Arequipa

Packing list:

• Sun protection, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Fleece, jacket, sweater, jeans, trekking shorts, thermal clothes, long-sleeves, rain poncho
• Refillable water bottle
• Mobile phone, Peru adapter, charger, camera
• Comfortable shoes, sneakers
• Basic medical kit: With necessities like bandages, painkillers, and anti-diarrheal medication is usually a good idea.

How to get to Arequipa?

From Lima

By plane: Flying is the quickest and most practical method to get from Lima to Arequipa. LATAM and Sky Airlines are just a few of the carriers that operate nonstop flights between the two cities. The flight lasts about 1:30 h.

By bus: This service is provided by a number of bus companies, including Civa, Oltursa, and Cruz del Sur. Depending on the route and bus condition, the trip lasts between 16 and 18 h.

From Puno

By bus: The most popular mode of transportation between Puno and Arequipa is the bus. This service is provided by a number of bus operators, including Cruz del Sur, Inka Express, and Turismo Mer. Depending on the route and the bus’s condition, the trip lasts between 5 and 6 h.

By train: The Andean Explorer is another train service that connects Puno and Arequipa. Almost 10 h are spent on the train ride, which provides breathtaking vistas of the Andean highlands. It is a lot more expensive than taking a bus or a car, though.

From Cusco

By bus: The most popular mode of transportation between Cusco and Arequipa is the bus. This service is provided by a number of bus operators, including Cruz del Sur, Inka Express, and Turismo Mer. Depending on the route and bus condition, the trip lasts between 10 and 11 h.

By plane: A number of airlines, including LATAM and Sky, provide direct flights between Cusco and Arequipa. The fastest alternative is the flight, which takes about 1:15 h.

How to get around in Arequipa?

Taxis: Arequipa has a sizable taxi fleet that is reasonably priced. To prevent being overcharged, make sure to negotiate the fee with the driver before boarding the taxi. Uber and Beat are two examples of ride-hailing apps you can use.

Local buses: Local buses are an additional means of transportation in Arequipa, however they can be packed and perplexing to tourists. Additionally, weekends and holidays see less of them. Ask for assistance from locals or look for buses with the destination written on the windshield.

How to get from Arequipa to Colca?

Driving from Arequipa to Chivay, the entrance to Colca Canyon, is a 160 km (100 mi) journey that takes about 3h in a private transport. Most tours to Colca Canyon include roundtrip van transportation from Arequipa or continue to Puno.

Health concerns:

Due to Arequipa’s altitude of more than 2,300 m (7,500 ft), altitude sickness is a potential issue when visiting this place. In order to prevent altitude sickness if you are not used to high altitudes, it’s necessary to take your time acclimatizing and to drink lots of water and coca tea.

Restaurant recommendations:

1. La Nueva Palomino: The seafood comes fresh out of the river Majes which is close to the city of Arequipa. Try their famous Chupe de Camarones.
2. El Buda Profano: This restaurant is famous for its vegan sushi and the wine and sake bar.  
3. El Tio Diario: Enjoy amazing views of the volcano and mountains while trying local dishes, such as Anticuchos de Corazon or Parmesan-Scallops.

For more inspiration have a look at our blog about the best restaurants in Arequipa.