Disclaimer: As I believe my previous blogs reflect, I love living in Cajamarca, Peru.
I love the people, culture, climate and lifestyle. But after two years, there are just a few things I’m afraid I’ll never be able to accept. Keep in mind if I made a list of the bones I have to pick with the United States, it would be MUCH longer. Also, remember that these annoyances do not refer to ALL Peruvians or all places in Peru…only my experiences. So, sorry Peru, but I’ve got to vent and here I go: The most annoying things about living in Peru.
Table of Contents
1. Perros Calleros (Street Dogs)
In Cajamarca, they’re everywhere. They are untamed, off-leash, un-spayed/neutered, and sometimes un-vaccinated. Last year while running on public roads near my house, a small dog ran out of the bushes and attached its teeth to my leg. As the dog had no owner (or no one willing to admit it was theirs) I had no way to know if it had been vaccinated against rabies. So as a precaution, I had to go through a series of 10 shots to get myself vaccinated. My friend Amy got bit last year too. My dog Brandy has been attacked several times.
One of my little English students was attacked a few months ago by a dog twice her size resulting in severe lacerations in her arm, hand and chest. Worse than the dogs are the owners who train them to be aggressive in order to protect their homes. Unfortunately, the dogs widen the territory into the public roads. For example, I go for a run and a dog comes out of nowhere barking, growling, about to attack. Often the owner is standing right there watching. Rather than controlling their dog, they yell at me for throwing rocks.
2.Hombres Calleros (Street Men)
They might as well be dogs. They bark disgusting comments as you walk by or growl weird kissing noises trying to intimidate you. Sometimes they just stare at you up and down, make easily audible comments to their friends while puffing out their chests and holding their heads high. They sure think they’re studs. No humility. No respect. They make me want to puke. I used to try to accept machismo as a part of the Latino culture. Screw that. Men who behave like this are scum buckets, they know it and culture is not a valid excuse. While I’ve learned it’s best to ignore it, on occasion it’s hard not to respond with a comment such as “voy a vomitar,” or if I’m on a run, by aiming a loogie or snot rocket in their direction.
3. Poor Medical Care
I hope I never get seriously sick in Cajamarca because every experience I’ve had with the medical system here has been scary. Perhaps, coming from a medical background I’m hyper-aware of these things.
When I first moved here I was very sick with some abnormal symptoms (extreme thirst, sore eyeballs, spider veins, etc.). Having recently made a trip to the jungle, I asked to be tested for a variety of illnesses such as Dengue fever, Malaria, etc. I was diagnosed by three different doctors as having a stomach infection and each time sent home with antibiotics and painkillers. A month
Last year I helped an American family’s 13-year-old daughter who got appendicitis on their vacation to Cajamarca. Not only was Eliza conscious for most of the surgery, but when the doctor removed the appendix, he brought it out to the waiting area to show it to the parents before closing their daughter up. Poor Eliza! After surgery, they didn’t give her pain medication until we requested it. They told me she had a 50% chance of the wound getting infected (this may be due to the fact that gloves are highly undervalued in the medical system here). In the beginning, I feared for her life. In the end, she was fine. But I doubt the Webbers will EVER be coming back to Cajamarca.later when I was listening to a public service announcement about Dengue fever, I noticed they had listed my symptoms perfectly. I went back through my paperwork to discover that I had indeed tested positive for Dengue fever. None of the three doctors ever looked at the results of my testing.
Each time I get my blood drawn, I find myself lecturing the lab tech about the importance of wearing gloves. I’ve heard every excuse in the book, “We only wear gloves when the patient requests it,” or “I don’t have any open wounds so I don’t need to wear gloves.”
Out of fear of contracting Hepatitis B, AIDS, or the flu due to poor sanitation standards, I avoid going to the doctor in Cajamarca at all costs. Fortunately, in Peru, you don’t need a prescription for most medications, including antibiotics and painkillers so I tend to use whatever resources I can and diagnose and treat myself. Seems like a safer option. Most people go to Lima for any serious surgeries or illnesses. While the health care is better in Lima, it’s hard to find the quality of health care that you expect in the States. Why is this annoying? Because there is a constant fear that something bad might happen and we would not be able to get adequate healthcare.
4. Dangerous Drivers
Speeding, running stop signs, illegally passing on either side, going the wrong direction on one-way streets, driving drunk. Anything goes. For this reason, the municipality puts speed bumps all over the place so that people HAVE to slow down. Cars have the right-of-way before pedestrians. Once, as Charlie was riding his motorcycle in Cajamarca he slowed down for an older woman who was crossing the street with a cane. The car behind swerved around Charlie (typical) and hit the woman dead on. Judging by how hard she was hit and the fact that there was blood everywhere, Charlie doubts she survived.
I don’t get it. Peruvians are generally fairly laid back as a culture, they arrive hours late to everything, but put them in a car and they drive like complete maniacs! If you live in Peru, you learn quickly to be extremely careful when crossing the street.
5. Public Urination/Defecation
At the risk of sounding like a pervert, I see at least one wiener that’s NOT Charlie’s every day since I’ve lived in Cajamarca. People pee everywhere with little shame or effort to hide it. In fact, one of my biggest pet peeves is when I’m walking on the sidewalk near our home and need to step into the street to avoid walking through the pee stream of some guy who couldn’t find a more private spot. He’ll even say hello to me as I pass him! They are a little more discreet about public defecation, but it happens plenty. It is not uncommon to see my neighbors defecating in the stream or the eucalyptus grove across the street from us.
6. Littering!
I live in a city filled with litter bugs. People open a candy bar and throw the wrapper on the ground. People throw bags of trash onto the street to get torn apart by dogs. Despite an abundance of waste bins throughout Cajamarca, people choose to litter. On Wednesdays the butcher in Banos del Inca slaughters large animals (cows and pigs). This is the day that our local stream which runs through town turns red with the blood and remains. Gross!
7. Nothing is easy
I used to think it was because of my inadequate Spanish, but now I know that’s not it. I swear that Peruvians are professionals at turning a simple task such as the purchase of a printer into a half-day ordeal. First, go to the electronics department and select your printer. Wait in line and eventually, they will print you a receipt which you will take to the cash register at the front of the store. Wait in line, make your payment and work your way back to the electronics department. Wait in line. First, they will check your receipt, then they will open the box to confirm that everything that should be in it IS indeed present (shouldn’t it always be?). There are rules and systems such as this in place for most circumstances. The problem is, most people don’t know what they are, so they need to consult someone else…who may not be around. You end up going from one person to the next to do something as simple as opening a bank account.
8. No one has change
This can be VERY inconvenient. Unless you’re making a big purchase, you can’t pay with a large bill because the vendor won’t have change. If a vendor does have adequate change, they claim they don’t until you tell them you won’t make the purchase. I don’t get it. If we all pay vendors in small bills, where do they go? WHY doesn’t anyone have change?
9. Noise
Cajamarca loves firecrackers. Not fireworks, the pretty things that light up the sky, but firecrackers, the explosions that make nothing but a loud boom. Their only purpose is noise. You can expect to hear these throughout the days for at least three weeks following Carnival and constantly around the time of political elections.
Then there’s the music. If you go to a party or a bar, it is guaranteed that the music will be turned up so loud that conversations are impossible. Everyone complains. Everyone says “why do they turn the music up so loud?” No one turns it down.
10. Cutting in Line
No matter where you are (the bank, pharmacy, grocery store, movie theater) people do NOT respect lines. People behind you in line will physically push you forward or try to get around you. It is not uncommon for someone to come along, say ‘perdon’ and squeeze their way in front of you. When you finally arrive at the counter, someone may just step in front of you and begin talking to the person at the register or making their purchases. I used to get so frustrated, but now I just follow suit. You need to be aggressive and throw your elbows out to avoid cutters. If someone says ‘perdon’ and tries to step in front of me, I say ‘no, I was here first!’ If you follow what you think are the traditional expectations for waiting in line, you could be there all day.
