General

If you visit Machu Picchu, Cuzco or Lake Titcaca, keep in mind that many tourists suffer from altitude sickness. This can be serious and should not be taken lightly. The rainy season is January through March.

Value System, Language and Religion

Peru scores high on the uncertainty avoidance index, and low on the individualism index. Rules and regulations will contribute to a more structured society. The family is central to most individuals and machismo is strong. Peru has two official languages: Spanish and Quechua. Although many businesspeople understand English, all written materials should be presented in either Spanish or Spanish and English.

Tips when Doing Business

Entertain at good restaurants and bring your spouse but don’t expect to talk business. Image is important; in an urban setting, people are aware of style and personal appearance.

The Pew Global Attitudes Project is an interactive database that allows users to explore public opinion trends in 55 countries on topics ranging from attitudes towards the U.S. to peoples assessments of their own lives to views about globalization, democratization and extremism and other important issues.

Peru ranks as no. 72 (of 180 countries) on Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index.