Visiting Peru will shift your life and pespective (and it will definitely further develop your pallette, too). But if you’re American, some things will happen that will stop you in your tracks. Peru has a way of throwing you straight into daily life, but that’s part of the fun.
Here are a few culture shocks in Peru that almost every American experiences.
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1. Reckless Driving
As soon as you leave the airport, you’re going to feel what I mean. Peruvian driving is absolutely chaotic. Cars and massive busses come within inches of each other while horns are endlessly going off.
If a motorcyclist pulls up next to your window, you will notice the Peruvians around you tensing up and advising you to discreetly hide your phone.
It will definitely throw you off guard but you know what? It builds “calle” aka street smarts.
2. Long Walks
Once you are in the city you may be suprsied to see people walking around everywhere. In areas like Miraflores and Centro de Lima, walking is a completely normal form of transportation, and often, it is a more convenient way to get around.
This is an OMG moment in the best way. Once you start walking everywhere, you will likely start wishing it was normalized to do the same back home.
It’s my favorite way to explore the city, and we always find cool things to stop and explore along the way to our destination.
3. Peruvian Food.
This is the ultimate OMG moment when visiting Peru. For many people, the first dish will be ceviche or lomo saltado.
After the first bite, heart-eye emojis tend to activate.
Peruvian food is comforting and exciting all at once. It’s layered with flavor but never overwhelming. While some dishes are ultra fresh and zinging with lime, others are very rich and comforting. Either way, Peruvian food blends boldness with balance and creates a truly finger licking good experience.
4. Exotic Food.
Before you get too comfortable, I must introduce you to cuy, aka guinea pig.
For the average American, seeing cuy for the first time is a moment of horror. This dish is reserved for the ultra adventerous.
Surprisingly, when it’s fried and seasoned well, it’s actually pretty good and very similar to rabbit.
Cuy is one of those uniquely Peruvian experiences that reminds you you’re somewhere completely different, a culinary culture shock that stays with you.
5. The Beso
Last but certainly not least there’s the beso. American culture respects distance and we aren’t known for being very physically affectionate compared to other cultures. Kissing to say hello and goodbye feels extremely unnatural at first.
In Peru, a kiss on the cheek is standard whether you are saying hello to strangers, family or friends.
Eventually you will get used to it and it won’t feel that akward unless you need to do it with a fellow American traveller. That weirdness never wore off for me.
Culture shock is part of the experience
It jolts you out of your comfort zone and can make you feel quite alive.
By the time you leave, you’ll look back on your OMG with a smile, knowing you have some cool memories and stories to share with your friends back home.
