Complete Guide to Moving to Peru in 2026

Peru is a country that stops people in their tracks. Not just because of Machu Picchu — though that alone is worth the price of admission — but because the entire country operates at a level of cultural richness, culinary excellence, and geographic drama that most expats simply do not expect. Lima has been voted the world’s best food destination at the World Travel Awards for eleven consecutive years. The Andes contain some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. The Amazon basin covers over 60% of the country’s territory. And the cost of living lets you experience all of it without draining your savings.

But Peru is not the sanitized expat playground you might find in parts of Mexico or Portugal. The bureaucracy is legendarily slow. Altitude sickness at Cusco’s 3,400 meters is a genuine health concern that hospitalizes unprepared visitors. The gap between Lima’s cosmopolitan Miraflores district and the realities of daily life outside the capital can be jarring. Spanish is not optional — outside of tourist circuits, English is rare. And the country’s infrastructure, while improving rapidly, still has significant gaps in internet connectivity, public transport, and road quality outside major cities.

This guide covers the real Peru: actual costs neighborhood by neighborhood, visa pathways with income thresholds, healthcare quality and where to find it, the cultural adjustments that determine whether you thrive or merely survive, and the honest trade-offs that every relocation guide should include but most skip. At WhereNext, we score every country across data-driven dimensions using institutional sources. Explore the full Peru country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the complete analysis.

See how Peru stacks up in our cheapest countries for remote workers rankings, or take our relocation quiz to find your best-fit country.

Why People Move to Peru

Peru is not the most popular expat destination in Latin America — that distinction still belongs to Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica. But the people who choose Peru tend to be drawn by something deeper than just affordability or good weather. They are food obsessives, history lovers, adventure seekers, and people who want a place that feels genuinely different from anywhere else on earth. And the numbers make sense too.

The Culinary Capital of the Americas

If food is even remotely important to your quality of life, Peru should be at the top of your list. Lima is not just “good for Latin America” — it is a genuine world culinary capital, home to Central and Maido (both consistently in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants), along with dozens of innovative nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion), chifa (Chinese-Peruvian), and contemporary Andean restaurants that are redefining what South American cuisine can be. But the magic is not limited to fine dining. A ceviche from a roadside cevichería in Lima’s Surquillo market costs $3–$5 and will genuinely change your understanding of what raw fish can taste like. Lomo saltado at a neighborhood menú restaurant runs $2.50–$4. The pisco sour you drink at a Barranco bar is the national cocktail for good reason.

Peruvians take food seriously in a way that shapes daily life. Lunch is the main meal — restaurants across the country offer a menú del día (set lunch) for $2–$4 that includes soup, a main course, a drink, and sometimes dessert. Markets like Mercado de Surquillo, Mercado Nº1 de Surquillo, and the sprawling Mercado Central are not tourist attractions — they are where Limeños actually shop, and the quality and variety of produce, seafood, and prepared food is staggering.

Biodiversity and Geography

Peru is one of the 17 megadiverse countries on earth. Within its borders you will find 84 of the world’s 117 life zones: the bone-dry Pacific coast and its mysterious Nazca Lines, the snow-capped Andes rising above 6,000 meters, the Sacred Valley where Inca ruins cascade down mountainsides, and the Amazon rainforest that covers more than 60% of the national territory. This is not a country where you run out of things to explore. Weekend trips from Lima include sandboarding in Huacachina, surfing in Huanchaco, trekking the Colca Canyon (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon), or flying to Cusco for an Inca Trail expedition.

Affordability That Punches Above Its Weight

Peru sits in a sweet spot: cheaper than Chile or Argentina (post its latest currency crisis notwithstanding), comparable to Colombia, and offering infrastructure and services that exceed what most countries at its price point deliver. A single person living in Miraflores — Lima’s most popular expat district — can live comfortably on $1,200–$1,600 per month including rent, food, transport, health insurance, and entertainment. Move to Cusco or Arequipa and that drops to $800–$1,200. The Peruvian sol has been remarkably stable compared to other Latin American currencies, hovering around 3.7–3.8 to the US dollar throughout 2025–2026, which means your purchasing power is predictable.

Growing Expat Community

Lima’s Miraflores district has become a genuine expat hub, though it retains much more of its Peruvian character than, say, Medellín’s El Poblado or Mexico City’s Roma Norte. You will find coworking spaces, English-speaking social groups, expat meetups, and international restaurants, but the neighborhood still feels authentically Peruvian. Barranco — Lima’s bohemian arts district — attracts creative types and younger digital nomads. San Isidro is the financial district, favored by corporate expats and families. The Sacred Valley near Cusco has developed a small but dedicated community of wellness-focused expats and remote workers drawn to the spiritual energy (and dramatically lower costs) of towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

Cost of Living Deep Dive

Peru’s cost of living is one of its strongest draws, but the actual numbers depend heavily on where you live and how you live. Lima is by far the most expensive city in the country, yet even its priciest neighborhoods cost a fraction of comparable areas in the US, Western Europe, or even Santiago or Buenos Aires. The currency you are earning in matters: anyone paid in US dollars, euros, or British pounds will find their money stretches remarkably far.

