The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Lima
Lima doesn't always show up on “top digital nomad cities” lists, but it actually should. Peru’s coastal capital is full of personality: creative, busy, and a little chaotic in the best way.
Coffee shops packed with people working, fun neighborhoods, and the food… well, there’s a reason it’s one of the best in the world.
I was born and raised here, so I know the city pretty well. But coming back as a digital nomad made me see Lima differently. I didn’t really appreciate the walkable areas, great Wi-Fi, and ocean views, until I started working remotely.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I know from living and working here, and show you why Lima is the perfect digital nomad destination.
My Experience as a Digital Nomad in Lima
I grew up in Lima, but coming back as a digital nomad made the city feel completely different. I spent a few months working from coffee shops and coworking spaces, and realized how easy it is to settle into a routine here.
You can start your morning working from a cafe, grab a fresh ceviche for lunch, and end the day watching the sunset along the Malecón. If you want a big-city vibe without the stress, Lima is an underrated but amazingly good digital nomad base. And if you’re looking into an even slower rhythm, I recommend considering Cusco, too.
Why I Loved Lima
Amazing food culture
Eating in Lima makes day-to-day life way easier. You can grab something good almost anywhere, from a cheap menú del dia to a nicer restaurant, when you want a break from work. And not to be biased, but Peru has one of the best gastronomies in the world!
Walkable neighborhoods
Miraflores and Barranco are easy to navigate, full of parks, coffee shops, and the best ocean views. Everything you need is within a 10-15 minute walk.
Strong Wi-Fi and plenty of work spots
Being a big city, the internet is very fast and stable almost everywhere. I’ve rarely had issues with Zoom calls. There are also countless options for remote work, from modern coworking spaces and colivings to cozy coffee shops.
Active nomad and expat scene
In Lima, there’s always something happening: live music, coworking meetups, language exchange programs, and even weekend surf classes. It’s pretty easy to meet people.
Great work-life balance
It’s so easy to keep a routine here. There are tons of gyms and group classes, everywhere is walkable, and a stroll around the Malecón is the perfect place to clear your head.
What I Didn’t Particularly Like About Lima
Lots of traffic
Even if you plan your day well, some areas are just unpredictable. Short trips can turn into long ones, and being stuck in traffic can drain you.
Nose is a hit or miss
Depending on where you stay, you might wake up with honking, construction, or street vendors. It’s not that bad, but if you’re sensitive to high sounds or do deep-focus work, it can slow you down.
The weather isn’t for everyone
Lima’s grey months, from June to October, can feel heavy. The city has great energy, but a lack of sun can affect your mood.
What’s the Cost of Living in Lima?
Lima is pretty affordable for a big capital city. A one-bedroom in Miraflores or Barranco usually costs USD $600-$800 per month, and eating out can be very cheap. Local menú lunches are just USD $3-$5, including an appetizer and drink; eating at a mid-range restaurant can cost USD $10-$20, and coffee is only USD $1.50-$3.
Entertainment is flexible. A night out for two might be USD $20-$30, gyms start at USD $30 per month, and day trips of classes fall between USD $25-$50. Rideshares inside a neighborhood stay around USD $3-$5, though living somewhere walkable saves a lot.
What Are the Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Lima
Peru has been talking about launching a dedicated digital nomad visa for a while, but it’s not available yet. The good news is that there are a couple of easy ways to stay long enough to work remotely:
- Visa-free: Many nationalities can enter visa-free for 90 or even 180 days. You can check if your country is included in this Peruvian immigration official list.
- Tourist visa: Peru grants 90 days on arrival to many nationalities, and in some cases you can extend it up to 180 days total.
What It’s Like to Work Remotely in Lima?
Working remotely in Lima surprised me (in a good way!). Once I got into a routine, I was easily able to manage work-life balance. I could get a good morning of work done, grab lunch nearby, finish the afternoon with some Zoom calls, and still have energy to take a sunset walk by the Malecón.
Internet and WiFi
I’ve worked from Lima more times than I can count, and the internet has rarely let me down. Most apartments and cafés in the main neighborhoods have fast fiber connection, and I usually get anywhere from 100-200 Mbps.
On the mobile side, 4G is everywhere and 5G is increasingly common. There are multiple eSIM providers like Yesim or Holafly that will always keep you connected.
Work Spots, Laptop-Friendly Cafés and Coworking Spaces
One thing I love about Lima is how easy it is to find a place to work from. You’ll have tons of options from laptop-friendly cafés to solid coworking spaces.
Best Coworking Spaces in Lima
- Comunal: This is my go-to. Modern, reliable Wi-Fi, and multiple locations across Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco.
- WeWork: Same global setup you’re used to. There are several locations, great amenities, and plenty of phone booths.
- Spaces: Good for people who need a quieter vibe. More corporate, but super comfortable and professional
- Convive Coworking: Smaller but well-designed, it’s centrally located and their customer service is great.
Best Laptop-Friendly Cafés in Lima
- Puku Puku: With multiple locations, this coffee shop has solid Wi-Fi, lots of seating, and one of the best local coffees. It’s one of my favorites to stay and work for a few hours.
- La Bodega Verde: Based in Barranco, it’s cozy, calm, and perfect when you want something more relaxed. Great food too.
- El Pan de la Chola: A classic in Miraflores. Amazing bread, big tables, and enough space to start working from your laptop.