Absolutely LOVE the list. I haven’t traveled to Sud America myself, but from my travels in Central America, Mexico, and surprisingly Southeast Asia I can empathize with most of these frustrations. 100% agree with the Latin culture machismo bullshit as well as the fact that nobody has change ever (this was especially true in India)! Haven’t encountered the peeing thing though (that may belong to the unique ‘charm’ of your specific locale). And the dangerous driving thing; pretty universal outside the US, seriously people what gives???
Anyway, great article keep up the good work 🙂
If you are not prepare to travel just don’t do it. I assume you had a bad experience. Open your mind and thing what people thing about the USA, great country but with annoying things as well. Since you arrive to the aiport, people are not very welcoming, they ask you if you are from Mexico,just because you are Latino, then you say the country where you come, and a big question mark appears in their faces asking themselves, Where is that place?, they dont even respect other countries, and then they expected to be respected. People selling drugs in front of the Police, I’ve seen that with my eyes, in very center of Washington and Atlantic city. You should criticize your own country before criticize others.
that’s right! There are people in the US pissing and defecating all over the place! They run over old people because driver’s come first.
Victor, I have lived in South America for 15 years and found every excuse in the book for vile behavior, and I’m not talking about corruption, which is in the states also, big time, or racism, but it takes the IQ of a turnip to NOT do some of the things I’ve seen. In one Peruvian city, no one thought of putting up a ‘do not enter’ sign on a main drag as they were paving the plaza de armas (main square). Result, hours of pile ups, and 8 hours later, no one had still done so. Some comments are based on truisms which does not mean that the writer does not have negative things to say about his or her own country.
Please open your eyes. Everything listed on the list is true. It does not mean that USA is perfect. I criticize Peru, don’t like the country, it does not mean that mine is perfect (I am from France). I do criticize my own country too, but still think it is way better than Peru. I will go back to Europe as soon as possible.
Opening you mind is cool, opening your zipper to pee on the streets like a dog not so much.
Haha so you’re mad because not everyone knows where your country is? The U.S. is a huge place so most people will know about it. If you’re from a smaller country then I don’t think it’s insulting that someone from a distant land doesn’t know about it. I do find it telling that you seem insulted by people asking if you’re from Mexico though. Speaks a lot about your prejudices
I am so happy to find that you hate creepy men as well! (I haven’t been to Peru, but they’re an international phenomenon.) So often women will just put up with it, and both men and women often won’t even NOTICE it, because it is such an accepted thing – so I am glad to find I am not alone in unabashedly HATING creepy “studlies.”
Also, #8 is always a pain. It sadly might be because you are foreign, and they want to overcharge you — but I don’t know. I have often found people pretending they don’t have change, when if I just put back whatever I was trying to buy they can make it magically appear. Deeply annoying.
I was really shocked in Peru that people really do cut in line all the time! So weird! haha you just have to get in there and fight for your place I guess?
After reading your article, I was able to see that you are a gringa “huequi”. How come you criticize one of the poorest cities in Peru? I wonder what makes you come down here. You like coca or just you are a gringa “huequi”?
What would you write if you go to mongolia or africa where the poorest people in the World lives? I guess it is easier to criticizes than do anything constructive instead.
I live in USA for several years and I have seen poor people here. They do many annoying things too, but you have to understand their condition.
Tell me about the cab drivers in NYC, the homeless people in California that lives under the bridge, or about the bad insurance system that doesn’t cover you if you have a pre-existen condition.
Hello,
First I want to thank you for your feedback. I recognize that this blog was strongly written which is why I put a disclaimer at the beginning. In this disclaimer, I point out that I have a much longer list of annoyances with the United States, but this blog is about living in Peru. I also mentioned that I am not speaking about all Peruvians, or all places in Peru. Most of the complaints I spoke of do not only refer to the poor populations but span across the socioecomic classes. I have had several Peruvian friends comment to me that the blog is harsh, but they also become frustrated with several of my points.
In response to the comment about complaining rather than being constructive, I do feel that I significantly contribute to the community I live in. I have spent a lot of time, money and effort into starting and operating a free English school to the underserved population of children in my district.
Finally, I’m sorry to have offended you. I encourage you to read any other blog I have written during my time here as I believe it reflects my adoration of this country and how priviledged and happy I am to be living here.
Thank you again for your feedback.
This is another thing I absolutely hate about Peru. I’ve been to over 20 countries in my lifetime – none of them I’ve seen reacting so badly towards criticism as Peruvians do. They beat the Egyptians by a mile.
Peruvians will literally tell you to fuck off and go back to your country. Do you see how he insults you by calling you “gringa huequi” (basically “no-brain foreigner”), simply by pointing out some very valid annoying facts about his country?
Agree, And Im Peruvian, lifed here my whole Life. Most Peruvians prefer to see something bad about them, and turn it into something beautiful, or special, rather than change it. When you critisize that about them, it hurts their make up ego.
Good List, on Point!! Poor doesnt need to mean un civilized, But, And here comes the But… Some of this people are first or second Generation out of inca Culture. It is Like Dropping an Europian With no school into the Jungle.
Are you an INTJ
exactly, u bring it to the point agree 100000%
it hurts their make up ego, they always fake happiness. the people man are just terrible, just to say it once. so disrespectful, they just dont handle to hear the truth because they are so proud of their country. fact is, only peruvian people like peruvians
i am here in cusco now, they just have their nose in their head, they really think who they are…. and its ABNORMAL!! how they walk and act, not always of corse, but the majority of people, its shame. how can u believe u are so good? they never apologize!! even if i tell them. they are just egoic, so egoic. but not all. but a lot.
That’s the reason why they will never improve anything. They don’t want to see problems. They are incredibly racists. As a foreign person you just can shout your mouth or tell them how much you like their country.
I meant to add two things you and your readers might find of interest: 1.) Films about Lima by filmmaker Heddy Honigmann, “Olvido” and “Metal y Melancolia” both are well done. 2.) My poem about street child in Lima, found online with search terms – “Ovalo Gutierrez poem 2014”
Danielle, it is a fine assessment and accurate given your time in Peru. I don’t doubt you love the country and its people. Thank you! for your insights.
What I do not understand is why they behave like animals. I am a working class American and three generations back, a segment of my family was poor. But they were not dogs. I read this article trying to make sense as to why the men who come to my country from Peru and Ecuador are such base animals. Forget that they don’t know the language, that has nothing to do with it. They are disgusting like dogs. Worse, we accept these people and their bahavior in our country and it is lowering the standards here.
Very true another commitment mentioned the USA has some of these supposeded issues Peru has but many of these issues such as urination on the streets and homelessness is largely caused by Latin American immigrants.
Let’s not forget the USA’s infrastructure is light years ahead of pretty much all of Latin America.
To be fair I have traveled to about thirty different countries all over the world, many of them I have spent a month of more of time in. I am open to all sorts of different cultures and ways of seeing the world.
I lived in Peru for 3 years and everything written in this article is true. I found it to be intolerable to stay on Peru any longer because of the open racism, unwillingness to improve or change anything due to pride/ego, and the insane noise problem.
The music is so bad and it is played everywhere at earbleeding volumes, sometimes multiple music sources at the same time. The music is universally obnoxious, the franticly fast tempo cumbia, the uninspired lyrical content, the tone-deaf singing style. It’s not a cultural difference in question, everybody all around the world likes Brazilian Samba, noone likes Peruvian cumbia.
I stayed in a village for many months where the music was left on at earbleeding volumes all night so the alcoholics could drink without having to listen to their own thoughts. The local children couldn’t sleep and they had school to go to the next day. I went to the police department in the next town over to try and get the illegal discos shutdown and they told me to talk to the mayor. Turns out that the mayor owns one of the illegal discos.
The poor kids growing up there constantly run the risk of being sexually assaulted uf they go walking on any of the forest paths. Sexually predatory behaviour was rampant, pregnant 13 year olds all around. I mean this is a village of 1500 people or so.
Corruption, deceit, envy, pride, intolerance, it’s the magic brew that makes Peru so special. I see them constantly suffering as a consequence. Peru is a lovely place to visit as a tourist where it’s smiling surface charm will mask the “stupid idiot gringo” mindset buried underneath. Living there is a daily nightmare I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.
