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Why Lima Is Great For Digital Nomads
Steeped in culture, mystery, and a bit of llama drama, Peru is a captivating destination in South America that is attracting digital nomads by the dozens. With its magical blend of ancient history, jaw-dropping nature, epic hikes, and, of course, mind-blowing cuisine (yes, the ceviche is as good as they say), it’s no wonder remote workers are flocking here faster than you can say “Machu Picchu.” After spending a month exploring Peru, I can confidently say this country is a captivating destination for digital nomads. Unsurprisingly, Lima, Peru’s capital, is the heartbeat of the country’s digital nomad scene.
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Lima is the kind of city that leaves a lasting impression no matter how long you stay. Even after spending 8 days there, I barely scratched the surface of what this urban gem has to offer. What stood out for me was Lima’s unique mix of urban charm and coastal vibe, a combination that gives the city a laid-back personality. And, of course, the food scene is next-level — you’re in one of the world’s top culinary destinations, after all. Lima’s Peruvian cuisine will blow your mind across all its cheap street eats to luxurious fine dining
The city has fast internet, tons of cozy cafés, and plenty of co-working spaces, especially in trendy areas like Miraflores and Barranco. It’s also affordable, offering a range of accommodation options from budget hostels to high-end rentals, so you can tailor your stay to fit your needs. Adventurers will love Lima’s endless list of outdoor activities like surfing along the coast and paragliding over the cliffs of Costa Verde. You can even take a boat out to swim with sea lions if you’re looking for a more offbeat experience.
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The weather, though, can be a bit of a letdown, especially in the winter months. During our stay, the sky remained stubbornly grey, with not a single day of sun. But that didn’t dampen the city’s charm, nor did it slow down the constant buzz of activity. Lima is incredibly welcoming and one of the safest cities in Latin America and making friends here can be easy with all the events and activities Lima has to offer.
Cost Of Living For Digital Nomads In Lima
Considering the overall cost of living, including rent, coworking spaces, and lifestyle expenses, Lima is quite affordable for the digital nomad life. Lima compares very favourably to major North American or European international cities like New York, Toronto, London, and Barcelona when it comes to day-to-day expenses. Being the biggest and busiest city in Peru, it’s also the most expensive one in the country. Other parts of Peru are more affordable, but Lima’s quality of life is like no other Peruvian city.
Peru’s Digital Nomad Visa
In 2023, the Peruvian government stated plans to launch a digital nomad visa that would allow remote workers to get a resident visa in Peru for up to 365 days as long as they can support themselves from income generated from abroad.
At the time of writing this article, nothing official has been launched and this program is not official. As soon as there is news, we will update this article.
Perú's Official Digital Nomad Press Release (November 20, 2023) →
Things To Do For Digital Nomads In Lima
Lima has lots to do for visitors from its unique historical and cultural experiences to all the modern dining restaurants to explore. As a digital nomad, you’ll find endless ways to explore and unwind for days and days in Lima.
- Explore Lima’s historical centre
- Check out the catacombs at the Basilica of San Francisco
- Taste the depths of Peru’s gastronomy
- Enjoy the metropolitan life of Miraflores
- Take in the views of Larcomar and Parque del Amor
- Swim with sea lions! Yes, really!
- Walk through the galleries and street art scene of Barranco
- Visit the Larco Museum
- Chill with the stray cats at Kennedy Park
- Take a day trip to the Oasis of Huacachina
- Shop for local trinkets at the Indian Market
- Explore the ruins of Huaca Pucllana
Tours & Experiences In Lima
Check out some of these activities you could sign up for in Lima with our partners at GetYourGuide.
Workspaces For Digital Nomads In Lima
Lima has a lot of modern coworking spaces for remote workers with flexible daily, weekly, and monthly plans. Below are some of Lima’s highest-rated coworking spaces you should consider:
- Deosma Coworking (personal recommendation!)
- Selina Miraflores
- Lima Coworking
- Symbiosis Art & Coworking Space
- Grau 810 Coworking
- WeWork
- Spaces
- Vikki Cowork
If you’re more of a work-from-cafe kinda person, Lima has a ton of amazing cafes you could work remotely from. If you’d like my personal favourite, I recommend you head to Puku Puku in Barranco.
Wifi & Internet In Lima
Wifi seemed to be pretty fast in most areas with easy access to high-speed internet at all times in Lima. Most hotels, bars, malls and restaurants often offer free public WiFi in Lima. It’s worth noting that my Airbnb and all the workspaces I visited had excellent internet speed so I assure you that you’ll be well equipped to work online.
Food, Cuisine, And Alcohol In Lima
Peruvian cuisine is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world! If you’re a foodie, it’s worth taking a dedicated trip to explore the depths of Peru’s gastronomy. You'll never have a dull day in Lima as a digital nomad, with its diverse cuisine offering endless delight! The city's culinary scene ensures you’ll always have something to savour across all its local markets to gourmet restaurants.
