Where to Stay in Arequipa, Peru (2026 Guide)
Where to Stay in Arequipa, Peru (2026 Guide)
Arequipa is Peru’s second-largest city, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. White volcanic stone buildings constructed from sillar glow against three snow-capped volcanoes, and the historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot.
Choosing where to stay in Arequipa matters more than you’d think. The right area to stay in Arequipa puts you within easy walking distance of colonial architecture, rooftop terrace restaurants, and the main attractions. The wrong one leaves you stranded or stuck in traffic heading to the city centre.
What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- A guide to the best areas to stay in Arequipa for travelers
- Clear breakdown of which neighbourhoods suit first-timers, couples, families, and solo travellers
- Honest pros and cons for hotels, hostels, and boutique hotel options
- Practical advice on accommodation types across different areas to stay
- Safety tips and areas to avoid
- FAQs covering transport, best hotels in Arequipa, and logistics
Where to Stay in Arequipa: Quick Overview
- Centro Histórico – Colonial buildings around Plaza de Armas, walkable, best place to stay for first-timers
- Yanahuara – Upscale residential area, quieter boutique hotel scene, volcano views
- Cayma – Traditional suburbs, authentic local feel, budget hostel options
- Vallecito – Laid-back, close to hiking trails toward Misti volcano
- San Lázaro – Artsy neighbourhood with cobblestoned streets, intimate vibe
Best Hotels in Arequipa: Centro Histórico (Historic Centre)
Best area for: First-time visitors, couples, history lovers
The historic centre is where most travellers base themselves, and for good reason. You’re steps from Santa Catalina Monastery, the main square, and dozens of restaurants serving rocoto relleno and alpaca steak.
Safety and walkability are solid in the centre of Arequipa. Streets are well-lit at night, police presence is visible, and everything you want to see is within a 10-minute walk. You’ll find boutique hotels set in restored colonial buildings, budget hostels near Plaza de Armas, and mid-range chains on quieter side streets.
Hotel options in the historic centre include:
Casa Arequipa is a charming boutique hotel occupying a colonial house with a courtyard and terrace. Hotel Boutique Villa Elisa offers elegant rooms in a traditional building. For great value, Hotel Los Tambos Boutique delivers solid service near the main attractions.
The vibe leans touristy but not overwhelmingly so. Mornings are calm around the cathedral of Arequipa. Evenings bring out couples strolling under arches and groups hunting for pisco bars with rooftop views. If you want convenience and atmosphere, this is your best place to stay in Arequipa.
Yanahuara: Best Area to Stay for Views
Best area for: Couples, travellers seeking quiet, volcano photographers
Yanahuara sits just across the Río Chili from the city center. It’s residential, upscale, and notably quieter than the heart of Arequipa. You’ll see more locals walking dogs than backpackers comparing itineraries.
The Yanahuara Mirador offers stunning views of Misti volcano framed by white stone arches. Cafés and small restaurants cluster around the plaza, but nightlife is minimal. This is where you come to unwind after day trips to Colca Canyon, not party.
Accommodation here includes boutique hotels and guesthouses, often with gardens or rooftop terraces offering amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes. Walking to the historic centre takes 20 minutes, or you can grab a taxi for under $3. Palla Boutique Hotel is a standout option with great views and personalized service.
If you value peace over proximity and want to stay in the White City’s most photogenic neighbourhood, Yanahuara delivers.
Cayma: Best Places and Areas for Budget Travellers
Best for: Budget travellers, families, those wanting local immersion
Cayma is a traditional Arequipa neighbourhood about 3 kilometers north of Plaza de Armas. It’s where middle-class families live, kids play soccer in the streets, and corner shops sell fresh bread every morning.
Tourism infrastructure is lighter here. You’ll find budget hostels and apartments rather than luxury hotels. Hostels in Arequipa’s Cayma district offer great value compared to the centre. Safety is fine during the day, but stick to main roads at night and use registered taxis or rideshare apps.