Hi. I completely agree with you. I have been born and raised in this country and the constant bullying is a very heavy issue. Open racism yeah it sucks. I would add many, many, more points to the list. Just don’t come here. People are evil on a whole other level.
Soy Peruano, y comparto lamentablemente con mucho de lo que se dice aquí. escribo en español porque así me siento más cómodo de decir lo que creo.
Afortunadamente no todo el país es así. Tenemos tan buenas cosas que sé en otras partes del mundo no las tienen como: ser amigables, divertidos, creativos, full chamba, etc. Además, como se dice en la primera parte del blog NO son todos los sitios ni todas las personas así, ni siquiera somos la mayoría así. Pero sí habemos gente con comportamientos que se parecen a este Top10. De hecho, aunque parezca feo, hasta nos hemos acostumbrado a esta vida, algo que no está nada bien y que no tiene que ver sólo con la pobreza o riqueza de un país, es más que todo la cultura y educación, ya que todo es mejorable y creo que cambiando de uno en uno, podemos ser un país mejor, estamos incluidos todos.
He leído también varias de las otras publicaciones de Daniel, y junto con esta me parecen muy buenas, Te felicito, continúa escribiendo y viviendo en Perú (gozando y sufriendo) VIVIENDO.
Para todos: lean los demás blogs “buenos” de esta blogger, y Danielle espero pronto publiques algo como “Top 10: The best things about living in Peru”.
Lamentablemente todo el país es asi. Y en otros países también son amigables, creativos, etc. y a veces mucho mas…la gente no me parece tan amable aquí como opinas…
Creo que lamentablemente suena como que ya no te gusta vivir donde sea que estes que hay gente asi. Tambien tienes que tomar en consideracion que tan amigable eres tu hacia lo demas desconocidos o esas personas que describes no tan amigables, lamentablemente muchas personas han vivido malas experiencias en sus vidas y tiene muy alta sus barreras defensivas de su ego, aveces tu tienes que dar el ejemplo primero.
Tenemos tan buenas cosas que sé en otras partes del mundo no las tienen como: ser amigables, divertidos, creativos, full chamba, etc. Además, como se dice en la primera parte del blog NO son todos los sitios ni todas las personas así, ni siquiera somos la mayoría así > Disculpa que te responda de una manera negativa, pero en el mundo entero hay gente amigable, divertida, creativa etc. No es para nada propio de Perú. Y esta manera relajada de tomarse todo hasta me incomoda porque hay temas serios, como la seguridad vial, que no toleran ese tipo de mentalidades. Simplemente porque no respetar las reglas conlleva muertes. En cuanto a la seguridad vial creo que el 90% o más de los peruanos no respeta a los peatones. El sábado quise grabar esta triste realidad (imposibilidad de cruzar una calle en un cruce peatonal), el primer intento fue el bueno. Un carro llegó a toda velocidad y se negó a dejarme pasar….. La única cosa que pondría en el top 10 es ausencia de impuestos. Es lo único que me gusta de tu país, aunque creo que también es lo que causa su pérdida. Espero que las cosas puedan cambiar, el nivel educativo y las mentalidades. Pero son procesos largos y yo pienso regresar a Europa en cuanto pueda porque no me gusta vivir aquí y veo que no me voy a acostumbrar (después de 2 años ya). Dicho eso, te mando un saludo. No me tengas rencor, te doy mi opinión como extranjera y sé que en cada lugar hay excepciones. Pareces ser una de ella.
Here’s another shout out of support, Danielle. The thing is that no place in the world is perfect, including Peru. This post was bound to draw some defensive criticism, but I don’t think you need to apologize for your list at all. Your are simply putting down what, for you, is annoying. This list would be different for every country in the world, and, as you said, you could make a list about the USA, too. Living in another country other that is not your home is an interesting, enlightening, and life-changing experience, but it isn’t always easy and it isn’t always positive. Part of getting to know a country, like getting to know a person, is understanding its quirks and flaws. You have listed some of the flaws of Peru from the perspective of a gringa. To act like Peru is only ceviche, beautiful ruins and flute music would be as silly as acting as if the USA is only Disneyland, hamburgers and freedom. That is to say, it would be inaccurate and deny the complexities of the country and your experience.
As always, I love reading your blog: it brings back so many memories (good and bad) from my time there. I laughed many times. 🙂 Today marks one year since I began my journey and I still think about it every day. Like you said, despite these annoyances Peru and Cajamarca is a fabulous place. My other home.
You are right all the stuff of your list happen mostly in the poor cities and mostly in those that were rural areas less than two or three decades ago. What surprise me is the non existance of a private clinic well equipped by Newmont and Buenaventura mining company. They are installed for more than 20 years and they use to shout that they contribute with the community in so many ways. Maybe that’s why the citizens of Cajamarca and vicinity don’t trust them . because those companies are getting the profits but not giving benefits to the community.
I hope you will have a better time. I know it’s annoying to the women the stupid behavior of most of us the peruvian men, and that one is happening all over. If you have peruvian friends maybe talking to them about this kind of harrasment will promote that the women of your community will stand up against that.
what you refer about people peeing and pooping on the streets is a typical behavior of people who comes from the rural and remote areas they don’t have bathrooms and is a matter of the mayor of Cajamarca to put public mobile bathrooms and promote an education campaing about that.
About the crazy taxis and combis , we peruvians hate that but noone do anyhting to stop it.
I am talking in Lima with some friends to make something like taking our bicycles and crash the roads protesting against the wild transportation we have here.
Don’t worry about those who criticize You because they feel You’re offending us with Your thoughts .
You are a resident of this country and You like me and all the people who live in Peru and espefically in cajamarca should point at those behaviors and all the problems we and the authorities must change, in order to make our country a btter place to live.
You can not change people life habits, there is nothing wrong with people who have no future or money to ask them to do how you think is the right way to behave! Do you really think people who have very little in there lives are going to start behaving like middle class ? Do me a favour put yourself in there shoes just for a day no you couldn’t could you .
Dear Jon: Your post troubles me. You say that there is nothing wrong with people who have no future or no money to behave anyway they please due to their circumstances. And I ask you exactly how does someone from the middle class behave? I will tell you this much. All people in all situations are entitled to have hopes and dreams. And yes, their behaviors and actions directly effect their future and their lives in general. I have been in their shoes. I went from owning my own home, having a good job, 2 vehicles, money in the bank to living on the streets and begging for food. But I did not think my situation allowed me to act like an animal. I went to every shelter, food bank, government program, hospital, grocery store….anyplace I could think of and asked for help. I did it in a respectful manner. I demanded nothing. It did not happen overnight but eventually I got help. I am now in school, renting a room, have health insurance, have a steady income, own a vehicle and pay my bills. I still have a long way to go. But I never gave up. And as far as your middle class comment. I know people with nothing that I respect more than some middle class people I know. How can you compare the behavior of someone on the basis of the amount of money they have? I know people who have been in prison who I would lend money to quicker than some people who are worth millions. Do not be so quick to judge my friend. Money does not define a person. That choice is up to you.
SOME PRETTY STRONG GENERALIZATIONS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE CAN OR CANNOT DO, JON.
I HAVE LIVED IN SOUTH AMERICA FOR MANY YEARS AND THERE ARE SOME TRUISMS HERE. WHY DOESN’T THE MAYOR DO SOMETHING TO STOP DEFECATION AND URINATION IN THE STREETS, OR SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS WEARING GLOVES (DONE IN ASIA AND AFRICA) DURING MEDICAL WORK. i HAVE ALSO BEEN TO PERU DOZENS OF TIMES AND HAVE PUT UP WITH A LOT, AM LOWER MIDDLE CLASS BUT HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF MANY TIMES. THERE ARE NICE THINGS ABOUT THE COUNRY BUT WHEN YOU SAY NO YOU COULDN’T COULD YOU I SEE YOU GAZING IN THE MIRROR AND TALKING TO YOURSELF. NO CRAPPING IN THE STREET IS NOT TO BEHAVE IN A MIDDLE CLASS FASHION OR NOT PUSHING PEOPLE TO GET AHEAD OF THEM, IT IS SOMETHING OTHER ANIMALS SEEM TO BE ABLE TO DO BUT YOU COULDN’T UNDERSTAND THAT COULD YOU
So because someone is poor they should not be expected to not generally act like an asshole? What does being poor have to do with running over an old lady, howling at a woman, or elbowing someone in line? I’ve also heard this exact same list from someone who lived there a year. People there generally act like selfish idiots.
