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@ChosenExpat hi and good luck. Arequipa is beautiful but it is in altitude so it will take time for you to adjust if you are not currently living in altitude in US. You are young it says so you'll adjust.  Arequipa is at 7,546 ft  as comparison Aspen CO is at 8,000 ft.

Getting the rentista visa is not at all difficult if you follow the instructions on the LimaEasy website. Before you leave the US get your documents apostilled, that way when you are in Peru you only need to get the translations/apostillos. And as Doncito wrote, Arequipa is at a high altitude and I'm finding it difficult to acclimate even after 3 months here, and it is colder than I expected, apparently the 3 times I visited in the last two years where during warm weeks. My whole life has been lived at altitudes of less than 1000 meters and in hot climates. Here in the Miraflores district of Arequipa I am at 2459 meters which is 8068 feet.

Prepare yourself in hearing Negrito. They also use Moreno in reference to your skin color. There is no negativity in this it is actually a term of endearment as it is in the diminutive. Lower your sensitivity level as their culture is different than what you are accustomed. Enjoy Peru.

The peruvians are very welcoming and as Doncito said negrito is a term of endearment.  Normally the Peruvians are color blind when it comes to skin color.  Although I do not live here I have been in Peru Many times, my wife is Peruvian, and I have relatives who live in the Miraflories district.  Although I do not live at a high altitude I haven't had any problems with the altitude of Arequipa.  Keep in mind that there is no heat in the houses and when it gets cold outside it is cold inside.  Because it is at a hligh sltitude the nights ar usuallly cool and in the winter cold.  The days, however, are usuallly warm year around.  Arequipa is a very pretty city and I am sure you will like living there.  ENJOY!   

I love Arequipa and it is my favorite city in Peru.  I have never had any issues with the altitude the many times I have visited and I hope to own an apartment there soon. Currently spending more time in Lima because of business. 

@trentgh7

Hi Trentgh7, when is soon?

I will be visiting probably Feb or Mar.  Not sure yet but will start looking.   Also a Veteran so it would be fun to have another expat to hang out with.

Well, I'm heading out on another backpacking trip - Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. The apartment I'm in will be available as of this week.