Free Travel Advice and Tips >>> Understanding Peruvian Culture and their Way of Life

Understanding Peruvian Culture and their Way of Life

Even though Peru has a lot of rich natural resources, and unbelievable places to visit, many still live in highly poor conditions. About 48% are currently living below the poverty line, and it's calculated that the country currently experiences a deficit of US$23.000 million dollars in infrastructure. The upper class, consisting mostly of an hispanic elite, live in the cities. Regardless, most peruvian are highly nationalistic and love their country proudly. Also, it's regarded by most as separate issued a division between the government, and the country as self. There's a lot of distrust in politicians and policemen, because of corruption and embezzlement scandals. The economy however is healthy and is one of the highest growers in the region, however the common man's perception is that it's stuck in a rut. Peru is highly indebted and is dependant on other industrial nations, especially the United States. Because of this dependence, combines with some questionable US foreign policy decisions in recent years have created somewhat of a negative view of the United States government. However that doesn't extend towards individual US citizens.

The vocable "gringo", also used in Mexico as a way to imply a person from the US, is commonly used, but not regarded as offensive. In it's original form, it meant all white-skinned people that don't speak Spanish. However, it's most common use it to refer to Americans, or american look alikes (blond people are called gringos all the time). Poor or uneducated people may often greet you without hesitation with an "Hola Gringo!" (hello gringo).

Peruvians are known worldwide for their creativeness, craftsmanship and hard-working spirit. Most peruvians work very hard day in and day out, not only to make a living, but some just in order to survive. As such, resources or even time to travel is very hard to come by, such that there are many who have never been able to visit the surrounding villages, or over to the next city. Very few have left the country, although Miami is a popular rich peruvian destination for shopping purposes. There are some who have managed to scrape enough to immigrate abroad, and they usually send money over to their relatives left behind. All these may explain why most peruvians are highly curious about different countries and lifestyles.

In general, people are incredibly friendly, peaceful and helpful. When in trouble, you'll probably find help among those around you. But be warned, it's always good to avoid bad situations and keep alert always. Pickpocketing is always something to watch out for, specially in some trouble spots. If you do get into a confrontation, try to remain calm, amicable, but always firm. Unless the subject you are dealing with is terribly drunk and looking for a brawl, you can mediate things into a compromise that will satisfy everyone involved.

Peru is not an efficiency haven. Don't expect things to be on time, or exactly as you envisioned them to be. Apart from the more upscale tourist services and big cities like the capital, Lima, english is highly uncommon, and the people, trying to help and be friendly, will often give you wrong or inexact advice. For this, it's a great idea to hire a translator, or take part in guided tours where you'll always find english speaking individuals. Although not very common, you might find yourself caught in a protest of some sort. Even air service may be delayed due to bad weather or unexpected circumstances, so always carry an extra dose of patience with you.