Language, Culture, & Etiquette

Peru’s culture is as colorful as its landscapes, and small gestures of respect can make a big difference in how locals respond to you. From greetings to bargaining to handling persistent vendors, here’s how to navigate daily life with confidence (and kindness).

Greetings & Politeness

• A simple “Buenos días” (good morning), “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon), or “Buenas noches” (good evening) goes a long way.

• Among friends and acquaintances, a kiss on the cheek (women) or handshake (men) is common.

• Saying “gracias” (thank you) and “por favor” (please) is expected.

👉 Our experience: We noticed how warmly people responded when we greeted people in Spanish, even if the rest of the conversation was a struggle. We actually ended up taking in-person Spanish classes for a few weeks in Lima at the Lima Spanish House. If you have time, a few lessons can really help.

Useful Spanish Phrases

When my parents came to visit us in South America, we gave them a short list of must-know Spanish phrases. It made them feel much more confident getting around, and locals loved the effort. Here’s that same list for you:

• Good morning: Buenos días

• Thank you: Gracias

• Please: Por favor

• Excuse me: Disculpe

• Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés?

• Where is the toilet?: ¿Dónde está el baño?

• Where is the taxi?: ¿Dónde está el taxi?

• Where am I?: ¿Dónde estoy?

• Sorry: Lo siento

• I don’t understand: No entiendo

• I am learning Spanish: Aprendo español

• Yes: Sí

• No: No

• How are you?: ¿Cómo estás?

• Nice to meet you: Mucho gusto

• Help: ayuda

• I want (to use when ordering): Quiero

• Sin hielo: no ice

👉 Pro Tip: Download Google Translate and the offline Spanish language pack. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, showing the phrase to someone works wonders.

Language Barriers

• Spanish is widely spoken, but in the Andes, you’ll also hear Quechua.

• Even learning a few words of Quechua is deeply appreciated, for example “sulpayki” or "añari" both mean thank you.

• Don’t worry about being perfect; effort is valued more than fluency.

Bargaining & Markets

• Bargaining is common in markets, but keep it respectful. A friendly smile goes further than aggressive haggling. We also feel it is important to remember that this is their livelihood.

• Always carry small bills and coins.

• Don’t bargain for food in local markets. It’s usually already priced fairly.

Vendors & Street Life

• In main plazas (Cusco, Arequipa, Lima), expect vendors to approach with tours, crafts, or massages.

• A polite “no, gracias” is usually enough, though persistence is normal.

• If you’re interested, ask the price first and negotiate if needed.

Respect at Sacred Sites

• Don’t climb on ruins or touch artifacts.

• Follow all posted rules at archaeological sites and national parks.

• At Machu Picchu, drones, tripods, selfie-sticks, and food aren’t allowed. There is a bag storage for a fee at the entrance.

Coca Leaves & Respect

Coca leaves are a big part of Andean culture. Locals have chewed the leaves or brewed them into tea for thousands of years to help with altitude and as part of traditional rituals.

• The Three-Leaf Ritual: In some communities, it’s customary to select three perfect coca leaves, hold them together, and blow gently while making a wish or prayer. This simple act is often done at sacred sites or before starting a journey.

• Health & Tradition: Coca leaves can help ease mild altitude symptoms, but more importantly, they’re deeply tied to spirituality and daily life in the Andes.

• What Not to Do: Avoid making jokes or comments about cocaine. It’s both disrespectful and inaccurate. Coca leaves are no more “drugs” than poppyseeds are heroin.

👉 Our experience: Locals generously shared coca tea with us on hikes and bus rides. It wasn’t just about the altitude, rather it felt like an invitation to be part of their tradition.

Don’t Rush the Trip

One of the biggest cultural missteps travelers make is treating Peru like a checklist. The pace here is slower, which means meals stretch on, buses run late, and festivals can take over an entire city. Lean into it.

👉 Our experience: Some of our favorite memories came when we slowed down, like chatting with a local family instead of rushing to the next sight.

✨ Bottom Line: Show respect with simple greetings, patience, and curiosity. Learn a few phrases, smile often, and don’t rush. You’ll find that Peruvians are warm, welcoming, and proud to share their culture, especially when visitors meet them halfway.