Tag: Arequipa

Categories
Accommodation Peru travel guide

Cheap Hotels in Arequipa

Arequipa is a city located in the Southern Coastal Peru, 2,380 m above the sea level. It is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes out of which one – El Misti- can be easily hiked year-round. It is the second most popular city among travelers (after Cusco ).

Together with Puno, Cusco and Naza, it is part of the “Southern Peru Tourist Corridor”, but in contrast to the other cities, Arequipa is a good example of the Spanish and mestizo culture developed in Peru and is not home to any Inca ruins. Spanish colonial architecture can be found all over the city and the churches are a delight to visit.

While Arequipa is not located at such a high altitude as Cusco, you’ll still need to adjust to it, especially if you plan to do any hiking. While El Misti is an easy hike, it is done in two days (and one night).

>>read more about Getting from Lima to Arequipa

Accommodation in Arequipa is plentiful and you can choose between cheap hotels, mid-range hotels and high end hotels, depending on your budget and preferences.

Here are some cheap hotels in Arequipa to consider for your stay:

Inti Punku Lodge

The hotel is located close to the main square and offer free wi-fi and all rooms have private bathrooms. The breakfast is included in the room price. The kitchen can be used by the guests and comprises coffee making facilities. The tour desk offers the possibility to book trips in the area. In May 2012, expect to pay from US$24 per night in a double or twin room.

Dreams Hotel Boutique

It is located in the Vallecito neighborhood and offer free wi-fi. Spa facilities are also available at the hotel. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price. Free shuttle service to/from the airport is available. In May 2012, expect to pay from US$79 per night in a standard double or twin room.

Queen’s Villa Hotel

The hotel is located in a former colonial mansion and is close to the main square. It has a garden, a pool, offers free wi-fi and you can book trips at the tour desk. The terrace offers panoramic views of the city and the volcanoes. The American breakfast is included in the room price. In May 2012, expect to pay from US$93 per night in a business double or twin room. The junior suite (also sleeps two) starts at US$127 per night.

Alwa Hotel Boutique

The hotel offers a terrace with panoramic views of the city and has 9 rooms with AC and LCD TV. The restaurant on site serves Peruvian cuisine and the buffet breakfast is included in the room price. The tour desk on site offers the possibility to book trips to the near-by volcanoes and Machu Picchu. In May 2012, expect to pay from US$72 per night in a double room.

Hotel La Gruta

It is located in a residential area , about 1 km from the historic center. All room have TV and free internet. The on site restaurant offers Peruvian cuisine and the Continental breakfast is included in the room price. In May 2012, expect to pay from US$65 per night in a double room.

Arequipa Inn

The inn is located 15 min drive from the airport and offer free shuttle to/from the airport. All rooms have free wi-fi, LCD TV and private bathrooms. The continental breakfast is included in the room price. In May 2012, expect to pay from US$42 per night in a double room.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Arequipa, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

Photo credit

Categories
Peru travel guide

Getting from Lima to Arequipa

Lima is the capital of Peru and the most important domestic travel hub. If you fly from abroad you’ll most likely land here and then either catch a connecting flight or travel by land to other Peruvian destinations.

Arequipa is located in the Southern Costal region of Peru and is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. It is Peru’s second most important city – after the capital – and the second most popular among tourists – after Cusco. It is where tourists make their base before setting off to explore El Misti, one of the volcanoes surrounding the city and the easiest to climb year round. The city is a mix of Peruvian and Spanish colonial architecture.

Quick summary

Although the bus ride is long (16-18 h), that’s the cheapest option for getting between Lima and Arequipa. If you don’t have that much time on your hands, you can fly (for about twice the bus fare).

Flights from Lima (airport code: LIM) to Arequipa

The capital of Lima is served by Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) , located 11 km from the historic city center. It is a major domestic hub and also the most important international gateway into the country. The airport is hub for the following airlines: LAN Peru, TACA Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Star Peru and LC Busre.

Arequipa is served by Rodríguez Ballón airport (AQP) , which is one of the most important entry points in Southern Peru, along with Cusco’s airport. It’s not hub for any airline but it receives both domestic flights and some international flights (South America).

Flights between Lima and Arequipa are operated by LAN Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Star Peru and TACA Peru. The flight time is 1h 25 min. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from US$111 one way on TACA Intl Air.

Although Peruvian Airlines is not listed by all flight booking engines (such as Kayak), for this route they offer more expensive flights than the cheapest direct option mentioned above (US$127 one way on Peruvian Airlines).

Read more about:
>> Flights to Peru
>>Flights to Lima

Buses from Lima to Arequipa

Unlike other large Peruvian cities, Lima doesn’t have a central bus terminal. Most buses arrive in La Victoria (which is not the nicest neighborhood) but others stop on the outskirts of La Victoria.

Arequipa has two bus terminals: Terminal Terrestre and Terminal Terrapuerto, located close to each other.

Cruz del Sur offers 7 buses per day from Lima. The first departure is at 6:30 a.m. and the last at 9 p.m. For the day time buses the regular single fare is US$ 37.56 and for the night buses is US$52.81. The travel time is 16-18 h.

Flores (site in Spanish) and Oltursa (site in Spanish) also operate between the two cities.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Peru

Driving from Lima to Arequipa

Although the drive is very long , if you choose the Panamericana Sur route (1028 km) you will be blessed with superb views along the way as most of the road is right by the coast. But it’s a 13 h drive so make sure plan stops along the way. It’s even better if there is more than one driver willing to tackle this journey. Rent a car in Lima but plan several stops along the way.

View Larger Map

Photo credit