5 PROs and 5 CONs of living in Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa is on the top of my list of places to retire to, but my list is still short. I just started learning Spanish (2 weeks😊) but I have at least 14 more years before retirement.

[@genERICexpats]

Good plan! Planning early will really ease the transition and avoid undecided downtime and preparations later

[@joshdesj]

la ciudad blanca... como me encanta ese lugar! have been there a few times, absolutely love it! thanks for sharing the video... hoping to take my family there soon, and perhaps live in peru again at some point.

[@genERICexpats]

Its a gem

[@adolfobriceno1635]

Yes, we love Peruvian food.

[@genERICexpats]

A culinary masterpiece

[@alexcidjavillonar7973]

I’m gonna retire at Peru 🇵🇪 someday. I can speak Spanish. I’m Filipino Mexican here at Las Vegas Nevada United States 🇺🇸. I love ❤️ Peru 🇵🇪

[@genERICexpats]

Excelente! A fantastic spot to retire in for sure

[@sandrapatricia7944]

Great choice. Me too

me too. I'm also a filipino living in Toronto Canada.

[@cultura2222]

You are welcome ❤

[@betoaar2063]

Arequipa es una ciudad hermosa y muy turística.

[@genERICexpats]

100%

[@Arbolquemado2]

Good description/facts. Not quite factual regarding safety, turists dissapearing has probable happened 1-2 times since im alive, but good informative video overall.

[@genERICexpats]

It happened when i was there = factual indeed www.infobae.com/peru/2023/08/14/arequipa-hallan-cadaver-de-turista-frances-que-fue-reportado-como-desaparecido-hace-tres-dias/

[@cultura2222]

​​@@genERICexpatsel crimen incremento desde que llegaron los venezolanos, esos crímenes nunca han sido comunes en Arequipa

[@renzogallegos5877]

I did not expect a video about Arequipa on my feed lol

[@genERICexpats]

Hope you enjoyed it

[@pldemia6952]

your PROs and CONs are completely right!!

[@genERICexpats]

Thanks so much for watching! Of course it's a very subjective matter - but seemed right to me

[@MarianaHidden]

I'm from Lima and I would love to live in Arequipa 😊

[@genERICexpats]

@@MarianaHidden its a beautiful city

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Do you have any videos comparing expat life in Arequipa and Lima?

[@genERICexpats]

I dont but hope to make some this year

[@DavidS-ox3li]

Interesting about cars fueled by LNG. Is it the majority of vehicles and does it result in noticeably cleaner air in the city center? A lot of Latin American cities have air pollution issues due to emission standards so wondering if this makes a difference.

[@genERICexpats]

Great question. Tbh the pollution in peru is pretty horrible and the LNG probably helps to reduce it but not noticably because the buses y trucks make up for the difference IMO

[@fauziahusain3451]

I was in Arequipa in May 2024. Extremely polluted and I got super sick from an asthma attack triggered due to pollution. Despite this, I loved Arequipa ❤

[@viajay]

Is it pretty easy to rent a car and visit nearby pueblitos or something? Planning to go live there for 3 weeks to experience Peru

[@genERICexpats]

Ive never had a car rental in peru. Driving there in a car is veeeery challenging IMO and tours and buses are crazy cheap.

[@ROMF34]

You can meet *pueblitos* if you go to cañon del colca, camaná, mollendo, la joya, sabandia. That generally it's far from the city.

[@OM-pu9yi]

there are many vegetables in arequipa bro and arequipa is super family friendly, even more than Lima I would say, those are not cons by any means

[@genERICexpats]

Tons of veg. Just not typically in the almuerzos near my house

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Arequipa seems similar to Cuenca Ecuador, Pereira Colombia, etc. What about residency visas in Peru, and the retired expat community in Arequipa?

[@genERICexpats]

Great comparisons. I just spent 2 months in pereira. Way warmer than cuenca and arequipa but maybe similar size population. When i return to peru end of this year ill look into your question 😃

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@genERICexpats I thought the climate was much better in Pereira than Medellin etc. Cuenca was my first choice, but that changed with events in Ecuador. Pereira must be similar then to Boquete which is only a bit better than Panama City.

