Rosario Traducciones continues its virtual rounds through the world to learn more about the features and characteristics of international markets. This time we travel to Peru, the third-largest country in South America. This country is well known for its vast linguistic and cultural diversity and for being the archaeological center of the continent. 

 

 

 

 

If you plan a business trip to Peru, you should not downplay the altitude of most cities. Most people who travel to this country and Bolivia or Ecuador usually suffer from "altitude sickness," with symptoms such as headache, nausea, or loss of appetite.

For this reason, visitors are recommended to take it easy on the first days of their stay to acclimatize and give the body some time to get used to it. Other recommendations include avoiding physical effort, staying hydrated, and eating light. And for those who like natural medicine, chewing coca leaves can be an alternative.

 

Peru is one of the countries with the most significant linguistic diversity in South America. The official languages are Spanish (spoken by 85.92% of the population), Quechua (13.21%), and Aymaran (1.76%). All indigenous or native languages ​​that exist before the spread of Spanish, preserved, and used within the national territory, are also recognized as national languages. There are 47 native languages spoken by more than 4 million people, of which 43 of them are Amazonian, and the other 4 are Andean.

 

 

 

 

Peru is one of the countries with the vastest diversity in the world -- a country filled with traditions and large nature reserves. It hosts 12 world heritages, as recognized by UNESCO, and 84 of the 117 life zones that exist in the world.

Religion is paramount in Peruvian culture. Although more than 80% of the population is Catholic, Catholicism is highly tinged with Pagan and Prehispanic beliefs and practices in many country areas. 

Peruvian food is one of the most diverse and delicious in the world. It combines Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian cuisines, among others, with the country's natural wealth. There are more than 500 traditional dishes, which helped this country appear in the Guinness World Records.  

 

 

Given that Peruvians appreciate personal relationships and connect more with individual business partners than with large corporations, it is recommended to have a point of contact with a third party or a local mediator to start business relations on the right foot.  Personal relationships are usually more important than professional ones.  Before talking business, it is best to establish an excellent personal relationship since people tend to focus more on people rather than objectives.

Some favorite conversation topics include local traditions and gastronomy, tourist places such as Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and the country's cultural wealth. 

It is recommended to avoid topics such as politics, drug trafficking, people’s ancestry, product prices, and any criticism of the country's lifestyle. 

 

After becoming acquainted, men usually greet with a hug, and women kiss on the cheek. When Peruvians offer more than a handshake, it signifies that the person has been well accepted. 

Peruvians tend to stand very close to each other in a more reduced interpersonal space. Therefore, it is not suitable to step back, as this can be considered rude. 

Peruvian women have incorporated more and more in the business world; yet, this field remains mainly for men. For this reason, businesswomen should not be surprised to experience sexist and chauvinistic attitudes.