Where to live in Peru for 6 Months with family?

[Sweden to Peru]

Hi there!

We are a family from Sweden planning to take parental leave in South America. And Peru is an interesting option for us. We will travel Oct/Nov 2018 to summer 2019. At the time of traveling we will be a family with four kids; 6, 4, 3, and 6 months. We don’t know anyone in Peru so we are looking for guidance from the readers in this forum.

What are we looking for?

We would like a nice family stay in Peru when it’s warm (and freezing cold in Sweden). But where should we stay? We’re could we live and enjoy our stay in Peru? We would like the children to learn Spanish fluently. They understand Spanish but the don’t speak it yet. So kindergarten a few hours a day for the three oldest would be preferable.
A nice affordable house or apartment that is convenient for a family to stay in. Preferably no stairs, play areas outside the house/apartment, walking distance to beach, grocery store, kindergarten etc. We would like to live without a car so service within walking or biking distances is preferred.

And of course a pretty safe area so we can enjoy our stay and interact with the people around us.

Do we ask to much of Peru? Or could You tell us a place that you would prefer if you were in our situation?

Thank you for your help!

[chante]

Arequipa - you can get all of what you're looking for, except for close to the beach - it's about 3 hours away. The weather is good, although it can be rainy in February and March. It's a lovely city - easier to get around then in Lima, great food, lots of areas to live in, reasonable cost. Places for your children to go to school and learn Spanish. Houses might be hard to find, but you can find apartments with a park nearby for the children to play in. biking isn't really recommended as a means of transportation, but walking is common and buses and taxis are very inexpensive.

Ask to join Expats Arequipa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arequipaexpats/ - the moderator asks you to introduce yourself to have you join the group.

Members will be able to provide information on specific questions.

Good luck, Arequipa is a lovely city .

[gringolandia]

At least in Lima, I do not think you will find what you are looking for.

Any place near the beach that is also safe and convenient and near a school is going to be very expensive.

I agree that Arequipa is very nice, and you may want to look there.

In general I'd say that coming to Peru to live for any extended period of time can be very difficult if you have no connections here. Connections are so important here for gathering information, bypassing bureaucratic red-tape, and making sure you are not being taken advantage of.

We'll try to help if you have specific questions. Your ask is a bit too vague at this point.

[mark7402]

Hi

It really depends on your finances.

try looking here https://urbania.pe/ to get some ideas of prices and pm me if you want to know about areas.

Arequipa is an idea but then the north of Peru will give you the sun and beaches
In Lima you have options Miraflores,surco,san isidro and Barranco, which are the expensive areas and outside of these you need a little more knowledge of exactly which part you are moving to.

Don't be afraid to get in touch with me.

[SilverbackPeru]

At least in Lima, I do not think you will find what you are looking for.

Any place near the beach that is also safe and convenient and near a school is going to be very expensive.

I agree that Arequipa is very nice, and you may want to look there.

In general I'd say that coming to Peru to live for any extended period of time can be very difficult if you have no connections here. Connections are so important here for gathering information, bypassing bureaucratic red-tape, and making sure you are not being taken advantage of.

We'll try to help if you have specific questions. Your ask is a bit too vague at this point.

Basically as Gringolandia says. For all those things combined you are going to have to pay a lot of money. I know Peru has great history and culture which would be amazing for your children to see but honestly if you just want them to learn Spanish and be near a beach you'd be way better off just going to the South of Spain.

I've got a friend who moves out there during the winter months to get away from the high rental prices in London and he's living like a king by the sounds of it. Apartment on the beach front for well under 400 euros a month and everything in walking distance and meals for 4 euros.

Peru was cheap but it's becoming increasingly expensive. If you come to Peru you'll be paying a lot more money for everything unfortunately.

[Airedependiente]

Peruvian here! recomendation ? Arequipa or North country... Not Lima UNLESS you can really invest on places like La Molina... Miraflores and such right now are in 55 to 60 Fº -night- and thats cold for us ! but if doesnt bother you... sure ! Still: i also agree that you might want to consider other provinces outside Lima.
Great luck !

[FROADS]

Although Lima is currently in winter season, Chosica which is about 45 minutes away from Lima always has sunny weather year round. And Chosica is well known for having various country clubs throughout the area as well as nice tourist attraction and locales that are worth a visit. I am currently renting an apartment out there pm me for more details.

[MirafloresLima]

Hello,

From my own experience, I would recommend Miraflores. We have a 3 bedroom apartment to let If you have not settled on a place yet.
You are welcome to contact us if you wish to have more information (LimaMiraflores.ent@gmail.com)

[PRL.1206]

I would recommend anywhere outside Lima.

Lima is a dirty, crime ridden city and way overpriced.

Outside Lima is where the real Peru is.
Where to live depends of the climat and scenery you are after.

North Peru has warm weather all year round. South of Peru has seasons.
Do you like mountains, beaches, amazon forest or deserts. There something for everyone in Peru.

I advice you to travel around in Peru for a week or two. Visit the North, the South, the coast and la Selva and then make up your mind where you want to stay longterm.