Let me tell you about the moment many volunteers experience their first real cultural misunderstanding in Peru. You’re at dinner with your homestay family, you’ve finished eating, and you’re sitting there making polite conversation while they continue eating slowly, offering you more food repeatedly. You keep saying no because you’re full, but they keep insisting, and you’re increasingly uncomfortable because in your culture, saying no once should be enough. Meanwhile, your host mother thinks you’re being polite and that you actually DO want more food but are too shy to accept, so she’s being a good host by insisting.
This moment, repeated in various forms throughout your time volunteering in Cusco, is where cultural differences become real rather than abstract. Understanding Peruvian cultural norms isn’t just about being polite or avoiding offense, though those matter. It’s about actually connecting with people, building genuine relationships, understanding why things work the way they do, and navigating daily life without constant confusion or unintentional rudeness.
I’ve watched hundreds of international volunteers navigate Peruvian culture over the years. Some arrive with cultural sensitivity and adapt quickly. Others bulldoze through with assumptions from their home countries and wonder why relationships feel strained. Most fall somewhere in between, making mistakes, learning, adjusting, and gradually understanding the unwritten rules that govern social interactions in Peru.
This isn’t going to be one of those sterile lists of “don’t do this” without context. This is the honest, practical guide to what actually matters culturally when you’re volunteering in Peru, what you can relax about, what genuinely offends people, and how to navigate the gray areas where cultural norms differ from what you’re used to.
Peruvian greeting culture is more elaborate and physical than many international volunteers expect, especially those from Northern European or North American cultures where personal space is sacred.
DO greet everyone when you enter a space. When you arrive at your volunteer placement, greet each person individually: “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes” to your supervisor, to coworkers, to anyone present. When you arrive at your homestay for dinner, greet your host family. This isn’t optional formality, it’s basic respect. Ignoring people to immediately start your work or activities is considered extremely rude in Peru.
DO use the cheek kiss greeting with women and between women. When meeting women for the first time and when greeting women you know, the standard is one kiss on the right cheek, or more accurately, cheek-to-cheek contact while making a kissing sound. This happens between women and men, and between women and women. It feels awkward for some international volunteers initially, especially if you come from less physically affectionate cultures, but it’s completely standard in Peru.
DO shake hands with men when greeting them, especially in professional or formal contexts. Handshakes should be firm but not aggressive. Between male friends or in casual contexts, handshakes evolve into more complex greetings with back pats or partial hugs, but start with standard handshakes.
DON’T skip greetings because you’re in a hurry or feeling shy. I’ve seen volunteers rush past people without greeting because they were late or uncomfortable with social interaction. This creates immediate negative impressions. Take the 30 seconds to properly greet everyone. Peruvian culture prioritizes relationships over task efficiency.
DON’T be offended by less personal space than you’re used to. Peruvians stand closer during conversations, touch arms or shoulders while talking, and generally inhabit space more communally than many international cultures. This isn’t sexual or inappropriate, it’s normal interaction. Backing away constantly makes you seem cold or unfriendly.
DO say goodbye to everyone when leaving. Just like greetings, departures involve acknowledging each person: “Chao, hasta luego” or “Hasta mañana” to everyone present. Sneaking out silently or just waving generally at a room full of people is rude.
The underlying principle here is that Peruvian culture values personal connection and acknowledgment. Every person deserves to be seen and greeted individually, regardless of their status or your hurry. This might feel time-consuming compared to cultures where you can just nod generally at a room and get to work, but it’s foundational to building good relationships while volunteering in Peru.
Peruvian communication, especially compared to very direct cultures like German or Dutch, operates with significant indirectness and subtlety that confuses many volunteers.
DO understand that “no” is often softened or avoided. Direct refusal is considered harsh in Peru. Instead of saying “no, I can’t do that,” Peruvians might say “maybe,” “we’ll see,” “I’ll try,” or “that’s difficult right now.” This isn’t lying or being unreliable, it’s polite refusal. Learn to read these softer negatives instead of taking them as literal possibilities.
DO pay attention to tone and context more than literal words. When your supervisor says “it would be good if you could…” that’s not a suggestion, it’s a polite directive. When your host mother says “maybe you’re cold?” she’s telling you to put on a jacket. Literal interpretation of polite phrasing misses the actual message.