In Lima they have money, sometimes houses that are incredibly expensive and they have the same mentality (they don’t respect lines and pedestrians, they don’t value education, never read etc.) There are plenty of middle class people in Lima. In the district where I live (San Miguel) I come across all the problems listed, even stray dogs. We also have a huge problem with a pitbull (owned by a lawyer) that attacks other dogs. The police/municipality does not do anything. In Peru healthcare is a business. When I was bitten by a dog; I looked for a place to receive injections against rabies. They didn’t have this injection but wanted to charge me even before answering me the very simple question I asked them: do you have this injection in stock? Women die giving birth, there is no blood in hospitals, I saw my husband’s father dying in terrible conditions. They own beautiful cars (brand new sometimes) but don’t value their lifes and other peoples’s life. It’s so hard crossing a street here, I try not going out when I can because I AM AFRAID!! Go to Peru and then give your opinion 😉
I think any resident of any country needs to be open to feedback about the place they live in. That way you can identify the problems that exist and work to improve things. I don’t think being defensive really gets you anywhere. The truth can be uncomfortable (trust me, everyone and their mother takes it to task to criticize the US), but that’s truly the only way we evolve. Thanks!
Para Panchito Lara:
Hay algo que no entiendo… ¿de dónde sacas tú que Danielle está hablando de los pobres? ¿?¿? ¿Qué tendrá que ver ser pobre con ser puerco e ir tirando mierda y meando en la calle? ¿?¿? Panchito, vuelve a leer el post detenidamente y verás que no está hablando de los pobres, sino de gente en general.
Respecto al machismo, he leído en algunos sitios que se trata de algo cultural… ¿Acaso se entiende por CULTURA la completa falta de educación y civismo? ¿Qué tiene de cultural un hombre que piensa con la picha en vez de con la cabeza? Este no es un problema exclusivo de Perú, en algunas partes de España también abundan los “machotes” con exceso de testosterona y falta de cerebro.
In a nutshell, I don’t feel incivism has anything to do with poverty. I’ve recently discovered your blog and I’m really enjoying it. You write so vivid descriptions that make me feel I’m there too! 🙂
Arabella: Soy peruana y hay muchas cosas que solo se pueden comprender conociendo de cerca la multiples culturas que conforman la sociedad peruana. Tomar como caractaristicas de todos los peruanos las que se mencionan es un gran error. En los pueblos se puede ver gente que vive en un ambiente rural usando la calle como bano, por ejemplo. Pero hasta eso tiene una explicacion aunque no estoy justificandolo ni mucho menos defendiendolo. Durante la epoca de los incas y aun ahora el concepto de bano es muy diferente a lo que se comprendo en el mundo occidental en muchas partes rurales del Peru. Las mujeres por ejemplo se visten muchas faldas y no usaban ropa interior, asi que solo se agachaban para hacer sus necesidades. Por supuesto hay muchas cosas que necesitan ir cambiando para “civilizar”. Pero este tipo de cosas no solo existen en el Peru. Como una persona que nacio y crecio en una ciudad peruana en donde la vida es muy similar a cualquier ciudad del mundo (ahora vivo en los Estados Unidos) me llamo la atencion escuchar a mi sobrina contandome que cuando fue de intercambio a un pueblo en Francia la familia en donde se quedo usaba la ducha como un deposito y sencillamente no se banaban nunca, solo se lababan. No por eso voy a pensar que todos los franceses no usan la ducha o banera… y hasta eso tiene una razon historica.
No entiendo lo que escribes acerca de mi país. La gente se ducha en Francia, como en cualquier lugar. Cuál es la diferencia entre bañarse y lavarse? Tienes razón cuando dices que no hay que generalizar. En el Perú no he visto a gente defecando en la calle pero creo que todo lo demás es cierto. La gente tiene esta mentalidad del “yo primero”, no respetan a los demás y se creen vivos. A mí me da mieda cruzar una calle y me da pena el nivel cultural de la gente. No hay actividades culturales en Lima en la mayoría de los distritos. El transporte es caótico, no hay reglas, nada se respeta. Realmente, no es un lugar donde vivir. Para mí es un lugar donde quedarse un rato para ahorrar porque casi no se pagan impuestos. Es lo único rescatable desde mi punto de vista. De hecho, pensaba quedarme años (quizá 10-20) y ahora me digo que no, que tengo que encontrar la manera de comprarme un departamento en una ciudad europea, aunque sea fuera de mi país. Pero quiero regresar a Europa sí o sí. Creo que me quedaré 5 años en Lima y es más que suficiente para mí. No creo que aguante más.
it looks like you are not in Cajamarca anymore?
I am going there after Christmas for the 2nd time and possibly relocating there. DO you intend to keep up the blog?
Hi Jim,
Yes, I’m still in Cajamarca, but it has been a very busy year. In October, I gave birth to my daughter Amelia. I have been working on a couple blogs, but with a 2 month old, its hard to find time to write. I do intend to continue, but it may take me a couple more months. I hope you enjoyed your time here over the holidays!
Danielle
Congratulations on giving birth to a daughter. Wonderful! A relative of yours, Anne Prehn, recommended your blog to me because my family and I are living in Lima for the next two months. Anne said that you have/had a Spanish teacher that you loved? Any chance that you took those lessons in Lima and that teacher lives in Lima?
Thanks!
Jane
Thanks for a great read! *Note to self: do not get sick outside of the United States, especially in Peru. I think it’s important we acknowledge the itches that bother us and you’re list is very reasonable! Keep writing!
Thanks if you can afford health care soft lad
Perfect! I do agree! =)
Yep!
I live in the Selva of Ayacucho and here too there are as many dogs as flies. I have to try my new Smart Phone using a dog repellent sound which is a free Apps one can download. Have you ever thought of that? It also goes for mosquitos. There are repellent apps on phones.
Typical American banging on complaining all the time compering the US with Peru. It’s easy if you don’t like the way other countries run leave! no one has your arm up your back asking you to stay . I live in Thailand for 20 years the people from the US do the same here complain all the time. I did go to Ecuador a couple of years ago and they have taken over a little city of Cuenca opening hamburger shops pizza ECT . One guy put in a blog the gringo tree,He thought that the locals should start to speak English. 130 indigenous tribes live there they just about speak Spanish. One guy said he wish there was a wall mart? Isn’t this the reasons for leaving in the first place.
Hi Jon,
Like I said, I’m sorry if this blog offended you. I think if you read some of my other blogs, you would find that my experience in Peru overall has been a very good one. The majority of my blogs reflect the positive aspects of the country and culture that I enjoy very much. And as I said in my disclaimer, I have plenty of things I could also complain about in the USA. I could talk about healthcare, as you mentioned, or politics, or the war. But this blog is about my experience as an American living in Peru.
I think that its fair that after reflecting all of the positive experiences I have here, for me to at least mention the things that are difficult. As for me being a typical American, this may be true, however I have spoken with friends from various other countries including Peru who have similar complaints. I recognize that some of these problems are related to the country being a developing one, but still feel justified in mentioning them.
Regarding the blog you read, I haven’t read it myself but am guessing that the writer was probable doing something similar and venting his frustrations with living in an unfamiliar country. I have heard Peruvians or other those from other countries who have lived in the States complain about how difficult it was to live abroad as well.
As guests in a foreign country that is not our own, I agree we should show appreciation for the cultural differences. I feel I accomplish this in the majority of my blogs. At the same time, when you live in a country that is not your own for an extended period of time, I believe that it is fair to note the cultural differences that are difficult to accept.
Don’t be sorry for speaking the truth, all of Peru is the same.
2 good things about Peru.
#1. The food.
#2. The nature.
Everything else is SHIT!
Agree with you altough I don’t even like their food 😉 To me everything is shit except the fact that we don’t pay taxes.
