Greeting

The official languages of Peru are Spanish, Quechua. The unofficial language is Aymara.

The customary form of greeting is the handshake and normal social courtesies prevail.

If you are here for business purposes, you may wish to use a business card with a Spanish or Quechua translation printed on the reverse. English is not widely spoken in the business community and most business is conducted in Spanish. It is advisable to arrange for an interpreter to accompany you to business meetings.

Although Peruvian business people may not be the most punctual, visitors are expected to arrive on time. Business is normally conducted informally and at a leisurely pace.

If you are invited to dine at someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift from your home country.

Dress

Dress is generally informal, although for some business meetings and social occasions, men may be required to wear a jacket and tie. In the summer, local businessmen often wear the standard Peruvian business attire: an open-necked shirt called a guayaberas.

Tipping

The official currency unit is the Nuevo Sol, which is subdivided into 100 céntimos.

By law, service charges of 15 percent are automatically added to all bills. Additional tips of five to ten percent are expected in restaurants and cafes. Taxi drivers do not generally expect tips, however, if they have been especially helpful, a small gratuity may be given.

Smoking

Currently, restaurants are not required to provide specific non-smoking tables, so you may yourself seated next to smokers in some restaurants and cafes. Most cafes and bars are quite smoky. If you do wish to smoke, exercise discretion and sensitivity when selecting a location. It is advisable only to smoke when others around you are smoking.

Region Specific

Three hours north-west of Cusco are the most famous Inca sites in Peru, the hilltop ruins of Machu Picchu, which draw visitors from across the globe. You will need several days to do these beautiful and unusual ruins justice.

The ruins of Sacsayhuamán are located only two kilometres north of Cusco and therefore are easier to reach. Some people say these more extensive ruins are more appealing than Machu Picchu.

Visitors to the city should visit the cathedral, which is considered one of the finest in Latin America and the Inca ruins of Koricancha or the Temple of the Sun.