Arequipa is one of the more affordable cities in Peru, and a good trip does not need a large budget. The historic centre is compact, the food is excellent and cheap, and several of the best experiences cost little or nothing. The main costs are tours to Colca and the volcanoes, and these can be managed with some planning. This guide covers where to save, where to splurge and how to look after yourself at altitude so that nothing spoils your days.
Free and low-cost sights
The Plaza de Armas and the sillar arcades around it are free to enjoy, as is a stroll through the old centre with its churches and courtyards. The Yanahuara viewpoint with its arches and the view of Misti costs nothing, and the nearby streets have small shops and cafes. Markets are fascinating places to wander, with fruit, cheese and craft stalls. For paid sights, Santa Catalina Monastery and the Juanita museum are worth the entry fees, and a guided walking tour gives good value for first-timers.
Eating cheaply and well
The best food is often the cheapest. Set lunch menus, known as menu del dia, offer a soup, main and drink at low prices, and picanterias serve generous portions in the afternoon. Markets such as San Camilo have juice stalls and snack counters, and bakeries sell fresh bread and sweets. Save the splurge for one special meal, such as a rooftop terrace on the plaza or a tasting menu, and share large dishes. Water from the tap is not recommended, so buy bottled or use purification.
Tours and transport
Colca tours vary widely in price, and the cheapest options may cut corners on meals, guides or comfort. A middle-range two-day tour often gives the best value, with accommodation and meals included. Shared group tours are cheaper than private ones, and booking a day or two ahead can secure better prices than last-minute bookings. Taxis are cheap but agree fares in advance if there is no meter, and walking is free in the centre. Inter-city buses are comfortable and cheap if you continue to Puno or Cusco.
Where to sleep
Hostels, guesthouses and small hotels near the centre offer good value, and mid-range chains such as Casa Andina or Tierra Viva provide reliable comfort at moderate prices. A central location saves on taxis, while quieter guesthouses suit longer stays. The dry season from about April to November is the busiest and most expensive, while January to March offers lower rates. Book flexible rates if you may change plans.
Altitude and health
At about 2,300 metres, Arequipa is high enough to cause mild symptoms in some visitors, including headaches, breathlessness and poor sleep. Go slowly on your first day, drink plenty of water, eat lightly and avoid heavy alcohol. Coca tea is widely offered and many people find it helpful. Colca and the volcanoes are far higher, so acclimatise in Arequipa for a couple of days before big excursions. Sun protection matters too, as the sun is intense. If symptoms are severe, descend and seek medical help. With these basics, you can enjoy Arequipa comfortably and affordably.
Sample budget plan
Spend day one on free sights: the plaza, the old town streets, a market lunch and sunset at Yanahuara. Day two, visit Santa Catalina and a set-lunch picanteria. Day three, take a shared two-day Colca tour with an overnight included, which replaces a hotel night. Day four, enjoy a countryside or sillar tour at a modest price. By choosing shared tours and local food, you can see most of the highlights without needing a large budget, while keeping one treat, such as a rooftop drink, for the end.
Money matters
The currency is the Peruvian sol, and cards are accepted at many hotels and larger restaurants but not at markets, small picanterias or for tickets in the countryside, so carry cash in small bills. ATMs are common in the centre, and it is wise to withdraw during the day and use machines inside banks or shops. Keep a little change for toilets, tips and taxis. Avoid carrying large sums on tours and keep a copy of your documents separately from the originals.
Saving without sacrificing safety
Cheap is not always good value, especially for mountain activities. When a price seems unusually low, ask what is missing: guide quality, vehicle condition, insurance, meals or entry fees. For anything involving altitude or river conditions, such as volcano climbs and rafting, choose operators with good safety records even if they cost more. Travel insurance that covers trekking and altitude is wise, and keep emergency contacts handy. A small saving is never worth taking risks in the mountains.