Peruvians are pathological liars and cheats!! Do not trust a single thing that comes out of their mouths. Never in my life have I met such people that cause you to lose faith in mankind!!
Yeah girl, hock that loogie at the hombres! I live in Cusco- and yes, you are 100% correct that culture is not an excuse to demean women. I do my best to look disgusted or totally disinterested, have the “complement” returned. Given the brichero culture in Cusco, sometimes I fake that I don’t know any spanish just to avoid conversation.
The cutting in line thing is totally bizarre, I have no idea how that became a thing. I find that Peruvians respect you if you say something, which seems even more bizarre to me. I have to haggle hard for a fair taxi price every time, and at the end of the ride everything is completely peachy- like they have to see you get a little scrappy to respect you. Talking with enough Cuzquenian friends has helped me conclude that these are annoying things not just for foreigners!
Hello:
Wonder if you know. I adopted a baby boy 23 years ago from the orphanage in Cajamarca. It was an ordeal. I am wondering if the orphanage is still there. It was primarily for girls. Am now thinking about bringing Michael (son who was adopted) back to see where he is from – apparently I was told he was born in Banos del Inca. Never meet the parents, but would like to try and find them. Have some names & other info. I know you can hire an attorney to track down these things, but I also know there is a lot of corruption in Peru in the legal system. When I was there there was also a prison and mental hospital. You are right about the medical care. Michael had to spend 6 weeks in the hospital there in Cajamarca, got sepsis. Any info or insights would be appreciated!
Peruvians are liars. The biggest liars I ever met.
Peruvians don’t bathe often.
Peruvians are often boring in bed. Slutty women and cheating men.
Peruvians will love you quickly and hate you quicker for cultural reasons.
Peruvians will use you for all they can and move on to the next victim as soon as they have drained you dry.
Peruvians are small minded, petty, trashy, dirty, filthy and uncreative people. Unless a Peruvian rejects their own trashy culture they will cheat you, cut in line, be superstitious and proud of their trashines.
Peruvians love to trash the USA.
Damn dude, did they beat you up or something, that sucks having a bad experience in a foreign country, does make a person stereotype (hate) them quickly, but know that there’s weird people, robbers, rapists, murders, all types of horrible people everywhere in the world and it doesn’t really recognize them by borders, it always been like this. Now if you just hating for no real reason, you have issues.
Aren’t you the same cunt from travelvice? Or just copy pasted this?
TRUE, Peruvians are subhumans.
I believe Peru could be a paradise country if it was a 1st world country (infrastructure,etc) and whenever the massive ignorance from its population in general, dramatically declines, which might be in next decades (hoping) but probably will take longer than becoming a 1st world country.
when it comes to pushing in line I will literally make a scene on the person and make them feel like an asshole, don’t care whether it is cut or not. I will point blank look at them and say, “La cola está detrás.” I will talk louder I will argue until they do move away from the line.
The other I hate is when you’re on the bus and in the aisle seat, sooner or later some man with an erection is going to stand there rubbing himself up and down on your arm, shoulder or where ever he can put it.
Noise: Oh about every other weekend there is a party, festivity of some sort going on out front of where I live. I like the music but not at 5:00 in the morning when I am trying to sleep.
Speaking of Driving: I was walking on the sidewalk to go and catch the bus today, out of nowhere this taxi pulls out like a bat out of hell, almost hitting me, just coming within inches to hitting me square head on. He just waved his hand as I gave him a dirty look.
I agree with every single one of the things on your list. I live in Lima and just got back from buying a soda in
Plaza Vea and a 60 year old man asked me out. Or actually he Just stared at me
And told me he will be waiting for me tomorrow at 10. Creepy.
An excellent article. My wife who has lived here all her life teaching Peruvians, would agree on all points. The hypersensitive just need to get over it.
There is good and bad in every country. This blog is about living in Peru as an expat. If the whiners don’t like what Danielle has written that they should make their own blog about living in the USA as an expat.
Looking forward to another article.
well, having visited 45 countries, I can say that overall, Peru has a pretty good rating in all the complaints compared to many other countries. You should see the driving in Shanghai, or Kathmandu. India…ha! I would say that to me, the health care is much better in India, at the Appollo hospital. Street dogs, at least you’re not eating them, well, we hope. There aren’t any in China. Strays, that is. Public defecation, not so bad compared. Littering, you should see Mexico. So, this writer needs to get with the program, or get back to U.S. I guess she just didn’t have anything else better to do.
great piece……a lot of OMG…….living in San Luis, Lima……the one that really hit home is the “vendors not having change……I just leave the items…..just keep on walking down the street……the new trick is the clerk will take the bill and sprint to some other vendor to change the bill……amusing….I guess “someone in the back” is watching the store & you!…..
I have live in Iquitos, Peru for 6 years and agree with all she said. The one that gets me the most is how inefficient everything is. Something that might take 45 minutes in the USA can literally take days here. Much of this is related to points not made by Danniele. The people here do not seem to care about giving good service. With the wages they are paid that is understandable. The business owners here treat their employees very poorly, in any way you define it. That said, I have waited more than 10 minutes to pay for take out food and have the cashier angry at me for interrupting the conversation with her friend! While a bit on the edge of what happens, something like this is less common than you would think, and not only because I am a gringo. I see it happen to other Peruvians regularly.
The dishonesty here is shocking. I am married to a local lady who grew up in Iquitos. She does not trust anyone, assumes everyone is going to cheat and steal, and acts accordingly to protect herself and family. I did not believe her that things could be so bad our first 4 years together. I do now. I doubt there is a more dishonest group of people on the planet than live in Iquitos. Not only do they steal, they lie about anything, things that have no benefit for them. Don’t believe anything in Iquitos until it is confirmed by at least 3 people.
In fairness, things are probably still exactly like this is some parts of the USA, and I know for a fact were not that different when I was a kid in Virginia and Florida inthe 60’s and 70’s.
My post is critical and a bit derogatory as I get very frustrated with the trials of living here, yet I also realize MY country was very much the same in many respects in not too distant decades. Big surprise to everyone that has not lived in another country, especially married to a local — We have different cultures, and what one may think is the proper way to to do xxx, the other may be infuriated by.
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I am peruvian and I have to agreed to what you said Danielle. unfortunately its the truth and there is even more things to add to the list. thats the reason I left my country. I love Peru but I can’t handle all the crap/ it has gotten better but in a slow motion. you are being honest and that is appreciate it.
Hello Danielle,
As a fellow American expat whose wife and family happens to be Peruvian, I really enjoyed your post. This is really great material, and rather substantial. I say that it is ‘substantial’ more so because Peru’s economy has become rather dependent on tourism over the years (I mean, tourism is the third largest industry in Peru) and I feel that your criticisms should be taken to heart by locals and the local National Tourism Office.
Honestly, as a fellow gringo who must return here on occasion to visit my wife and family, I think that your commentary is quite straight-forward and as such, would be met with much defensive prose as the likes of Panchito Lara…inter alios. On the other hand, I think that it should be taken seriously especially by those Peruvians who would like to see their own wealth increase as well as their country’s economy improve through an increase in tourism. This can’t be accomplished unless the local populace makes a concerted effort to modernize their culture and customs.
Unfortunately, this probably won’t happen less a revolution…the prospect of one which I find many native Peruanos abroad drooling over.
Stay strong. Your fellow gringo who loves this country as much as you do.
P.S.
I know many Peruvians purposely treat gringos and gringitas with disrespect or try to rip us off because ‘we have money.’ The reality of the situation is that we have money because we work our assess off to earn it and we don’t take any shit from our government. The US government knows that if it gets out of line and tries to enact anything too illegitimate, then they’ll get shot down by the people. The same is true for our police.
On the other hand, Peruvians are so self-centered and incapable of planning 5 minutes ahead that they can’t even wait in line at a grocery store or gas station. If a Peruvian saw a fellow Peruvian getting beat-up by a cop or new of a neighbor getting refused retirement pension because his house is ‘two stories’ rather than ‘one story’ he wouldn’t do anything, because he ‘doesn’t want any trouble.’ Peruvians don’t have any desire to act for the ‘greater good of the people’.
