The Peruvian group Novalima took a break from their European tour for an interview. Learn about the branching out and coming back together that the band members went through to achieve their rich and eclectic sound.

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.

Hugo Chávez is divisive figure in Venezuela, as he is the world over, but the enthusiasm he generates amongst a large and vocal segment of the population is undeniable. Omar Vizcaya is a Chávez supporter, and was kind enough to agree to share some of his thoughts and ideas about the current situation.

Barrio Adentro (Inside the Neighborhood) is a program of free medical clinics that have been established throughout Venezuela. Critics include the Venezuelan Medical Association, who claim that the Cubans who make up most of the doctors are not qualified, though the WHO and UNICEF are generally as enthusiastic as Omar about the program.

Meet Alberto from Otavalo, Ecuador, who has sold his handmade bracelets throughout the world.

Meet Manuel Leon, an Ecuadorian artist who makes effigies for the "Año Viejo" tradition which symbolically brings in the New Year by burning them as representations of the negative aspects of the past one.

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

Meet the volunteers of Faithful Friend Patrol, a dog rescue organization in Otavalo, Ecuador.

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

José Enriques, who works in the goat milk industry in Otavalo Ecuador, explains a bit about his typical day as well as the health benefits of goat milk.

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.