Rent

Housing is the biggest variable in your budget. In Lima’s Miraflores — the most popular expat neighborhood — a furnished one-bedroom apartment runs $450–$700 per month depending on proximity to the Malecón (oceanfront walkway) and the quality of the building. Two-bedroom apartments in the same area range from $650–$1,100. Move to Barranco, the artsy district next door, and prices drop 10–15%. Jesús María and Pueblo Libre — middle-class Lima neighborhoods popular with budget-conscious expats — offer one-bedrooms for $300–$450.

Outside Lima, the drop is dramatic. Cusco’s historic center commands $250–$450 for a one-bedroom, though the best deals are slightly outside the tourist core. Arequipa is similar at $200–$400. In smaller cities like Huancayo or Cajamarca, you can find comfortable apartments for $150–$250, though the expat infrastructure is minimal.

Food and Dining

This is where Peru truly shines relative to cost. The menú del día — a multi-course set lunch available at thousands of restaurants across the country — costs $2–$4 (S/8–15) and is genuinely good food, not just cheap calories. A plate of ceviche at a solid neighborhood cevichería runs $4–$8. Pollo a la brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken, a national obsession) for a full chicken with fries and salad costs $6–$9 and feeds two people. Even upscale restaurants in Miraflores charge $15–$30 for a main course — fine dining by local standards but a bargain for anyone coming from New York, London, or Sydney.

Groceries at supermarkets like Wong, Metro, or Tottus run $200–$350 per month for a single person, depending on how much imported product you buy. Local produce at the mercados is dramatically cheaper — you can fill a bag with avocados, mangoes, limes, tomatoes, and herbs for $3–$5. A kilogram of fresh fish at the market costs $3–$6 depending on the species. Coffee, despite Peru being a major producer, is oddly inconsistent — specialty cafés in Miraflores and Barranco have exploded in recent years, but many traditional restaurants still serve instant Nescafé.

Transport

Lima’s traffic is chaotic and legendary. The city has a single metro line (Linea 1) and a bus rapid transit system (Metropolitano), both useful but limited in coverage. Most expats rely on ride-hailing apps — Uber and inDrive are widely used. A typical Uber ride across Miraflores costs $2–$4. A ride from Miraflores to the airport is $8–$15 depending on traffic (and traffic in Lima can turn a 30-minute drive into 90 minutes). Monthly transport costs for most expats land at $80–$150. In Cusco and Arequipa, taxis are even cheaper at $1–$3 for most rides, and the cities are walkable enough that many expats barely use vehicles at all.

Coworking and Workspaces

Lima’s coworking scene has matured significantly. A hot desk at spaces like Comunal, WeWork Lima, or Regus costs $80–$150 per month. Dedicated desks run $150–$250. Selina in Miraflores and Barranco offers coworking-hostel hybrids popular with younger nomads. Cusco has a handful of coworking spaces at $50–$100 per month, though the options are more limited. Many cafés in Miraflores and Barranco are laptop-friendly with decent Wi-Fi, making them informal workspaces — a coffee and a pastry will run you $3–$5.

For a deeper cost comparison, explore our Peru vs. Colombia comparison or use the cost of living calculator to model your personal budget.

Visa & Residency Options

Peru’s immigration system is less streamlined than Colombia’s or Mexico’s, but the requirements are relatively accessible — particularly for retirees. The bureaucracy is the main obstacle: expect paperwork, apostilled documents, and multiple visits to Migraciones. Having a local immigration lawyer ($300–$800 for the full process) is strongly recommended and will save you weeks of frustration.

Tourist Visa (183 Days)

Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Australia, and most developed nations receive a 183-day tourist stamp upon arrival — no advance visa required. This is one of the most generous tourist allowances in Latin America (Colombia gives 180, Mexico gives 180, but Peru’s 183 is granted automatically with no extension needed). You cannot work legally on a tourist visa, but the six-month window gives you ample time to explore, settle in, and begin the residency application process from within the country.

Important: while the 183-day limit is standard, immigration officers at Jorge Chávez International Airport occasionally stamp passports for shorter periods (30, 60, or 90 days). Always check your stamp immediately and, if it is less than 183 days, request the full allowance before leaving the immigration counter. You can also extend at Migraciones in Lima, but it is easier to get the full period at entry.

Rentista Visa (Retiree/Passive Income)

The Visa de Rentista is Peru’s most popular residency pathway for retirees and people with passive income. The requirements:

• Income proof: at least $1,000 USD per month in verifiable passive income (pension, Social Security, rental income, investment returns, or annuities). This is one of the lowest thresholds in Latin America.
• Duration: initially granted for 1 year, renewable annually. After maintaining the visa for 3 consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residency.
• Documents required: passport valid for 6+ months, proof of income (bank statements, pension letters), clean criminal record from your country of origin (apostilled), health certificate, passport-sized photos, and the application fee (~$50 USD).
• Processing: apply at Migraciones in Lima or at a Peruvian consulate abroad. In-country processing typically takes 30–60 business days. Consulate applications may be faster but vary by location.

For retirees exploring affordable options, see our best countries to retire on $2,000/month guide, where Peru consistently ranks among the top choices.

Independent Worker Visa (Trabajador Independiente)

Freelancers and self-employed professionals can apply for the independent worker visa, which requires proof of contracts or ongoing client relationships that generate sufficient income (generally $1,000+ per month). You will need to register for a RUC (tax identification number) and demonstrate that your work benefits Peru or does not displace local workers. This visa is less well-defined than dedicated digital nomad visas in other countries, which means the requirements can be interpreted differently by different Migraciones officers. An immigration lawyer is especially valuable for this pathway.

