Cultural Tips You Need to Know When in Cusco

Welcome to the beautiful city of Cusco! A few days – or weeks – after your arrival, you will probably start to notice that some things work on a different level here than in most of the Western world… Call it: cultural differences. Below you will find a short list of important cultural tips you need to know when in Cusco that will be very useful for you when you study Spanish in Peru and you’re living in Cusco for a while. Do you have more tips, things you’ve learnt during your Spanish course in Cusco, or your stay with a Peruvian host family? Please let us know! Here are: cultural tips you need to know when in Cusco.
 

Asking for Directions

When trying to find a restaurant, hotel, or a certain street in Cusco it is always best to ask different people. Why? Sometimes Peruvians may give you directions even though they are not exactly sure where your destination lies. They like to help people so they would rather give you an answer (as in: any answer) than not tell you anything at all. Also, if you ask a Peruvian how much farther until your destination, it is likely they will tell you “just a little bit longer” when in reality it is still a long ways off. This happens a lot during the guided hikes and trips in Peru! But I understand why even in the UK we say it will just be a little bit more. You definitely do not want to hear it will be another hour uphill when you are exhausted on your hike to Machu Picchu; especially at this altitude. In order to get the most accurate information, it is best to ask more than one person and take the general consensus.

 

Arriving on Time: la hora peruana

Peruvian culture is more relaxed in a lot of ways and time is one of them. Although generally travel agencies in Cusco try to abide by a stricter time schedule, there still may be some times that they arrive late. The Spanish teachers usually arrive on time. If many of your activities begin late, do not worry too much.
As for activities that are not directed towards foreigners, these could begin up to 30 minutes to 45 minutes late. This is just the norm here and it’s best to get used to ‘la hora peruana’.

 

Bargaining in Cusco

When buying from a market in Peru where there are no set prices, bargaining is usually necessary. Many of the vendors will try to sell you their products for a much higher amount at the beginning, but if it is not a price you like then you can ask them to go lower. Also, there may be other vendors nearby who sell the same product for a lower amount so it is always good to ask around first. I would recommend asking your Spanish teacher or host family the price per kilo of certain fruits, vegetables and basic products. This will help you know if you are being scammed or overcharged for products.
 

 

Taxis in Peru

When taking a taxi in Peru the cost is always negotiated. Before getting into the cab, ask the driver how much it would be for him to take you to your destination. He will give you a price and depending on if it is a fair one, you can decide to get in or not. Sometimes nicer cabs charge 1 sol more, and often taxi drivers will try charging a higher price to foreigners. Most taxis in Cusco should cost between 7 to 12 soles to go pretty much anywhere in the city of Cusco. You can always say to the driver you pay 8 soles to get to San Blas not the 13 he is quoting; he might accept. In bigger cities such as Lima or Arequipa, the prices are higher.
 

 

Cusco can be cold

Although the average high in Cusco is 17-19º C year round, it can get really chilly at night—especially in the winter! Cusco’s winter is from mid-June to mid-September, and during this time the lows average close to 0°C at night. You will find when you arrive at your host family or student accommodation you will have 5 blankets on your bed to keep you warm. You can always ask for more. Furthermore, most houses and hotels do not have heaters, making it really hard to warm up. Thus, make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes!!
 

Eat away from the main Plaza

Although there are many good restaurants, bars, and discotheques close to the Plaza de Armas, they are nog cheap. Generally it’s best—in terms of price per quantity of food—to eat a bit further away from the main plaza. It is not uncommon for a meal near the Plaza de Armas to cost you 25 soles or more, while it’s possible to get a three-course meal for 7 to 12 soles further away from the plaza.

The restaurants usually have signs outside telling you the set menu choices and the price. You can find some amazing lunches in other neighborhoods like e.g. Santiago for 7.50 soles. At the less touristy restaurants, just tell them you want el menú del día (todays menu), or only the “segundo” (the main dish from the menu). The menu usually includes the starter and soup of the day and your choice of entrée. Some restaurants in San Blas have lunch menus too, which are three courses for 25 sols. These last from 12.30-2.30pm.
 

Tip: Check your Bills

Counterfeit bank notes and coins are both common throughout Peru—so be on the lookout! Luckily, you can easily verify a bank note’s authenticity by holding the note into light and checking for its watermark and security thread. Make sure when you are exchanging dollars for Soles you check your bills and use the stores on Ave Sol as they are less likely to give you counterfeit money. The watermark should be the face of the person on the note, and the security thread says “Peru” along with the domination of the note. Here are more tips about Money Issues in Peru.
 

Immerse yourself in Cusco

Make the most of your time in Peru by immersing yourself! You are here to learn about the Peruvian culture and the Spanish language so try to spend time talking to local people. E.g. the women at the market usually love talking to tourists and will answer your questions about their lives or what to do in Cusco. Plus they will give you discounts or extras if they like you. You can also talk to your Taxi driver and ask about the local football team. You can also make an effort to talk to your host family as they will happily talk to you and explain different customs. All of this will help your Spanish!

Cusco is a super safe city! But as said in the welcome pack, be careful of Peruvians who ask for money or ask questions which are worrying. Be street wise when talking to people as you would do in your own country.

Have fun in Cusco! Cusco is a fun and cosmopolitan city. When studying Spanish in Cusco, you are guaranteed to meet many new friends from around the world—and have a good time while you’re at it! Cusco has a vibrant night scene, with tourists and Cusqueños filling the discotheques almost every night of the week. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to hear German, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and possibly even more languages in a single night out! Studying Spanish in Cusco guarantees the opportunity to make friends from all corners of the world and enjoy yourself while you study Spanish in Peru!

More tips? Read our article: Learn Spanish in Peru and live like a local.
 

---