DON’T be blunt or aggressive in your communication. Many Northern European and American cultures value direct, frank communication. In Peru, this comes across as rude and abrasive. If you need to disagree or raise concerns, frame them carefully, use softening language, and prioritize maintaining harmony over achieving perfect clarity.
DO use diminutives and softening words. Peruvians add “-ito” and “-ita” to words constantly, making things small and cute and less threatening. “Un momentito” (just a tiny moment), “un favorcito” (a little favor), “rapidito” (super quickly). This linguistic softening makes requests less demanding. Adopt this pattern.
DON’T interpret indirect communication as dishonesty. Volunteers from very direct cultures sometimes accuse Peruvians of lying when really there’s just a cultural difference in how direct information is communicated. “I’ll try to be there” might mean “probably not,” but that’s not a lie, it’s polite expression of low probability without harsh refusal.
DO build relationships before making direct requests. In Peru, personal relationships precede business or task completion. You don’t immediately ask for things from strangers or acquaintances. You build rapport through small talk and personal connection first, then requests flow naturally from that relationship foundation.
DON’T complain directly or publicly criticize. If something’s wrong at your volunteer placement, your homestay, or anywhere else, raising concerns requires diplomatic private conversation, not public criticism or direct confrontation. Frame concerns as questions or requests for help rather than accusations or demands.
The cultural difference here is between high-context communication (Peru) where much meaning is conveyed indirectly through tone, context, and relationship, versus low-context communication (Germany, US, etc.) where meaning is conveyed explicitly through direct words. Neither is better, but volunteers need to adjust to Peruvian norms rather than expecting Peruvians to adjust to theirs.
Peruvian time operates differently than German trains or American corporate culture, and volunteers who don’t adjust to this reality spend their entire stay frustrated.
DO understand that “Peruvian time” is real. When something starts at 8:00, it might actually start at 8:30 or 9:00. Social events especially run late. This isn’t disrespect or poor planning, it’s cultural norm. Flexible time reflects different priorities around relationships and process over strict scheduling.
DON’T arrive exactly on time to social events. If you’re invited to a party or gathering at 7:00 PM, arriving at 7:00 means you’re the first one there and your hosts aren’t ready. Arrive 30 minutes to an hour late for social events. For meals at your homestay, your host family will tell you what time is actually expected versus the polite invitation time.
DO be on time for volunteer work. Professional and work contexts are more punctual than social ones. Show up on time to your teaching placement, medical volunteering, or other work settings. Being late to volunteer commitments is disrespectful and reflects poorly on the volunteer program.
DO expect meetings and plans to change. Your Spanish class might start 15 minutes late. Your coordinator might reschedule your orientation. Public transportation doesn’t run on precise schedules. Build flexibility into your expectations and plans. Getting angry about delays or changes just makes you miserable.
DON’T expect Peruvian efficiency or speed. Things take longer in Peru: getting served at restaurants, processing paperwork, completing tasks, pretty much everything. This isn’t laziness, it’s a different pace of life that prioritizes thoroughness and personal interaction over speed. Rushing people is rude and ineffective.
DO communicate clearly if timing is actually critical. If you absolutely need to catch a bus or have a flight, make this explicit: “I need to leave by 3:00 because my bus leaves at 4:00.” Peruvians will accommodate genuinely important timing when they understand the constraints.
DON’T assume “ahorita” means “right now.” This is the classic trap for new volunteers. “Ahorita” literally means “little now” but functionally means “soon,” which could be in five minutes or in two hours. If you need something urgently, be explicit: “Lo necesito ahora” (I need it now) works better than “ahorita.”
The underlying truth is that Peruvian culture prioritizes present interaction over future scheduling. If your host mother is in the middle of a conversation with a neighbor when you’re supposed to leave, she’ll finish the conversation before leaving because present human connection trumps schedule. This drives efficiency-oriented volunteers crazy until they adjust.
Peruvian food culture is central to social life and comes with specific expectations around hospitality and eating that volunteers need to understand.
