Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Ask permission before photographing local people in traditional dress - a small tip (S/.1-2) is customary
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites - shoulders and knees should be covered
Greeting locals with a simple 'Buenos días' (good morning) or 'Buenas tardes' (good afternoon) is warmly received
Coca leaf offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) are sacred Andean rituals - observe respectfully if you witness them
Bargaining is acceptable at markets but do so respectfully - aggressive haggling is considered rude
Remove hats when entering churches; observe silence in sacred spaces
Accepting or declining coca tea is entirely your choice - it's a traditional hospitality gesture
Traditional Andean textiles and crafts represent cultural heritage - support artisans by buying directly from workshops
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' - Peruvians appreciate the courtesy
- Ask before photographing anyone in traditional dress and offer a small tip
- Dress modestly at churches, ruins, and when visiting traditional communities
- Accept offered coca tea graciously - it helps with altitude and is a hospitality gesture
- Learn a few words of Quechua (the indigenous language) - locals will be delighted
- Support local artisans by purchasing crafts directly from workshops in San Blas
- Be patient with the slower pace of life common in Andean culture
- Carry small denomination bills - vendors rarely have change for large notes
Don't
- Don't photograph indigenous people or sacred ceremonies without explicit permission
- Don't enter churches or archaeological sites in shorts and sleeveless tops
- Don't touch or climb on Inca stonework at archaeological sites
- Don't walk on or disturb the salt pools at Maras Salt Mines
- Don't discard rubbish in archaeological sites or natural areas - pack it out
- Don't purchase antiques or archaeological artifacts - it's illegal to export them
- Don't make derogatory comments about Peruvian culture or compare it unfavorably to other countries
- Don't take coca leaves out of Peru - it's a controlled substance in many countries
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Pachamama Offerings
The ritual offering of food, coca leaves, flowers, and chicha to Mother Earth is central to Andean spirituality and still practiced widely in Cusco region
Inti Raymi Festival
The Festival of the Sun on June 24th (Inca New Year/Winter Solstice) is the most important annual celebration in Cusco, reenacting Inca ceremonies at Sacsayhuaman
Corpus Christi
A unique Cusco celebration blending Catholic and Inca traditions, featuring processions of 15 patron saints and traditional chiriuchu food
Ayni (Reciprocity)
The fundamental Andean principle of mutual aid and reciprocity - giving and receiving help with neighbors and community
Chaccu (Alpaca Roundup)
Traditional community events where alpacas are rounded up for shearing using the same methods practiced by the Incas
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake is common between strangers. Close friends (especially women) greet with a kiss on the cheek. 'Buenos días/tardes' is the standard greeting. Use 'Don' or 'Doña' before first names as a respectful address for older people.
- Dining
- Wait to be seated. Table service is the norm. Eat lunch (almuerzo) as the main meal of the day (12-2 PM). The bill (la cuenta) will not arrive until requested. Sharing dishes is common.
- Dress
- Smart casual for most restaurants. Traditional and conservative dress is respectful in Andean communities. Layers are essential - Cusco mornings and evenings are cold.
- Gifts
- When visiting a Peruvian home, bring something sweet (cake, chocolate) or fruit. Gifts are not always opened immediately.
- Business
- Business is relationship-driven. Initial meetings are about building trust. Punctuality appreciated though 'Peruvian time' can mean some flexibility. Exchange business cards.
- Tipping
- 10% at restaurants is standard but not obligatory. Round up taxi fares. S/.5-10 for tour guides per person per tour. Tip porters S/.5-10/day on multi-day treks.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Hola (Spanish) / Napaykullayki (Quechua)
Hello
Oh-la / Na-pay-koo-YAY-kee
Buenos días (Spanish) / Allin p'unchay (Quechua)
Good morning
BWEN-os DEE-as / Al-een POON-chay
Gracias (Spanish) / Sulpayki (Quechua)
Thank you
GRA-syas / Sul-PAY-kee
Por favor (Spanish) / Ama hina kaychu (Quechua)
Please
Por fa-VOR
¿Cuánto cuesta? (Spanish)
How much does it cost?
KWAN-to KWES-ta
¿Dónde está...? (Spanish) / Maypim...? (Quechua)
Where is...?
DON-de es-TA
Tengo soroche (Spanish)
I have altitude sickness
TEN-go so-RO-che
¡Riquísimo! (Spanish) / Miski (Quechua - sweet/delicious)
Delicious!
ree-KEE-see-mo / MEES-kee
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Cusco.
Main: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, though deeply blended with pre-Columbian Andean spiritual traditions (Pachamama worship, Inca ceremonies). This syncretic blend is unique to the Andean highlands.
Sites: Cusco Cathedral, Santo Domingo/Qorikancha, La Compañía de Jesús, and numerous colonial churches throughout the city and Sacred Valley
Holy Days: Semana Santa (Holy Week/Easter) with elaborate processions; Corpus Christi with unique Cusco traditions; Inti Raymi (June 24, Inca Sun Festival); Virgen de la Natividad (September 8 in Chinchero)
Conversations: Avoid sensitive political topics including Sendero Luminoso history, land rights disputes, and comparison of Inca vs. Spanish heritage. These are complex and sensitive subjects.