[@AnotherCrazyClown]

I can't say if any other city of Perú is the same but i expect all of them to have some level of polution that is unnoticeable for the sole reason you can see a clear sky unlike some days in Lima which is a very poluted city and the average cost of living for a foreigner is pretty cheap, it's not greatly expensive for locals but it certainly needs more investment than someone who earns money in dollars if you're coming from outside the country, the streets are usually dirty and clean at the same time because it's dirty as there's a lot of dust and litter anywhere with probable exception of private buildings but it's clean enough that you won't encounter weird things as condoms, drug needles, shit and if it happens it's very rarely but that's a culture thing because i will often see people at night trying to piss on poles or corners if they want to (drunk or not) and throw trash at a non-designed corner where it accumulates and stinks a lot, it's not something you see everywhere but if you walk around enough you'll find one, the streets could use some repairments or a renovation as a whole but as we locals know every authority is mildly corrupt and uses money for overpriced resources or do "maintenment" of the streets and sewers but it leaves it all the same then it erodes quickly and then destroys it and renew it again and only does it in main streets where anyone can see it as if "it's alright, we're doing something" but everyone knows there's A LOT of places that needs that money from the tax payers, streets that doesn't even have a road, it's insane. Street safety is often normal, nothing will happen in the day and you're mostly safe at night but there's streets that locals know where you shouldn't go at very late hours at night, it's not a 100% but it's probable, also Lima is probably the city with the most amount of crime than any other, most of the other cities are a safe haven in comparison, Tacna for example at the very south of Perú is a very little and chill city, there's enough to make a living and make a family but not enough if you're looking for more, like more bars, more stuff to buy, more kind of things that usually needs a courier but if that calm kind of city is what you want i think any city in Perú will do, even Lima but for the latter you need specific places to stay, not every place is good or safe enough

[@genERICexpats]

Lima is big. Thanks for comment

[@AnotherCrazyClown]

Just a tip for your spanish accent, pronunciation of words with double RR in it as Cerro it's like the R from responsible, resource or remedy, a hard R one would say lmao

[@rafael3801]

Actually the living cost in Arequipa is more expensive than in Lima, reting a flat or house is more expensive in Arequipa, food, depending of the type. the taxis are more expensive in Lima cause the capital is larger of course.

[@genERICexpats]

Since both cities are massive with many municipalities in each region, it depends more on municipality than the idea "lima vs arequipa"... but yea I get your point... somethings are not always cheaper in smaller cities

[@fiorellarivas9619]

I'm a local, from Arequipa specifically, it's great that you're sharing information, but please stop calling yourselves expats just because you´re white, you are an inmigrant, as well as all the latinos all over the world, learn to use public transport, learn spanish, understand that the reason it is "insanely cheap" is because the average people’s salary in Perú is less tan 300 dollars a month, please be respectful, don't turn my city into la condesa, thank you

[@natalycastano1795]

Creo que es un poco complicado. Soy colombiana y cuando vivía en Dubai también nos llamaban expats. Acabe de leer la defincion en el diccionario Oxford y dice que un expat es una persona viviendo afuera de su país (tiene sentido por que nunca iba a tener el Passaporte de allí). Un inmigrante es un sinónimo, y significa alguien que dejó su país para vivir permanentemente en otro país. Depronto para nosotros es más cercana la palabra Inmigrates por que siempre estamos buscando tener la Green card? 😅

[@natalycastano1795]

Also, not sure how is it in Peru but in Colombia is very difficult to get the passport, so a lot of the non Colombians living here, just hold a working/living visa.

[@David-yt1rs]

Ojalá y no nos causen los mismo problemas que viven los mexicanos con la gentrificacion donde los gringos ya aumentaron el costo de vida de varias zonas en México perjudicando e incluso desplazando a la población nativa y dueña del territorio y para colmo hasta quieren cambiarles sus tradiciones y algunos no quieren aprender español y quieren imponer el inglés

[@alejensepsicopatasnarcicis305]

Es barato porque Arequipa produce sus propios alimentos , no porque el sueldo sea bajo . No sabes nada

[@alexcidjavillonar7973]

Las Vegas Nevada is dry

[@RoDelCa1]

True that. Vegas is desert, Arequipa is actually a valley with dry weather.

[@mjchmb]

Please stop the music

[@piddles11]

Spent much time in Peru, my wife has family there and always feel welcome and safe. Love the video of Arequipa! We will retire there in a few years!

[@genERICexpats]

Its a magical place! Thanks for watching

[@TeZapeo]

I'm from Arequipa. I must say I never get bored of looking at the volcanoes. If you want to find daily restaurants with other entry than soups, you have to pay more than $2.50. The last earthquake here was in 2001, and the rest were just minor ones, we call them 'temblores'. We joke ourselves that if you are a true Arequipeño, you can only feel the ones above 5.0 in the Richter scale. The real cons I feel here are the air contamination, caused by the old buses and vans. And the auditive contamination by the same source and some businesses that use big speakers to promote their deals. Something that our mediocre politics can't regulate. Also we need more trees, for sure, since our local farms are being erradicated to build apartments, specially in Cerro Colorado.

[@genERICexpats]

Good input! Totally agree about the air/noise pollution. It is quite common in most of LATAM that ive visited, however one massive advantage Arequipa has is the food.... its fantastic and super low cost

[@SOFTPOISON]

Por eso mismo me gusta Arequipa, buen punto de vista!

