We stepped into the alley for a breather and had a little chat with two lovely salseras to get an insider view of what brings them back to the dance floor night after night.

¿Qué bolá? That’s ¿Qué pasa? (What’s Up?) in Havana, where your “homeboy” is your “monina,” your “consorte,” or simply ‘asere.’ Here we find musical giants Orishas back in the old barrio of Vedado.

Orishas is the most famous Cuban band of recent years. They have achieved fame and glory all over Europe and Latin America. Even those who don’t understand their lyrics (sometimes hard enough even for Spanish speakers) can’t seem to keep their hips and shoulders still.

Even if Orishas left Cuba looking for new fortunes, they never forgot where they came from. In Nací Orishas, they’re singing to the same streets where they grew up.

The Cuban band Orishas went all the way from starving artists to well fed ambassadors of Latin Hip Hop. Let’s listen in as even Spaniards ask for some explanation of the Cuban slang and cultural references found in the song “El Kilo.”

Natalia from Ecuador introduces us to the largely indigenous and extremely fascinating city of Otavalo, considered to be the "intercultural capital" of Ecuador.

Meet Cesar Flores, the owner of the Kory Malku Andean shoe store in Otavalo, Ecuador.

Humberto Morales from Ecuador teaches us about the Zampoña, a traditional Andean instrument.

An Ecuadorian player of the siku, a traditional Andean instrument, tells us how his music has taken him around the world.

Natalia takes us on a tour the beautiful San Pablo Lake in northern Ecuador, explaining to us about its many natural, sporting and leisure attractions.

Ecuadorian antique shop owner, Víctor Echeverría, shares with us its history and some of its unique treasures.

Residents of Otavalo, Ecuador, explain to us how they celebrate "Inti Raymi," an Inca Empire celebration in honor of the sun god, "Inti," and how it helps them to preserve their culture.