Local culture in Peru

Peru has a rich heritage influenced by a melting pot of ethnicities. The country has historically been an important political and cultural centre of Latin America, as the seat of the Inca Empire and the entry point for the Spanish conquistadores.

Expats should find it fairly easy to adjust to the local culture in Peru. Peruvians, in general, are reserved, peaceful, warm and welcoming to foreigners. Mestizos (those of Amerindian and European ancestry) form the majority of the population, with smaller groups of Amerindians (mostly Quechua and Aymaras), and those of European, Asian (mostly Chinese and Japanese) and African ancestry.

Time in Peru

The lifestyle in Peru is highly influenced by where you choose to live but, generally, the country has a laid-back lifestyle. Family plays a significant role in the lives of Peruvians, so the biggest meals of the day are usually enjoyed at large gatherings of relatives.

In some parts of Peru, the traditional siesta is still observed, with workers returning home in the middle of the day, eating lunch with their families and taking a nap to wait out the midday heat. This isn't commonly observed in large cities like Lima, but can be seen in some small communities.

In general, dinner times tend to be rather late, and friends and families will often gather at a local restaurant or bar for this meal.

Language barrier in Peru

Spanish and Quechua, Peru's indigenous language, are the country's two official languages. Spanish is the most popular language, while numerous indigenous languages are also spoken in more rural areas. You will find that learning Spanish is essential for integrating into life in Peru. While some Peruvians in the corporate sphere in cities such as Lima and the tourist city of Cusco may speak English, the average Peruvian will not.

Food and drinks in Peru

The cuisine in Peru is a fascinating blend of indigenous and Spanish flavours, alongside influences from the country’s Chinese, European and African populations.

Potatoes, corn, legumes, quinoa, and local chilli pepper (uchu) are the staples of Peruvian dishes. Thanks to Peru’s long coastline, fish and shellfish are also popular. One of the country’s most famous dishes is ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lemon juice. You may be surprised to learn that guinea pig (cuy) is a staple in Peru. It’s usually served fried or baked as part of a casserole.

There are a few interesting local beverages to enjoy. Chicha morada is a drink made from purple maize and flavoured with cloves, cinnamon, and sugar, served cold. Pisco, a type of brandy, is the traditional drink of Peru. It’s used to make pisco sour, a delicious cocktail of pisco mixed with lime juice, egg white, and sugar.

Meeting and greeting in Peru

Peruvians are generally friendly, and the usual greeting is a handshake. A kiss on the cheek is common among acquaintances, but not among strangers. Indigenous Peruvians are typically quite reserved. It’s common for them not to greet each other and to avoid direct eye contact.

LGBTQ+ in Peru

Although LGBTQ+ rights are legally recognised in Peru, the country's society is largely conservative and Catholic. Attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in the country are rooted in religion, so those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community may face some discrimination in the country. 

That said, Peru is also home to one of South America's most LGBTQ-friendly cities, Lima. If you're moving to the capital city, you will find many gay bars and a more welcoming community. It's best to avoid public displays of affection in rural areas, as this could be met with contempt. 

Women in Peru

Peru's society still holds traditional gender stereotypes, which has led to the under-representation of women in workplaces and leadership roles. The country also deals with high levels of gender-based violence and femicide. Women moving to Peru are advised to avoid walking alone at night. 

You should also be aware that you might receive unwanted attention from the local men, but this is more of a nuisance than a safety threat, particularly in the tourist areas. We recommend that you exercise all common sense precautions to ensure you stay safe.