[@genERICexpats]

Gracias! Es una hermosa ciudad sin dudas

[@getoutofbed4684]

Soy de California pero vivo en Quillabamba.

[@jesseroyal16]

I've been living in Arequipa since I was a teenager , AMA but wanted to mention that the crime situation has gotten worse specially since the arrival of a huge influx of venezuelans, definitely makes it feel more crowded too. Trully it pains me to know that if things keep going this way I'll have to find another city

[@genERICexpats]

Interesting perspective - what does AMA mean?

[@jesseroyal16]

@GenERICexpats oh stands for "ask me anything. " :)

[@genERICexpats]

@@jesseroyal16 gotchya. Interesting perspective

[@CharlieCarpioChannel]

15:55 that information is not precise at all. It's super safe in fact

[@anibalvillalvacondor6830]

Hay asesinatos, sicarios en Arequipa ya no es tranquila como en los 90's.

[@user-cl1bz7br5k]

Be aware of venezolean ppl they want to get money to any cost.. To any cost

[@RoDelCa1]

I’ve heard they don’t like the cold weather, Arequipa can be quite chilly during the day (under the shade) and night time. I spent my childhood there.

[@jorgeandrecabreratejada1868]

There’s a lot of family oriented infrastructure tho it’s not public! More like private clubs: club international, bosques de chili, etc

[@genERICexpats]

Thanks for the info - good to know

[@JR24-p6b]

Todo ok pero si tienes algún problema de salud pulmonar, o no te agrada el clima seco y cálido esta no es tu opción, hay sol y no es una ciudad fría, pero la sensacion térmica en el día bajo la luz del sol es calurosa, y el calor junto con la contaminación de monóxido se vuelve calurosa y pesada, aparte que Arequipa es la 2da ciudad del Perú con más contaminación de dióxido proveniente de sus autobuses públicos, por lo demás es una bonita ciudad a comparación del resto. Cuenta con vegetación y naturaleza en zonas de 1 a 2 hrs de viaje, y playas en 3 -4 hrs de viaje.Tiene modernidad mesclada con mucha historia colonial, salvo a distritos apartados de la ciudad y en cuanto a su seguridad es moderada y segura dependiendo los distritos, recalcando zonas alejadas que se vuelven un poco peligrosas. Su comida es muy variada comparada con otras ciudades y en cuanto a su comunidad la gente es muy reservada y un tanto tranquila.Arequipa, Cusco, son una de las 1ras opciones en Perú

[@SeanSeesAdventure]

Accurate. I've been in Arequipa for 1 week and I really like it so far, but the dry climate and lack of green spaces is slowly killing me.

[@genERICexpats]

@SeanSeesAdventure its definitely no green amazon rainforest thats for sure. The food and cool climate for me is fantastic though

[@michaelmontoyaamatyleon4502]

The outside of Areuipa its repleat of green areas , many persons have country houses in places like characato, tiabaya , yura... yoy dont know god Arequipa.

[@michaelmontoyaamatyleon4502]

@@genERICexpats you dont know nothing about Arequipa if you are saying there are not green areas.

[@SeanSeesAdventure]

@@michaelmontoyaamatyleon4502 So you agree, as you said "outside of Arequipa."

[@michaelmontoyaamatyleon4502]

@@SeanSeesAdventure outside of Arequipa its also Arequipa , for example, sabandiia , characato, yura, paucarpata , surrounding districts , if you think Arequipa its only downtown , cayma and cerro colorado , youre wrong, Arequipa its all the districts., and the outside of Arequipa its just a local world for say countryside, its not really the outside of Arequipa ; . From downtown to characato only 20 minutes , and thats call outside of Arequipa and its not really the outside . Again, you dont know nothing about Arequipa.

[@alejensepsicopatasnarcicis305]

You dont need to eat all the carbohidrates , that they serve you ok?? We dont eat food that in the restaurants all the days. In our houses we can put less carbohidrates or more depends on the people .

[@genERICexpats]

This channel gives an expat perspective of living in peru to take advantage of the amazing cuisine - hence why it is a con on the list. Expats typcially eat out regularly

[@margaretslater6053]

I just put Peru on my maybe possible list of places to retire

[@genERICexpats]

Peru is a great option for many! Especially those that love flavorful cuisine and mountains

[@JWinch]

I think the problem with the dryness in Arequipa is you breath in much more dust than you would in a place with normal humidity levels.

[@genERICexpats]

Great point! That Desert dust is everywhere

[@guille77011]

argueable there is dust also in the air with normal humidity the only difference is you cant feel it but for the comparison we should seek statistics that may not exist

[@JWinch]

You sound winded. Are you not used to this altitude?

[@genERICexpats]

My lungs are definitely not used to low humidity high altitude places but i love them haha

[@lonccoccala6861]

Gringo gil who told you that people disaperead? Going downtown? Downtown its the nicest ans safest place cause its very touristic dont even make sense. If you would have mentiomed av Dolores I could have agree but not Downtown. Your con about the noise runnig its really bad , in a dry climate you improve your respiratory health...check your fact bro.

