Living by freshwater, fishing, boating and swimming – as close to Lima as possible: Is this realistic in Peru? A reader of PeruMagazin wants to work for a Scandinavian employer in Peru and choose their place of residence freely, provided working from home is possible. Three regions deserve a closer look: Huacho, Albufera de Medio Mundo and Lunahuaná.
Huacho: City life and lagoons within easy reach
Huacho is located north of Lima on the Pacific coast. The city offers urban infrastructure and is therefore more suitable as a base for everyday life than a remote house directly by the water. A car makes trips to the surrounding area much easier.
Laguna La Encantada: Freshwater near the coast
Laguna La Encantada near Huacho is an interesting destination for people looking for water landscapes. However, whether fishing, swimming or boating are currently permitted and safe must be checked directly on site. An attractive lagoon is not automatically a designated swimming area.
Albufera de Medio Mundo: Nature paradise with restrictions
Albufera de Medio Mundo north of Huacho is a wetland with a lagoon and reed beds. Its natural beauty makes it appealing – but also makes it in need of protection. Local rules and restrictions may apply to water sports, fishing and swimming. Anyone wishing to live there permanently should also check the supply of services, access, and internet connection.
Lunahuaná: Life on the Río Cañete
Anyone who prefers a river to a lagoon should take a look at Lunahuaná southeast of Lima. The Río Cañete shapes the valley and offers opportunities for organized activities on the water. The area is developed for tourism, but feels significantly different from the coastal city of Huacho.
Boating and rafting: Not every stretch of river is suitable for swimming
Lunahuaná is particularly known for rafting. Currents, water levels and the season strongly influence conditions. Anyone wishing to swim or boat privately should stick only to designated, suitable sections and pay attention to current information from local providers.
Fishing: Clarify the rules before moving
Whether recreational fishing is possible depends on the body of water, the species found there and the applicable regulations. Protected areas may bring additional restrictions. Therefore, a decision on where to live should not be based solely on the assumption that every freshwater body can be freely used for fishing.
Working from home in Peru: Internet, electricity and residency status also matter
When working for a Norwegian or Danish employer, a stable internet connection is just as important as the location. What matters is the actual performance at the specific residential address, not just the network coverage of a city. Electricity supply, medical care, accessibility and the legal permissibility of working from Peru are also important. Residency status, taxes and social security should be clarified in advance with the employer and through qualified advice.
Huacho, Lunahuaná or Medio Mundo: Where is living by the water worth it?
Huacho is interesting if a city as a base and trips to lagoons are the priority. Lunahuaná is more suitable for people who appreciate river landscapes and organized water sports. Medio Mundo appeals especially to nature lovers, but requires special consideration for the wetland.
It would therefore make sense for the reader to stay for several days at at least two locations. Internet speed, housing availability, access to water and leisure options can be reliably checked on site. Only then will it become clear whether the appealing idea of working by the water can become a viable everyday life.
