Do’s and Don’t in Peru

Social Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greetings & Politeness

• DO greet people with a friendly “Buenos días” (good morning), “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon), or “Buenas noches” (good evening/night).
• DO use formal titles like “Señor” (Mr.), “Señora” (Mrs.), or “Señorita” (Miss) when addressing people you don’t know, especially elders.
• DON’T be overly direct or confrontational. Politeness and saving face are highly valued.
• DO shake hands when meeting someone for the first time. A light kiss on the cheek is common between women, and between a man and a woman, once acquainted.

Punctuality & “Peruvian Time”

• DO be on time for tours, flights, and formal appointments.
• DON’T be surprised if social gatherings start 30-60 minutes later than the stated time. This is often referred to as “la hora peruana” (Peruvian time). This relaxed approach to time applies to social situations, not to your scheduled tours or business logistics.

Photography & Asking Permission

• DO always ask for permission before taking a photo of a person, especially indigenous people in traditional dress.
• DON’T take photos of children without explicit permission from their parents.
• DO be prepared to offer a small tip (a few soles) if someone poses for a photo, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Cusco.
• DON’T take photos of military installations, police stations, or airports.

Health & Safety

Food & Water Safety

• DO drink only bottled or properly filtered water.
• DON’T drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it was made with purified water.
• DO enjoy the street food, but choose vendors that are busy and look clean. Looking for stalls that are popular with locals is always a good sign of quality and safety.
• DON’T eat unpeeled fruits or uncooked vegetables unless you have washed them yourself with purified water.

Altitude Sickness (Soroche)

• DO take it easy for the first 24-48 hours upon arrival in high-altitude locations like Cusco or Puno.
• DO drink plenty of water and coca tea (“mate de coca”) to help acclimatize.
• DON’T eat heavy meals or drink excessive alcohol upon arrival at high altitude.
• DON’T ascend too quickly. If trekking, allow for acclimatization days.

Personal Safety & Valuables

• DO keep your valuables, passport, and extra cash in your hotel safe.
• DO carry a copy of your passport with you.
• DON’T display expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash in public.
• DON’T walk alone in unfamiliar areas at night, especially in large cities like Lima.

Interacting in Markets & Restaurants

Haggling & Bargaining

• DO feel free to bargain politely in local artisan markets and with street vendors. It’s an expected part of the culture.
• DON’T be aggressive or disrespectful when haggling. A smile goes a long way.
• DON’T try to bargain in established stores, supermarkets, or upscale boutiques where prices are fixed.
• DO have small bills and coins available, as vendors may not have change for large notes.

Tipping Customs

• DO leave a tip of around 10% in mid-range to high-end restaurants if a service charge isn’t already included.
• DON’T feel obligated to tip taxi drivers; it is not customary. You can round up the fare if you wish.
• DO tip your tour guides and drivers. As a guideline, consider $10-15 per person per day for a guide and $5-7 for a driver. We advise checking your specific trip documents for any further recommendations.

Discussing Sensitive Topics

• DON’T bring up sensitive political topics, such as the Shining Path (“Sendero Luminoso”) terrorist group, unless a local brings it up first.
• DO be respectful when discussing local customs and beliefs, even if they differ from your own.

Respecting Heritage Sites & Nature

At Archaeological Sites (e.g., Machu Picchu)

• DO stay on the marked trails and paths.
• DON’T touch, lean on, or climb the ancient stone walls. The oils from your skin can cause damage over time.
• DO hire a licensed guide to get a deeper understanding and support the local economy.
• DON’T bring large backpacks, single-use plastic bottles, or drones into Machu Picchu. These rules are strictly enforced, so please check the latest regulations before your visit to ensure a smooth entry.

In the Amazon Rainforest

• DO listen to your guide at all times. Their knowledge is essential for your safety and for wildlife viewing.
• DON’T touch or feed any wildlife.
• DO wear insect repellent and appropriate clothing to protect against bites.
• DON’T leave any trash behind. Pack it in, pack it out.

General Environmental Responsibility

• DO refuse plastic bags and straws to minimize waste.
• DON’T buy souvenirs made from animal products, such as feathers, shells, or skins.
• DO support local communities by purchasing authentic, handmade crafts directly from artisans.