Where to Stay in Arequipa

The historic centre

The centre is built largely of a pale volcanic stone known as sillar, which gives the arcaded Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets their pale glow, with the cone of Misti rising behind. The Santa Catalina monastery, the cathedral and several courtyards turned into cafés are all within an easy walk, and so are most restaurants and the main tour agencies.

This is the best base for a short stay. The main drawbacks are noise on the streets near the plaza at weekends, and street-level rooms with thin walls. Ask for a room on an upper floor or one that faces an inner courtyard, and check whether the building has a rooftop terrace, a common feature with views of the volcanoes.

For a fuller picture of the city and how its sights fit together, read about Arequipa and things to do in Arequipa.

San Lázaro and the streets north of the plaza

San Lázaro is the old quarter on the hillside, with narrow lanes, small bars and a more lived-in atmosphere. It is a ten-minute walk from the plaza and appeals to people who like a local feel. Streets are steep and some are quiet at night, so take a taxi back in the dark. Rooms here are often in converted houses and may be more modest.

The area suits travellers who have already spent a few days at altitude and are comfortable with hills, and who prefer a smaller place with personality to a larger hotel. If you arrive with heavy luggage, ask the host whether a taxi can reach the door, because some lanes are too narrow or too steep for a car.

Check that the address is easy to find at night. Some of the lanes have little lighting, and a clear set of directions from the plaza helps.

Yanahuara and Vallecito

Yanahuara is a district across the river with a viewpoint and a small plaza under stone arches, known for views of Misti and its traditional restaurants. It is calmer than the centre and fits those who want to sleep well and take a short taxi into town. Vallecito, closer to the centre, offers a mix of residential streets and midrange guesthouses.

Both are good options in high season when the centre fills up, and both suit visitors on longer stays who value a more residential setting.

The trade-off is that you lose the ability to step out of the door into the main square. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, but you will plan the day around them. If you want to be near the evening life of the plaza, the centre remains the better base.

Practical checks

The sun at this altitude is strong even when the air feels cool, so check that rooms have shade and that heating is available for winter nights, which can be cold. If you are heading to the Colca Canyon, ask whether early departures are common, since many tours leave in the very early morning and whether luggage can be stored while you are away. Some accommodation offers a late checkout for guests returning from the canyon.

Arequipa is also an earthquake-prone region, and old stone buildings are common, so look at the building and ask if you have concerns.

Ask about hot water and whether it is solar-heated, since supply can fade on cloudy evenings or in the early morning. Dry air and strong sunshine also mean you should drink more water than you expect.

How many nights

Two nights cover the city. Add a night for each day trip you want to take, and plan a night on return from Colca if your onward bus is early. If you are arriving from Cusco or Lima by air, the lower altitude makes Arequipa a gentle step up for acclimatisation before Cusco or Puno.

The route from the coast is described in Lima to Arequipa, and the comparison of Cusco versus Arequipa helps if you can only fit one of the two into a short trip. A night booked on your return from the canyon is a good safeguard against missing a connecting bus, particularly when departures are early or road conditions are uncertain.

Arrivals by bus and air

Most visitors reach Arequipa by air or by long-distance bus. The terminals sit outside the centre, so plan a taxi to your hotel and agree the price or use an app. Night buses arrive in the early morning, long before check-in; ask the hotel whether you can leave luggage or have the room earlier, and consider booking the previous night to avoid wandering around with bags.

The early departures for the Colca Canyon shape how you plan your last night in the city (see getting to the Colca Canyon), and tours in Arequipa covers what to book once you arrive.

Rooms with a view and rooftops

One of the pleasures of Arequipa is the roof. Many hotels and guesthouses in the centre have terraces where breakfast is served in the morning sun with a view of Misti and the neighbouring peaks. A room with access to a terrace is worth asking about, even if the room itself is simple.

Mornings are usually clear and the volcanoes are at their best early, so a rooftop breakfast makes a good start. Evenings can turn cool, and a thin jacket is useful on terraces after sunset.