Culture:

Culturally there are a few differences that you should all be aware of and with a little bit of preparation you can avoid culture shock, either yours or there’s. It’s should be your goal to be a guest to our Peruvian brothers and to avoid offending them inadvertently.

South Americans (especially those that live in the Amazon)  tend not to be loud in the public arena. To yell across the street at someone would be considered rude. A Peruvian would just hold up a hand and wait till they are noticed. In general the pushy out-going nature of most Americans is not considered good manners there. Women are very reserved and take a subservient role in public. At the same time, they tend to be stronger leaders in the family. If you have a tendency to take charge and tell others how things should be done, then you will have to moderate and sit back much more than you are used to.

Please also note; to go with an agenda, will lead to great frustrations. Nothing goes according to schedule in South America. Ferry’s run late; if they even have a schedule at all. Meeting times are usually approximate and dinner, is, when its served.

Latino machismo is always a problem when dealing with problems. Airlines and Hotel employees will never admit it is their problem when things go wrong. You will almost always have to suck it up and pay whatever they are asking if you need to make a change. This will be a huge frustration. I have had plane reservations screwed up and it was clearly the fault of the airlines and they would not budge.

Always confirm your reservations with the domestic airlines. When you arrive and the two days before you want to leave. If you don't they will sell your seat to someone else and not feel the least bit bad. The Peruvian Airlines love to get you to pay more. They will charge you 50.00 to fix their own mistakes. LAN Airlines is a pain, stick with Star Airlines or AeroCondor.

Peru is in the hub of some of the most remote and wild Amazon. But ecotourism has not really taken off due mostly to the seemingly backward third-world attitude they have  toward their guests.