Los Amigos is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Peru.

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Cultural Norms in Chimbote

One of best ways to have a rewarding experience in other countries is to respect the culture there. Unfortunately, because of the extreme poverty in Chimbote, that means respecting both long-time cultural traditions as well as norms that have developed due to the extreme poverty in the area. The following list of “do’s and don’ts,” created by past visitors to Chimbote, will help you meet both these goals:

  • DO greet others like the Peruvians do. The usual method of greeting and saying goodbye is to kiss the left cheek. It is also typical to kiss one another's cheek during mass at the Sign of Peace.
  • DO dress modestly. This means avoiding short shorts and short skirts. For men, avoid going bare-chested. Everyday dress in Chimbote is casual – jeans, khakis, Maruja tends to a walkway in the courtyard inside the parish compound.shorts, t-shirts, or collared shirts. Occasionally, there will be a party or special dinner celebration during your visit. For these occasions, a simple dress or nice pants and shirt (for women) and a nice collared shirt with or without a tie (for men) is appropriate.
  • DO practice patience. Americans often are accustomed to a fast pace. Here, efficiency and speed are valued in everything from daily interactions on the street to how food is served in a restaurant. In Peru, patience is key. Flexibility is a must. Events may or may not occur on time. However, when there are group activities or journeys planned, please be on time so that you do not cause others to wait!
  • DO try using some Spanish. Peruvians are delighted when you show interest in learning the language, even if your attempts are less than perfect!
  • DO try to keep your own questions and needs to a minimum. It’s important to remember that on a daily basis, Fr. Jack and Sr. Peggy deal with things that many of us cannot comprehend, from domestic abuse, to sickness, to starvation. Keeping our "needs" to a minimum is our way of showing respect for their ministry. 
  • DO introduce yourself to Jaime and Maruja. Jaime (pronounced HY mee) and Maruja (pronounced mah ROO ha) are two people that you may see frequently inside the mission compound. Both Jaime and Maruja live in the parish. Jaime is a mentally handicapped man. He may look intimidating, but if you treat him gently he is harmless. Maruja works in the kitchen and is the housekeeper. She is blind but is able to speak several languages.
  • DO clean up the eating and sleeping areas regularly. Let us all remember that we are not in Chimbote to be served, but to serve. With that understanding, we will always clean up after ourselves at all times, particularly while within the compound.
  • DON’T hand out gifts, candy, or other items. It is very tempting to want to hand out candy or toys to the people and especially the children. In fact, many will ask you for candy or other items. Because of the extreme poverty in the area, this activity can quickly cause a "mob effect" if you are not careful. Also, it encourages the locals to ask for things from you instead of having conversations with you, so you will miss the chance to get to know them as people. If you do choose to give something away, please be very discreet and private since there is never enough to go around for everyone. Even better, make a donation to the mission instead. Fr. Jack and Sr. Peggy work hard to make sure that charity is provided to those who really need it, instead of those who aren’t shy about asking for it.
  • DON’T walk alone. Poverty can and does lead to violence. During the daytime it is generally safe to walk around but have someone from the parish with you. Walking after dusk is not advised.
  • DON’T wear or display expensive things. To avoid drawing attention to yourself, do not wear items such as nice sunglasses or expensive watches or other jewelry while in public. Keep cameras and video cameras tucked away when not in use.
  • DON’T be alarmed at the noises at night. At night you may hear many loud noises, bangs, whistles, etc. Do not be alarmed as these are normal and usual sounds in Chimbote. In fact, a common tradition for birthdays is to shoot a gun into the air. Also, fireworks are frequent in Chimbote and may sound like gunshots.
  • DON’T engage in activities that would be illegal if you were at home. As ambassadors from our countries and parishes, our behavior must always be respectful. This is particularly important among younger visitors to Chimbote. Due to past experiences, we ask that the drug and alcohol laws that young people follow at home be followed while in Chimbote.
  • DON’T approach stray animals. There are many stray dogs and cats in Chimbote. Use the same good sense you would at home and do not approach any animals unless the owner is present and tells you that it is okay.