DO try everything offered at least once. Your host family will serve you foods you’ve never seen before: cuy (guinea pig), ceviche, alpaca, unfamiliar vegetables, dishes with textures and flavors completely foreign to you. Taking at least a bite shows respect. You don’t have to love everything, but refusing to try things offends hosts who’ve prepared food for you.
DO eat everything on your plate or close to it. Leaving significant food uneaten suggests you didn’t like it, which is insulting to whoever cooked. If portions are enormous and you genuinely can’t finish, explain: “Está delicioso pero estoy muy lleno/a” (It’s delicious but I’m very full).
DON’T start eating until everyone is served and begins. Wait for your host or eldest person at the table to begin eating before you start. This is basic table manners in Peru.
DO accept seconds even if you’re somewhat full. When your host family offers more food, accepting at least a small amount shows appreciation. Refusing all seconds might suggest you didn’t like the meal. The trick is accepting a modest amount rather than refusing entirely.
DON’T waste food. Food waste offends Peruvians, especially in communities where resources are limited. Take smaller portions if you’re unsure rather than loading your plate and leaving half of it.
DO express genuine appreciation for meals. “Estaba delicioso” (it was delicious) after meals, thanking whoever cooked, and showing gratitude for food builds strong relationships with homestay families.
DON’T expect meals on your schedule. Peruvian families eat together at set times, and meals wait for everyone to be present. Breakfast is early, lunch is the main meal (1:00-3:00 PM), dinner is lighter and late (7:00-9:00 PM). Adjust to your homestay’s schedule rather than expecting them to accommodate your preferred eating times.
DO drink what’s offered. If your host family serves you chicha morada, Inca Kola, or other Peruvian beverages, drink them. If they offer beer or pisco, accepting a drink (even if you only sip it) is polite social participation.
DON’T eat on the street or while walking. Eating while walking is uncommon in Peru and looks odd. Find a place to sit or stand still when eating street food.
DO participate in meal preparation if invited. If your host mother invites you to help cook, this is an opportunity for cultural exchange and relationship building. Don’t decline out of shyness.
Food in Peru isn’t just nutrition, it’s love, hospitality, and cultural identity. How you respond to food directly affects relationships, especially with homestay families who express care through feeding you.
What you wear in Peru communicates respect, professionalism, and cultural awareness in ways that matter more than many casual Western cultures.
DO dress modestly for volunteer work. Covered shoulders and knees are standard for working in schools, community centers, medical facilities, or anywhere with children. Tank tops, short shorts, revealing clothing are inappropriate for volunteer placements even if they’re fine for tourist areas.
DO dress better than you think necessary. Peruvians take appearance seriously and dress more formally than comparable situations in many Western countries. Your “nice casual” should be a level up from what you’d wear to similar situations at home.
DON’T wear dirty, ripped, or sloppy clothing to volunteer placements or when meeting people. What might be trendy distressed jeans or casual comfort wear in your home country looks disrespectful in Peruvian professional and community contexts.
DO understand that women’s clothing is judged more critically. This is sexist and unfair, but it’s reality in Peru. Women volunteers should be especially conscious of modest, appropriate clothing for volunteer work to avoid unwanted attention or negative judgments.
DON’T wear shoes inside people’s homes unless told otherwise. Many Peruvian homes expect shoes off at the entrance. Watch what your hosts do and follow their lead.
DO dress warmer than fashion dictates. Cusco mornings are cold, and Peruvians dress practically for cold weather even if it means less fashionable layers. Don’t suffer for fashion when locals are sensibly bundled up.
DON’T wear culturally appropriative clothing. Tourist-bought traditional Peruvian clothing worn as costumes is offensive. Buying beautiful Peruvian textiles and wearing them respectfully is fine, but don’t dress up as a “Peruvian” for photos or parties.
DO pay attention to occasion-appropriate dress. Dinners out, events, meetings with supervisors, religious services, all have expected dress codes that are more formal than equivalent situations in casual Western cultures.
Appearance matters in Peruvian culture as a sign of respect for others and for situations. Volunteers who dress sloppily or inappropriately are seen as disrespectful of the culture and the people they’re working with.
Economic interactions carry cultural weight and volunteers often mishandle these situations through ignorance of local norms.
DO tip in restaurants about 10% if service isn’t included. Tipping less or not at all is considered cheap, especially in tourist-serving restaurants. Check if “servicio” is included on your bill before adding tip.
