Where to Stay in
Arequipa
From elegant hotels in the historic centre to peaceful stays in Yanahuara and Selva Alegre, discover our selection of Arequipa’s best places to stay, chosen for their location, comfort and distinctive character.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING WHERE TO STAY IN AREQUIPA
SAFETY
The Historic Centre and main visitor districts are straightforward to explore during the day. Take normal precautions with valuables and use a reputable taxi or app-based service for longer journeys, particularly at night.
GETTING AROUND
Arequipa’s Historic Centre is very walkable. Taxis are convenient for Yanahuara, Cayma and surrounding neighbourhoods, while organised tours or private transfers are the easiest option for trips to the Colca Canyon.
BEST FOR...
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First-time visitors: Historic Centre
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Views & atmosphere: Yanahuara
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Quieter stays: Cayma
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Historic character: San Lázaro
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Relaxed city base: Selva Alegre
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Arequipa Neighbourhoods
Arequipa’s best hotels are concentrated in three distinctive neighbourhoods. Choose the Historic Centre for architecture and sightseeing, San Lázaro and Selva Alegre for a quieter setting close to the centre, or Yanahuara and the Chili River for traditional character and volcano views.
Historic Centre
Arequipa’s Historic Centre is the most convenient choice for first-time visitors. Staying here places you close to the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, the cathedral, museums, restaurants and many of the city’s principal attractions.
The area is compact and highly walkable, with beautiful colonial buildings constructed from white volcanic stone. It can be lively around the main square, but its remarkable architecture, excellent restaurants and central location make it the best base for exploring Arequipa.
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TOP HOTEL PICKS
Luxury / High-End
CIRQA – Relais & Châteaux
CIRQA occupies a beautifully restored building of volcanic stone dating from the early colonial period. Its eleven individually designed rooms surround a peaceful courtyard, while the rooftop overlooks Arequipa and its volcanoes. With vaulted interiors, refined dining, a heated plunge pool and highly personalised service, it offers one of the city’s most distinctive luxury experiences in Arequipa today.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Premium / Mid-Range
Casa Andina Premium
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa occupies a 225-year-old colonial mansion built from the city’s distinctive white volcanic stone. Set only a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, it combines historic courtyards and traditional architectural details with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and spa. It provides a reliable high-end base from which to explore the Historic Centre comfortably on foot.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Boutique / Character
Katari Hotel
Katari Hotel enjoys an exceptional position directly on Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas. Its rooms combine colonial-inspired character with modern comfort, while the panoramic rooftop terrace offers memorable views across the cathedral towards the surrounding volcanoes. With an onsite restaurant and spa, it suits visitors seeking a central location together with the facilities of a premium hotel in Arequipa.
San Lázaro & Selva Alegre
San Lázaro and Selva Alegre offer a quieter alternative within easy reach of central Arequipa. San Lázaro is known for its narrow lanes, traditional sillar buildings and historic character, while Selva Alegre provides leafy streets, gardens and more space. Both areas suit visitors seeking peaceful surroundings while remaining close to the city’s principal sights and restaurants.
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TOP HOTEL PICKS
Luxury / High-End
Wyndham Costa del Sol
Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa offers spacious grounds and resort-style facilities within walking distance of the Historic Centre. Its gardens, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, gym and spa provide room to relax after sightseeing. The combination of full-service comfort and a quieter Selva Alegre setting makes it particularly suitable for families or visitors planning a longer stay in Arequipa.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Premium / Mid-Range
Hampton by Hilton
Hampton by Hilton Arequipa provides a modern and dependable stay close to both San Lázaro and the Historic Centre. Guests can enjoy contemporary rooms, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a heated outdoor whirlpool. Its sunny colonial courtyards and volcanic-stone restaurant add local character, making it a practical premium option for leisure and business travellers alike.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Boutique / Character
Hotel Boutique Villa Elisa
Hotel Boutique Villa Elisa is a peaceful property set beside Selva Alegre in a quieter part of Arequipa. Its landscaped gardens, pool and jacuzzi create a relaxed retreat from the Historic Centre. The hotel is well suited to couples and independent travellers who value personal service, outdoor space and an intimate atmosphere within easy reach of the sights.
Yanahuara & the Chili River
Yanahuara offers a peaceful, traditional alternative to Arequipa’s Historic Centre. The area is known for its attractive plaza, narrow streets, sillar-stone buildings and celebrated viewpoint overlooking the city and Misti Volcano. Along the Chili River, visitors will find gardens and quieter surroundings, making this an excellent choice for local character, scenic views and a more relaxed stay.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Luxury / High-End
La Posada del Puente
La Posada del Puente occupies a riverside setting between the Historic Centre and Yanahuara. Its architecture, gardens and views of the Chili River create the feeling of a country retreat despite its location. With comfortable rooms, a restaurant and spa, it is a strong premium choice for travellers wanting tranquillity without being isolated from Arequipa’s main attractions nearby.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Premium / Mid-Range
La Casona del Olivo
La Casona del Olivo is a comfortable three-star hotel in a quiet residential part of Yanahuara, close to its celebrated viewpoint and traditional square. It offers spacious rooms, personalised service, complimentary Wi-Fi and secure private parking. Its calm setting and convenient access to both central Arequipa and the airport make it particularly practical for independent and business travellers.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Boutique / Character
Los Leones Hotel Boutique
Los Leones Hotel Boutique is a small, modern property in the traditional district of Yanahuara, a short walk from its main square and famous viewpoint. Its bright, comfortable rooms and complimentary breakfast provide a welcoming base away from the busiest streets. The location is convenient for enjoying local restaurants, volcano views and easy access to Arequipa’s Historic Centre.