Digital Nomad Visa Developments

As of early 2026, Peru does not have a formal digital nomad visa like Colombia, Portugal, or Costa Rica. However, the government has been discussing the creation of one since 2023, with draft legislation proposing requirements similar to the Colombian model ($2,500–$3,000/month income threshold). In the meantime, most digital nomads use the 183-day tourist visa and either do visa runs to neighboring countries or transition to the independent worker visa if they want to stay longer. The lack of a dedicated nomad visa is one area where Peru lags behind its Latin American competitors.

Carné de Extranjería

Once you receive any residency visa, you must apply for a Carné de Extranjería (foreigner’s identity card) at Migraciones within 30 days. This card is your primary ID in Peru — you will use it for banking, signing contracts, accessing healthcare, and interacting with government agencies. It costs approximately $25 USD and takes 1–3 weeks to process. Carry it with you at all times, as police can request identification.

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Permanent residency can be applied for after 3 consecutive years on a temporary residency visa (Rentista, worker, or investor). You must demonstrate continuous residence (not absent for more than 183 consecutive days) and clean criminal record. Citizenship requires 2 years of legal residency and basic Spanish proficiency, though there is an accelerated path: marriage to a Peruvian citizen allows you to apply for citizenship after just 2 years of marriage, one of the fastest marriage-based citizenship pathways in the Americas. Peru allows dual citizenship with most countries.

For a comparison of visa options across destinations, check our visa checker tool or read our passport explorer for detailed visa-free access information.

Healthcare in Peru

Peru’s healthcare system operates on two tiers, and the quality gap between them is significant. Public healthcare through EsSalud and SIS (Seguro Integral de Salud) is available to residents but suffers from long wait times, overcrowded facilities, and inconsistent quality outside of Lima. Private healthcare in Lima, however, is genuinely excellent — several clinics meet international standards, English-speaking doctors are available, and costs are a fraction of what you would pay in the US or Europe.

Public Healthcare (EsSalud)

If you are employed or self-employed with a RUC in Peru, you contribute to EsSalud, the national health insurance system. Contributions are 9% of your declared income. EsSalud covers consultations, hospitalization, surgery, maternity, and prescription medications. The system is functional but strained — expect wait times of weeks for specialist appointments and months for non-emergency procedures. Emergency care is available at EsSalud hospitals, but the experience varies significantly by facility. The Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins in Lima is the flagship EsSalud facility and handles complex cases reasonably well.

Private Healthcare

Most expats in Lima rely on private clinics, and the quality is genuinely impressive. The top facilities include:

• Clínica Ricardo Palma (San Isidro) — the most popular choice among expats, with English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and a full range of specialties. Emergency room wait times are typically under 30 minutes.
• Clínica Anglo Americana (San Isidro) — founded in 1921, this clinic has a long history of serving the international community. Particularly strong in cardiology, orthopedics, and internal medicine.
• Clínica Internacional — multiple locations across Lima, good for routine care and minor procedures, slightly more affordable than Ricardo Palma or Anglo Americana.
• Clínica Delgado (Auna) (Miraflores) — conveniently located for Miraflores residents, modern facilities, strong in diagnostic imaging and outpatient procedures.

A general practitioner visit at a private clinic costs $30–$60. Specialist consultations run $50–$100. Blood work and basic lab tests cost $15–$40. An MRI that would cost $1,500–$3,000 in the US typically runs $200–$400 at a Lima private clinic.

Health Insurance Options

Private health insurance in Peru ranges from $80–$150 per month for comprehensive coverage, depending on your age, pre-existing conditions, and the plan level. Major local insurers include Rimac, Pacifico, and Mapfre. International insurance plans from companies like Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or Safetywing also cover Peru and may be preferable if you split time between countries. For a detailed comparison of expat health insurance options, see our expat health insurance guide.

Dental Tourism

Peru is emerging as a dental tourism destination, particularly in Lima. A routine cleaning costs $20–$40. A porcelain crown runs $150–$300 (compared to $800–$1,500 in the US). Root canals cost $80–$200. Dental implants are $500–$1,200 per implant, roughly one-third to one-quarter of US prices. The quality of dental care in Lima’s top clinics is excellent, and many dentists have trained internationally.

Altitude Health Considerations

This is the healthcare topic most newcomers underestimate. Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level. Arequipa is at 2,335 meters (7,660 feet). Even the Sacred Valley towns, at 2,800–3,000 meters, are high enough to cause symptoms. Altitude sickness (soroche) affects roughly 25–30% of visitors arriving from sea level and can range from mild headaches and fatigue to severe nausea, shortness of breath, and in rare cases, pulmonary or cerebral edema requiring emergency treatment.

If you plan to live in Cusco, the standard recommendation is to fly into Lima first and allow 2–3 days to acclimatize at a lower altitude, or stay in the Sacred Valley (lower than Cusco) for your first few days. Coca tea (mate de coca) is the traditional remedy and is widely available. Your body typically adjusts within 3–7 days, but some people never fully acclimatize to Cusco’s elevation. If you have cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, consult your doctor before committing to highland living.

Where to Live in Peru

Peru’s geography creates dramatically different living experiences depending on where you settle. Lima is the obvious default — a sprawling metropolis of 10 million with the best infrastructure, healthcare, dining, and connectivity in the country. But the highland cities of Cusco and Arequipa offer something Lima cannot: mountain scenery, smaller-town rhythms, and a pace of life that many expats find more fulfilling once they’ve done their initial settling-in period in the capital.