The neighbourhood gives you a real sense of Peru beyond the tourist trail. Markets sell produce at local prices, small restaurants serve menú del día for a few soles, and you’re close to the thermal baths of Yura. If you don’t mind a short commute into the historic centre, Cayma is an affordable option.
Vallecito: Hotel and Hostel Options Near Outdoor Activities
Best for: Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, long-term travellers
Vallecito is a smaller district southeast of the centre, known for its proximity to the Socabaya climbing routes and hiking trails leading toward El Misti. It’s quieter and more spread out than areas near the main square.
You won’t find many hotels here, but vacation rentals and small guesthouses cater to climbers and trekkers preparing for multi-day expeditions. The vibe is laid-back and functional rather than scenic or charming like the colonial buildings downtown.
Getting to the city centre takes 15–20 minutes by taxi or bus. If your nights in Arequipa revolve around outdoor activities and you want a low-key base away from the main square, Vallecito works. If you’re here for colonial architecture and nightlife, stay in the historic centre.
San Lázaro: Boutique Hotel Charm in Historic Arequipa
Best for: Solo travellers, photographers, couples seeking charm
San Lázaro is technically part of the Centro Histórico, but it feels like its own unique stay experience. Narrow cobblestone alleys twist past whitewashed houses with blue doors and overflowing bougainvillea.
It’s one of the oldest places in Peru’s White City, quieter than Plaza de Armas but still central. You’re a 5-minute walk from restaurants and museums. Small boutique hotels and guesthouses fit the artsy, intimate vibe of this historic Arequipa neighbourhood.
Safety is good, though the alleys are poorly lit at night. Stick to main paths after dark or walk with others. San Lázaro doesn’t have nightlife or shopping, but it has character. If you want Instagram-worthy streets and a romantic atmosphere in a colonial house setting, this is it.
Best Places to Stay for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip visiting Peru and you’ve arrived in arequipa, stick to these areas:
- Centro Histórico – Walkable, safe, central to all things to do in Arequipa
- Yanahuara – Quiet but close enough to explore the city center easily
- San Lázaro – Charming and still within the historic core
These neighbourhoods give you easy access to attractions, reliable transport options, and a range of hotel and hostel choices. You won’t waste time figuring out logistics before your Colca Canyon tour or Lima connection.
Best Area for Nightlife and Food in Peru's White City
Centro Histórico is your best bet for both.
Calle San Francisco and the streets around Plaza de Armas fill up after 8 PM with locals and travellers. You’ll find everything from traditional picanterías serving chicha de jora to trendy rooftop bars with city views pouring craft cocktails.
For food, the historic centre has the highest concentration of restaurants. Expect regional dishes like adobo arequipeño, chupe de camarones, and queso helado from street vendors near the cathedral.
Yanahuara has a handful of good restaurants with terraces, but nightlife is almost nonexistent. If you stay there, plan to head into the centre for dinner and drinks after visiting the Santa Catalina complex.
Best Place to Stay for Families
Cayma and Yanahuara are the most family-friendly areas to stay.
Cayma offers apartment rentals with kitchens, which helps with picky eaters and tight budgets. Parks and plazas give kids space to run around, and the neighbourhood feels safe during the day.
Yanahuara is quieter and more upscale, with less street traffic and cleaner sidewalks. The mirador is an easy outing for families, and cafés are stroller-friendly. Several hotels offer private rooms with extra beds and breakfast included.
Avoid staying in the busiest parts of the historic centre if you’re traveling with young children. Noise from bars and street vendors can make it hard to get kids to sleep, even in hotels with courtyard settings.
Hotel vs Hostel: Best Accommodation for Different Travellers
Hotels dominate the Centro Histórico and Yanahuara. You’ll find colonial-style properties with courtyards, complimentary buffet breakfast, and tour desks. They’re convenient if you’re staying 2–4 nights and want services like daily cleaning and local advice.
