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The South American country of Peru is the latest to announce its intention to launch a digital nomad visa. Announced on 15 November 2023, they have confirmed that the visa will be for one year with the possibility to extend. Further information will be available in approximately six months.
While this is exciting news, Peru has been on our radar for a while thanks to its generous tourist visa conditions. When you arrive in Peru you will receive a 30, 60, or 90-day tourist visa. But is it usually extendable to up to 183 days while you care in the country.
We’ve previously written about the digital nomad experience in Lima, the capital of Peru, here. But in celebration of the upcoming visa, let’s take a look at Peru for digital nomads.
Essential Information About Peru
- Language: The primary language is Peru is Spanish. Quechua and Aymara are also spoken, especially in the Andean regions.
- Currency: The currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). As of November 2003, 1 USD was roughly equivalent to 3.5 PEN.
- Time Zone: Peru operates on Peru Time (PET), which is UTC -5 hours.
- Internet Connectivity: Major cities and tourist areas have reliable internet, with an increasing number of Wi-Fi hotspots and internet cafes. Rural areas still have limited connectivity.
- Safety: While Peru has areas of high crime, especially in larger cities, it’s generally safe for visitors.
Peruvian Culture
Peruvian culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influence, with a touch of African, Asian, and other European influences. This melting pot of cultures is evident in its cuisine, music, art, and daily life.
Street life in Peru is colorful and vibrant, especially in major cities and towns. Markets and street vendors are an integral part of daily life, offering a glimpse into the local way of living.
While more prevalent in urban areas, café culture is growing in Peru. Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa have a variety of cafes, where people gather for coffee, light meals, and socializing.
Music is a vital part of Peruvian culture, with styles ranging from traditional Andean music to more modern genres like Cumbia and Latin Pop. Live music can be found in many bars and restaurants, and festivals are often centered around music and dance.
Food in Peru
Peruvian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its diversity and flavor. It’s characterized by its use of a wide range of ingredients due to the country’s varied geography.
Some of the best dishes to try include Ceviche, which is a fresh raw fish dish made with citrus juices and chili. There is also Lomo Saltado, a kind of stir fry, and Aji de Gallina, a spicy garlic chicken dish with milk.
The Pisco Sour, made from Pisco brandy, lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters, is the national drink!
Peru’s nightlife is dynamic, particularly in larger cities. Lima and Cusco, for example, have a range of options from quiet bars to lively nightclubs. Traditional peñas (clubs) offer live folk music and dancing.
Peruvian People
Peruvians are generally known for their friendliness and warmth. Family and community are important values, and this extends to their welcoming nature towards visitors.
Peruvians are typically welcoming of strangers, often eager to share their culture and traditions. In rural and tourist areas, locals are accustomed to interacting with travelers from around the world.
Respect for elders and traditional customs is important in Peru. It’s also customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek in more informal settings.
Cultural traits can vary significantly between regions. Coastal areas tend to be more liberal and fast-paced, whereas the highlands preserve more traditional and communal ways of life, and the jungle regions have their own distinct cultural practices.
Peru Environment and Climate
Peru’s environment and climate are diverse, including the Pacific coast, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon rainforest.
Coastal Region
The coastal region, which includes Lima, is arid to semi-arid. The coast experiences mild temperatures year-round, with little rainfall. In Lima and surrounding areas, summers (December to April) are warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Winters (June to October) are cooler and marked by overcast skies, with temperatures dropping to around 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F).
Andean Highlands (Including Cusco)
The Andean Highlands, which include Cusco, is temperate with two distinct seasons. The Andes have a rainy season from November to March, where heavy rains are common, and a dry season from April to October. During the dry season, days are generally clear and sunny, but nights can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes. Temperatures can vary significantly, from about -2°C to 20°C (28°F to 68°F), depending on the altitude and time of year.
The high altitude of the Andes means that temperatures can drop sharply, and altitude sickness can be a concern for travelers.
