🌍 Overview
Arequipa, Peru, is a hidden gem for digital nomads looking for a unique blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. As a remote work hub, Arequipa offers a growing nomad community, a range of coworking spaces, and a relatively low cost of living. The city’s stunning natural surroundings, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking a new experience. With a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $164 per month, and an average restaurant meal priced at $1.8, Arequipa is an excellent choice for those on a budget. The city’s digital nomad infrastructure, although still developing, is gradually improving, with several coworking spaces and cafes catering to remote workers.
Arequipa’s nomad scene is still in its early stages, but it’s quickly gaining momentum, with many like-minded individuals gathering at coworking spaces, cafes, and social events. The city’s relaxed atmosphere, mild climate, and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal location for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle. As a digital nomad destination, Arequipa offers a unique blend of traditional Peruvian culture and modern amenities, making it an exciting choice for remote workers looking to immerse themselves in a new environment. With its growing expat community, Arequipa is becoming a popular spot for digital nomads, and its remote work scene is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
One of the main draws for digital nomads in Arequipa is the city’s stunning natural beauty, with the nearby Colca Canyon and Volcan Misti offering endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, and outdoor adventures. The city itself is also a treasure trove of cultural attractions, with its historic center, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. As a digital nomad in Arequipa, you can expect a warm welcome from the local community, a range of exciting activities and experiences, and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Yanahuara
Yanahuara is a charming neighborhood located just a short walk from the city center, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Yanahuara is around $150-$200, making it an affordable option for digital nomads. The neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant cultural scene, with several art galleries, cafes, and restaurants to explore. One of the main pros of Yanahuara is its proximity to the city center, while one of the cons is the limited availability of coworking spaces and high-speed internet.
Cayma
Cayma is a popular neighborhood among digital nomads, offering a range of amenities, including coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cayma is around $180-$250, making it a slightly more expensive option than Yanahuara. The neighborhood is known for its modern infrastructure, reliable internet, and vibrant social scene, with several meetups and events for remote workers. One of the main pros of Cayma is its excellent internet connectivity, with average speeds of around 9 Mbps, while one of the cons is the higher cost of living compared to other neighborhoods.
Selva Alegre
Selva Alegre is a tranquil neighborhood located on the outskirts of the city, offering a peaceful and natural environment for digital nomads. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Selva Alegre is around $120-$180, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget. The neighborhood is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, scenic hiking trails, and relaxed atmosphere. One of the main pros of Selva Alegre is its natural beauty, while one of the cons is the limited availability of amenities and coworking spaces.
San Lazaro
San Lazaro is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of the city, offering a unique and authentic experience for digital nomads. The typical monthly rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Lazaro is around $200-$300, making it a more expensive option than other neighborhoods. The neighborhood is known for its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent internet connectivity, with several coworking spaces and cafes to choose from. One of the main pros of San Lazaro is its central location, while one of the cons is the higher cost of living and limited availability of apartments.
Digital Nomad Guide
As a digital nomad in Arequipa, you’ll find a range of coworking spaces to choose from, including Hub Arequipa, which offers monthly memberships starting at around $100, and La Casa de los Abuelos, which offers daily rates starting at around $5. The city’s internet quality is generally good, with average speeds of around 9 Mbps, although fiber availability is limited. For the best coffee and work experience, head to Cafe Casa Verde, which offers excellent wifi, comfortable seating, and a range of delicious coffee drinks starting at around $1.4.
The nomad community in Arequipa is growing rapidly, with several meetups and events taking place throughout the week. Join the Arequipa Digital Nomads Facebook group to connect with other remote workers, attend events, and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in the city. For visa options, remote workers can apply for a tourist visa, which allows them to stay in the country for up to 183 days, or a resident visa, which requires a more complex application process. Banking and practical setup tips include opening a local bank account, which can be done at banks such as BCP or Interbank, and using a money exchange service like Western Union to transfer funds.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Arequipa is a city steeped in tradition and culture, with a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. As a digital nomad, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local customs and etiquette, such as trying traditional dishes like rocoto relleno and ch’arki, and attending cultural events like the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Asunción. The food scene in Arequipa is vibrant and affordable, with a range of delicious options starting at around $1.8 for a meal. For a truly local experience, head to the San Camilo Market, which offers a range of fresh produce, meats, and handicrafts.
The nightlife and social scene in Arequipa is relatively low-key, with several bars and clubs catering to locals and tourists alike. For a more authentic experience, head to the neighborhood of San Lazaro, which offers a range of traditional peñas and cultural events. The city’s arts and cultural attractions include the stunning Arequipa Cathedral, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, and the Teatro Fénix, which hosts a range of performances and events throughout the year. As for language, Spanish is the primary language spoken in Arequipa, although many locals in the service industry speak some English.
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the stunning Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, and take a guided hike to spot condors and other wildlife. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the sun is rising over the canyon.
- Explore the historic center of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the stunning colonial architecture. Be sure to visit the stunning Arequipa Cathedral, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
- Take a tour of the nearby Volcan Misti, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a unique glimpse into the region’s geology. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.
- Visit the vibrant San Camilo Market, which offers a range of fresh produce, meats, and handicrafts. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as rocoto relleno and ch’arki.
- Attend a traditional peña in the neighborhood of San Lazaro, which offers a unique glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage. The best time to visit is on a Friday or Saturday night, when the peñas are in full swing.
- Take a scenic hike in the nearby Selva Alegre neighborhood, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful, natural environment. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the sun is rising over the mountains.
💡 Practical Tips
As a digital nomad in Arequipa, it’s essential to be aware of the visa requirements for your nationality. For US citizens, a tourist visa is not required, but you’ll need to register with the local authorities and obtain a temporary residence permit. For EU citizens, a tourist visa is also not required, but you’ll need to register with the local authorities and obtain a temporary residence permit. The cost of a tourist visa is around $30, while a resident visa can cost upwards of $100.
Getting around Arequipa is relatively easy, with several transportation options available, including taxis, colectivos, and buses. The best way to get around is by taxi, which costs around $2-$3 for a short ride. You can also use the Uber app, which is widely available in the city. For longer trips, consider using a colectivo or bus, which can cost around $1-$2.
Safety considerations in Arequipa include being aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash. The city is generally safe, but petty theft and scams can occur. Be sure to use reputable taxi services and avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers.
The best time to visit Arequipa is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is mild and sunny. The city’s cultural attractions and events are also worth exploring, including the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Asunción, which takes place in August.
As for money matters, the local currency is the Peruvian sol, and you can exchange your money at a bank or currency exchange office. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Tipping culture in Arequipa is generally 10%-15% of the total bill.
Finally, healthcare and insurance considerations are essential for digital nomads in Arequipa. The city has several good hospitals and medical facilities, including the Hospital Regional de Arequipa, which offers a range of medical services. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations. Be sure to research and compare different insurance options before making a decision.
