Useful Organizations Machismo is alive and well in Latin America. Most female travelers to Peru will experience little more than shouts of mi amor my love or an appreciative hiss. If you are fair-skinned with blond hair, however, be prepared to be the center of attention. Peruvian men consider foreign women to have looser morals and be easier sexual conquests than Peruvian women and will often make flirtatious comments to single women.
Unwanted attention Staring, whistling, hissing and catcalls in the streets is common and best ignored. Ignoring all provocation and staring ahead is generally the best response. Known in Peru as bricheros, many of these young Casanovas are looking for a meal ticket, so approach any professions of undying love with extreme skepticism. This happens to men too. First impressions Use common sense when meeting men in public places. In Peru, outside of a few big cities, it is rare for a woman to belly up to a bar for a beer, and the ones that do tend to be prostitutes.
If you feel the need for an evening cocktail, opt for a restaurant. Likewise, heavy drinking by women might be misinterpreted by some men as a sign of promiscuity. When meeting someone, make it very clear if only friendship is intended. This goes double for tour and activity guides.
When meeting someone for the first time, it is also wise not to divulge where you are staying until you feel sure that you are with someone you can trust. Practicalities In highland towns, dress is generally fairly conservative and women rarely wear shorts, opting instead for long skirts. Shorts, miniskirts and revealing blouses may draw unwanted attention.
Tampons are difficult to find in smaller towns, so stock up in major cities. Birth-control pills and other contraceptives even condoms are scarce outside metropolitan areas and not always reliable, so bring your own supply from home. Rates of HIV infection are on the rise, especially among young women.
