Arequipa Travel Guide

2024 Update

arequipa Brief Summary:

  • Arequipa is Peru’s second-largest city and arguably the most beautiful in all of Peru.
  • Situated about 2,335 metres above sea level in the shadows of the stunning ice capped Misti Volcano (5,822 metres).
  • How to get there: Fly with Latam Airlines or use Peru Hop bus.
  • What to do: Colca Canyon Tour or Trek, Free Walking Tour, El Misti Volcano viewpoint, and more.
  • Official Information Website: www.arequipa.com.

Complete Guide to Huacachina

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How to get to arequipa

Flight to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport

The quickest way to reach Arequipa is by plane but this means you will miss seeing everything along the way. The airport does not receive international flights so this option is only available to those already in Peru. Upon arrival, take a taxi for a 30 minute ride to Plaza de Armas where most hotels and hostels are located.

Public bus

Public buses from Lima take roughly 17 hours to reach Arequipa with no stops. Although you can find some comfortable buses, usually being the most expensive ones, it is a long journey and you will miss all of the things to see along the way.

Peru Hop bus

Peru Hop has buses to Arequipa, as well. Our bus passes include stops where you can choose to hop off along the way to Arequipa. Our stops from Lima to Arequipa include Paracas, Huacachina and Nazca. If you take a Peru Hop bus From Cusco to Arequipa you can choose to stop and hop off in Puno.

Find The Perfect Pass To Get To arequipa

Must do in arequipa

There is a lot of tours and sightseeing options in Arequipa. The main attraction in the Arequipa area is the picturesque Colca Valley, an area of incredible beauty. It is one of the world’s deepest canyons, reaching a depth of 4,160 meters and it is home to the famous Andean Condor birds. The valley also has a vibrant indigenous culture including many examples of Inca agricultural terraces and irrigation systems, hot springs at La Calera as well as a range of activities from adventure sports to tourist homestays. A wide range of tours, treks and excursions leave Arequipa daily and we can facilitate or recommend tours to anybody on board, just simply contact us or ask your Peru Hop guide!

For all the architecture lovers, the city is also known as “La Ciudad Blanca” or the “White City” due to the beautiful white structures seen around the city built out of “sillar”, a white rock obtained from the numerous nearby volcanoes. The historical centre of the city is home to numerous religious convents, monasteries, catholic churches and museums. For this reason, the Historical Centre has been named a Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With all of this beauty and history, Arequipa is the perfect place to enjoy a walking tour.

The local cuisine in Arequipa is argued to be the most varied in all of Peru and while in Arequipa we encourage you to check out many of the traditional “Picanterias” to try out the local dishes such as Rocoto Relleno (Can be quite hot so make sure to ask in advance), Alpaca Steaks, Ocopo, Chactoad and many more. As well as this, the nightlife in Arequipa is amongst the best in Peru with many late-night bars and nightclubs.

arequipa Safety Tips

  • Be careful using ATM machines and avoid using them at night when possible.
  • Carry small change – many taxis/small shops don’t have change, so try to use small notes/coins.
  • Be aware of pickpockets and NEVER take your passport or credit card anywhere unless 100% necessary.

Where to stay in arequipa

Excellent for:

  • Backpackers
  • Couples
  • Solo travelers

Why guests love it:

  • Bar
  • Swimming pool
  • Day/night events
Room TypeNormal PricePeru Hop Price
Large Dorm21 USD PP17 USD PP
Medium Dorm21 USD PP18 USD PP
Small Dorm21 USD PP18 USD PP
Double P/B68 USD PR56 USD PR
Twin P/B78 USD PR64 USD PR
PR: per room | PP: per person P/B: private bathroom

Facilities: Private rooms & shared dorms with breakfast included. Restaurant/ Bar, yoga classes, Garden & Shared lounge/TV area.

Peru Hop Deal: Up to 18% OFF for Peru Hop passengers

Excellent for:

  • Backpackers
  • Couples
  • Solo travelers

Why guests love it:

  • Bar
  • Pool table
  • Quiet hostel
Room TypeNormal PricePeru Hop Price
Simple P/B22 USD PR20 USD PR
Double/Twin P/B 32 USD PR28 USD PR
Triple P/B 40 USD PR36 USD PR
Quadruple P/B 48 USD PR43 USD PR
P/B: private bathroom
Room TypeNormal PricePeru Hop Price
Large Dorm P/B9 USD PP8 USD PP
Medium Dorm P/B9 USD PP8 USD PP
Small Dorm P/B9 USD PP8 USD PP
PP: per person

Facilities: Bar, pool table, nice lounge area.

Peru Hop Deal: Up to 10% OFF for Peru Hop passengers

Excellent for:

  • Couples
  • Solo travelers
  • Families

Why guests love it:

  • Sun loungers
  • Chill-out area
Room TypeNormal PricePeru Hop Price
Single46 USD PR42 USD PR
Twin53 USD PR48 USD PR
Queen51 USD PR46 USD PR
Triple64 USD PR56 USD PR
King62 USD PR57 USD PR
PR: per room

Facilities: Private rooms with direct access to the garden. Social & games room, cafeteria, sun loungers, terrace, and mini gym.

Additional: Early Check-in (05:00am) subject to availability: 30 soles per person. Cooking classes. Laundry. Tour desk. Free luggage storage. Exclusive night and gastronomic tours.

Peru Hop Deal: Up to 10% OFF and 5% discount on restaurant (best available rate) for Peru Hop passengers.