Where to stay in Arequipa – A guide to the “City of the Eternal Blue Sky”
Arequipa is the capital city of the namesake province in Peru. Located in southern Peru and surrounded by volcanoes, Arequipa is the second-most populated city in the country and is famous for its incredible colonial legacy and its rugged natural landscape. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Arequipa, Peru.
The main attractions in Arequipa’s City Center include Santa Catalina Monastery, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Arequipa, Museo Santuarios Andinos, Museo Casa Moral, and the Mercado de San Camilo. See accommodation in Arequipa City Center.
For nature enthusiasts, Arequipa is home to some incredible natural spaces and outdoor attractions such as the Chachani volcanic complex, Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco, Lake Las Salinas, and Capua Waterfall.
Due to its location in the Peruvian Andean Plateau, Arequipa has a desert climate. Temperatures remain stable throughout the year and typically hover between 7 and 22 ºC. Because of its constantly pleasant temperature and infrequent rains, Arequipa is an ideal tourist destination year-round.
To get to Arequipa by air, the city is served by the Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport. This airport offers connections to Lima and Cusco, as well as international flights to Santiago.
The Belmond Andean Explorer scenic train connecting Cusco to Lake Titicaca stops at the city. Arequipa is also very well-connected by long-distance buses to the rest of Peru, Bolivia, and Northern Chile. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
Local transportation in Arequipa consists of bus lines. The Historic City Center is very pedestrian-friendly, and there are also taxi services available. Another option is to rent a cheap car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Arequipa is the City Center. This impressive historic area is home to some of Arequipa’s best cultural attractions, charming colonial architecture, restaurants, nightlife, and shops. It is also where the best boutique hotels are located. See accommodation in Arequipa City Center.
Other great options to consider when choosing the best location in Arequipa include the Railway Station area and around the airport.
Keep reading to find out more about the best location in Arequipa for tourists.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa occupies an exclusive 18th-century colonial mansion built with volcanic stone. It is located in the center of the White City and offers rooms with traditional décor, LCD TV and tea and coffee making facilities and free WiFi throughout.
The Best Areas to Stay in Arequipa, Peru
1. Recommended area: Arequipa Historic Center
The Historic Center is the best area to stay in Arequipa.
The Historic Center of Arequipa is the heart of the city and its founding place by the Spanish in 1540.
Most of the buildings of the Historic Center of Arequipa are replicas built in the 19th century on the site of colonial buildings, previously destroyed by the earthquake of 1868.
The mansions or colonial houses of this area are characterized by their semi-circular arches and their vaulted ceilings.
The old town of Arequipa was declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The heart of the patrimonial helmet of Arequipa revolves around the Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas, one of the main public spaces of the city. Around it is the cathedral, the Portales de Arequipa and the Compañía Church, as well as the Nuestra Señora de la Merced Church.
The Historic Center is, without doubt, the most recommended area to stay in Arequipa if you want to experience its enormous historical heritage, and be close to all the attractions of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Arequipa:
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Historic churches
- Heart of the city
- Close to the attractions
- Plaza de Armas
- Great food
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Casa Arequipa
Casa Arequipa is less than a mile away from Plaza Mayor, in Arequipa, and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and plasma TVs. It has a rooftop bar and a shared kitchen. The commercial area is 1 km away.
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Budget
Albergue Español
Albergue Español is a youth hostel located in the historic center of Arequipa, just 3 minutes from the Plaza de Armas and 5 minutes from the Santa Catalina Convent. The property offers free WiFi.
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Luxury
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa occupies an exclusive 18th-century colonial mansion built with volcanic stone. It is located in the center of the White City and offers rooms with traditional decoration.
2. Close to the train station
The Arequipa railway station is located southwest of the historic center of the city.
The railroad tradition in Arequipa dates back to 1871, and the current station dates back to the end of the 19th century.
Arequipa is connected by trains through the Southern Peru Railway, the largest railway line still in operation in Peru, and one of the longest and highest networks in the continent.
The surroundings of the railway station offer a optimal position to visit Arequipa, thanks to its proximity to the city center, and the possibility of being near the largest railway junction in the south from Peru if you want to travel to other cities such as Puno, Cusco or the Pacific coast by train.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Arequipa:
- Arequipa’s train station
- Well-connected to the rest of the city
- Central location
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Mint Hotel
Mint Hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi in Arequipa, just 5 minutes’ drive from the main square. A buffet breakfast is served daily.
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Budget
El Puente Hotel Boutique
El Puente is a boutique hotel with modern facilities and a strategic location in Arequipa. It is close to restaurants, supermarkets, the main square and the commercial and financial center.
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Luxury
Beausejour Boutique Hotel
Located 8 minutes’ walk from the historic center of Arequipa, Beausejour Boutique Hotel offers 8 rooms with free Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast. The property has a garden and a terrace with panoramic views of the volcano.
3. Close to the airport
The Rodríguez Ballón International Airport is the third busiest airport in Peru, behind Lima Airport and Cusco Airport.
This airport is located north of the city of Arequipa, about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) from the Historic Center.
This air terminal receives flights from the main cities of Peru, thanks to the presence of the majority of domestic airlines. In addition, it has regular flights to several destinations in Chile.
Near the airport is a good area to stay in Arequipa since this district has budget-type hotels for accommodation.
It is a recommended area to stay in Arequipa particularly for travelers who need to be close to the airport, especially if they have an early flight.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Arequipa:
- Cheap hotels in Arequipa
- Close to the airport
- Connected by bus
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|ES| Dónde alojarse en Arequipa, Perú
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