You do not need to be an expert or have a lot of money: you can start from around S/ 100 in a mutual fund or a fixed-term deposit.
Before investing, build an emergency fund and pay off expensive debt (credit cards).
Your options run from lower to higher risk: fixed-term deposits, then mutual funds, then stocks on the BVL, then international ETFs.
What matters most is not how much you start with, but starting early and staying consistent.
Getting started with investing in Peru is simpler than it looks. The basic idea is to put your money to work so it grows over time, instead of losing value sitting idle or in an account that pays almost no interest. You can do it through the bank where you already have an account, from an app on your phone, or through a brokerage. This guide explains, step by step and without jargon, what you need before you begin, where you can invest in Peru, how much money it takes, and how to take your first step safely. This is educational information, not a recommendation to buy any particular product.
What to have in place before you invest
Before you put a single sol to work, it is worth sorting out three things. Investing on these foundations keeps you from having to pull your money out at a bad moment because of an emergency.
An emergency fund - three to six months of your expenses, held in something liquid and safe (for example, a short fixed-term deposit or a savings account). It is your cushion for the unexpected.
No expensive debt - if you carry a balance on a credit card, which usually charges very high rates, paying it off is the best "investment" you can make: no instrument guarantees you that return.
A goal and a time horizon - money you will need in a year is not the same as money you are saving for the long term. The time horizon decides what is worth investing in.
Where can you invest in Peru?
You have several options, from lower to higher risk, and they are not mutually exclusive: many people combine several. Broadly, they run from fixed-term deposits and mutual funds up to stocks on the Lima Stock Exchange and international ETFs. The table below sums them up. We extra set up a page for you to explore where you can invest your money in.
Fixed-term deposits: the simplest and safest instrument; you know the rate from the start. Offered by banks and cajas (savings institutions).
Mutual funds: a single product that pools many instruments, managed by professionals. It is one of the most common ways to start in Peru, from low amounts, through banks and fund managers (SAF).
Bonds and fixed income: instruments that tend to pay a more stable income, available through the BVL, funds and banks.
US ETFs: an ETF bundles hundreds of companies into a single instrument. An S&P 500 ETF, for example, gives you exposure to the 500 largest U.S. companies at once, through international brokers or investing apps.
The BVL is now part of nuam, the regional market that integrates the Lima, Santiago and Colombia exchanges. During 2026 the three exchanges are moving onto a single trading platform, with Colombia joining first and Lima following, a change aimed at a deeper, more liquid regional market.
How much money do you need to start?
Not much. There is no high minimum: many mutual funds and deposits start from around S/ 100, and several apps let you invest small amounts on a regular basis. The starting amount matters less than consistency. Contributing a little but regularly, over years, is what builds wealth thanks to compound interest (your returns generate returns of their own).
How to start, step by step
Define your goal and time horizon (short, medium or long term).
Build your emergency fund first, if you do not have one yet.
Choose your first option based on your risk tolerance (for example, a diversified mutual fund to begin).
Open your account with the bank, the fund manager (SAF), the brokerage (SAB) or the app you chose; many processes today are fully digital.
Start with an amount you can leave invested, and schedule regular contributions.
Think in years, not days. Many investors use regular contributions (investing a fixed amount every month) so they do not depend on timing the "perfect" entry.
What should a beginner invest in?
As a general rule, the further off your goal is, the more it makes sense to take on some risk in exchange for growth; and the closer it is, the more a conservative approach makes sense. Three principles to start well:
Diversify: do not put everything into a single instrument. A mutual fund or an ETF already gives you automatic diversification.
Start simple: a diversified fund or a broad ETF is enough to get going; you do not need to pick individual stocks at the start.
Be consistent: a monthly contribution, sustained over time, usually matters more than getting the entry moment right.
If you have not reviewed your AFP yet, it is worth understanding how your pension fund performs, because it is also part of your long-term savings.
Common mistakes when starting out
Investing your emergency money - if you might need it soon, it should not be at risk.
Chasing "get rich quick" - promises of high, guaranteed returns are usually a sign of a scam.
Ignoring fees - a high annual cost, compounded over years, eats significantly into your return. Compare fees before you choose.
Panic-selling on the way down - markets rise and fall; selling on every dip usually costs more than holding.
Taxes: the basics
Gains on your investments may be subject to tax with SUNAT, Peru's tax authority (for example, the capital gain on the sale of stocks or securities). The treatment depends on the instrument and on whether you invest in Peru or abroad. Before investing significant amounts, check with SUNAT or consult an accountant for your specific situation.
You can start from around S/ 100 in many mutual funds or fixed-term deposits. What matters is consistency, not the starting amount.
Is it safe to invest in Peru?
It depends on the instrument. Fixed-term deposits are very low risk; stocks and ETFs carry more risk but greater growth potential. Choose according to your goal and risk tolerance, and check that the institution is regulated (by the SMV or the SBS, depending on the case). No investment is completely free of risk.
How do I buy stocks on the Lima Stock Exchange?
Through a SAB (Sociedad Agente de Bolsa, or brokerage house), which opens your account and executes your orders on the BVL.
Can I invest in U.S. stocks or ETFs from Peru?
Yes, through international brokers or investing apps that give access to overseas markets, such as an S&P 500 ETF.
Do I pay taxes on investing?
Gains may be subject to tax with SUNAT. The treatment varies by instrument; get informed before investing significant amounts.
Legal Notice: Education, not advice. Past results do not guarantee future returns. Investing always involves risks.
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Relative risk level of common options for a beginner in Peru (1 = very low, 5 = higher). Illustrative, for orientation only. Risk can differ depending on holdings.
