If a backpacker commits a social faux pas when in Peru, most Peruvians will generally accept that the foreigner is simply behaving the way he or she would back home. However, it’s always nice to know what the social norms are in a foreign country.
Most backpackers will come across a wide range of cultural differences in Peru, but some are more evident and commonplace than others. Here are a few pointers to help visitors fit in more comfortably with everyday Peruvian culture.
Formal greetings in Peru are a combination of physical and verbal actions. A hearty handshake between men is standard, even for the briefest of encounters. For all other greetings, a kiss on the cheek is customary. Verbal greetings differ depending upon the situation. Amongst friends, a simple hola is sufficient. In order to show more respect, however, buenas dias (“good day”, used before midday) and buenas tardes (“good afternoon”) are traditionally used.
Although a common courtesy in many nations throughout the world, it is important to remember to stand when someone enters a room. Peruvian culture can be quite formal; failing to stand will often not go unnoticed.
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When visiting a family home it is customary to take a gift, especially after having previously received a clear invitation. Chocolates, fruit and flowers are generally safe options; wine is also a nice gesture, but it may be best to find out if the family drinks alcohol before giving them a bottle.
Patience, as they say, is a virtue; in Peru, patience is vital. Being late is almost a national trait in Peru (as it is in most of South America). If arranging to do something, take the agreed-upon time as a very rough approximation.
Many backpackers will be arriving from more organized, high-paced countries where time is of the essence. Peruvian culture, however, is generally far more laid back in regards to time keeping. If the concept of being ‘fashionably late’ existed in Peru, the most stylish Peruvians would probably never show up for parties at all.
Peruvians like a good party, be it in a bar, disco or an informal street side gathering. Wherever the party happens to take place, beer will be an integral part of the event. Many backpackers will be accustomed to buying a drink for themselves or a round of drinks for friends. In Peru, however, be prepared to share one beer, using only one glass, no matter how many people are present.
Peruvian beer drinking etiquette can be a little difficult to come to terms with. Basically, the person holding the bottle of beer fills the glass before passing the bottle to the next person. After the glass has been drained, it is then passed on to the bottle holder and the process begins again.
Perhaps due to the close proximity in which families live, Peruvians seem to have less regard for personal body space than many backpackers will be used to. On buses, for example, it is not uncommon to find oneself nudged, prodded or used as a cushion by a fellow passenger. It can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but most backpackers will soon learn to put up with this reduced consideration for personal space.
The above examples are some of the most commonplace Peruvian cultural differences that backpackers may come across. Obviously, there are plenty more. Even within Peru itself regional differences arise. People from the highlands, for example, are often more conservative than people from the coast or jungle. Part of the great Peru travel adventure is experiencing all these intriguing cultural differences while traveling through the nation. Booking.com
Most backpackers will come across a wide range of cultural differences in Peru, but some are more evident and commonplace than others. Here are a few pointers to help visitors fit in more comfortably with everyday Peruvian culture.
Traditional Peru Greetings
Formal greetings in Peru are a combination of physical and verbal actions. A hearty handshake between men is standard, even for the briefest of encounters. For all other greetings, a kiss on the cheek is customary. Verbal greetings differ depending upon the situation. Amongst friends, a simple hola is sufficient. In order to show more respect, however, buenas dias (“good day”, used before midday) and buenas tardes (“good afternoon”) are traditionally used.
Although a common courtesy in many nations throughout the world, it is important to remember to stand when someone enters a room. Peruvian culture can be quite formal; failing to stand will often not go unnoticed.
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Peru Customs – Formal Invitations & Gifts
When visiting a family home it is customary to take a gift, especially after having previously received a clear invitation. Chocolates, fruit and flowers are generally safe options; wine is also a nice gesture, but it may be best to find out if the family drinks alcohol before giving them a bottle.
Peruvian Culture & the Question of Time
Patience, as they say, is a virtue; in Peru, patience is vital. Being late is almost a national trait in Peru (as it is in most of South America). If arranging to do something, take the agreed-upon time as a very rough approximation.
Many backpackers will be arriving from more organized, high-paced countries where time is of the essence. Peruvian culture, however, is generally far more laid back in regards to time keeping. If the concept of being ‘fashionably late’ existed in Peru, the most stylish Peruvians would probably never show up for parties at all.
Peru Travel & Beer Drinking Etiquette
Peruvians like a good party, be it in a bar, disco or an informal street side gathering. Wherever the party happens to take place, beer will be an integral part of the event. Many backpackers will be accustomed to buying a drink for themselves or a round of drinks for friends. In Peru, however, be prepared to share one beer, using only one glass, no matter how many people are present.
Peruvian beer drinking etiquette can be a little difficult to come to terms with. Basically, the person holding the bottle of beer fills the glass before passing the bottle to the next person. After the glass has been drained, it is then passed on to the bottle holder and the process begins again.
Backpacking Peru & Personal Body Space
Perhaps due to the close proximity in which families live, Peruvians seem to have less regard for personal body space than many backpackers will be used to. On buses, for example, it is not uncommon to find oneself nudged, prodded or used as a cushion by a fellow passenger. It can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but most backpackers will soon learn to put up with this reduced consideration for personal space.
Peru Vacation Advice & Cultural Quirks
The above examples are some of the most commonplace Peruvian cultural differences that backpackers may come across. Obviously, there are plenty more. Even within Peru itself regional differences arise. People from the highlands, for example, are often more conservative than people from the coast or jungle. Part of the great Peru travel adventure is experiencing all these intriguing cultural differences while traveling through the nation. Booking.com
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