DON’T tip in small local restaurants or market food stalls where tipping isn’t customary. Leaving coins at a small neighborhood eatery confuses people and seems condescending.
DO negotiate at markets but don’t be aggressive about it. Bargaining is normal at artisan markets and street vendors, but hard aggressive bargaining over small amounts makes you look cheap. Accept reasonable prices.
DON’T flash money or expensive items. Pulling out large wads of cash, showing off expensive phones or cameras constantly, wearing expensive jewelry draws unwanted attention and marks you as wealthy target for theft.
DO pay for everything promptly. Asking for credit or payment delays when you clearly have money is insulting. Pay when services are rendered.
DON’T underpay or shortchange people providing services. Your tuk-tuk driver, your cleaner, people providing services deserve fair payment. Taking advantage of economic disparities by underpaying is exploitative.
DO understand privilege and economic difference without awkwardness. You’re volunteering in Peru with economic privilege that most Peruvians don’t have. Acknowledging this reality without constant guilt or weird over-correction is the balance. Treat people with dignity regardless of economic differences.
DON’T give money to children begging or panhandling. This encourages child labor and often feeds adult exploitation. If you want to help, donate to legitimate organizations working with street children.
DO split bills fairly when eating with other volunteers or locals. Peruvians often split bills evenly rather than itemizing who ordered what. Contribute your share fairly.
DON’T complain about prices that you find expensive by Peruvian standards but are cheap by your country’s standards. “$5 for a meal is so expensive!” sounds tone-deaf when Peruvians around you are carefully budgeting.
Economic interactions are where privilege and cultural difference collide most obviously. Handle money respectfully, pay fair prices, don’t exploit economic differences, and don’t make your wealth or financial concerns the center of attention.
Volunteers often treat Peru as their personal photography backdrop without considering the ethics or cultural sensitivity of taking photos.
DO ask permission before photographing people. “¿Puedo tomar una foto?” (Can I take a photo?) is basic respect. Taking photos of Peruvians, especially indigenous people, children, or vendors without permission is invasive and rude.
DON’T photograph children at your volunteer placement without explicit permission from the organization and parents. Privacy and child safety matter more than your Instagram content.
DO expect to pay for photos in tourist areas where people dress traditionally or pose with animals. If someone’s wearing traditional dress in a tourist area, they’re likely working and expect payment (usually 1-2 soles) for photos.
DON’T take poverty porn photos. Photos focusing on people’s poverty, run-down buildings, or suffering for dramatic effect or to show how you’re “helping” poor people is exploitative and dehumanizing. If you wouldn’t want that photo taken of you or your family, don’t take it of Peruvians.
DO photograph respectfully in markets and public spaces. Long-lens photography from a distance or asking permission from vendors for photos respects people’s dignity and space.
DON’T photograph religious ceremonies or sacred spaces without explicit permission and understanding whether it’s appropriate. Some spiritual practices shouldn’t be photographed at all.
DO think about how you share photos. The captions you write, the stories you tell around photos from Peru, matter. Are you portraying Peruvians with dignity and complexity, or are you using them as props in your volunteer story?
Your desire for photos doesn’t override Peruvians’ right to privacy, dignity, and control over their image. Ask, pay when appropriate, don’t exploit people for content, and use photography ethically.
Peru, like much of Latin America, has different gender dynamics than many Western countries, and volunteers need to navigate these realities.
DO expect machismo as a cultural reality. Peru has strong traditional gender roles, and machismo culture means women experience more street harassment, different expectations, and sometimes patronizing treatment. This is especially true outside tourist areas.
DO dress and behave conservatively as a woman volunteer to minimize unwanted attention. This isn’t victim-blaming, it’s practical risk reduction in a culture with different norms. Covered clothing, avoiding walking alone at night, and being aware of surroundings matter.
DON’T engage with catcalling or street harassment. Responding to catcalls, even to tell someone off, often escalates situations. Ignore and keep walking. It’s frustrating and unfair, but it’s the safest response in Peruvian contexts.
DO be aware that friendly behavior from women is sometimes misinterpreted by Peruvian men as romantic interest. Being friendly but clear about boundaries helps prevent uncomfortable situations.
