Deeply rooted in centuries of history and many influences, Peru is a country where traditions are more than just customs—they’re a way of life. Peru’s traditions are as diverse as its scenery, from colorful street celebrations to ancient customs still upheld in isolated communities. We’re sure the knowledge we’ll give you will be useful in your trip to Peru.
Besides trying delicious food, and visiting amazing places, take your time to know people, their way of life, and their traditions.his blog will walk you through the vibrant, tasty, and rhythmic ways Peruvians embrace the present while maintaining a connection to their past- Let’s see!
Greetings
Greetings are an important part of Peruvians’ interaction with others, making new friends, or just for social etiquette. For example, men usually greet each other with a handshake, sometimes with a quick hug or pat on the back. Women usually greet each other, friends, or family with a kiss on the cheek.
When you greet someone, it’s always nice to add a friendly wave along with a cheerful “hola” or “buenos días” if it’s before noon. After noon until about 6 PM, you can say “buenas tardes.” Following up with “¿cómo estás?” is a lovely way to connect, which means “how are you?” If you want to be more formal, you can use “¿Que tal?”
Don’t forget to use “Señor” or “Señora” to show respect to older people, they will appreciate it and will treat you likewise. When the moment to say goodbye comes, use a “chau” (bye) or “hasta luego” or “hasta otra vez” (until I see you again). If you want to know more about greetings in Spanish you can take a look at this blog.
Bargaining
Although this part requires a blog apart, we can say that in Peru is almost like an art that if you master, it will allow you to merge with locals and save some money. In general, you can bargain after you get into a taxi, in the markets, or when buying handicrafts or souvenirs.
For example, when buying souvenirs, we don’t recommend you buy from the first place you see: Take your time to visit some other shops, compare prices, and see if vendor agree to lower their prices. Although hat we recommend taking a taxi using an app or calling a taxi company, when you take it on the street try to bargain with the driver when he says his price.
Religion
In Peru, almost everyone is catholic, so they have very rooted beliefs expressed in their daily lives. It’s normal for some people to do the sign of the cross before they go to work or pass by a church. Another proof of that is the festivals Peruvians do to honor their religious traditions, such as holy week, Corpus Christi, etc.
However, it’s interesting to note that, especially in the Andes regions people there tend to blend Christian beliefs with ancient inca or Andean traditions. For example, we have the “Pachamama” celebration or the Inti Raymi. Whether you’re a believer or not, pay respect to beliefs, traditions, or rites in religious places or when you see a bunch of religious people.
Eating
Peruvian cuisine is a delightful experience that combines rich flavors with beautiful traditions. When you have a meal in Peru in a Peruvian house, it’s a good idea to wait for your host to guide you to your seat. It’s also polite to hold off on eating until everyone has their meal. Before you start, you’ll often hear a friendly “buen provecho” shared among diners, which shows respect and friendship.
Dishes like ceviche and pachamanca require respecting their traditional practices. Scoop up ceviche and enjoy the freshness of the fish with a spoon. The best way to enjoy Pachamanca, a communal feast cooked to perfection in a soil oven, is with your hands. Peru’s rich gastronomic culture is represented by these dishes, which represent the deep ties to the country and its people.
During formal meals, it’s common to see men and women seated on opposite sides of the table. The host often begins with a toast, saying “salud” or “buen provecho.” It’s nice to try everything on your plate, but if there’s something you can’t eat, feel free to politely decline.
Make sure to include everyone in the conversation, as having private chats at the table can be seen as impolite. Dining in Peru is more than just enjoying food—it’s a ritual that makes a great opportunity to connect with others and celebrate our rich traditions together!
Punctuality
In Peru, you’ll find a duality or we can say a contradiction: In business matters, as in all countries in the world, is typical to be 10 or 5 minutes before a meeting or a rendez vous. However, in the social field, this is way more flexible.
If you’re invited to a party or social meeting in Peru, you can be late, or too late, so, don’t feel bad if you get 20 or 30 minutes after the starting time. We Peruvians even have a name for this practice, we call it “Hora Peruana” or Peruvian Time in English. In case you’ll be the host, inform your foreign friends about this tradition.
Dress codes and Photos
Peruvian clothing reflects the great cultural diversity of our country. Cities have modern, Western-inspired clothing that frequently has a unique twist to convey personality. For example, in major cities like Lima, you can see a fusion of Western fashion and traditional trends. It is not unusual to see traditional attire in rural regions and at festivals; it includes colorful woven fabrics and regionally-specific hats.
Wearing clothing that expresses oneself is encouraged as long as it is done about the surroundings. For instance, it is suggested to dress modestly and by local customs when visiting a sacred place or an Indigenous village as an expression of respect for their customs and culture
Environmental Culture
When visiting archaeological places or small villages or towns, besides common sense, an environmentally friendly attitude and cultural awareness are also important. That’s why the following tips will help you to make the most when you visit a place that deserves to be respected:
- Always listen to your guide
- Don’t litter
- Dont bring any food
- Don’t bring selfie sticks, tripods, or drones, especially if you’re going to Machu Picchu.
- Don’t lean or touch any ruins
- Use the bathroom before you visit an attraction.
Adaptation
Maybe our traditions and costumes are totally different from yours, however, we hope you can follow our tips and blend with Peruvians to maximize your trip. If you want to create a new experience while in Peru, check out our articles about experiential tourism or our Amantani Island Homestay. We are sure you can have a new viewpoint on Tourism in Peru if you opt for these tours.
When in Peru, travel with Viagens Machu Picchu. We are a reputable tourism company that has assisted travelers to make their dreams come true in our country. Contact our consultants and prepare for the trip of your life!
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.
| Español > Viagens Machu Picchu |
| English >Viagens Machu Picchu |
| Portugués > Viagens Machu Picchu |