Arequipa is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
You should plan to spend around $55 (S/.209) per day on your vacation in Arequipa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
A one week trip to Arequipa for two people costs, on average, $776 (S/.2,926). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
A one week trip to Arequipa usually costs around $388 (S/.1,463) for one person and $776 (S/.2,926) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Arequipa on average costs around $776 (S/.2,926) for one person and $1,551 (S/.5,852) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Arequipa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Arequipa on average costs around $1,662 (S/.6,270) for one person and $3,325 (S/.12,540) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Arequipa is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Arequipa to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $22 (S/.83) per day, mid-range travelers spend $56 (S/.209) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $145 (S/.545) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Arequipa.
Within South America, Arequipa is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Bogota or Tena.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Arequipa Expensive?
The average Arequipa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Arequipa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Arequipa cost?
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy |
$9
(S/.33) |
$23
(S/.85) |
$58
(S/.220) |
| Local Transportation 1 |
$2
(S/.6.83) |
$6
(S/.22) |
$22
(S/.84) |
| Food 2 |
$9
(S/.34) |
$23
(S/.87) |
$58
(S/.219) |
| Entertainment 1 |
$7
(S/.26) |
$18
(S/.67) |
$46
(S/.175) |
| Alcohol 2 |
$3-9
(S/.11-34) |
$8-23
(S/.29-88) |
$20-61
(S/.77-231) |
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Arequipa. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $22 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Arequipa, including Arequipay Backpackers Downtown, MB Hostel Arequipa, and Friendly AQP. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal.
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most tourists in Arequipa are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $56 per person, per day.
Arequipa boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Hotel Casona Solar is an excellent family-friendly option, while Hostal Bubamara is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Arequipa here.
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $145 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Trekking to the Colca Canyon - offered by Viator.
The cost of hotels in Arequipa can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $35, but peak season () average prices jump to $65. Overall, prices range from $21 to $112. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Arequipa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $45 (S/.171). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (S/.85) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Arequipa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Arequipa include:
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Arequipa does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $5.88 (S/.22) per person, per day, on local transportation in Arequipa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Arequipa is significantly more than public transportation.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
Typical prices for transit in Arequipa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Arequipa. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Arequipa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Arequipa is $23 (S/.87) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Arequipa is around $23 (S/.87) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $58. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Arequipa are as follows:
Local restaurants in Arequipa are known as picanterias. If you visit the Arancota neighborhood, you'll find plenty of these. If you can get in past the locals, you'll want to try the chicharron, or fried pork with corn.
You'll find that most dishes in Arequipa, and Peru in general, are heavy and often very hot. Locals often use rocoto to spice up their foods. This is very different from the spicy flavor you've had in Mexican and Indian foods. Approach with caution as the elevation of the city may be effecting your digestion, as well. One way the locals cope with the indigestion is to have a coca-leaf tea after meals.
If you're an adventurous foodie, ask for the rocoto relleno con pastel de papa. This stuffed pepper with potato pie is generally made for tourists, but you can ask for its original hot style. Be careful because this hot pepper is no joke.
Some more dishes to sample include alpaca steaks, ceviche and the chupe de camarones soup made from river shrimp.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Arequipa, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
Below are some standard food costs in Arequipa, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Arequipa typically cost an average of $18 (S/.67) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Architectural buffs will love a quick visit to the Puente Fierro. This iron bridge was designed by the famous architect Gustav Eiffel and is still operational today. Located just outside the main square, this area will give you some of the most stunning sunset pictures you'll ever see of the volcanoes and the city.
One spectacular, colonial-inspired site is the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Taking up an entire block, this convent is surrounded by intimidating walls – making it more like a citadel than a convent. Hire a guide, as they can tell you everything you need to know, and how to get around. However, you're also welcome to wander the grounds on your own and enjoy the meditative environment.
For a peek into how the wealthy Peruvians live, take a trip to the colonial La Mansion del Fundador. This 17th-century formerly belonged to the founder of Arequipa, Garci Manuel de Carbajal. Today, it has been restored with original furniture and paintings. Wander the halls and even light a candle at the home's very own chapel.
Not far from the Fundador Mansion is the Molino de Sabandia. Set in Arequipa's old countryside, this three hundred year old water mill is a sight for any history lover.
When a city is surrounded by volcanoes, you know adventure isn't far off. One activity to look into is downhill volcano biking. This half-day adventure is offered at multiple levels of difficulty. The guides provide all the equipment you need to see the amazing countryside views.
If biking by these living mountains isn't enough, you can hop on a two-day tour of either Misti of Chachani. When choosing your adventure, note that Misti is the less difficult of the two. If you choose Chachani, keep in mind the 6,000-meter altitude is usually the biggest challenge for visitors.
But if it's the call of the water you just can't get out of your head, Arequipa is home to some of the best rivers in the world – perfect for a little white water rafting excursion.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Arequipa. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Arequipa, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $16 (S/.59) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Arequipa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Arequipa. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Arequipa, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa, Peru
Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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