Amazon Rainforest
As you might expect, the Amazon Rainforest is tropical and humid year-round, with plenty of rain. Average temperatures hover around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Rainfall can be expected at any time, but the wettest months are typically from December to May.
Best Things To See and Do
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, an iconic symbol of the Incan Empire, is perched on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters above sea level. This UNESCO World Heritage site, its precise stone constructions, terraced fields, and panoramic views of the surrounding Andean mountains make it a breathtaking experience. Accessible via train or the famous Inca Trail.
Cusco
Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire, is a fascinating blend of pre-Columbian history and Spanish colonial charm. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, featuring cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and impressive archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, stretching from Cusco to Machu Picchu, is a tranquil and fertile region that was of great importance to the Incas. It’s dotted with traditional Andean villages, impressive Inca ruins like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and terraced fields that climb up the valley walls.
Lima
Lima, the bustling capital of Peru, is a vibrant metropolis that boasts a rich history, a thriving culinary scene, and diverse neighborhoods. Known as the “City of Kings,” it offers a mix of colonial architecture, modern districts like Miraflores and Barranco, and pre-Columbian sites.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, is renowned as the highest navigable lake in the world. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, the unique Uros floating islands made entirely of reeds, and the traditional communities that inhabit them.
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines, located in the Nazca Desert, are an enigma of ancient geoglyphs that have fascinated archaeologists and visitors alike. These massive designs, best viewed from the air, include various shapes like animals, plants, and geometric patterns. Their purpose remains a mystery, with theories ranging from astronomical markers to religious symbols.
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest in Peru is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. This vast jungle, accessible from gateways like Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos, offers an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience, with opportunities to see exotic animals like macaws, monkeys, caimans, and maybe even jaguars. Visitors can embark on river cruises, stay in eco-lodges, and interact with indigenous communities.
Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Arequipa, known as the “White City,” enchants visitors with its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone. The city is framed by three impressive volcanoes and is rich in colonial heritage, with the Santa Catalina Monastery being a highlight. Nearby, the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, offers stunning vistas, opportunities to spot Andean condors soaring above the canyon, traditional villages, and relaxing hot springs.
Cost of Living in Peru
Peru offers international visitors a highly affordable cost of living. It is estimated that a single person needs around US$500 per month, excluding rent, to live comfortably in Peru. Add to this for trips to sites such as Machu Picchu and the Amazon.
While rental prices in Peru are low, you probably won’t have access to these if you are looking for short-term accommodation. If you are looking at Airbnb, you should expect to pay $60 per night for a place to stay, or $40 if you are willing to be flexible on location and amenities.
Looking at Flatio, which allows you to rent apartments directly from the owner, you might pay between $250 and $1,400 per month depending on availability and your minimum requirements. I searched for flats in Lima for six months and the best option was US$1,000 per month. But this was for the entire apartment in central Lima, fully furnished with Wi-Fi.
Best Peruvian Cities for Digital Nomads
- Lima: As the capital, it offers the best internet connectivity, a vibrant expat community, and numerous co-working spaces. However, it can be crowded and noisy.
- Cusco: A popular choice for its rich history and proximity to famous sites like Machu Picchu. The internet is reliable in the city, but altitude might be an issue for some.
- Arequipa: Known for its beautiful colonial architecture and pleasant climate. It’s quieter than Lima, with a growing number of digital nomads.
- Trujillo: Offers a coastal lifestyle with a lower cost of living and a growing tech scene.
- Tarapoto: Ideal for those seeking a quieter life close to nature, with access to the Amazon rainforest. Internet connectivity is improving, making it an emerging choice for digital nomads.
Will You Apply for the Peru Digital Nomad Visa
Peru is a vibrant and fascinating country, so we are very excited about the Peruvian digital nomad visa. We will update you when more information is released.
Peruvian citizens have passport-free travel to several other South American countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Hopefully, the Peru DNV will also allow easy tourist access to these countries, though it is simple for US, Canadian, British, Australian, New Zealand and EU passport holders to travel around South America as a tourist anyway.