[@genERICexpats]

www.infobae.com/peru/2023/08/14/arequipa-hallan-cadaver-de-turista-frances-que-fue-reportado-como-desaparecido-hace-tres-dias/

[@elsergio1750]

@@genERICexpats Hola estimado , esos casos son muy aislados y comparando Arequipa con Lima, Brasil o México la ciudad de Arequipa es muy pero muy segura y tranquila, pero ahora hasta en lugares tranquilos puede haber un crimen mas no necesariamente significa que sea lo común. Un saludo amigo y espero que la pases bien en Arequipa .

[@Bruh-cg2fk]

I'm from here lol

[@genERICexpats]

From Arequipa? Which part?

[@edsonwinnerify]

Great city!

[@genERICexpats]

Agreed

[@tutornotepad]

Thanks for the info! My pasport stamp expires in May. I am thinking Perú.

[@genERICexpats]

Thanks

[@tutornotepad]

@@genERICexpats By the way, I am in Jaco Costa Rica now. My passport stamp expires in May. Time to move on!

[@genERICexpats]

@@tutornotepad both neighbors panama and nicaragua are amazing and worth living in for a while

[@striderhiryu2]

Been conservative is western style is not a bad thing at all.In Arequipa generally people is very respectful to others.

[@mariogutierrezc]

Great news Peru 🇵🇪 has recently issued "Visa Nomade" - NOMAD VISA - For a period of time = 12 months , renewable for a 2° year . . .

[@genERICexpats]

Wow great news good to hear 👏

[@JWinch]

The year of your video was during a El Nino. It is a few degrees (Farenheight) cooler now in the La Nina.

[@paulsandford3345]

I don't speak Spanish, but would love to learn it there if possible? 😊

[@genERICexpats]

Peru is a fantastic place to learn Spanish with a neutral accent. I studied in Chile and slightly regret going there (they almost speak a different language there)

[@Newtopsito]

I was born in Arequipa and most of what he says is true. About first contra you must try soltero de queso, it has a good quantity of vegetables and about natural disasters, they are nothing compared with other places.

[@jorger.zegarramendoza7454]

nice video, but expat or Inmigrant?

[@alvarosebastianzweig1541]

Nice video, I didn't quite understand number 5. Arequipa is known for its greenery and parks, similar to Buenos Aires or Lima if you visit the areas popular with tourists and for parties, you won't find the best parks. I've been living in Arequipa for the past 3 years precisely because it's a more family-friendly city than Lima, Buenos Aires, or New York. However, I would add a fifth con: the lack of theaters and cultural entertainment for both kids and adults.

[@genERICexpats]

@@alvarosebastianzweig1541 good input thanks for watching

[@MM-le9en]

I would prefer an small town than a big city like Arequipa, Lima, Cusco or Trujillo where cost of living is usually getting higher due to more people are moving in.

[@genERICexpats]

Small towns are great but you sacrifice convience when far from them IMO

[@laurariceify]

Your video map moved too fast. I would not see it.

[@genERICexpats]

Noted

[@elizabethmorales9469]

hi, I am from Arequipa thank you for sharing my city!!!

[@alexcidjavillonar7973]

Your hat 🧢 is Mexican flag 🇲🇽

[@jackpassananti3300]

:0 but im only in my 30s

[@genERICexpats]

Im 35, how old are you?

[@jackpassananti3300]

@@genERICexpats 34

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Please fix the word CONCLUSION that you misspelled!!

[@von_daphnel]

¡Buena explicación! Vivo en Arequipa desde hace unos años, y estoy bastante de acuerdo con tus pros y contras. Personalmente no recomendaría del todo vivir aquí por lo agotadora que es la ciudad y el tráfico, pero sí siento que es una opción viable dentro de Perú por los precios accesibles y el clima templado. Saludos 👍

[@genERICexpats]

Gracias por ver mi contenido

[@guerraldo]

Para mí es una ciudad espantosa por la contaminación sonora y humos de las asquerosas combis, el tránsito es insoportable, desordenada en muchos aspectos y la gente no respeta tu espacio, el alcalde debería ser revocado, voy a hacer un video para que vean la realidad de esta ciudad

[@genERICexpats]

Me suena. Aguardaremos tu video y ideas contradictorias

[@edsonwinnerify]

Qué ciudad recomiendas en Perú?

[@cultura2222]

Seguro un trujillano envidioso...

[@cubanspy1231]

Lima es 10 veces peor 😂

[@von_daphnel]

Eso es literalmente todo Perú. He vivido 15 años en Lima y créeme que Arequipa es una mejora inmensa. Sigue siendo terrible, pero hay lugares peores.