Living in Peru

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Peru, as well as the country's rich culture and history. They also enjoy the variety of outdoor activities available, such as trekking, surfing, and mountain biking. Additionally, the country's diverse cuisine is a major draw for many expats and digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and lack of reliable internet access to be challenging. Additionally, Peru's infrastructure can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to get around," remarked one expat in Peru.

"I loved living in Arequipa, the 2nd largest city in Peru that no one had ever heard of. Yes, there is poverty aplenty, but I can count on 1 hand the number of people I saw drunk, sleeping on the street or begging. The cultural center of the city is the heart that has been beating for close to 500 years. New life flows in and out of AQP with tourists and then some of them stay to become local entrepreneurs. Open air mercados and bright shiny super grocery stores co-exist. Tiny little shops that sell plastics or unique local items. Across town to find blueberries. Down to San Camilo for fabric or notions. Over to Metro for Kraft mozzarella, Tottus has the creamy yogurt. Out for brunch on Sunday for french crepes or maybe a healthy brekkie with at Cafe Fiora. Lunch with friends at Tia Diario for the best ceviche ever! Along with a light Chilean Sauv Blanc. Internet and Dish media at home with the local news option. Every day 72F (22C) or close enough not to notice. Rainy days in December-February. Sit on the patio listening to the rain fall still warm enough but a cuppa is a welcome companion. Dog walks up on Chichani one of the three guardian volcanoes that surround AQP which sits at 8000 ft (2400m). We'd walk along the road dodging the occasional tourist SUV or combi carrying locals to Chivai. Birds circling and very luckily one July, a group of Giant Andean Hummingbirds chose to nest there. Think the size of a skinny robin. Unique to Peru, although the bird book for Peru has 50 pages of hummers and related species alone. Arequipa is a perfect starting point to seek out adventures of all kinds. Cusco-1 hr flight. This is the perfect way for guests to visit Machu Picchu. Arriving from Lima into Cusco is going from sea level to 14,000 ft (4300m) and altitude sickness. Our guests came to AQP 1st, spent a few days sight seeing, acclimating then on to Cusco, relaxed and ready to hike around Cusco then onto the lower Machu Picchu. Puno on Lake Titicaca and the truly amazing lenten celebration of Candelaria. While on the way there, guess what? In the tiny town of Lampa are two amazing exact copies of Michelangelo's Pieta. Colca Canyon, deep gorgeous and hotels with hot springs. Cotahuasi-deepest canyon in the Western Hemisphere. The beachtowns around Mejia, A Ancient petroglyphs in Toro Muerte. A 1 1/2 hr flight to Lima to try out world class gourmet cooking. The Nasca lines are best accessed from Lima. The Arequipa Hay Festival brings authors, thinkers, artists, film makers etc, to share their experience. My friend proudly displays her photo of Salman Rushdie and her. Art exhibitions are frequent along with poetry readings. The little Andean Museum is beginning to upgrade its collection and the experts advising them. Plays-Trust me the Peruvian version of Hamlet needed no translation. Then a lovely choice of late night restaurants to enjoy. And of course the world famous Arequipa Chile relleno made with the local hot chile Rocoto. On Sunday, adobo Arequipa style only truly enjoyed in one of the many picanterias. There is a private golf course, lots of bicycling trails, although with AQP traffic-caution. We have not ruled out retiring to AQP. But there are some down sides: dust. It is high and dry. Not frequent but power and water outages. TRAFFIC is a dance done best by locals and the not faint of heart. Road signs, as in most of South America, are optional. Corruption-it exists although we only saw it a few times. Street dogs, sad and too many Fireworks-the only time they are welcome and amazing is on Christmas and New Years Eve. The former being the more spectacular 360 degree view from our rooftop. The rest of the year, name a Saints day, name any day, you will hear fireworks being set off. Peruvian parties-many, not all, are extensions of when music was a live band of guitars and a singer. Now it is wall size speakers and amps, with the occasional talented singer. Our neighbor had a birthday party for his 4 year old. A high pitched woman's sing-song voice amplified with a mic and giant speakers went on for over 6 hours. Most parties are at night beginning around 9 or 10 and can go on til 4:00 or when the local association president gets tired of the phone calls and the police show up, the host decides he is tired of the drunken behavior or there is nothing left to drink," explained one expat living in Arequipa.

"As an expat, while tempting to stay within that bubble, learning the local language is KEY. Peruvians are friendly, Arequipenas are gracious and patient with rudimentary Spanish speakers. Be the same, ALWAYS and social life will happen through participating in all of the previous options for outings," said one expat in living in Arequipa, Peru.

"Expats, retirees and digital nomads living in Peru typically have an active social life. They often join local clubs and organizations, attend cultural events, and make friends with other expats, retirees and digital nomads. They also often take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in Peru, such as hiking, biking, and exploring the country's many archaeological sites. Additionally, they often take part in the vibrant nightlife of Peru's cities, enjoying the country's delicious cuisine and lively music," wrote one expat in Peru.

"Peru has a vibrant social scene, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and explore the culture. From lively bars and clubs to traditional festivals and events, there is something for everyone. Peruvians are known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude, making it easy to make friends and enjoy the local culture. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and exploring the many archaeological sites. Whether you're looking for a night out or a day of adventure, Peru has something for everyone," explained one expat in Peru.

"Having a local or a native Spanish speaker as a friend opens up Arequipa. There are numerous events, including one of 2 South American Hay Festivals held annually, beer festivals, concerts, plays etc. Being able to understand or just participate was a truly enriching experience. It is so worth the effort," said one expat in Arequipa.

"I would not recommend buying a house unless you are a fluent Spanish speaker. That said for high quality homes, rentals can be very expensive. I think renting first then buying would make sense," explained one expat living in Arequipa.

"The availability of medications is very dependent on what it is. Until COVID an expat friend had an insulin pump she was able to get what she needed to ensure its proper functioning. I was able to get any meds the local doctor prescribed, but not one my US doctor had. Our insurance let me buy a year's worth at a time to compensate for that," explained one expat living in Arequipa.

"Peru has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. Private health care is also available, and many people opt for this option due to the higher quality of care. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and dentistry. In addition, Peru has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology," said one expat in living in Peru.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Peru can be expensive, especially for those who do not have access to public health services. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many medical treatments and medications are not covered by insurance, and the cost of these can be prohibitive for some people. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Peru can be expensive, and it is important to research the options available before making a decision," said one in Peru.

"The cost of living in Peru is generally quite affordable, with prices for basic goods and services being lower than in many other countries. However, the cost of living in the larger cities such as Lima and Cusco is higher than in the rest of the country. Rent for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Peru can range from $400 to $800 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from $600 to $1,200 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Peru can cost around $10 USD per person," explained one expat in Peru.

"In order to visit Peru, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Peru, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable fee. They must also provide proof of sufficient financial resources, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," said one expat in living in Peru.

"Peru is an attractive destination for expats due to its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. The country is home to a variety of climates, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Peru has a rich history and culture, with many archaeological sites and ancient ruins to explore. The cost of living in Peru is also relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. Finally, Peru is a great place to learn Spanish, with many language schools and courses available," wrote one expat in Peru.