It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (your country of residence): Soy de (your country of residence)
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

Locals in Peru are typically laid-back, but well-mannered. If you show common courtesy and try your hand at local customs, it can go a long way with the locals! As you prepare to spend time in a new country, here are some expert tips to help you live like a true Peruvian:

• Common greetings in Peru are a handshake and a buenos días or buenas tardes (depending on time of day).
• Be considerate when taking photos of locals, and know that some people might not want their photo taken at all, or will ask for a payment in return for the photo. When in doubt, just ask the person if you can take a photo of them.
• Nightlife in Peru, especially Lima or Cuzco doesn’t typically begin until 10 or 11pm. You’ll find lots of locals and tourists in the same places, dancing to reggaeton, electronic, and more!

You’ll sample a variety of other local dishes on your trip, but read on for all the tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Anticuchos: These look like shish kebabs, and are a popular street food! Be brave and try the specialties: cow heart.
• Arroz Con Pato: Rice with duck. But get this, it’s cooked with a mix of beer and herbs giving it some zest.
• Ceviche: Raw seafood ‘cooked’ in lime and chili - trust us, try it!
• Jungle Fruit: The best fruits to try are lucuma, maracuya, and camu.
• Chicha: Corn is a staple of Peru, and comes in many forms in Peru. Chicha is actually an alcoholic drink that resembles a corn ale with flavors of cinnamon, clove, lemon, and more. It tastes like a fruit punch!
• Pisco Sour: Peru’s national drink! Pisco is a brandy distilled from local grapes, and this cocktail combines the brandy with egg white, simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.
• Cuy: This is a specialty in Peru - roast guinea pig!
• Quinoa: The same healthy grain you see at Whole Foods… but better.
• Plantains: A savory cousin of the banana, typically served on street corners!