Lima — Miraflores

Miraflores is where most expats start, and many never leave. Perched on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, the district combines tree-lined streets, manicured parks (Parque Kennedy is the social center, complete with its famous colony of cats), excellent restaurants at every price point, reliable internet, and a level of walkability rare in Lima. The Malecón — a 6-kilometer clifftop path from Miraflores to Barranco — is where joggers, cyclists, and paragliders share one of South America’s most dramatic urban coastlines. Safety is excellent by Lima standards: well-lit streets, private security, and a visible municipal police presence.

Rent: $450–$700/mo for a 1BR. Vibe: cosmopolitan, slightly touristy, excellent infrastructure. Best for: newcomers, digital nomads, retirees wanting walkability and safety.

Lima — Barranco

Barranco is Lima’s bohemian soul — a former beachside resort town now absorbed into the city, with colonial mansions converted into galleries, street art on every corner, live music venues, and some of Lima’s best cafés and bars. The Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) is the Instagram landmark, but the real appeal is the creative energy. Barranco has a younger, edgier feel than Miraflores — more artists, musicians, and startup founders, fewer retirees and corporate types. It is directly adjacent to Miraflores (a 15-minute walk or $2 Uber ride along the Malecón), so you get the bohemian atmosphere with easy access to Miraflores’s amenities.

Rent: $380–$600/mo for a 1BR. Vibe: artistic, nightlife-focused, young. Best for: creatives, younger nomads, people who want character over polish.

Lima — San Isidro

San Isidro is Lima’s financial and corporate district — think of it as Lima’s version of Manhattan’s Midtown. High-rise office towers, embassy residences, luxury hotels, and El Olivar park (a 22-acre olive grove in the middle of the city, dating to the colonial period). This is where the top private clinics are located, where embassy functions happen, and where Lima’s wealthiest families live. It is quieter and more residential than Miraflores, with less street life but more green space.

Rent: $500–$900/mo for a 1BR. Vibe: corporate, quiet, upscale. Best for: families, corporate expats, those prioritizing proximity to healthcare.

Lima — Jesús María

The budget-conscious expat’s secret. Jesús María is a middle-class residential district adjacent to San Isidro, with good infrastructure, safe streets, and significantly lower rents. The Campo de Marte park is one of Lima’s largest green spaces. You are a 15-minute bus ride or $3–$4 Uber from Miraflores, and the local restaurant scene is excellent and priced for Limeños rather than tourists. Several expats who initially lived in Miraflores eventually migrate here once they realize they are paying a premium for proximity to other foreigners rather than for materially better living conditions.

Rent: $300–$450/mo for a 1BR. Vibe: local, residential, practical. Best for: budget-conscious long-termers, families, people who want to live “like a Peruvian.”

Cusco

The former capital of the Inca Empire is one of the most extraordinary places to live on earth — if your body can handle the altitude. At 3,400 meters, Cusco is wrapped in thin air, surrounded by mountains, and saturated with history that predates European contact by millennia. Inca walls form the foundations of colonial churches. The Plaza de Armas is one of South America’s most beautiful squares. And the proximity to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and dozens of lesser-known Inca sites means weekend exploration never gets old.

The expat community in Cusco is smaller and more intentional than Lima’s. You will find yoga retreats, ayahuasca ceremonies, sustainable agriculture projects, and a wellness scene that draws a specific type of person. The digital nomad infrastructure exists but is limited — a handful of coworking spaces, decent but not blazing-fast internet, and cafés that tolerate laptop workers. The trade-off is the magic: watching the sunset over ancient stone walls with a $2 pisco sour in hand is not something you can replicate in Miraflores.

Rent: $250–$450/mo for a 1BR. Vibe: mystical, historic, wellness-focused. Best for: adventurers, spiritual seekers, history lovers comfortable with altitude.

Arequipa (The White City)

Peru’s second city is built from white sillar volcanic stone and sits at 2,335 meters in a valley ringed by three volcanoes, including the snow-capped El Misti (5,822m). Arequipa has a fierce regional identity — Arequipeños are proud and independent, with their own culinary traditions (the picantera restaurant tradition is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidate), architecture, and culture. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world and home to Andean condors, is a 3-hour drive away.

The expat community is small but growing, attracted by the lower costs, better weather than Lima (300+ days of sunshine per year versus Lima’s perpetual overcast), and a manageable altitude that is lower than Cusco but still gives you the highland experience. Infrastructure is good by Peruvian standards, with reliable internet and a handful of coworking options.

Rent: $200–$400/mo for a 1BR. Vibe: proud regional capital, sunny, volcanic. Best for: people wanting a highland experience at lower altitude, food lovers, outdoor enthusiasts.

Huanchaco (Surf Town)

A small beach town outside Trujillo on the northern coast, Huanchaco is where caballitos de totora (traditional reed fishing boats, used for thousands of years) still launch from the beach daily. It has developed a quiet expat community of surfers, retirees, and remote workers drawn to the consistent surf breaks, low costs ($600–$900/month total), and laid-back pace. The town is small enough that you know your neighbors within a week. Infrastructure is basic — limited coworking, slower internet, minimal nightlife — but that is the point for people who choose it.

