Culture & Etiquette in Lima

Goodbyes

• Chau/Chao (most common)
• Hasta luego (see you later)
• Hasta mañana (see you tomorrow)

Urban Lima

Smart-casual is the norm. Jeans, shirts, and light jackets are typical. Cleanliness and neatness are expected.

Religious Sites

Cover shoulders and knees. Remove hats indoors. Dress modestly to show respect.

Markets Rural Areas

Dress respectfully, not like you're at a beach resort.

Note

Revealing clothes (bikini tops, short shorts) are inappropriate except at coastal tourist resorts.

Guidance

Always ask before taking photos. In touristed areas, locals may request payment or a tip. It's more comfortable to photograph people you've made an effort to talk to.

Formal Events

For dinners and business meetings, punctuality is expected and tardiness is frowned upon. Clarify if 'hora inglesa' (English time) is expected.

Social Events

Being 30 minutes to 1 hour late is culturally acceptable and expected. Known as 'Hora Peruana' (Peruvian time), it reflects a relaxed approach to timekeeping.

Practical Advice

Always confirm whether standard time or 'Peruvian time' is expected when invited to events.

Dining

Wait for everyone to be served before eating. Say 'buen provecho' (enjoy your meal). Don't leave food uneaten, and avoid adding salt before tasting. Keep hands visible above the table (but no elbows). Peruvians do not switch knives and forks while eating.

Hosting

If invited to someone's home, accept the invitation—refusing may be interpreted as lack of interest in building a relationship. Decline refreshments politely but refusal of substantial meals may offend.

Language

Making genuine attempts to speak Spanish is appreciated, even if imperfect. Basic Spanish is increasingly common in Lima but showing effort builds goodwill.

Gift Giving

Small gifts (chocolates, sweets, flowers, or wine) are appropriate when invited to someone's home, but gifts should not be extravagant. Avoid sharp items (knives, scissors) as they symbolize 'cutting' ties. Gifts are usually wrapped and opened immediately.

Personal Space

Peruvians stand close during conversations and may touch arms or backs. Moving away may be perceived as rude or unfriendly.

Greeting Etiquette

Always greet people properly—even shopkeepers and taxi drivers—before making requests. Greet all present guests when arriving.

Conversation Dynamics

Converse with all people at a gathering, not just one person. It's impolite to have side conversations without including others.

Respect And Politeness

Peruvians highly value respect, politeness, and personal space. Avoid being loud, impatient, or dismissive of local customs.

Status

Peru is socially conservative overall but increasingly open, especially among younger generations. Modern districts like Miraflores and Barranco are more accepting.

Public Displays

Holding hands is fine in cities; anything more may attract attention outside liberal neighborhoods. Be aware of your surroundings.

Offensive Terms

Never insult or joke about someone's mother. Using 'cholo' as a pejorative can greatly offend. Avoid stereotyping modern Peruvian culture based solely on ancient Inca culture.