So, they turn around and blame people who are ‘better off’, such as Americanos whose ancestors had the balls to wage war against the brits, and fight political battles in the face of scandal such as Whitewater, and stage nationwide protests against police brutality.
Sorry, but Peru is the way it is because the people are too lazy and unwilling to fix it. Unfortunately for us gringos from the EE.UU., it really doesn’t deserve our money or our time.
Furthermore, I’d like to add that I am a fellow English Instructor.
well at least you can teach English there without the fear that one of your students could bring a gun and blow your head off, and i dont know why do you think you are the last coke in the dessert, but we dont envy you, we say ‘gringos’ but not in a despective way, we are not mexico, it is more like a description of race characteristics, we do face corruption issues, but peruvians are really hard workers, but i think you have wrong view of Peru, it is quite easy to just say things, then i will also say that people in venezuela are dumbs because they cant kick their goverment out.
This dude gets it! Good post
Nice blog post, and I couldn’t agree more with you. After 8 years of living in Peru, I have come to believe that only the strongest willed people can live in Peru for more than 2 years. It is a real test of character.
I do find it funny how Peruvians have responded defending the points you have raised. Peru will only change when Peruvians are prepared to change. I fear though it will take generations. You can’t polish a turd as my father used to say.
Lying is one that I think you might have missed………..but that is an article in its self!
I have been living in Peru for one year in Miraflores and have seen the same things.
Well dressed white male peeing in the middle of the sidewalk just like in San Francisco and NYC.
I do not find Peruvians in general to be friendly or trusting even among family members.
It helps that I speak Spanish and married to a Peruvian when I need to get around all the BS,
You do realize you are the reason “peruvians are annoying” is a trend in google right? Anyhow love your list!
i guess she doesn’t know their own people ..i live in the Usa an di think the same of she think about peruvians i have to add racist and ego
I couldn’t agree more… I’ve been living in Peru for 12 years. I even have dual citizenship now because I was so afraid prior to the last election because of the anti-foreigner comments made by the present president’s party and family. I try to deal with Peruvian “rudeness” but between the things that happen on the streets and the corrupt government officials, it is a challenge. Nice post, Danielle.
I found this list while trying to get some insight into why some of the worst things in Peru are the way they are. I live in Piura, a large city in the desert in northern Peru. I’ve just come back from a two week vacation in Ecuador and as soon as the bus pulled into the city I started feeling depressed. Why is it so incredibly dirty here? Every street, every empty lot, every traffic island is covered in garbage. Is it because people don’t care? Is it because the municipal government doesn’t provide garbage pickup or street cleaning? And why is the traffic so chaotic? I simply do not understand why some fairly simple things that would vastly improve the quality of life here are not being attended to.
Yes all the things said are true. I am peruvian and have to admit it. However despites all the annoying things of peru I am much happier living here. And i would like to say to all my fellow peruvians to stay in peru, even with all the annoying things of peru life quality in peru and in most south american countries is way better. We need to start appreciating what we have here, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I lived in the usa 10 plus years and have travelled extensively the world and even though I had a good life according to american standars, nice house, nice car, a good professional job, I was not happy. Most of the time I felt stressed, you work so much in the usa, it is all work work work, i knew so many americans that had no live after work, and the traffic, wow, i lived in atlanta and the normal commute there is an hour to go to work and another hour to come back, makes no sense. No wonder people are so stressed. Plus in the usa there are no sidewalks, and unless you are in new york, good public transport is not existant. The system forces you to have a car, and buy gas, and yes there is garbage in peru, I admit it, but if you think about it, all the gas americans are forced to buy and all the air polution they add to the world, and not just their country, and I am not even mentioning the wars caused by the usa goverment in order to procure this oil. And how they are contributing to global warming…..So in the end yes peru has a problem with the garbage but compared what the usa does, there is no point of comparison. Also, the food makes you sick, yes it does make you sick, it is filled with chemicals and hormones and God knows what else. I am so very very very happy is not like that in peru. Since I am back in peru I have lost like 10 pounds without trying. Just alone because the food, vegetables and fruits and everything is of such a good quality and has not been processed like most food in the usa for example. I have not seen obese people in peru. Maybe a little chubby but thats it. And let me tell you about healhtcare. Well in peru we have healthcare that will not cost you en eye. I know so many americans that dont go to the doctor cause is so damn expensive. Even when having health insurance. In peru, there is public health insurance which comes handy when you have an emergency. At leat in lima is good, you get treated fairly quick and I heard from some relatives that the treatment is good. For the rest of the country I dont know. But in any case, if you needed treatment just go to a private clinic, thats what I ve done and never had problems. Plus what you would pay will not cost you and arm and a leg like the usa for example. And last but not least, I am afraid how many people are medicated in the usa, it is a scary thing. When you go to the doctor for any little thing is my opinion they dont really care about curing you but just hook you up with enough meds for the rest of your life. I am not sure docs in the usa know what they are doing. Seems to me they are getting some kind of economical benefit to keep their population drugged. I am so happy is not like that in peru. Peruvians deal with their problems here. And I have to say they are much happier here and in much better health, And I belive things are getting better. People here are becaming aware and I feel things are improving.
Hey!
I do think peruvians should stay in Peru. Por si acaso soy peruana. But I don’t believe in comparing to other countries… first we should fix our issues and not try to “justify” them saying “yeah, but look at your country”. The writer said she has many things to say about her own country, and that’s why I don’t think this blog is offensive. About happiness, we are the least happy country in South America according to stats 🙁 Peru can change if new generations change. We should stay here to help our own country and not letting any foreigner say “you are this and that” and not knowing how to say “you are wrong” without attacking them. Go Peru, we can do way better.
I’ll be honest here, since I’m Peruvian myself.
This post is incredibly accurate.
I’m currently 20 and I’ve been staying in Lima for the past 5 months; and it has been an extreme challenge to me.
I’ve come back to my homeland after many years to take some treatments for my health, which has been improving since I got here. However, the things that you mentioned about the country such as the culture, the garbage, the corruption, the dogs on the streets, the aggressive drivers, the men who act like brute pigs, amongst a lot more things…. You’re absolutely right about everything.
But on a side note, Peru has been changing slowly.
People are becoming a bit more aware as to what the current situation is. I myself got involved in many political activities here in Lima. However, I realized how truly fucked up the country actually was when I went to this march/protest against the TPP trade deal.
Me and the people that were marching got ambushed by the police from the front and back of a street. Some of the people got beaten to a pulp, while others got arrested.
There were a few lucky enough to get away (Like myself, unfortunately I ended up injuring my right knee when I was running from a cop chasing me on his motorcycle with his baton in hand.)
Who saw how single handily and how deep the corruption flows deeply within our government here in Peru.
I just hope for the sake of the people that a true Democracy can be restored here.
I myself will be moving back to Peru in about 8-10 years.
Because Peru itself is a great country with the most delicious meals and absolute great vacation spots.
Peru is a walking paradise, but it’s up to the people to reclaim it from the hands of this corruption officials and third party interests.
I am a born Peruvian , and definitely agree with the critics. It is a shame in every respect and one of the main reasons obeys to the lack of vision from the government or perhaps having done on purpose. In the old days “educacion Civica” ( civic education) was a mandatory course at school were children would learn how to behave in public, respect for the elderly, the laws and rights of citizens, to give the seat in the bus to a lady or elderly person, not to miss behave in public, and what not. Such topic was removed from the program for perhaps the last 20 years or so, and therefore the youngsters of today are just wild and uneducated. But still, bad behaviour and aggressive driving is not exclusive to young men, it is imbedded in the old drivers, women and having said that includes the police vehicles as well. It is a jungle. Everyone bangs the horn because the Taxi driver in front of you about to cross the green light have stopped to negotiate the tariff to take a possible passenger down the road. Every corner where it is permitted to turn left means Caos and blocking the right of way. Desperation goes on and the claxon / horns become to be heard in the neighbourhood regardless if it is in front of a cementery, hospital or you happen to live in the wrong corner of the street. CIVIC EDUCATION.