Sacred Valley

Towns like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Urubamba in the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu have attracted a niche community of expats seeking a rural, spiritually-oriented lifestyle at a slightly lower altitude than Cusco (2,800–3,000m). Costs are extremely low ($500–$800/month), but you are trading convenience for beauty. Internet is adequate for video calls most of the time but not reliable enough for bandwidth-intensive work. The valley is staggeringly beautiful, with Inca terraces, snow-capped peaks, and a quality of light that photographers obsess over.

Taxes in Peru

Peru’s tax system is relatively straightforward by Latin American standards, but the domicile rules are important to understand. The distinction between tax resident and non-resident determines how much of your income Peru can tax, and the thresholds are clear.

Tax Residency Rules

You are considered a tax resident (domiciliado) in Peru if you are physically present in the country for 183 days or more in any 12-month period. This is a rolling window, not a calendar year. Once you qualify as a tax resident, you are taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Peruvian-sourced income at a flat 30% rate.

Progressive Income Tax Rates

Tax residents pay progressive rates on their net income (after deductions):

• Up to 5 UIT (~$6,700 USD): 8%
• 5–20 UIT (~$6,700–$26,800): 14%
• 20–35 UIT (~$26,800–$46,900): 17%
• 35–45 UIT (~$46,900–$60,300): 20%
• Over 45 UIT (~$60,300+): 30%

The UIT (Unidad Impositiva Tributaria) is Peru’s tax unit, adjusted annually. For 2026, 1 UIT is approximately S/5,150 (~$1,340 USD). The first 7 UIT of income is exempt from tax as a standard deduction, meaning effectively the first ~$9,400 of annual income is tax-free for residents.

RUC for Freelancers

If you work as a freelancer or independent contractor in Peru, you need a RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes) — Peru’s tax identification number. Freelance income is classified as “fourth category” income and subject to a 20% automatic deduction before the progressive rates apply. You must issue electronic recibos por honorarios (invoices) for each payment. The RUC registration process is done at SUNAT (Peru’s tax authority) offices and can be completed in a single visit with your passport and Carné de Extranjería.

Foreign Income Treatment

Non-residents: only Peruvian-sourced income is taxed (at the flat 30% rate). Remote work income earned from foreign clients is generally not considered Peruvian-sourced.

Tax residents: worldwide income is taxable, including remote work income from foreign clients. However, Peru has double taxation treaties with several countries (including Chile, Brazil, South Korea, Canada, Portugal, Switzerland, and others) that can prevent being taxed twice on the same income. US citizens should note that the US does not have a tax treaty with Peru, which means you will need to use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) to offset double taxation. See our expat tax guide for detailed strategies.

Internet & Remote Work Infrastructure

Peru’s internet situation is a tale of two countries. Lima has solid connectivity that supports remote work without issues. Outside Lima, the picture gets considerably less reliable. If your income depends on stable internet, this should factor heavily into your city choice.

Lima Connectivity

Fiber optic internet is widely available in Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, and other popular expat neighborhoods. Providers like Movistar (Telefónica), Claro, and Entel offer plans ranging from 50–100 Mbps for $25–$50 per month. In practice, you can expect consistent 30–80 Mbps download speeds in well-served areas. Video calls, cloud-based work, and streaming are all reliable. The main frustration is occasional outages during heavy rain (Lima’s desert climate means rain is rare but can cause disruption when it occurs) and slower upload speeds (typically 10–30 Mbps).

Coworking Spaces

Lima’s coworking ecosystem has expanded significantly:

• Comunal — Peru’s largest coworking brand, with multiple locations in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. Hot desks from $90–$130/month. Professional environment, good meeting rooms, and networking events.
• WeWork Lima — two locations in San Isidro and Miraflores. The global standard — predictable quality at $120–$200/month for a hot desk. Good for those who need the WeWork ecosystem across countries.
• Selina — coworking-hostel hybrid in Miraflores and Barranco. More casual, younger crowd. Day passes at $10–$15, monthly from $80–$120. Best for social nomads who want community built in.
• Independent cafés — Miraflores and Barranco are full of laptop-friendly cafés with Wi-Fi. Favorites include Delicass, Arábica Espresso Bar, and the various specialty coffee shops along Calle Manuel Bonilla. A coffee and pastry will run $3–$5, and most places tolerate multi-hour laptop sessions.

Outside Lima

Cusco has 10–30 Mbps connections available in the city center, with a handful of coworking spaces like Cusco Cowork and Selina Cusco. It is workable for most remote jobs but not ideal for video-heavy or bandwidth-intensive work. Arequipa has similar speeds and a couple of coworking options. In smaller towns and the Sacred Valley, internet drops to 5–15 Mbps and can be unreliable during peak hours or bad weather. Mobile data (4G) through Claro or Movistar provides a backup at $10–$20/month for 15–30 GB, but coverage is spotty in remote areas.

For a broader perspective on remote work destinations, see our digital nomad guide or explore the cheapest countries for remote workers.

Peruvian Cuisine — A Deeper Look

It would be irresponsible to write a Peru relocation guide without dedicating serious space to the food. Peruvian cuisine is not just good — it is a legitimate reason to move to the country. The combination of indigenous Andean ingredients, Spanish colonial influence, African, Chinese (chifa), and Japanese (nikkei) immigrant traditions has produced a food culture that is arguably the most diverse and accomplished in the Americas.

