Major city · Peru
Arequipa
Give Arequipa 2–3 nights: one full day for the Santa Catalina convent and the centre, one for Colca Canyon, and a half-day buffer for altitude and buses.
Arequipa sits at 2,380 m under three volcanoes — El Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu — and is Peru's second city, built largely from white sillar stone. It is a colonial centre with no Inca ruins, a base for Colca Canyon condor trips, and a useful stop between Lima, Cusco and the southern coast. Two nights covers the centre; three lets you add Colca without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- Apr–Nov (dry, clear); May–Sep coolest nights
- avoid Jan–Mar (rain, cloudy volcano views)
- Airport
- AQP
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Arequipa105 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Arequipa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyArequipa is generally safe for tourists in the centre by day; use registered taxis at night, watch bags in markets and bus terminals…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police · 116 fire · 106 ambulance (samu) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportAQP Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (8.5 km (5.3 mi) north of the centre in Cerro Colorado; taxi to Plaza de Armas about S/25, 25–35 min).AQP Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (5.3 mi (8.5 km) north of the centre in Cerro Colorado; taxi to Plaza de Armas about S/25, 25–35 min).
- Getting aroundThe historic centre is a walkable 5-block grid around Plaza de Armas; Yanahuara and Cayma are also walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeS/5–10
- Street or quick mealMenu del día (set lunch)S/12–25
- Beerdraught / bottleS/10–18S/8–12
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi in the centreS/4–7
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personPEN 35
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomPEN 180
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomPEN 350
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PEN 120 · Mid PEN 220 · High PEN 400
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AQP Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (8.5 km (5.3 mi) north of the centre in Cerro Colorado; taxi to Plaza de Armas about S/25, 25–35 min)AQP Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (5.3 mi (8.5 km) north of the centre in Cerro Colorado; taxi to Plaza de Armas about S/25, 25–35 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Apr–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Sep (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jul (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Feb (9 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Arequipa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The historic centre is a walkable 5-block grid around Plaza de Armas; Yanahuara and Cayma are also walkable. Taxis are per ride, not per person: S/4–7 in the centre, S/8 from the bus terminals, S/20–30 from the airport. Agree the fare before you get in.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Colca Canyon (Chivay and Cruz del Cóndor)
goDoor to door: Full day (leaves about 03:00) or 2 days with an overnight in Chivay
Organised tour or bus from Terminal Terrestre, about 3–4 h each way
Condors are most active early morning at Cruz del Cóndor; a 2-day trip is less rushed.
Molino de Sabandía and Mansión del Fundador
goDoor to door: Half day
Taxi or tour, about 20–30 min south
Combine the two; countryside views of Misti.
Yanahuara and Cayma
goDoor to door: 2–3 h
Walk or short taxi from the centre
Yanahuara viewpoint frames Misti; go late afternoon.
Puno and Lake Titicaca
overnightDoor to door: Half a day of travel
Bus, 5–6 h
Not a day trip; continue on to Puno rather than returning.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Historic centre (around Plaza de Armas)
Walk to the convent, cathedral and museums; noisier, higher prices.
Yanahuara / Cayma
Quieter, 15–25 min walk or a short taxi to the centre; good views of Misti.
Near the bus terminals
Practical for a night bus arrival or departure; about S/8 by taxi to the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- S/120–180 excl. bed
- Mid
- S/180–320 excl. bed
- High
- S/320+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × PEN 180 | PEN 360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × PEN 220 | PEN 880 |
| Airport taxi to centre, one way1 × PEN 25 · check | PEN 25 |
| Santa Catalina Monastery entry2 × PEN 45 · check | PEN 90 |
| Colca Canyon 1-day tour2 × PEN 90 · check | PEN 180 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × PEN 30 | PEN 60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 160 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 439 per person per day, bed included | PEN 1,755 |
2026 estimate in soles; flights and Colca tours excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | S/5–10 |
| Menu del día (set lunch) | S/12–25 |
| Rocoto relleno in a picantería | S/20–35 |
| Beer: draught / bottle | S/10–18 / S/8–12 |
| Taxi in the centre | S/4–7 |
| Alpaca sweater (good quality) | S/70–180 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude 2,380 m: take the first day easy, drink water, skip alcohol on arrival.
- Taxis: the fare is per ride for all passengers — some drivers claim per head.
- Book Colca tours with a licensed operator; cheap tours skip the condor viewpoint timing.
- Jan–Mar rain can close roads and hide the volcanoes.
- Keep a jacket: nights are cold year-round at this altitude.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 106
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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ArequipaArequipa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- Ambulance (SAMU)106
Embassy
Most countries: embajada in Lima; check for a consulate in Arequipa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → Plaza de Armas, taxi: about S/25, 25–35 min (check)
- Bus terminals → centre, taxi: about S/8
- Centre taxi ride: S/4–7 per ride, not per person
Say or show
- Buenos días — Hello (BWEH-nos DEE-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-de es-TA el BA-nyo)
- Ayuda — Help (a-YU-da)
Altitude 2,380 m — take it easy on arrival.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Arequipa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Nov (dry, clear); May–Sep coolest nights · avoid Jan–Mar (rain, cloudy volcano views) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AQP: taxi flat rate, late-arrival options, altitude-friendly first night.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina, San Francisco, Yanahuara.
- Colca operator shortlist with departure times and condor-viewpoint timing.
- Altitude and rain fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialArequipa airport (AAP)
- officialSanta Catalina Monastery
- secondaryWikivoyage: Arequipa, revision 5322103 (CC BY-SA 4.0)