So, it is upsetting not only the gringos or foreigners. It is upsetting every body, every Peruvian. It is a problem and will continue to be like that, until the police starts putting fines for all of that, as it is in north America and what we call Civilized Countries, and not because the people are necessarily more conscious, it is to a greatest extend because they have been subject to pay fines and it hurts them in the pocket, so they behave better because of being afraid to get caught !
Mario, apart from Argentiana, and Chile, are there any countries you recommend in South america?
hi im peruvian , and i have lived here in peru for about 30 years . i completely agree with you . Peru hasn’t changed too much , it is exactly the same thing, and nothing indicates that it is going to change anytime soon. here people get away with it , if you steal money and get caught , you can pay a lot of money to get out of prison and even worse you can be the major of one city here despite all the bad things you have done and been accused of ! , for example there was a serial killer here called canebo , he has killed a lot of people here in Peru and the only punishment he received was some years in prison ,not death penalty. i mean how can we have such bastard -free killing people without any problem?! and there are thousands like him free on the streets of Peru causing so much suffering to many peruvians (my friend was victim of one of those criminal bastards) and the police and the government dont do anything .they dont care about it.
that’s why Peru is not a good place to live , you may say that there are not gunmen here in Peru like in the united states but trust me here in Peru is even worse .AT LEAST in USA you can defend yourself , you can kill the criminal who threatens the life of many americans , but in Peru you cannot what is even worse criminals are praised like gods.
there is nothing to do here in Peru , this country is doomed . only a miracle can save it from its own destruction which i doubt will happen. if you wanna visit this hell because of tourism , it’s ok . but do not even think about living here.
I want to visit Peru with my dog (75lbs).
I was wondering if you might suggest a few towns or areas (rural is ok), where me and my dog could be, for awhile, since…we go everywhere together,safely? I dont mind staying in a village for a few weeks, and then move elsewhere.
Thing is, I dont want to stand out with my dog, since we’d be a duo, basically.
Is it highly uncommon to see “dog-owners” walking about with their best friend?
Thank you.
I am Peruvian, and let me tell u some stuff, things that u experienced may right like this is a machismo country, it isnt, they just see an foreigner girl (most probably blonde) of course they r excited on this…go to Jamaica…u gonna feel really unconfortable…
Out of this, i can tell you, Peruvians they welcome open arms to foreign people, regardless if u gonna buy something or not, sometimes im wondering why are they so nice to outsiders rather than me! Peru is cheap all the way, rent, food, transport, drinks…im telling you i work on a cruise line, they always ask me where am i from, i say Peru they come with wonderfull stories about my country of them or relatives even some places that i dont know!!!
Wondering this mr. Chistian Dominguez comment…he is writing like on 15 years ago, yes we had a big corruption period (we still have it but reduced) baby the corrupt president we had, is on prision right now (can u see it) our index of growing is every year higher and higher, the plan they have to fix the Rimac River, they are hiring a Korean (if not wrong) company to re-habilitate (fix) el rio Rimac (make it good water) and make a good highway system that helps the central Lima transit…i really dont know where! Or what u talking about that our Peru is “doom” man are u serious? Ur comment seems from somebody that either doesnt live in Peru or doesnt read the news. Peace.
You are talking about Lima! What about the rest of the country? Please open-up your eyes and the rest of your mind, that is if you want to be objective and perhaps contribute to improve things. Come to Loreto or San Martin that we can discuss further. Un abrazo.
And the crazy national pride, as you have witnessed in some of the comments above.
Whenever I say something critical about one aspect of Peru, Peruvians freak out and become aggressive. When you have lived in Peru for two years, they say “that’s not long enough to form an opinion”, while anyone who says that they like Peru after a week is absolutely OK in their books.
There is a serious deficit in critical thinking and intellectual debate.
I personally found Bolivia much friendlier, funnier, more relaxed and more intellectual.
Hahahahaha I have been living in Peru for the last ten years. Live between Yurimaguas and Lima and I an only confirm all your points and there is more…much more. How about kids that thrown stones to kill birds and hit the roof of your house in the process? And the parents? They tell you that their kids are just playing and that you should not teach them how tol ive! Police that stops you while you are driving a new 4×4 to try to get some bribe money while 50% of the vehicles are falling to pieces? Have you seen their tyres hahahaha like baby buttocks aren’t they? Every day there is something new and so it’s so surreal. There is a separate chapter about racism, yes Peruvians are so racist that they do not “discriminate” between black and white xDDDD I have decided to leave this fucking country and my Peruvian wife is actually more keen to leave that me!
I have lived in Peru on and off for over 6 years. I don’t have much good to say. I mean, it has some beautiful nature to see but the rest is a toilet. People are really stupid!!!!!! Most are theives, liars, cheesy, did I say stupid? Not many can be trusted. I do have a handfull of friends that so far have been honest and harmless but 99% of the pupulation are a 1 on a scale of 1-10.
I can only take Peru in 2 week doses.
I am here for my business. This country besides what I said above is totally corrupt. Trying to get anything done takes three to four times longer than my home country (U.S.A.) I have had the priveledge to travel many other countries some first world, some middle of the road and many third world. So far, Peru is just about the worst.
Everything involving a business deal involves the other side in negotions. They will attempt to rob you from the very beginning. That is first on their mind. You have to be willing to just walk away and always watch your back. You definitely need an attorney AND the best one possible! Even the attorney will try to steal from you.
Then if the deal involves the municipality/local government, they will always, always have their hand out. If you do not pay a bribe, your papers or whatever it is that you need from them will take a very long time! Once you’re through the process and you actually do get to open your business, the SUNAT will be watching (Tax authorities)
Tax here in Peru is horrible. Sales tax is 18%!
The only people that pay tax are successful Peruvians and foreighners. I’d say that 95% of the population does not pay any tax yet they will protest in the street if something happens that they dont like? Thats how stupid they are!!
I could go on and on with my opinions of Peru. All I can say is I hope our new president makes immigration more difficult for these third world countries. I don’t wish any ill will for anyone but If you’ve experienced the travel that I have, you will agree with my thoughts.
The U.S.A has it’s problems, I know, but disallowing people from a third world county helps avoid bringing in problems that we should not have to deal with.
I’m sorry that I couldn’t write a better review but its just not possible from my viewpoint.
This is so spot on! If you read my post further below, you will see we 100% agree
Well said Rob. The Peruvian people are some of the dumbest and stupidest people I’ve ever seen. These dummies honk at anything. They honk at red traffic lights thinking it’ll turn green faster. They’re so dumb, they’ll even feed a carrot to a bus in order to make it move. They’re true pieces of garbage and nothing but dishonest, lying, scamming, thieving pieces of shit. Peru is a s***hole.
I have for years supervised people from Peru and Ecuador and while they are ethical and motivated to work, they have such amazing ignorance when it comes to basic daily tasks and of hygiene, and manners. I often joke with my co worker that I can not understand how this man working with us manages to put his shoes on in the morning. His level of learning is of that of a small child. And he stank so bad for a while that once when he was sick and his wife called to say she was taking him to the doctor, I told her have the doctor find out why he smells; We suspect the doctor had to teach him how to wipe his ass.
I know what I am saying here is awful, but the truth is, we let them into this country and we suffer. And as some pointed out to the original writer of the blog, if you don’t like some things about a place, don’t go. Likewise, if I don’t like some things about people coming here, I can complain; I cannot keep them out but would if I could.
Good job. Lived in Peru … an excellent list and good writing. Now I live in Vietnam. The same list applies to Vietnam; maybe we can make room for obnoxious cigarette smokers (in both countries). Really, both places are fine and I’ve met many wonderful people. And some of the same stuff bugged me in my home country of the U.S.
I work on the phones with Peruvian people everyday, and let me tell you that there is always a problem with them trying to run scams or refunds constantly. So much so, that the company I work for will very likely stop doing business with them. A shame, since we work with all of Latin America. 8 out of 10 accounts from Peru have either a permanent lock or are under fraud investigation. I dont know if they get some kind of profit from it (since they get the exact amount in the refund they paid) but its basically an epidemic. I had heard of the Public urination/defecation thing years back from a friend who was struggling to have her child leave those habits behind after moving to the US.
