When I first arrived in Peru, I was prepared to be amazed by Machu Picchu, enchanted by the Andes, and fall in love with ceviche. What I didn’t expect was how daily life in Peru would surprise me just as much as its famous landmarks.
If you’re heading to Peru soon, get ready — because it’s not just about breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins. The people here have unique habits, little rituals, and unexpected customs that might leave you smiling, puzzled, or eager to join in.
Here’s a little preview of what caught me off guard during my first days in Peru.
You’ll be wished “Buen Provecho” by strangers.
In Peru, it’s completely normal for someone walking past your table at a restaurant to wish you “¡buen provecho!” — even if they’ve never seen you before. It means “enjoy your meal,” and it’s a warm, friendly gesture. The first time it happened, I looked up in surprise… but now, I find myself saying it too.
A single kiss on the cheek is a standard greeting.
Forget stiff handshakes. In Peru, when you meet someone — even for the first time — it’s common to greet with a light kiss on the right cheek. At first, it feels oddly personal, but it’s actually charming and makes interactions feel more genuine.
They eat bread with everything.
Peruvians love their bread. It’s there in the morning with coffee, at lunch with soup, and even as a snack before dinner. And it’s not just any bread — each region has its own special kind. In Cusco, I fell for the sweet, anise-flavored pan chuta.
Flags everywhere in July.
If you visit Peru in July, you’ll notice something striking: red and white flags on every building. It’s a legal requirement during Fiestas Patrias (Peru’s Independence Days), but also a proud tradition. The streets feel festive, with patriotic colors waving in the wind.
Cuy is not a pet here — it’s a delicacy.
You might know cuy as a guinea pig, but in Peru, it’s a dish served on special occasions. Whether roasted or fried, it’s a centuries-old tradition from the Andes. Most tourists hesitate at first, but it’s part of embracing local culture. I tried it in the Sacred Valley — and yes, it tastes like chicken.
Peruvians love their diminutives.
Everything in Peru comes with a tiny twist. Coffee becomes cafecito, bread becomes pancito, and even a short walk is un ratito. It’s a way of speaking that adds warmth and friendliness to conversations.
New Year’s Eve is full of playful rituals.
Peruvians have a blast saying goodbye to the old year. You’ll see people wearing yellow underwear for good luck, running around the block with a suitcase to attract travel, and eating 12 grapes at midnight, making a wish with each one. It’s joyful, loud, and unlike anything I’d seen before.
Religious festivals take over entire towns.
Peru is deeply spiritual, and religious processions aren’t just events — they’re experiences. Streets fill with dancers in colorful costumes, traditional music, fireworks, and hundreds of locals carrying religious icons through the city. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a cultural display you can’t miss.
✨ Final thoughts
Peru surprised me in ways I never expected. Beyond the ruins and rainforests, it’s a country where everyday life is rich in culture, warmth, and unique customs. These little moments — a stranger wishing you buen provecho, an impromptu dance festival in the streets, or a local inviting you to taste a dish you’ve never heard of — are what make Peru unforgettable.
If you want to not just visit Peru, but truly experience it, keep your eyes open. The country’s charm lives in the little things.
Come discover it for yourself. Peru is waiting.
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