DON’T go to bars or parties alone as a woman volunteer. Travel with groups, watch your drinks, have exit strategies. This applies everywhere but especially in tourist-heavy areas of Cusco where travelers are targeted.
DO recognize that LGBTQ+ acceptance varies. Cusco tourist areas are relatively accepting, but outside those bubbles, Peru is conservative about sexuality and gender expression. Public displays of same-sex affection can draw negative attention or worse.
DON’T assume Western feminist frameworks apply directly. Many Peruvian women navigate machismo culture with their own strategies and don’t need Western volunteers explaining their oppression to them. Listen and learn rather than lecturing.
DO intervene if you witness harassment of others when it’s safe to do so. “She’s with me” or creating distraction can help other volunteers or travelers without escalating danger.
Gender dynamics in Peru are complex, often frustrating for volunteers from more gender-equal cultures, and require practical adaptation rather than ideological purity. Acknowledge unfair realities while protecting yourself and others.
The attitudes volunteers bring to their work in Peru matter enormously, and savior complex is the single most offensive and damaging mindset.
DON’T act like you’re rescuing Peruvians. You’re not saving anyone. Peru has rich culture, intelligent people, and complex communities that existed long before you arrived and will continue long after you leave. You’re contributing to ongoing local efforts, not riding in to save helpless people.
DO approach volunteering with humility. You’re learning at least as much as you’re contributing. Peruvian supervisors, host families, and community members have expertise and knowledge you don’t have. Listen more than you speak, especially at first.
DON’T use photos of Peruvian children to portray yourself as a hero. The “white volunteer surrounded by adorable brown children” photos are a tired, offensive trope. You’re not a savior, and using children to promote your own image is exploitative.
DO recognize your privilege without making it everyone’s problem. Yes, you have economic privilege that allowed you to volunteer in Peru. Acknowledge it, use it responsibly, but don’t center all conversations around your guilt or discomfort about privilege.
DON’T impose solutions without understanding problems. The number of volunteers who arrive with ideas about what Peru needs without understanding local context, history, or existing efforts is embarrassing. Learn before suggesting, and even then, recognize that you might not have better answers than people living the reality.
DO center Peruvian voices and leadership. In your volunteer work, in your conversations, in your learning, pay attention to what Peruvians are saying about their own communities, needs, and solutions. You’re supporting their work, not directing it.
DON’T talk about how your volunteering changed you while ignoring the impact on communities. Volunteer programs should benefit local communities first, volunteers second. If your focus is primarily on your personal growth without consideration for actual community impact, your priorities are wrong.
DO question whether your volunteering actually helps. Not all volunteer work is beneficial. Some perpetuates harmful dynamics, takes jobs from locals, or doesn’t address real needs. Think critically about your impact and be willing to adapt based on feedback.
The volunteers Peruvians respect are those who come with humility, willingness to learn, and genuine desire to contribute meaningfully. The volunteers who cause problems are those who arrive believing their presence alone is a gift and that Peruvians should be grateful for their charity.
Living with a homestay family creates unique cultural situations that require specific awareness and adaptation.
DO participate in family life. Sitting in your room avoiding interaction is rude. Spend time with your host family, eat meals together, watch TV with them, help with small tasks, engage in conversation even when your Spanish is limited.
DO bring small gifts when you first arrive. Chocolates, specialty foods from your country, small thoughtful items show appreciation and start the relationship well.
DON’T treat your homestay like a hotel. You’re a temporary family member, not a customer. This means participating, contributing, following house rules, and being considerate of everyone else’s schedules and needs.
DO follow house rules about shower timing, meal times, noise levels, and guests. Every home has norms and expectations. Learn them quickly and respect them even when they differ from your preferences.
DON’T bring random people to your homestay without asking permission. Your host family’s home isn’t your party venue or crash pad for other travelers. Guests require permission.
DO communicate if you won’t be home for meals. Your host family plans and shops for meals including you. Letting them know when you won’t be there is basic consideration.
DON’T stay out extremely late without communicating. Your host family worries about your safety and probably can’t sleep until they know you’re home. Text or call if you’ll be later than expected.
DO help with small household tasks when appropriate. Offering to set the table, clear dishes, or help with small things shows consideration. Don’t take over or act like you know better, just offer to help.
