Establishing a connection
Unfortunately information online about setting up a home Internet network through one of the Peruvian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is difficult to come by, as most operate via email and telephone. Expats needing to set up their Internet connection independently will have to do so after arriving in Peru.
However, below we have listed some of the main ISPs in Peru. You should check the websites to make sure they cover your area and that their service is adequate. Speeds will vary according to the area, so finding the right provider is very important.
Qnet - (Spanish) Second highest provider of internet access in Peru. Provide technological solutions and internet access.
ec-red - (Spanish) EC Red is a free Internet Service Provider (ISP), offered by Red Privada Virtual S.A. y ElComercioPeru.com.pe.
Americatel Peru S.A Free - (Spanish) Free Peruvian ISP. This website offers services and benefits to their users.
Speedy - Telefónica S.A through Movistar - (Spanish) Movistar provides a fast internet connection called ‘Speedy’ using ADSL technology.
Public Internet booths
If you don’t manage to set up a home network or your established connection is just too slow, Internet booths (cabinas públicas) can be found almost everywhere in Peru, even in small rural villages. In towns and cities, you will find ‘Internet’ signs as little as two or three blocks apart. You then simply have to go in, ask for a computer, and start surfing.
Users should expect to pay under 3 Soles (maybe more in touristy areas). The price is either set in advance or moderated and shown on the screen while you operate. As Internet booths are often short on change, it’s worth bringing some Nuevo Sol coins along.
Internet booths offer a quick way for expats to keep in touch with their loved ones without it burning a hole in their pocket.
Mostly computers are already equipped with Windows Live Messenger, whereas it seems more unusual to find Skype anywhere outside the big cities. You may encounter problems with microphones, headphones and webcams, but if something isn’t working, either ask for new equipment or just switch computers. If it’s a scanner or a printer you’re looking for, look out for more modern-looking Internet cabins.
It’s worth noting that Latin American keyboards are slightly different to English/American keyboards. A regular problem is the difficulty in typing ‘@’ - the normal Shift+@ doesn’t often work. The alternative would be to try Ctrl+Alt+@ or Alt Gr + 2.
WiFi Internet access in Peru
In Peru, WiFi connections can be found in Internet cafes, hotels and some hostels.
Hotels of three stars and over tend to have WiFi in every room. Failing that, there may be a WiFi lounge somewhere in the hotel. WiFi is less common in budget establishments, but you should ask anyway.
You should also try modern-looking cafes. If you’re sitting near the street, though, be sure to keep your belongings close as opportunistic theft is common in Peru.
Specific hotspots with WiFi in Lima include the Magdalena District by the City Hall and any of the various Starbucks cafes dotted around the city. As for Cusco, WiFi is mostly located in hotels.