From Desert Sunsets to Andean Peaks: My Journey Between New Mexico and Peru for Healthcare Adventures

• After two years of marriage, my Peruvian spouse expressed a desire to return home.
• I enjoy adventures and adapt swiftly; I sold all my possessions in New Mexico and accompanied him.
• Presently, I reside part-time in Peru and part-time in Las Vegas.

Relocating to a different nation is a transformative journey, and my choice to move to Peru for my Peruvian spouse was no different.

Only two years after getting married while living in the US, my husband expressed a desire to return to Peru and invited me to join him. I found myself at a crossroads, having to decide between preserving my familiar lifestyle in the US or embarking on a new adventure in a culturally rich and vibrant nation.

As a retired American citizen receiving pensions from federal government and military service, I believed I would adapt without difficulty. Being an experienced travel writer and photographer, I was accustomed to roaming and embracing cultural learning and diversity across the globe. I was prepared for a transformation.

In the end, my affection for my spouse and my eagerness to embrace a new phase in life guided me to choose Peru. I admit that my love for adventure facilitated my acceptance of this new chapter.

My spouse felt discontent in the US

One of the significant motivations behind my choice to relocate was my partner’s deep dissatisfaction with various elements of life in the United States.

Recognizing his difficulties and discomfort in the US helped me understand that my decision to join him in Peru could provide the emotional reinforcement he required to feel less isolated and more connected. This mutual recognition of our differing backgrounds and experiences was crucial to my decision to move.

I needed to embrace a different culture

One of the most significant insights I gained while relocating to Peru is the value of welcome cultural differences. Peru, a nation rich in history and diverse landscapes, presents a variety of experiences, from the verdant Amazon rainforest to the stunning Andes mountains. The lively cultural fabric, exciting festivals, and flavorful cuisine captivated me from the outset.

Together, we visited historical sites like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, experiences that enriched my respect for Peru’s vast history and breathtaking beauty.

Cultural differences can be thrilling and challenging at the same time. Nevertheless, embracing these disparities enhances our lives and fortifies our relationships, forming a bond rooted in mutual regard and comprehension.

Some aspects were difficult to adapt to

Reflecting on my experience, I wish I had performed more thorough research on both the cultural aspects and the practicalities of residing in Peru. While I had a foundational understanding of the nation, I underestimated the necessity of comprehending cultural subtleties, including climatic variances, communication methods, and social norms.

For instance, I wasn’t adequately ready to transition from dry heat at altitude to the humid tropics at sea level. My four-season wardrobe consisted of gear suited for extreme weather conditions related to my wildlife photography. Very few of my garments, aside from my safari attire, were appropriate for the rainforest.

Relocating to another nation entails a considerable amount of paperwork and legal matters. From visas to residency permits, navigating the bureaucratic landscape can feel overwhelming. While I conducted preliminary research, everything appeared different once I arrived in Peru. I cannot stress enough the significance of having a team of professionals to assist you while in Peru.

Applying for a “Rentista Visa” was nerve-wracking, costly, and exhausting. I pursued this path as my immigration status was not connected to my marriage but rather to my financial independence.

Furthermore, healthcare in Peru varies greatly, and I left behind excellent insurance through Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Tricare in the United States.

The US healthcare system provides state-of-the-art medical technology and specialists, while Peru offers free or low-cost healthcare in theory. However, based on my experiences, there is a shortage of skilled medical professionals, resulting in insufficient care for those in greatest need. We reside in the jungle gateway city of Iquitos. If you require any specialist care, you usually must travel to Lima, approximately 1½ hours away.

Today, I divide my time between Iquitos, Peru and Las Vegas, as I ultimately deemed it necessary to maintain a US presence for medical reasons. At times, I simply need to live in a country where I don’t have to dispose of used toilet paper in a trash can because the dilapidated sewage system cannot process paper waste.