©
David Debrincat
Peru Travel Guide
©
David Debrincat
In South America, Peru is a huge tourist destination. The Peruvians are therefore accustomed to meeting foreigners. On your part, there are some basic rules of etiquette that should be adhered to. Certain local beliefs might seem very peculiar to you but still they must be respected in order to avoid causing offence to your hosts.
Everything begins with the first greeting. When a Peruvian person says hello and asks how you are, he or she will be genuinely interested in your reply. It's a good idea therefore to take the time to reply and to ask them the same in return.
As regards what you choose to wear, it's best to opt for longer clothes. This is the case especially in remote villages but even in towns when you visit religious places. Out of respect, forget visiting churches or cathedrals in your mini-shorts as some tourists do, no matter how good you think they look. This is a common courtesy; nothing more needs to be said.
Always ask a person's permission before you take their photo. Your photo will always be better with the person's consent than if you shoot in haste, wanting to be as discreet as possible, forgetting to think about the background. Avoid too showing overt signs of affection in public, particularly if you visit the ethnic people of the Amazon forest.
The Peruvian people often have ancestral believes that mark the rhythm of their daily lives, even though this might appear very strange and exotic from your western point of view. You should therefore show a profound respect for these rites, just as you would for those of more official religions.
Bargaining isn't considered impolite. On the market, when you buy anything, as with your taxi driver, you should always haggle over the price. Speak in Spanish if you can, since English is usually spoken by gringos.
If in a bar or in the streets you hear a heated debate, about football for example, which is one of the Peruvians' pet subjects, don't hesitate to join in. Be care though not to say anything too disparaging about the the national team. On the other hand, if the discussion turns to politics, avoid the debate and don't give your point of view on a subject that in reality you only know from a tourist's point of view.
Even if the practice isn't all that common it's quite likely that during your holiday in Peru a beggar will ask you for money or a child will beg for pens or sweets. Without being an expert but to give you some advice about the attitude to adopt, it remains preferable not to encourage begging. As always it is better to give your donations to recognised charities and non-profit associations. And not necessarily money or material goods. Your time and your know-how in certain areas can prove to be even more valuable.