Lima’s restaurant scene is arguably the best in the world with Central, Maido, and Merito consistently ranked as the best high-end restaurants in the world. For something more mid-budget, Isolina, Panchita, Canta Rana, and Tomo are guaranteed to keep your tastebuds satiated. And for the typical street eats you have to try La Lucha, Sandwiches Monstruos, and El Tio Mario.
Peruvian food can be healthy if you’d like to be! Being so close to see, Lima opens up a fresh healthy variety of seafood dishes like ceviche. Plus there are tons of health-focused restaurants in Lima. A lot of nomads care about eating clean and staying fit while they travel, so it’s important to find ways to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying all of Peru’s delicious dishes. You can check out my tips on how to eat clean and stay fit on the fly as a nomad for ideas on keeping healthy habits during your travels.
Nightlife For Digital Nomads In Lima
Lima's nightlife scene is typical of a big Latin American city, full of energy and excitement. Though Lima definitely has a safer feel than the rest of Latin America. The city has plenty of bars, clubs, and spots to enjoy a night out, although it’s not quite as wild as other destinations like Mexico or Colombia.
The main neighbourhoods for nightlife in Lima are Miraflores and Barranco where you’ll find everything from fancy cocktail bars to speakeasies. Overall, Miraflores has a more modern vibe and Barranco has a more hipster feel to it.
For a fun nightlife experience, join Bar Crawl Lima, where you can hop between bars, make new friends, and drink some pisco like the locals do.
Where To Stay For Digital Nomads In Lima
When choosing accommodations in Lima as a digital nomad, two main areas stand out. The first is Miraflores, Lima’s most high-end neighbourhood and the second is Barranco, for those seeking a more hip, bohemian, and eclectic vibe. Regardless of your choice, both Miraflores and Barranco promise a memorable stay.
If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of hostels with coworking spaces for digital nomads like Selina. Otherwise, there's no shortage of Airbnbs, vacation rentals and hotels in these neighbourhoods. During my stay, I opted for a modern condo vacation rental in Barranco and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Pro tip: If you’re going to be booking an Airbnb, don’t forget to use this message template to get a discount on your next Airbnb booking.
Getting A SIM Card In Lima
As a digital nomad, staying connected to the internet is essential to keep work running smoothly. Plus, with long bus and train journeys between cities, being able to use your phone's hotspot can turn those hours into productive time. When you arrive in Peru, I highly recommend purchasing a local data plan to stay connected. Getting a local SIM is usually more cost-effective than relying on your provider’s roaming plan.
The main telecom providers in Peru are Claro, Movistar, Entel, and Bitel. All offer competitive pricing, but I decided to go with Claro. It’s important to note that you’ll need to visit a telecom store and verify your identity to get a SIM card as a tourist. Don’t bother buying a SIM from supermarkets – you won’t be able to activate it without local Peruvian documentation.
Getting An eSIM In Peru With Airalo
Rather than jumping through all these loops like I did for a local SIM card, you can alternatively explore an eSIM plan from Airalo. It’s a quick, hassle-free solution that gets you online the moment you land. I’ve used eSIMs several times during my travels, and it’s been a gamechanger. You can skip the hassle of searching for SIM cards at airports or local shops – simply purchase it on your phone, and you’re ready to go.
📱 Get An Airalo eSIM For Peru Today →
Booking Your Flight To Lima
Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima is well-connected with flights to many international destinations. If you’re still in the planning phase for your Peru trip, feel free to use our Skyscanner widget below to explore flight options and prices. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a fantastic deal to make this trip a reality.
Safety In Lima For Digital Nomads
Regarding safety as a digital nomad in Lima, you’ll generally feel safe and secure. Lima is widely regarded as the safest big city in Latin America. The locals are friendly and always willing to help, so if you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Overall, Lima is a really safe and rewarding destination for digital nomads.
While Lima offers a comfortable base with modern amenities and a growing expat community, staying aware of your surroundings like you should anywhere while travelling is important. Like in most cities, petty theft can happen, so keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night in less busy spots.
Safety In Lima For Women Travellers
However, I acknowledge that travelling solo as a man differs significantly from travelling solo as a woman. So if you’re planning to travel solo as a woman, I recommended reading Is Lima Safe For Solo Female Travelers by The Lady Who Travels. The author’s insights echo my sentiment and states “I’ve found Lima to be as safe as any large city”. The key is remaining vigilant about petty crime and having your wits about you like you would in other touristy cities.
Health Insurance For Digital Nomads With Genki
To stay protected on my travels, I always make sure I’m covered with a strong insurance partner. For my last couple of travels, I’ve been using Genki, an insurance company that is literally dedicated to digital nomads. They’ll have you covered for every country with a flexible month-to-month plan and no long-term commitment.
Your digital nomad journey deserves the added security that Genki provides so that you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Lima from swimming with sea lions to paragliding over the ocean. Knowing that Genki has me covered makes life a little less stressful for me.
And That's A Wrap!
Thanks for taking the time to read through this whole guide. I hope you have a wonderful experience living the digital nomad life in Lima -- it's truly a great cities for nomads to explore for blend of western metropolitan life blended with rich Latin American culture. Bon voyage!
