Hi Andy,
Glad you’re enjoying Peru, and found some good info on my site! (I’m actually in Ecuador at the moment, exploring my work with plant medicines again – it’s going well)!
Anyway, as to your question about residency, I can say that it’s not super easy in Peru. I actually didn’t manage to get it, before my teacher pulled the plug on our deal (including nixing all the work – and money – I’d invested in getting my residency).
You have a few options:
1) This one probably won’t apply to you, but is also the easiest. If you can prove that you have a guaranteed lifetime income of (I think) $1,000/month – such as a pension, then you can get a “rentista” visa.
2) If your relationship goes really well, you can get married.
3) If you can find a company that can hire you to work for them, you can get a working visa.
The terms and policies are always changing, so I’d suggest you have a look at the Peruvian Immigration website to get the latest. Word on the street was that they were in the process of making it easier to get residency visas, since they started clamping down on tourist visas this year (not allowing people to stay more than 6 months per year).
Good luck – enjoy Peru!

Stumbled upon your blog when researching on obscure treks in Sacred Valley. Have been addicted to it! So many resources!

That said, I’m sorry that your plan to study medicine plan didn’t work out. In a way I see it as something positive as it would allow you to do other things in life that you probably haven’t figured out yet. Just like the first time you tried ayahuasca and san pedro before deciding to do apprenticeship. Although I hate to phrase it this way, but maybe it’s not your calling. Keep being curious!

I visited Peru this year and love it so much I’m planning to return and stay for a while. I also happened to meet a very lovely Peruvian as well so I’d like to have the opportunity to explore the relationship further and find something to do in the country. I have a question that you may be able to help me out with: could you share your experience on getting a residency? Am aware that it is a sensitive matter that perhaps you don’t want to share publicly, in which case it’s totally fine. Thanks!

Andy

Wow – thank you John! I have a friend who is your age and about to retire and hit the road solo himself…what an adventure! If you’re ever interested in being featured in my financial case study series (I’m intrigued by internet investment management as a way to earn money as you go!), then please send me a message through my contact page.

PS – Keep living the dream! 😉

Hi Roslyn,
Thanks! Since writing this post I have a fair bit more about Peru…you can check it out here: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/category/peru/

I greatly enjoy following your travels and all the useful information you provide. I retired at 53 from the 60+ hour corporate grind, bought an RV and hit the road touring North America. I’m heading to Alaska/ Canada this May for 2 years or so. I’m divorced and free to do what I please, so rather than wait, I hit the road solo.. I built up an internet based investment management business to sustain myself while on the road, so I read and study best practices from those like you. After a few more years in my RV, I’m thinking about storing it and going international for 2-5 years. Your site is so helpful! Thanks for all you do. Good luck and God bless. J

Hi Pat,
Sounds like you’ve got a good pace and idea for travel! I too, like slow travel and staying somewhere for months at a time, in order to seep in the local culture while allowing time to work.
Peru – for me (at least the sacred valley, where I’m located) – is a magical place that combines natural beauty of the mountains, with a colourful culture of the local people, who have a great connection with the mountains and ancient customs. There’s also a great international community that allows me to meet and mingle with people from all over. It simultaneously feels like home, as well as a place with a culture and language that is new to me and full of constant discoveries. I get the best of both worlds!

Hi Jennifer – I’m so glad you had a great time in Pisac, and overall in Peru! Hopefully we’ll see you back in Pisac, and maybe at a ceremony with Javier sometime!