Local Customs & Etiquette in Cusco, Cusco, Peru

All Topics about Cusco All Cities in Peru

1. Tipping Customs

Tips are often appreciated in Cusco, but it's important to know that rounding up the bill is common rather than adding a specific percentage.

Rounding Up: Informal tipping is done by rounding up the total bill.
Service Charge: Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so check before adding extra tips.
Gratuity for Guides: Tips are expected for guides and drivers, especially if they provided excellent service.

Meals in Cusco are typically shared among diners, and it's considered impolite to ask for individual plates.

Communal Dining: Food is usually served on a large communal plate and eaten with a spoon.
Table Manners: Use your right hand for eating, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Chewing Gum Taboo: Chewing gum is often viewed negatively and may be considered rude.

Bargaining is expected in markets, but it's important to be respectful and fair when negotiating prices.

Negotiation Tactics: Start by offering a lower price than you are willing to pay, then work up.
Respectful Negotiations: Be polite and respectful during negotiations, as vendors may refuse to sell if they feel disrespected.
Haggling with Confidence: Show confidence when negotiating prices, but be prepared to walk away if the price isn't right.

Visitors are required to cover their shoulders and knees when entering the Coricancha Temple.

Covering Up: Wear long sleeves and long pants or skirts to comply with the dress code.
Available Shirts/Scarves: Shirts and scarves are available for rent at the entrance if you're not dressed appropriately.
Respectful Dressing: Show respect for the sacred site by dressing modestly.

When visiting a local home in Cusco, it's customary to bring small gifts such as chocolates or flowers.

Bringing Gifts: Gifts should be simple and thoughtful, not expensive.
Accepting Refusals: If your offer of a gift is refused, politely insist and they will usually accept.
Removing Shoes: Take off your shoes before entering the home as a sign of respect.

When eating street food in Cusco, it's important to eat where there are many locals present.

Busy Locations: Street food vendors in busy areas are often cleaner and safer.
Asking for Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask locals for their favorite street food spots.
Basic Hygiene: Use common sense when it comes to personal hygiene and food safety.

Always ask permission before taking a photo of a local in Cusco, especially children.

Asking Permission: Ask for permission politely and respectfully.
Offering a Small Gift: If the person agrees, offering a small gift or tip is appropriate as a token of gratitude.
Respecting Privacy: Respect the privacy of those who refuse to be photographed.

When visiting a shaman in Cusco, it's important to respect their traditions and follow their instructions.

Following Instructions: Follow the shaman's guidance during rituals for a meaningful experience.
Offering Gifts: Bring small gifts such as coca leaves, candies, or money to show respect.
Patience and Open-Mindedness: Be patient and open-minded during the experience, as traditional practices may be different from what you're used to.

When visiting Sacsayhuaman, it's important to dress modestly and remove hats when entering the temple.

Modest Dressing: Cover your shoulders and knees while visiting the site.
Removing Hats: Remove your hat as a sign of respect when entering the temple.
Respectful Behavior: Show respect for this Incan site by behaving in a quiet and orderly manner.

When offered a Pisco Sour, it's customary to toast 'Salud!' before drinking.

Toasting Tradition: Always toast before taking the first sip of a Pisco Sour.
Clinking Glasses: Gently clink your glass with others to signify agreement on the toast.
Savoring the Drink: Take your time sipping and enjoying this popular Peruvian cocktail.

It's customary to offer coca leaves as a gesture of respect and appreciation when visiting someone's home or entering sacred sites in Cusco.

Giving Coca Leaves: Offer the coca leaves to your host with both hands as a sign of respect.
Accepting Coca Leaves: If offered coca leaves, accept them with gratitude and place them in your mouth or pocket.
Respectful Offerings: Offer coca leaves as a token of appreciation for the hospitality you receive.

When taking a taxi in Cusco, it's important to agree on the price before starting your journey.

Agreement on Price: Always negotiate and agree on the price before getting into the taxi.
Metered Taxis: Some taxis in Cusco have meters, but it's still important to negotiate a fare for longer distances.
Safety Considerations: Choose licensed and well-maintained taxis for safety.

Avoid scams in Cusco by being vigilant and not revealing too much personal information to strangers.

Staying Aware: Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
Not Sharing Personal Info: Never share personal information such as your passport number or hotel location with strangers.
Using Reputable Services: Book tours and services through reputable companies to avoid scams.

When attending a traditional music and dance performance in Cusco, it's important to show appreciation by clapping or dancing along.

Clapping Along: Show your enjoyment of the music by clapping along with the rhythm.
Dancing with Respect: If invited to dance, do so with respect and follow the lead of the dancers.
Tipping the Performers: Offer a tip or donation to the performers as a sign of appreciation.

When visiting Incan ruins in Cusco, it's important to respect the site by not touching or climbing on the structures.

Not Touching: Respect the ancient ruins by not touching the stones.
Following Guidelines: Follow the guidelines and restrictions set by the site's caretakers.
Taking Care of History: Help preserve these historic sites for future generations to enjoy.