Greetings

Peruvian greetings and introductions usually involve some kind of physical gesture, such as a handshake, a hug, or a kiss on the cheek. When you are introduced to someone, it is customary to say mucho gusto — "it's a pleasure."

Men normally shake hands, with a firm handshake and some level of eye contact. Younger men have also begun to use the fist bump, so expect to see a few of them, especially if you're hanging out with the cool kids. A handshake is also used between men and women in business situations, unless they are friends.

A single kiss on the left cheek is a common greeting gesture in Peru, as well as when being introduced in casual settings. However, there is no cheek kissing between men; only between men and women and two women. Hugging is typically reserved for close friends and family members in Peru. Men rarely hug other men, preferring a handshake or a hand on the shoulder instead.

These physical gestures — handshakes, hugs, and kisses — also apply to goodbyes as they do to greetings. There are several ways to say goodbye in Peru, but the most common is a simple chau (bye). You can also say buenas noches (good night) as a goodbye at night.