Cost of Living in Arequipa
How much does it cost to visit Arequipa? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Ethan Robertson / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
PEN 120
per day
Weekly: PEN 840
Monthly: PEN 3600
Examples
- 🏨Hostal La Estrellita dorm bedPEN 30
- 🍽️Menu del dia at a local 'picanteria' like Picanteria La MundialPEN 25
- 🚌Walking and occasional local bus farePEN 10
- 🎟️Explore the Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Monastery exteriorPEN 15
- 🎟️Visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos to see Juanita the Ice MaidenPEN 15
- 🍽️Street food snacks like anticuchos or empanadasPEN 10
- 🎟️Hike up to Mirador de Yanahuara for city viewsPEN 5
- 🍽️Dinner at a casual restaurant in the historic centerPEN 20
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
PEN 250
per day
Weekly: PEN 1750
Monthly: PEN 7500
Examples
- 🏨Hotel Katari - a room with a viewPEN 120
- 🍽️Lunch at Chicha por Gaston AcurioPEN 70
- 🚌Taxis for conveniencePEN 30
- 🎟️Guided tour of the Santa Catalina MonasteryPEN 40
- 🎟️Visit the Museo de Arte Virreinal to see colonial artPEN 15
- 🍽️Dinner at Zig Zag RestaurantPEN 75
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
PEN 600
per day
Weekly: PEN 4200
Monthly: PEN 18000
Examples
- 🏨Casa Andina Premium Arequipa - suite roomPEN 350
- 🍽️Gourmet lunch at La Casona del UmachollcoPEN 100
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayPEN 100
- 🎟️Full day trip to Colca Canyon with a private guide and transportPEN 300
- 🍽️Fine dining dinner experience at PerroquetPEN 200
Cost by Category
accommodation
50-150 PEN
food
40-100 PEN
Transport
10-30 PEN
activities
20-70 PEN
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Center | Mid-range | average | first-timers, couples |
| Yanahuara | Mid-range | slightly higher | couples, families |
| Cayma | Luxury | higher | families, luxury |
Money-Saving Tips for Arequipa
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Arequipa
Compare prices from PEN 120/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Arequipa?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Arequipa Costs
How much does it cost to visit Arequipa?
Budget travellers can visit Arequipa for around PEN 120/day (PEN 840/week). Mid-range travellers should budget PEN 250/day, while luxury travel costs around PEN 600/day.
Is Arequipa expensive?
Arequipa is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least PEN 120/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Arequipa?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Arequipa, budget PEN 250/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Arequipa?
Budget travellers in Arequipa can get by on PEN 120/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.