Business in Peru
Social Customs
Dining
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Lunch in Peru is served later than in the United States, usually between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. This meal is considered a convenient time to discuss business deals.
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Peruvians are very proud of their national alcoholic drink, the Pisco Sour, so be prepared for your hosts to offer you one during a meal.
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Do not refuse dinner invitations or refuse to eat something when you are the guest.
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Wait until the host makes a toast before you start drinking.
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Keep your hands on the table during dinner functions; it is considered bad manners to place your hands in your lap or elbows on the table during meals.
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It is rare to tip your server in restaurants, but it is allowed.
Sports in Peru
It isn't suprising that the most popular and widely played sport in Peru is fútbol (soccer) like many of the other South American and Latin American countries. The Peruvian National Football teams are Cristal, Ailianza and El U in Lima and Cienciano from Cusco. You will find men and women of all ages playing in different capacties, including street pick-up games and organized leagues. Some of the most popular players include Teófilo Cubillas (1970s), Nolberto Solano (1990s-2012) and Juan Manuel Vargas (2002- present).
Volleyball (vóley) is another popular sport in Peru, particularly for women. Their national team has experienced great success in the World Cup and the Olympics. Most schools now have women's volleyball teams as it is a growing interest in Peru.
Bullfighting is a popular pastime in Peru even though it receives many critiques from the pro-animal activists. They are mostly popular in the local villages at fiestas, where the fighting is less traditional and the bull is left to run through the village until caught. Although dangerous to visiting tourists, it brings great business.