The Essential Dishes

Ceviche: Peru’s national dish — raw fish cured in fresh lime juice (leche de tigre), with red onion, aji peppers, sweet potato, and canchita (toasted corn). The best ceviche you will ever eat will not be at a fine dining restaurant but at a neighborhood cevichería that only serves lunch (because the fish was bought fresh that morning). In Lima, ceviche is a lunchtime food — ordering it at dinner is a tell that you are a tourist. Expect to pay $4–$8 at a local spot, $12–$25 at a high-end restaurant.

Lomo saltado: Peru’s best example of chifa fusion — stir-fried beef strips with tomatoes, onions, ají amarillo, soy sauce, and french fries, served over rice. It sounds simple. It is not. The combination of Chinese wok technique with Peruvian ingredients creates something that transcends both traditions. $3–$6 at a local restaurant, $10–$18 at upscale places.

Anticuchos: grilled beef heart skewers, marinated in vinegar, cumin, and ají panca, served with boiled potato and corn. Street food at its best — you will find anticucho carts throughout Lima every evening. Do not let the “beef heart” description scare you. The marinade and grilling technique make the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. $1–$3 per serving from street vendors.

Ají de gallina: shredded chicken in a creamy sauce made from ají amarillo peppers, walnuts, bread, and Parmesan cheese, served over rice with boiled potatoes and olives. Comfort food that is uniquely Peruvian. $3–$5 at a local spot.

Causa: a cold layered potato terrine made with yellow potatoes seasoned with lime and ají amarillo, filled with chicken, tuna, or crab salad. Looks elegant, tastes incredible, and demonstrates Peru’s genius with the potato — a crop that originated here and of which Peru has over 3,000 varieties.

Pisco sour: the national cocktail — pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. The frothy egg white cap is essential. Peru and Chile both claim pisco as their own, and mentioning this debate to a Peruvian is a reliable way to see exactly how passionate they are about their food culture. Do not make the mistake of saying it is Chilean.

The Mercado Experience

Peru’s mercados (markets) are where the country’s food culture comes alive at street level. Every neighborhood has one, and they range from small produce stalls to sprawling complexes with prepared food sections, juice bars, butchers, and fishmongers. Mercado de Surquillo in Miraflores is the most accessible for newcomers — a block-sized market where you can eat a full lunch at the prepared food stalls for $2–$3, buy a week’s produce for $10–$15, and try exotic fruits (lucuma, chirimoya, granadilla) you have never seen before. Mercado Central and Mercado de San Martín in downtown Lima are larger, louder, and more intense — worth the experience but more overwhelming for newcomers.

The Fine Dining Scene

Lima’s high-end restaurant scene is world-class by any measure. Central (Barranco), led by chef Virgilio Martínez, was ranked #1 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. Maido, chef Mitsuharu Tsumura’s nikkei restaurant, consistently ranks in the top 10. Astrid y Gastón, Gastón Acurio’s flagship, is the restaurant most credited with launching Peru’s global food revolution. A tasting menu at Central runs $150–$200 per person — expensive by Peruvian standards but a fraction of comparable experiences in New York, Paris, or Tokyo. Reservations at the top restaurants book weeks or months in advance.

Culture & Daily Life

Living in Peru requires a genuine cultural adjustment, and the depth of that adjustment depends on whether you stay in the Lima expat bubble or integrate into Peruvian life. The country operates on rhythms, social norms, and value systems that are fundamentally different from North American or European culture, and understanding them is the difference between thriving and feeling perpetually frustrated.

Warmth and Social Culture

Peruvians are genuinely warm people, but the warmth operates differently than what many Westerners expect. Relationships build slowly through repeated interaction — your neighbor, your local shopkeeper, the barista who makes your morning coffee. Formal greetings matter: a kiss on the cheek (one, right side) between women and between men and women, a handshake between men. Showing up and being present matters more than efficiency. If you are invited to a Peruvian’s home for dinner, bring something (wine, dessert, flowers) and expect to stay late. “Peruvian time” is real — arriving 30–60 minutes late to social events is standard and not considered rude.

Family Culture

Family is the central organizing principle of Peruvian life. Adult children often live with their parents until marriage (and sometimes after). Sunday lunch with extended family is sacred. Work-life boundaries are porous in the other direction from what you might expect — a Peruvian colleague will absolutely leave work early for a family event, and this is culturally supported. If you form close friendships with Peruvians, you will be absorbed into the family structure — invited to birthdays, holiday celebrations, and weekend gatherings. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of living in Peru, but it requires reciprocity.

Fiestas and Celebrations

Peru has an extraordinary number of festivals, many blending Catholic and pre-Columbian traditions. Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in Cusco every June 24th is the biggest — a massive recreation of the Inca solstice celebration that draws thousands. The Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) procession in Lima every October is one of the largest Catholic processions in the world. Carnaval in February brings water balloon fights to the streets. Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day, July 28–29) is a two-day national celebration where virtually everything shuts down and families gather for feasts. Each town and region has its own patron saint festival with music, dancing, costumes, and parades that can last days.

Language

Spanish is essential. Unlike some Southeast Asian destinations where you can function in English, Peru outside of tourist circuits operates almost entirely in Spanish. Miraflores has English-speaking restaurant staff and shopkeepers, but government offices, landlords, utility companies, banks, and healthcare providers conduct business in Spanish. Investing in language learning is the single highest-return decision you can make for your quality of life. Peruvian Spanish is generally considered clear and relatively easy to understand compared to Caribbean or Argentine Spanish. Lima has numerous language schools with private lessons starting at $8–$15 per hour. In Cusco, you can also learn Quechua, the indigenous language still spoken by millions in the highlands.

