Where to stay in Arequipa? You can’t go wrong: look for a hotel or guesthouse near the Plaza de Armas, the most beautiful in Peru and the best area to stay in the city.
From there you will walk to most of the tourist attractions in the Historic Center, such as the Cathedral, the Iglesia de la Companhia, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries and the Monastery of Santa Catalina.
There will also be restaurants, bars, supermarkets, banks and pharmacies nearby, as well as currency exchange offices and other useful places.
Where to stay in Arequipa: two hotels tested by 360
I spent three nights in Arequipa, divided into two hotels, both from Casa Andina, a large accommodation chain in Peru. The first was my favorite, precisely because of the location. Casa Andina Select Arequipa is located in Plaza de Armas.
The view from the restaurant, at breakfast, is spectacular, with the entire square (and even some of the volcanoes that surround the city) saying good morning to the traveler. The hotel also has a terrace and a café, with the same spectacular view, and an outdoor swimming pool. Daily rates cost around 100 dollars. Book here.
Piscina do Casa Andina Select Arequipa
I also stayed at Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa, which is a five-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas and close to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
The building is housed in a colonial mansion made of volcanic stone that was used to build much of Arequipa, known as the white city. The rooms are more luxurious than those at the other hotel in the city – and prices are also higher, with daily rates starting at $120. Book here.
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Hotels in Arequipa in Plaza de Armas: other options
- La Plaza Arequipa Hotel Boutique – Also in Plaza de Armas and with much cheaper rates: 60 dollars.
- O Plaza Central – Rates from 65 dollars for a double room. Some rooms have views of the square and Misti Volcano.
- Casablanca Hostal – with daily rates of 40 dollars, depending on the room and, of course, the season.
- The Hotel Catedral deserves this name, as it is next to the city’s main temple – the view from breakfast, on the hotel’s terrace, has the church towers just a few meters away. It has rooms for families. Daily rates at 40 dollars.
- And speaking of the terrace, the The Katari Hotel Plaza de Armas is incredible (photo) – if I ever return to Arequipa, that’s where I’ll stay. Double room rates start at US$70.
- Already o La Hosteria is located in a completely renovated mansion with a courtyard with tiled walls – it is one of the most popular options in the city. Daily rates at 70 dollars.
Terrace of Katari Hotel Plaza de Armas (Photo: Disclosure)
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Hostels and cheap hotels in Arequipa, Peru
You can spend much less on accommodation in Arequipa and still stay in good establishments.
- O Chikan has a great rating, is four blocks from the Plaza de Armas and offers daily rates starting at US$28.
- Even cheaper is Villa Melgar, with double rooms from 16 dollars and 5 minutes from the historic center of the city.
- Los Andes Bed & Breakfast. The location is great, just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. Daily rates from 20 dollars.
- El Albergue Español Backpackers – It is 300 meters from the Plaza de Armas and has a daily rate of 9 dollars.
How much does a hotel in Arequipa cost per night?
Hotel prices vary according to location, style/comfort of accommodation and also the time of year.
- Hostels for 9 dollars
- Simple and cheap hotels in Arequipa cost from 20 dollars
- Good and comfortable hotels in Arequipa cost between 40 and 70 dollars
- Luxury hotels in Arequipa between 100 and 120 dollars
How many days to stay in Arequipa?
Book your hotel for two or three nights and you will have time to explore the city at your leisure, as well as enjoy the local cuisine. About this, read the text What to do in Arequipa, Peru: two-day itinerary
Travel insurance for Peru
Travel insurance is optional for Peru, but our recommendation is that you never travel without it.
Therefore, in the event of any medical emergency, theft, lost luggage or need to interrupt your trip due to some major unforeseen event, you will be protected.
See our article on the best insurance for South America
Plan your entire trip to Peru. See too:
6 travel itineraries around Peru
Where to stay in Lima: best neighborhoods and hotels
Where to stay in Cusco: best neighborhoods and hotels
Where to stay in Puno: best neighborhoods and hotels
Where to stay in Machu Picchu – hostel tips
