While the name "guinea pig" might suggest they originate from Guinea, they actually come from the Andes Mountains of South America, specifically Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador.
The name "guinea pig" is a bit of a misnomer, with its origins likely stemming from a misunderstanding. The name might have come from the fact that they were brought to Europe by Spanish sailors from Guinea, or possibly from the fact that they were often sold in European markets for the same price as Guinea fowl.