Peru Culture: Exploring the Country and Culture of Peru

Exploring Peru Culture

Peru, the ancient heart of the great Inca Empire, is a country with an amazing history and exciting present. Peru is located on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator line with 80 world ecological habitats. Andean peaks surround Machu Picchu; lush tropical rainforests, Amazonian jungles, sandy beaches, arid deserts, remote farmland and fishing villages make up the Peruvian landscape. It has a diverse population, which includes the Quechua Indians (descendants of the Incas), mestizos (a blend of Indian and European), and people of Spanish ancestry.

Study abroad in Peru Host a Peruvian student in the U.S.

Family Dynamic in Peru

Peruvian families are well known for their hospitality and can be very affectionate. The Peruvian sense of privacy is a little different than other cultures, but that’s just because Peruvian families enjoy each other’s company so much! Peruvian families usually have three or more children and extended family, or adult children often live together as well.

Peruvian families are comfortable expressing their emotions and like to spend time together during meals and at family gatherings. Parents are usually very protective of their children, especially girls. Parental decisions are respected and followed, and the parents have the last word in disciplinary and other family matters. Children are financially dependent on their parents until they finish studies at the University. Boys are usually allowed more freedom than girls. Girls in Peru culture have less freedom than girls in most European and North American countries.

Teenage Life in Peru

Outside of school, a lot of your time will probably be spent socializing with new friends. Peruvian teenagers enjoy hanging out at cafes and playing soccer. Since Peru has such a long coastline and lots of beautiful beaches, surfing has become quite popular in recent years. Dancing is another favorite pastime for young people in Peru and most schools have dance teams that compete. In the evenings, teenagers often just hang out at home with their families and watch TV.

Official Language

The official language in Peru is Spanish, while Quechua is officially acknowledged as a second language. Additionally, Aymara is recognized as a regional language.

Peruvian Communication Style

Peruvians are typically emotive in their communication style. They prefer an indirect communication style, favoring diplomacy and an avoidance of confrontation. In Peru culture, it’s common to say what one believes someone wants to hear, rather than the truth. Peruvians do not generally address personal conflict in public. Peruvian verbal communication involves nicknames, particularly among close friends and family. Conversations are usually loud and involve lively body language. It is common for Peruvians to touch each other’s arm or back while speaking. Personal space is smaller than in other cultures. In Peru culture, direct eye contact is a sign of honesty and respect.

The Peruvian Diet

Peruvian cuisine is well known and admired worldwide for its rich variety and influences from different cultures around the world. Many of the dishes are influenced by European, Asian, African, and indigenous flavors. Staples of Peruvian cuisine are rice, potatoes, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Potatoes are native to Peru and there are over 4,000 varieties! Guinea pigs are eaten throughout Peru and are raised in most rural homes and some urban ones.

Peruvian food can be moderately spicy. Ceviche (raw fish with lemon juice, garlic, and shredded onion) is popular. Papa a la Huancaina is a cooled, sliced baked potato with sliced eggs and hot chili. Peru offers unique fruits, some only grow in this lush country. Most Peruvians are used to two main meals: lunch and dinner. Breakfast is quick and light: milk, coffee, bread, cheese, fruit, or some juice.

Peru

Magical peaks and historic cities