Best Areas to Stay as a Digital Nomad in Lima
Lima is big, but most digital nomads stick to a few neighborhoods that are safe, walkable, and close to everything you need: cafés, coworking spaces, and the ocean. If it’s your first time here, these are the areas I recommend:
Miraflores
This is the most convenient area for remote workers, and where I chose to stay. It’s full of life, and you’ll find countless options of coffee shops, gyms, coworking spaces, and restaurants. You’ll also get direct access to the Malecón, which is the best spot for morning runs or sunset walks.
Barranco
More artsy and relaxed, with colorful streets, galleries, and a strong creative vibe. It’s packed with cool cafés and bars, and still close to the sea. Wi-Fi is great, and it’s the perfect neighborhood if you want something a bit more bohemian.
San Isidro
Lima’s busiest district is clean, calm, and very safe. It’s full of parks, upscale restaurants, and quieter streets. There are plenty of coworking spaces, and it’s your best option if you prefer a more professional, less touristy environment.
How to Get Around in Lima
While Lima is huge, you’ll be fine if you stay in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. Getting around is way easier than it looks, since these neighborhoods are walkable and pretty compact.
Public transportation exists, but it’s kind of complicated compared to other big cities. You’ll find buses, colectivos, and the Metropolitano (bus rapid transit system). They’re cheap, usually less than USD $1, but they can get crowded, and you can only pay in cash.
Taxis are everywhere, but the safest and easiest option is using apps like Cabify and Uber. Rides within central areas are affordable, but try to avoid peak hours from 7 am-9 am and 5 pm-8 pm so you don’t get stuck in traffic.
Walking is honestly the best and most enjoyable way to move around short distances. If you want a break from cars, you can also bike. Miraflores and Barranco have decent bike lanes along the coast.
Culture and Food in Lima
The food culture in Lima is a huge part of daily life. Peruvian cooking blends Chinese, Japanese, and local influences, and you feel that mix in almost every dish.
Across Miraflores and Barranco, you’ll find cevicherias in every corner. I always recommend La Mar, which is pricier but the quality is worth it. If you want something more casual, Punto Azul is iconic for their super fresh ceviche and seafood dishes (just expect a line!).
For everyday lunch, menús del día (lunch specials) are the way to go. They’re affordable and surprisingly good. You can get them almost everywhere, from popular restaurants like Chili’s and Friday’s to local places.
If you’re into fusion food, Lima does it really well. Places like Maido (awarded as the best restaurant in the world) and Osaka combine Japanese and Peruvian flavors, which is called Nikkei cuisine.
Street food is everywhere, too. Try anticuchos (grilled heart skewers) or picarones (sweet pumpkin donuts) near Kennedy Park. Just stick to busy vendors, that’s usually a good sign.
What to See and Do as a Digital Nomad in Lima
Lima is one of the cities where work and life blend together. You finish a call, step outside, and you’ve got amazing ocean views, street art, and great food all around you. These are the things I kept coming back to during my time here:
- Walk or bike the Malecón (Miraflores to Barranco): Take this as your “reset button” on Lima. Ocean views, parks, calm paths, and plenty of little spots where you can sip your coffee or read a book. There’s even a great bike lane if you’re up for it.
- Cafes and Creative Corners in Barranco: This neighborhood is the artsy heart of the city, full of murals, indie galleries, and local artisan shops. Perfect for a slow work afternoon or to spark ideas when you’re feeling stuck.
- Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores: These ancient ruins in the middle of the city are very interesting and a good activity to do after work. There’s also a delicious and romantic restaurant for a special evening.
- Historic Center: Named Centro de Lima, it’s busy and chaotic, but worth a half-day. Check out the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and San Francisco Monastery. I recommend going on a tour or with someone who knows the area.
- Surf Lessons in Waikiki Beach: Easier than it looks, it’s a great place to take your first surf lesson or ride some waves on your own if you have experience. You can rent everything you need there, and the waves are consistent all year round.
- Larcomar: One of the most beautiful malls in the city, with cliffside views and well-known international brands.
Top Tips for Digital Nomads in Lima
I feel like working remotely in Lima is pretty easy once you know how the city works. These are some tips that’ll help you have the best experience:
- Stay close to where you’ll work: Traffic can ruin your day fast. Try to book your accommodation as close as to the coworking space you’d like to work at.
- Learn a few Spanish basics: Not everyone speaks English, and even simple phrases (“Cuánto cuesta?”, “Para llevar”) will make your life easier.
- Avoid walking with your phone out: Lima is generally safe in the main areas, but pickpocketing can happen anywhere. Just stay aware and you’ll be fine.
- Try local markets for cheaper groceries: Surquillo Market and Magdalena Market have fresh produce at great prices. Perfect if you cook.
- Plan around the grey season: Lima’s known as Lima La Gris, and for a good reason. From June to October, it can feel gloomy, so be ready for it to be full of clouds.
- Carry cash for small places: Many local cafes, markets and bodegas only take cash, so always have some change just in case.
- Pay extra attention at night: Stick to well-lit streets and main avenues. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to use a taxi.
Best Digital Nomad Communities in Lima
Lima isn’t as big on digital nomad communities as places like Medellín or Mexico City, but it’s definitely growing. If you want to meet people, there are a few groups and events that make it easy.
- Digital Nomads Lima (Facebook Group): A mixed group of digital nomads and expats in Lima, where people share meetups and ask questions.
- Peru - Digital Nomads & Residency Options (Facebook Group): Group of digital nomads looking to spend time in Peru and people interested in obtaining a visa to stay longer.
- Coworking Community Events (Comunal and WeWork): Both organize meetups, open talks, and small gatherings. It’s great for meeting other remote workers.
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