Boutique hotels like Casa Arequipa and charming hotels in converted colonial buildings offer unique stays with personalized touches. Expect hotel offers that include breakfast, rooftop terrace access, and help booking day trips.
For 5-star experiences, Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa near Rodríguez Ballón International Airport provides luxury hotels amenities with an outdoor pool. Though it’s away from the centre, it’s practical for early flights to Lima or Cusco.
Hostels in Peru offer more social environments and lower prices. Most hostels in Arequipa cluster in the historic centre and offer dorms, private rooms, and communal kitchens. Selina Arequipa is a popular choice among solo travellers and backpackers who visited Arequipa before heading to other places in Peru.
Apartments make more sense for longer stays or families. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com list rentals across all areas. Having a kitchen saves money, and extra space helps when you’re juggling kids or gear for Colca Canyon treks.
Where NOT to Stay in Arequipa
Avoid neighbourhoods far from the historic centre unless you have a specific reason to be there. Areas like Paucarpata and Cerro Colorado are residential and lack tourist infrastructure. You’ll spend more time commuting than exploring the main square and Santa Catalina.
The streets immediately surrounding the Terrapuerto bus terminal can feel sketchy at night. If you’re arriving late from Lima or Cusco, book a hotel in arequipa’s centre and take a taxi directly there.
In general, Arequipa is safe for travellers who use common sense. Stick to well-traveled areas after dark, don’t flash valuables, and use registered taxis or rideshare apps rather than hailing cabs on the street.
Key Takeaways
- Centro Histórico is the best area to stay in Arequipa for first-time visitors with the best hotels
- Yanahuara offers quiet boutique hotel options with views of the volcanoes
- Cayma provides budget-friendly hostels and apartments with authentic local flavour
- San Lázaro delivers colonial charm in a boutique hotel set within historic buildings
- Hotels work best for short stays; apartments and hostels suit families and longer trips
- Nightlife and food options concentrate near Plaza de Armas in the city centre
- Avoid neighbourhoods far from the centre unless you have outdoor plans or want great value accommodation
- Most places to stay offer breakfast included and are within easy reach of main attractions
FAQ
What is the safest area to stay in Arequipa?
The Centro Histórico and Yanahuara are the safest neighbourhoods for travellers. Both have visible police presence, well-lit streets, and established tourist infrastructure. Petty theft can happen anywhere, so keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings near the main square.
How far is Arequipa's historic centre from the international airport?
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport is about 8 kilometers from the centre of Arequipa. The drive takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis cost around $5–7, or you can book a private transfer in advance through your hotel.
Is it better to stay near Plaza de Armas?
Staying near Plaza de Armas puts you at the heart of Arequipa’s action. You’ll walk to most attractions, the cathedral, and restaurants serving local food easily. The tradeoff is more noise, especially on weekends when the main square fills with street performers and vendors.
Can you walk everywhere in the centre?
You can walk to most major sites within the historic centre. Distances to Yanahuara and San Lázaro are also manageable on foot. For neighbourhoods like Cayma or Vallecito, you’ll need taxis or local buses to reach the city center.
What's the best place to stay for solo travellers in Peru?
Solo travellers typically choose hostels in the historic centre for the social atmosphere and walkability. Selina Arequipa and other popular hostels offer dorms and common areas. San Lázaro is also popular with solo travellers looking for a quieter, more intimate vibe while staying central.
Are there good hotels under $50 per night?
Yes. Budget hotels and hostels near Plaza de Armas start around $15–25 per night for dorms and $40–50 for private rooms. Mid-range hotels with colonial architecture, buffet breakfast, and courtyard settings run $50–80. These hotel offers provide great value compared to luxury hotels.
How many nights in Arequipa should I plan?
Most travellers spend 2–3 nights in Arequipa before heading to Colca Canyon or Puno. That’s enough time to see Santa Catalina Monastery, explore the historic centre, visit the Yanahuara Mirador with views of Misti volcano, and try local food. Add an extra day if you want to relax or take day trips to surrounding areas.
