How expensive is Arequipa? How much money do I need for Arequipa?
How much does a trip to Arequipa cost? Is Arequipa expensive? The average Arequipa trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Arequipa prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price for one person for accommodation in Arequipa is S/.54. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Arequipa is S/.107.
Food Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Arequipa can vary, the average cost of food in Arequipa is S/.33 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Arequipa should cost around S/.13 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Arequipa is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
S/.33
Typical prices for Food in Arequipa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Arequipa, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Coke
S/.1.50
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Lunch
S/.11
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Ice Cream
S/.4.00
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Fruit
S/.3.00
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Ice Cream
S/.3.50
Transportation Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Arequipa is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent S/.3.92 per person, per day, on local transportation in Arequipa.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
S/.3.92
Typical prices for Transportation in Arequipa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Arequipa, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Taxi Ride
S/.5.00
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Bus Ride
S/.1.60
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Taxi Ride
S/.3.50
How much does it cost to go to Arequipa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend SkyScanner or Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Entertainment Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Arequipa typically cost an average of S/.30 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
S/.30
Typical prices for Entertainment in Arequipa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Arequipa, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Monastery Entry
S/.10
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Salsa Class
S/.10
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Movie Ticket
S/.11
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Hot Springs
S/.10
Tips and Handouts Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
Typical prices for Tips and Handouts in Arequipa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Arequipa, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
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Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Arequipa is S/.1.00.
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Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
S/.1.00
Alcohol Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about S/.19 on alcoholic beverages in Arequipa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
S/.19
Typical prices for Alcohol in Arequipa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Arequipa, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Water Budget in Arequipa
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend S/.3.48 on bottled water in Arequipa per day. The public water in Arequipa is not usually considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
S/.3.48
Typical prices for Water in Arequipa are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Arequipa, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Arequipa On a Budget
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.
Sights
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.
Activities
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.
Food and Dining
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.
Transportation
The Arequipa city center can certainly be explored by foot, as it is really only five blocks around and relatively easy to navigate. Grab a map from your hotel or an information office. Walking around, even at night is generally considered safe, but pay attention to where the locals say not to go.
If you're looking for the convenience of a taxi, try to use cabs straight from the dispatch companies. Your hotel can call for you, but for your own safety you should avoid taking taxis that are waiting on the street for passengers.
It's not generally recommended to rent your own car in Arequipa. The traffic can be insane and you're likely not used to the roads of the city. If you do rent a car, leave it at the hotel and walk through the city centers.
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