DON’T monopolize hot water or bathrooms. Many Peruvian homes have limited hot water, and other family members need access to bathrooms. Be efficient and considerate.
DO handle conflicts privately and respectfully. If something’s wrong, talk directly with your host mother or family elder quietly. Don’t complain publicly or to other volunteers before addressing issues directly.
Homestay families are offering you insight into Peruvian life, hospitality, and often treating you as temporary family. Reciprocate with respect, consideration, and genuine engagement.
Professional norms at volunteer placements differ from many Western workplaces in important ways.
DO show respect for hierarchy. Peruvian workplaces are more hierarchical than many Western environments. Supervisors, teachers, doctors, and anyone senior expects appropriate deference and formal address.
DON’T challenge authority publicly or contradict supervisors in front of others. If you disagree with something, raise concerns privately and diplomatically. Public disagreement causes loss of face and damaged relationships.
DO be formal initially and let relationships warm gradually. Use “Señor,” “Señora,” “Profesor,” “Doctor” until told otherwise. First names with everyone immediately is too casual for Peruvian professional culture.
DON’T skip hierarchy to go directly to top leadership. Work through proper channels. Going over your direct supervisor’s head to complain to higher-ups is seriously offensive to Peruvian workplace culture.
DO invest in relationships before expecting efficiency. Your colleagues want to know you personally before they’re fully comfortable working with you. Small talk, sharing about your life, and building personal connection comes before task focus.
DON’T assume your educational background or country of origin means you know better. Some volunteers arrive with attitudes that their Western education makes them more knowledgeable than experienced Peruvian staff. This arrogance is obvious and offensive.
DO accept that your ideas might be politely heard and then ignored. Not every suggestion you make will be implemented. Peruvian organizations have their own ways of doing things, often for good reasons you don’t understand yet. Accept this without taking it personally.
DON’T gossip about staff or other volunteers to Peruvians at your placement. Small communities mean information spreads fast, and gossip damages your reputation and relationships.
Understanding and respecting workplace culture makes your volunteer experience more effective and your relationships with local staff more genuine and rewarding.
Volunteers often worry about the wrong things while missing what actually matters to Peruvians.
Peruvians generally don’t care about:
Peruvians do care about:
Here’s what I want every volunteer to understand about cultural do’s and don’ts in Peru: perfect adherence to every cultural norm isn’t the goal. Cultural humility, willingness to learn, and genuine respect for Peruvian people and culture is the goal.
You’re going to make mistakes. You’ll inadvertently offend someone, misunderstand situations, handle things awkwardly, and feel confused about cultural differences. This is normal and expected. The difference between volunteers who successfully navigate Peruvian culture and those who struggle isn’t whether they make mistakes. It’s whether they approach cultural difference with humility and willingness to adapt.
Peruvians are generally incredibly patient with international volunteers who are genuinely trying to understand and respect their culture. They’ll forgive mistakes, help you learn, and appreciate your efforts even when they’re imperfect. What they don’t forgive is arrogance, assumed superiority, or lack of effort to understand.
Learn some Spanish. Show up on time to work. Greet everyone warmly. Try the food. Dress appropriately. Ask questions respectfully. Listen more than you speak. Acknowledge your privilege without centering it. Treat people with dignity regardless of economic differences. Recognize that Peru has problems but also incredible strengths, beauty, and culture.
The volunteers who have the best experiences in Peru, who build genuine relationships, who are invited back to homestays years later, who are remembered fondly by their placements, are those who approached cultural difference as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than as an obstacle to overcome or ignore.
Peru will change you if you let it. The culture, the people, the ways of being in the world that differ from what you knew before will expand your understanding of what’s possible in human community and social organization. But this only happens if you approach Peru with open hands and open mind rather than closed assumptions and rigid expectations from your own cultural background.
So yes, follow the specific do’s and don’ts in this guide. But more importantly, follow the spirit behind them: respect, humility, curiosity, and genuine appreciation for Peruvian culture and people. That approach will carry you through situations this guide doesn’t specifically address and will make your time volunteering in Peru meaningful beyond measure.
Welcome to Peru. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay. What matters is that you care enough to try.
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