The Siesta and Work Rhythm

Peru does not have a formal siesta like Spain, but lunch is the main meal and the midday break is longer and more social than what most North Americans are used to. Many businesses and government offices operate on split schedules, opening 9:00–1:00 and 3:00–6:00, with a two-hour lunch break. Dinner is typically light and late (8:00–9:00 PM). Adjusting your work schedule to accommodate a proper Peruvian lunch is one of the small quality-of-life improvements that long-term expats consistently cite as transformative.

Safety in Peru

Peru is neither the dangerous place some outdated stereotypes suggest nor the uniformly safe destination that relocation influencers imply. The reality is nuanced and depends heavily on where you are, when you are there, and how you conduct yourself. The good news is that the neighborhoods most popular with expats are among the safest in the country.

Lima: Safe vs. Avoid

Safe neighborhoods: Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, Surco, San Borja, and La Molina are all considered safe by local standards. These districts have private security patrols, well-lit streets, security cameras, and visible police presence. Violent crime against foreigners in these areas is rare. You can walk alone at night in Miraflores or San Isidro without significant concern, though basic precautions (avoiding flashy jewelry, not using your phone conspicuously, staying on main streets) are always wise.

Exercise caution: Centro de Lima (downtown) is fine during the day and fascinating to explore, but some areas become sketchy after dark, particularly around the northern edge of the historic center. La Victoria, parts of Callao, San Juan de Miraflores, and Villa El Salvador should be avoided, especially at night. If you do not have a specific reason to go there, do not go.

Common Crimes

Petty crime — pickpocketing, phone snatching, and bag theft — is the most common risk for expats. Tactics include distraction theft (someone bumps into you or spills something on you while an accomplice grabs your belongings) and motorcycle phone snatching (a rider grabs your phone while you use it on the street). Practical countermeasures: use a phone lanyard or wrist strap, carry a copy of your ID rather than your passport, use a money belt for large amounts of cash, and keep aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Taxi scams exist — always use registered taxi apps (Uber, inDrive, DiDi) rather than hailing cars on the street.

Cusco and Tourist Areas

Tourist areas in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and other popular destinations are generally safe. Tourist police (policía de turismo) patrol heavily, and the local economy depends on visitors feeling secure. The main risks are altitude-related health issues (not crime), overcharging by guides or vendors, and petty theft in crowded market areas. The Inca Trail and other trekking routes are considered safe, though going with a registered operator is required for the Inca Trail and strongly recommended for other routes.

Natural Hazards

Peru sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences earthquakes regularly. Most are minor, but major quakes occur periodically (the last devastating one was in 2007 in Pisco). If you live in Peru, familiarize yourself with earthquake protocols: know where your building’s safe zones are, keep an emergency kit, and know your evacuation routes. Modern buildings in Lima’s wealthier districts are built to seismic standards, but older construction in Cusco’s historic center or provincial cities may not be. Tsunami risk exists along the coast but is low for most well-situated neighborhoods.

Pros and Cons of Living in Peru

After covering every major dimension, here is the honest summary of what living in Peru delivers and where it falls short. No country is perfect, and the trade-offs you can tolerate determine whether Peru is your place.

Pros

• World-class cuisine — from $3 street food to Michelin-level restaurants, Peru’s food culture is unmatched in the Americas and a daily source of genuine joy for food lovers.
• Extraordinary affordability — $1,000–$1,600/month in Lima’s best neighborhoods, $700–$1,100 in the highlands. Your money stretches remarkably far without sacrificing quality.
• Geographic diversity — coast, mountains, jungle, desert — all accessible from Lima within a few hours. Weekend adventures never get repetitive.
• Cultural richness — Inca heritage, colonial architecture, vibrant contemporary arts, and festivals year-round. Peru feels genuinely different from anywhere else.
• Generous tourist visa — 183 days without applying in advance gives you six months to explore before committing.
• Currency stability — the sol has been one of Latin America’s most stable currencies, reducing purchasing power risk.
• Warm people — once you build relationships, Peruvian warmth and hospitality are deep and genuine.
• Fast path to citizenship — 2 years via marriage to a Peruvian citizen, with dual citizenship allowed.

Cons

• Bureaucracy — government processes (visas, banking, tax registration) are slow, paper-heavy, and often require multiple visits. Patience is not optional.
• Altitude challenges — Cusco and other highland destinations cause genuine health issues for many newcomers. Some people never fully adapt.
• No dedicated digital nomad visa — unlike Colombia, Portugal, or Costa Rica, Peru lacks a formal pathway for remote workers, forcing reliance on tourist visa cycling.
• Lima’s gray skies — the capital sits under a persistent marine fog layer (garúa) from May to November. If sunshine is important to your mental health, this is a genuine issue — Lima averages only 1,200 hours of sun per year (London gets 1,500).
• Traffic — Lima’s traffic is among the worst in Latin America. Commuting across the city during peak hours is genuinely painful.
• Internet outside Lima — connectivity drops significantly outside the capital. If your work requires blazing-fast, always-on internet, you are limited to Lima.
• Safety awareness required — while expat neighborhoods are safe, Peru requires more street awareness than, say, Portugal or Japan.
• Spanish is non-negotiable — you cannot function outside tourist areas without conversational Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need per month to live comfortably in Peru?