As for them being nice people, count me in as prejudiced. Every single interaction on the phone with a Peruvian ends up with them threatening legal action, blackmail attempts, yelling, and them asking for discounts on everything. So I fail to see what may be nice about them. Maybe one day I will make a trip there to see if there is another side to the story, but I doubt it.
5
4.5
This is a great list. I have lived in Lima for the past 6 months. Best I can say is these people are all a little bit shitty. Institutionalized over critical thinking. And the level on entitlement of these monkeys…
4
I don’t get it if you hate Peru this much and I don’t blame you the way you describe it why don’t you move to Ireland or France? Aren’t you staying there out of habit? it is time for you to try new pastures it’s 2024 f c o l!
I sure wish people in general wouldn’t be so full of shit and have a complex about anything they hear or say about a subject, country, politics, object or anything else!
My God!, if someone is anoyed about facts of how people in a country are, rude, filthy or whatever I thank them for their insight so I know what to expect in such countries! You can’t change the facts just because the commentator said something that rubbed you the wrong way! You are a pussy!, go to the damned psychiatrist and have your head examined and take antidepressants if you can’t handle the truth!!
People like those are the ones that don’t want to solve a problem by themselves.
If I’d go to Peru I’d be walking around with a knife concealed, so if a damned dog would attack me I’d slice his throat right in front of owner so the butt hole would train his beast next time instead of allowing it to bite me.
If I’d live there, I’d have gotten a firearm , legally or not so if dead dog owner will approach with violence he could join his shit dog.!
People pissing on the street or taking a dump, well that’s human nature and if there’s no laws that’s what happens, people just don’t give a shit about giving a shit!
Unless someone either puts person in jail or beats him to a pulp he will continue doing the same things.
The system always suck in “poor, don’t give a shit countries “.
Laziness is the root cause of crappy systems. If life is slow and no one has insentives to get more money and better their lives, just living from one day to the other, what is there to do but try and get any woman to have inter course with, drinking and doing anything you can get away with until someone gets pizzed and takes you out of the equation.
Things progress , they never stay the same.
People will always want to whine, shift blame, not give a damn, steal , be self centered, greedy, etc.
The only time they think is when it happens to them.
And yes, it can be worse or the same somewhere else you morons! But that doesn’t change the fact of what is happening in Peru!
The only thing you will read about me whining is about lazy, corrupt, whining people and people who think they are good!
No one is good here on planet earth.
If I put you in the right circumstances, give you enough problems, steal our destroy your stuff etc you can be capable of anything! You just need the right amount of torture and the opportunity, believing you can get away with it and you may even kill someone. So no, people all over the world are shit including myself, I take no prisoners, I go to the electric chair first. Wake up people!!!!!!!!!
And take truth for truth sakes and not only from people you “like”!!
You are correct. I pulled a knife on a line cutter once. Now they respect me at the market and no one dares
because I live here and wont think twice about boot stomping incorrigible people in any country.
Funny people, complain about a Third World country they live in. Expect Third World conditions and behaviour then and don’t complain. Be glad you are still alive.
she was complaining about the unrespectful people mostly which is true.
not about the country. u make stories i ur mind, i bet ur peruvian.
Are you for real!? why can’t she complain? complaining relieves stress and it is as natural as breathing! I hate people who say don’t be negative or don’t complain! the only thing that I wonder is why does she keep living there?
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As a Peruvian that has traveled a bit around the world and have come back I can safely say… Everyday I become more disappointed in the country and it’s people. I never realized how dishonest and dumb we were until this pandemic. I’ve been trying to keep up with other countries and no government has lied and has been more inept to deal with this virus than us. The people also never gave a shit, I have neighbors who constantly and still harass me for wearing masks, etc. So many lies on the news about fake cures and other misinformation. The worst thing is that nothing was learned. We kind of bury all the shit and hope no one will not notice or forget about it soon enough, next disaster that strikes is gonna be even worse and I will be far away if lucky enough.
Pot kettle black! oh boy your comMEnT did not age well at all LOL! noW even quack fauci will tell you: never was a virus you fool! we all knew about this fake virus since 2009 go watch the video of Jesse Ventura interviewing Dr Rima Laibow
its just true. u made it almost funny reading the article but its true honestly and it can get very frustrating aswell. i dont like peru, because of the people. of all countrys in south and middle america i find peru is the worst. its just my honest opinion. now if u are peruvian and u read this, well u have to accept my opinion and its just the truth. ok u can’t change my mind, sorry for u, get better. i dont care if ur ego can handle this, but u must accept the truth. the noise is the worst. so disrespectful. in the night every day. ugly music of wannabe stars or wannabe models, UGLY, its not even music, its drunk stinky guys shouting into a destroyed microfone wich hurts in the ears and dont let me sleep. every 2 hours terrible noise of firecrackers, little bois with no educación. they dont learn respect in scool. but peru i still prefere over europe. but the people honestly dont have got educación in terms of respect. they love things, not people. ugly materialism. i like things, but they love things. its ugly. i dont recommend peru. i would go every country but not to peru.
Having travelled to peru 4 seperate times your list is near perfect, I would add a few things. Most dishonest people I’ve ever dealt with. Don’t ever pay for anything up front or the drive to finish whatever your paying for etc.. will immediately vanish. They love to rave about there food, I never could have a solid poo in peru, and honestly was sick of everyone telling me how great ceviche and chifa were for me to eat them, not enjoy it and than end up in the bathroom. Alot of people blasting you for being American, I’m canadian and am super friendly, and find the peruvians treat there own people like shit and if your Venezuelan your the scum of the earth to them lol. I have traveled post covid, and absolutely hated it this time around, it’s all about gringo dollars, and condescending ways of price gouging people. I generally stayed in huanchaco as a home base and travelled around. Not impressed with peru after covid people seem to blame the government, lack of resources, but never take personal accountability for there own shitty behaviour/country.
Peru is a god damn s***hole. The streets smell like piss and s***. The locals have no manners, no class, no education, and no common sense. They are some of the dumbest and most stupidest people on this planet. They will try to scam you and rip you off at every opportunity. Nothing but a bunch of lazy f***s who do nothing to improve themselves or take accountability. Their foods made me sick and I thought I was going to die. Dirty, disgusting cavemen they are. I hate Peru and Peruvians.
True.
Look at it this way, there are only 30 million people in Peru, the government is super weak and irrecoverably corrupt, the people stupid…. it’s ripe for a take over and China will do just that.
Imagine all the above but with a Chinese boot on your face.
China needs to move 200 million people and Peru is looking might nice.
Stupid Peruvians, get your shit together before you lose yourselves and your country.
-flek
I had two Peruvian roommates, both women. I never had had a problem with a whole culture, and I still think it’s racist to think this way. But, coincidently they were both super weird. Staring at me, competing, not being honest about house chores. The general feeling was of envy or jealousy. I didn’t feel they wanted to share a house with me or to be supportive of one another. They behaved as if I was doing them a favor for renting the rooms, they never seemed grateful, they didn’t listen to me about chores, but at the same time, they behaved competitive about anything they could find, including the chores. I tried to talk with them (they live w me in separate occasions) and I found resistance and pettiness. What shocked me the most was one of them saying I was “intimidating” her when I asked why she lied about doing the chores. The vibe was very low, I felt drained and used.
I too live here in Miraflores Lima.
You are in Cajamarca a very provincial town. I do not know the place although my parents spent time there.
I find it disingenuous about the posting of the three campaneros seated at the park bench as if they had something to do with the abject rudeness you experienced.
I would be careful of blanket statements like this. Because in my experience the opposite was true lots of care and respect was and is given.
There are a lower class of folks that are less educated and or perhaps have been drinking. Avoid contact with this rough bunch,…stay with your own class of people…other Europeans or Americans. Come to Lima and visit the thriving contemporary arts scene it will astonish you, and you will meet folks with a wee bit more intellectual capacity.
Everything you listed here is so true and endlessly annoying about living here. When I interact with many locals in my city I often feel like I’m speaking to children. So many aspects of Peruvian culture are selfish, lazy, and downright irrational.