Teaching English in Peru is a great undertaking.  Peruvians are hospitable, modest people who will make you feel at home in just a little while. Peruvian dishes are delicious. Their folk music and dances are unforgettable. In addition, Peru is also home to such famous sites as Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, and others that are worth visiting.

Options for Teaching English in Peru
EFL teachers hoping to teach English in Peru can find jobs in major cities, as well as many smaller villages. The capital city of Lima provides the most opportunity, although there are plenty of ESL jobs in Cusco due to the booming tourism industry. TEFL certification is strongly preferred in order to teach in Peru.

Experienced teachers can also consider applying to teach English at the university level. University teaching jobs generally offer generous salaries and benefits, although requirements are strict, and positions are competitive.

Qualified teachers with two or more years of experience can apply to teach in Peru’s international schools, largely concentrated in Lima. Teachers of all levels, from nursery to high school, are encouraged to apply for these jobs, which offer high salaries by Peruvian standards in addition to competitive benefits.

Finally, for new teachers who are building experience and want to teach in Peru, volunteering is an extremely popular option. Volunteering in Peru is a fantastic way to see the country beyond its major cities, with jobs available in smaller towns and villages throughout the country.

Salary and Benefits for English Teachers in Peru.

Teachers at language institutes can expect to make a modest salary (around the equivalent of 500-700 USD per month). Because of Peru’s low cost of living, most people can live comfortably but not extravagantly on an English teaching salary. Private international schools and universities, which hire experienced, certified teachers, offer higher salaries as well as attractive benefits packages. Benefits can include transportation, health insurance, and often an accommodation allowance. Universities may also offer similar packages. Salaries vary from 1,800 to 2,800 Peruvian Sol monthly.

Hiring Time for English Teachers

International schools usually begin the hiring process around October or November for the school year beginning in March. Universities, which also begin in March, may wait until January to recruit instructors.
Peru’s many language institutes hire English teachers year-round, generally on one-year contracts.

Prerequisites for Teaching in Peru
Language schools strongly prefer TEFL-certified teachers. If you are looking for a paid English teaching job in Peru, you should not go without a TEFL/TESOL certificate in your pocket. Prior teaching experience is preferred, but not always required.


In order to teach in a private international school in Lima, teachers are expected to hold a teaching license from their home state or country and have a minimum of 2 years of previous experience. (https://www.internationaltefltraininginstitute.com/proficiency-test-for-international-opportunities/).

Contract Length

Contracts differ from six months to 1 year.

Healthcare System in Peru
Whilst public healthcare institutions in Peru are generally still struggling due to lack of financial support and the waiting times are very long, private clinics are reasonably priced for visitors and provide good quality medical service.


The five health care institutions that dominate the sector are the Ministry of Health (MINSA), EsSalud, the Armed Forces (FFAA), the National Police (PNP) and the private sector.

There is both public and private health care available in Peru. Foreigners moving to Peru are usually advised to use private medical clinics, as they are more reliable and efficient than the public health services.  

Pharmacies

It is very easy to get most medicines in pharmacies in cities or to get a prescription from a doctor. When going to Peru, make sure you are prepared in case of diarrhea, malaria or altitude sickness.

In Peru, pharmacies that are located throughout the cities normally distribute medicines over the counter and fill prescriptions. Common medicines can be purchased in pharmacies at cheap prices. Always check whether the drugs are within their expiration dates.

The listed pharmacies in Lima are usually well supplied and preferred by visitors:

Pharmax (Av. La Encalada 1541, Monterrico; 24/7 delivery service; tel. number: 434 1460)

Pharmax (Av. Salaverry 3100, San Isidro; 24/7 delivery service; tel. number 264 2282)

Farmacia Deza (Av. Conquistadores 1140, San Isidro; 24/7 delivery service; tel. number:440 3798)

Las Colonias (Santa Elena Norte 102 – 104 Street, Monterrico, 21st block of Primavera Av.)

Important Emergency Numbers

Central emergency number (ambulance, fire, police departments): 105
Telephone information number: 103
Tourist police: 460 1060; 460 0844
Civil defence: 115
Fire brigade: 116
Public ambulance: 141

Culture in Peru

Peruvian culture is a mix of Spanish, Indigenous and African influences. The current national identity of Peru has been formed through the combination of customs found among Spanish colonists, Indigenous peoples, and former enslaved peoples. These different traditions have come together to create a shared culture among the people of Peru.

Languages Spoken

Spanish is the official language in Peru. Quechua, Kichwa, Ayamara, and many other languages are represented through Peru’s indigenous people. 

Religion

The official religion of Peru is Roman Catholicism. It plays a significant role in Peru’s culture and society, with around 76.03% of the population identifying as Catholic. However, there are also other religious beliefs present in Peru, including Protestantism (14.07%), Other Christians (4.40%), No religion (5.09%), and Others (0.41%).

Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Peruvian Constitution, and the public exercise of all confessions are free, as long as they do not offend morals or disturb public order. 

Food & Drinks

Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of indigenous ingredients and techniques, European colonialism, and African and Asian immigration.  The four traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine are corn, potatoes and other tubers, Amaranthaceae (quinoa, kañiwa and kiwicha), and legumes (beans and lupins).


Peruvian cuisine is also known for its unique drinks. Here are some popular drinks to try in Peru:

Pisco: The national spirit, a clear brandy distilled from grapes.

Pisco sour: Peru’s most popular cocktail, a bittersweet pisco-based drink made with lime juice, egg white and sugar.

Chicha: A fermented corn drink.

Coca Tea: A tea made from coca leaves.