Life in the countryside in Peru is marked by a different rhythm than in the cities. Unlike the hustle and bustle of urban centers, Peruvians living in rural areas lead a daily routine that is closer to nature, the seasons and the cycles of the earth. Their daily lives are imbued with hard work, but also with a deep connection to their environment, their communities and their traditions.
In this article, we will explore the daily routine of Peruvians living in rural areas of the country, how their work is linked to agriculture, livestock and household chores, as well as the importance of community and family in their daily lives. In addition, we will analyze how the way of life in the countryside is influenced by the geography and culture of the different regions of Peru.
The Start of the Day: Getting Up Early to Take Advantage of the Sunlight.
The daily routine in the countryside begins well before dawn. Most rural Peruvians rise between 4:00 and 5:00 in the morning, as the early hours of the day are the coolest and most suitable for working outdoors. The Peruvian countryside, especially in the Andes, can be extremely cold at night and hot during the day, so taking advantage of the coolness of the morning is essential.
The first tasks of the day usually include tending to animals. Families who raise livestock, such as cows, sheep, alpacas or cuyes (guinea pigs), must feed them and take them to pasture before beginning other activities. Livestock are a vital source of livelihood in many rural communities, providing not only meat and milk but also wool, hides and manure.
For many families, breakfast is also an important part of the start of the day. In the Peruvian countryside, this is often a hearty meal to provide the energy needed for long hours of work. Typical foods may include potatoes, corn, quinoa, homemade breads, fresh cheese, and herbal mate or coffee. These products mostly come from their own crops or from local markets.
Field Work: Agriculture and Harvest.
Most work in rural Peru is linked to agriculture. Rural Peruvians spend much of their day growing and harvesting food, which is essential both for their subsistence and for the local economy. Peru is a country with great geographical diversity, which allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of agricultural products.
In the Andean regions, agricultural work is centered on the cultivation of potatoes, corn, quinoa, and other native root crops. Peru is known for having more than 3,000 varieties of potatoes, and this root crop has been a staple in the Peruvian diet since pre-Hispanic times. Farmers work on chacras (plots of land) that, due to the mountainous geography, are often on terraces or platforms. This terrace farming system has been used since the time of the Incas and is an efficient way to take advantage of the mountainous terrain.
In the Peruvian jungle, agriculture is more focused on products such as yuca, banana, cocoa and coffee. Farmers in this region are also involved in the collection of forest products such as wood and exotic fruits, which are not only consumed locally, but also exported to other parts of the country and the world.
The work day in the fields is long and can last until nightfall. Tasks vary according to the season. At planting time, farmers prepare the land, plant seeds and tend to the crops. At harvest time, a collective effort is required to harvest the produce from the land, with families and communities working together to ensure a good yield.
Household chores: a shared task.
In rural areas, household chores are shared among all family members. Women in particular are often responsible for preparing food, cleaning the house and caring for children. However, in many rural communities in Peru, women are also actively involved in agricultural work and animal husbandry.
Meals in the countryside are an important part of the day, and are prepared using fresh, local ingredients. A typical dish may include stews of meat, potatoes, corn, and native herbs, such as muña, which are not only tasty, but also have medicinal properties. Cooking in the countryside is often done on open fires or wood stoves, which gives the food a characteristic smoky flavour.
Another daily task is collecting water. In many rural areas, there is no direct access to drinking water, so families must collect it from nearby rivers, streams or wells. This is a job that can take several hours a day, depending on the distance they have to travel.
Community and Celebrations: A Pillar in Rural Life.
Life in the Peruvian countryside is not just about work. Rural communities have a strong sense of cooperation and solidarity. The minka, for example, is an ancient tradition in which community members come together to work collectively on projects that benefit everyone, such as building roads, repairing infrastructure or harvesting. This community work is done voluntarily and is an expression of the importance of collaboration in rural life.
In addition to collective work, celebrations and patron saint festivals are a fundamental aspect of rural life. Each village has its patron saint, and religious festivals are important occasions when the community gathers to honor its saints with masses, processions, dances, and music. During these celebrations, peasants take a break from their labor and enjoy food, drink, and the company of family and friends.
Andean traditions are also present in the daily life of Peruvian farmers. The payment to the land, known as the "Pachamama", is a ritual in which people thank Mother Earth for her fruits and ask for protection for future harvests. These rituals, which combine ancestral beliefs with Catholicism, are an important part of peasant spirituality.
The End of the Day: Rest and Reflection.
The day in the fields ends at dusk, when the day's work is complete. Families gather to share dinner, which is usually a lighter meal compared to lunch. After dinner, farmers relax in their homes, talking about the day's events, planning tasks for the next day, or enjoying simple activities such as listening to the radio.
In rural areas, life is simpler, but also more connected to natural cycles. Despite the difficulties that come with agricultural work, Peruvian farmers find deep satisfaction in their lifestyle by being in harmony with nature and their community.
Despite the beauty of life in the countryside, rural Peruvians face significant challenges, such as lack of access to basic services, poverty, and difficulties in accessing education and health. However, rural communities have shown great resilience and are looking for ways to improve their quality of life without losing their traditions and connection to the land.
Life in the Peruvian countryside remains a testament to Peru's rich agricultural culture, where hard work, community and nature are the fundamental pillars of everyday life.