A single person can live comfortably in Lima’s Miraflores district for $1,200–$1,600 per month, including rent for a furnished one-bedroom ($450–$700), food ($250–$400), health insurance ($80–$150), transport ($80–$150), and entertainment ($100–$200). In Cusco or Arequipa, the same lifestyle costs $800–$1,200. Couples can live in Lima for $1,600–$2,200 total, as many costs are shared. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle — not luxury, but not bare-bones.

Is Peru safe for expats?

Yes, with basic precautions. The neighborhoods most popular with expats (Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco) are safe by Latin American standards. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon in these areas. Petty crime (pickpocketing, phone snatching) is the main risk and is manageable with awareness. Avoid displaying expensive items conspicuously, use ride-hailing apps instead of street taxis, and stay in well-traveled areas after dark. Peru is considerably safer for expats than its overall crime statistics suggest, because those statistics are heavily influenced by areas tourists and expats never visit.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Peru?

Effectively, yes. You can survive in Miraflores with minimal Spanish, as some service staff speak English. But landlords, government offices, banks, healthcare providers, utility companies, and the vast majority of daily interactions are conducted in Spanish. Without conversational Spanish, you will be reliant on translators for anything bureaucratic and will miss the richness of Peruvian social life. Start learning before you arrive and continue with local lessons once there. Peruvian Spanish is considered clear and relatively easy to learn compared to other Latin American dialects.

What is the best city in Peru for digital nomads?

Lima (Miraflores or Barranco) is the clear winner for digital nomads due to its fiber internet (50–100 Mbps), coworking options (Comunal, WeWork, Selina), café culture, and social scene. Cusco is a romantic choice but internet speeds (10–30 Mbps) and reliability are weaker. If you prioritize connectivity and professional infrastructure, stay in Lima. If you value scenery and spirituality over speed, Cusco can work for non-bandwidth-intensive jobs. See our digital nomad guide for more options.

How does altitude sickness work in Cusco?

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). Altitude sickness (soroche) affects 25–30% of visitors and typically manifests as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath within the first 6–24 hours. Most people acclimatize within 3–7 days. To minimize symptoms: fly to Lima first and spend a day or two at sea level, drink coca tea (mate de coca), stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, and take it easy physically. If symptoms persist beyond a week or become severe (confusion, chest tightness, inability to breathe when lying down), seek medical attention immediately — severe altitude sickness can be life-threatening. Some people never fully adjust and need to live at lower elevations.

Can I get permanent residency and citizenship in Peru?

Yes. Permanent residency is available after 3 consecutive years on a temporary residency visa (Rentista, worker, or investor). Citizenship requires 2 years of legal residency plus basic Spanish proficiency. The fastest path is marriage to a Peruvian citizen, which allows citizenship application after just 2 years of marriage. Peru allows dual citizenship with most countries, so you typically do not need to renounce your original nationality. The process involves paperwork, background checks, and a Spanish language assessment, but is straightforward with legal assistance.

How does Peru compare to Colombia for expats?

Both are excellent affordable destinations in South America, but they serve different preferences. Peru wins on food (objectively world-class), cultural depth (Inca heritage), and geographic diversity. Colombia wins on digital nomad infrastructure (formal DN visa, better Medellín coworking scene), weather in Medellín (eternal spring vs. Lima’s gray skies), and nightlife. Costs are comparable. Peru’s 183-day tourist visa is slightly more generous than Colombia’s 180 days. Colombia has a more established expat community in Medellín, while Lima’s expat scene is growing but smaller. See our Peru vs. Colombia comparison for detailed data.

What is the healthcare quality like in Peru?

Private healthcare in Lima is excellent. Clínica Ricardo Palma and Clínica Anglo Americana are world-class facilities with English-speaking doctors, modern equipment, and costs 60–80% lower than the US. Private insurance runs $80–$150/month. Public healthcare (EsSalud) is functional but slow, with long wait times for specialists and overcrowded facilities. Outside Lima, healthcare quality drops significantly — Cusco and Arequipa have decent private clinics for routine care, but anything complex requires a trip to Lima. If you have serious health conditions, proximity to Lima’s medical infrastructure should be a major factor in your city choice.

Is Peruvian food really that good?

Yes. This is not hyperbole or tourism marketing. Lima has more restaurants in the World’s 50 Best than any city in the Western Hemisphere outside of New York. The menú del día at an average neighborhood restaurant is better than most mid-range restaurants in the US. The diversity of influences — indigenous Andean, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, African, Italian — creates a cuisine with extraordinary depth. If you are someone who eats to live rather than lives to eat, you will still eat better in Peru than almost anywhere at this price point. If food is a passion, Peru will feel like coming home.

What are the best resources for finding an apartment in Peru?

For Lima, start with online platforms: Urbania and Adondevivir are Peru’s main real estate listing sites. Facebook groups like “Expats in Lima” and “Apartments for Rent Lima” have active listings. Airbnb is a common starting point — rent a place for a month while you search for long-term housing in person. In Cusco, word of mouth and local Facebook groups are more effective than listing sites. A one-month Airbnb in Miraflores typically runs $600–$1,000, which is higher than a long-term lease but gives you time to find the right neighborhood without committing.