Things To Do
in Puquio

A communal earth-oven meal of meats (chicken, pork, mutton or alpaca), potatoes, corn and herbs cooked in hot stones—best experienced at family gatherings or special restaurant events.

Must-Try!

Roasted or fried guinea pig served whole—a traditional celebratory dish available at some local eateries and during festivals.

Hearty soups made with quinoa, native potatoes or legumes; warming and commonly offered at family-style comedores and mercados.

Grilled skewers (often beef heart or other cuts) sold by street vendors—tasty, inexpensive and widely available in the evenings.

The central market is where locals buy vegetables, native potatoes, dried herbs and grains—great for photographing colorful produce and sampling tamales, fresh bread and small plates from market stalls.

Look for evening vendors selling anticuchos, grilled corn, empanadas and sweet pastries around the plaza—safe to try cooked items from busy stalls.

A friendly handshake and a brief greeting in Spanish are common; use formal address (Señor/Señora) with elders and officials until invited to be informal.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural/indigenous communities; a small tip is appreciated if you take a portrait.

Be respectful during religious events, market bargaining should be polite, and avoid loud behavior in public spaces—dress modestly for village visits and churches.

If invited into a home, accept offered food or drink; small gifts (sweets, school supplies) are appreciated when visiting rural households.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—round up small bills for restaurant service (5–10% in nicer places), give small change to guides or drivers for good service, and tip larger for multi-day guides.

The Peruvian sol (PEN) is standard; Puquio is a small town where cash is preferred. ATMs may be limited or unreliable, and credit cards are accepted at few businesses—bring enough local currency or obtain cash in larger cities before arrival.

Many residents identify as Quechua or mestizo and maintain Andean languages, customs and agricultural lifestyles—rural communities preserve traditional dress, festivals and farming practices.

A smaller urban population engaged in commerce, public services and transport that connect Puquio with larger regional centers.

The most popular sport—local matches and informal games are common and socially important in town life.

Horse riding is both a livelihood and pastime; regional festivals often feature horse competitions and displays of horsemanship.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside the market—ask for quinoa, potato stews, vegetable soups and egg dishes; carry snacks if you have strict needs.

Vegan choices are sparse; markets sell grains, legumes and vegetables you can assemble, but bring staples like nut butter, instant meals or supplements for longer stays.

Many traditional Andean foods are naturally gluten-free (potatoes, quinoa, corn), but check with cooks about wheat in soups or fried items.

Communicate allergies in Spanish; small kitchens may not have strict cross-contamination controls—bring medication and consider packing emergency supplies.