Although Latin America is a fairly distinct region, it is actually highly diverse in culture and especially in cuisine.

Some common elements typical of Latin American cuisines include maize-based dishes (such as tortillas and tamales) and various salsas and other condiments (guacamole, pico de gallo, mole and chimichurri). These spices are generally what give Latin American cuisines a distinct flavour, yet each country of Latin America tends to use a different spice and those that share spices tend to use them in different proportions.