- In greetings, there are two different customs. When greeting guy to guy, you shake hands, as per usual. When greeting a woman, regardless of your gender, you kiss their right cheek. When entering a room full of people, it's customary to greet everyone in the room, otherwise it's rude.
- In eating, if people are served before you, it's customary for them to start eating immediately, otherwise it's considered rude to the chef.
- In using el baño, you have to put used toilet paper into the trashbin instead of the toilet - I don't think the septic system can handle it.
- In speaking, Peruvians tend to use "cutesy Spanish" quite a bit. This means that they add an "-ito" or "-ita" to lots of words, which basically means little (word). For instance, "perro" is dog, and "perrito" is little dog. Usually meant in an affectionate manner.
- In habits, at least what I've experienced from my host family, if there's a situation in which you can't really do much, you kinda shrug your shoulders and say "oof-e"
- In traffic customs, you do not get the right of way. If you get in the way of a car, the car will accelerate, instead of slowing down. Thus, crossing the streets in Cuzco is kind of like frogger - cross the streets when it's clear, and hope no one will clip you.
Posted by David Chou
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