11 Best Hotels In Arequipa, Peru

Surrounded by five volcanoes, just below the Aguada Blancas National Park in south-west Peru, sits what was Peru’s capital once upon a time. Welcome to the now-relatively hidden gem of Arequipa, a.k.a. ‘White City. Not only is it now Peru’s second-largest city, but it’s also home to spectacular architecture, the lovely Socobaya river, and a vibrant nightlife. Additionally, Peru’s countryside, including the famed Colca Canyon, is also close by. That’s why we chose to stay in the best hotels in Arequipa, Peru, to get the most out of this gorgeously eclectic Peruvian city. Despite being one-tenth the size of the Peruvian capital of Lima, Arequipa brims with historical significance, cuisine, and hotels. Not only were they spread all across town, but they also differed in vibes and budgets.

So, no matter the kind of traveler to Arequipa, everyone will get a stay of their choice here, and according to how much they want to spend. Besides the fact that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage city, Arequipa is perhaps most famous for Colca Canyon, as we mentioned earlier. Not only is it one of the world’s most breathtaking canyons, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in all of Peru. So, it’s not surprising that it also happens to be one of the top things that one can do while visiting Peru! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to the best stays in Arequipa that are sure to make your visit to this stunning city memorable.

Hotel Boutique Selva Alegre

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We begin with the Hotel Boutique Selva Alegre, a cozy three-star boutique hotel in a quaint structure in the picturesque Selva Alegre neighborhood. An oasis of tranquility in the heart of Arequipa, the hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, offering panoramic views of the magnificent volcanoes that surround the Peruvian city.

We had the choice of multiple rooms and suites at this boutique hotel, all of which came with private ensuite bathrooms. What’s more, they all featured showers and baths, flatscreen TVs, and spacious wardrobes. If that wasn’t enough, all the rooms and suites came with views of the terrace or the gardens, and even the quieter streets.

Downstairs, we loved the in-house coffee shop, which is where we’d enjoy a cup of coffee at any time of the day. Besides the terrace and the gardens, the hotel also had free Wi-Fi, a tour desk, every day housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk, and even a paid airport shuttle service.

Flying Dog Hostel

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Finding good hostels in Peru could be a hit and miss, but we could always count on Flying Dog Hostel in Arequipa. Have you stayed at any of the Flying Dog hostels in other locations? Every time you stay at a new location and show them a card from the previous one, you receive a new stamp and even get a certain percentage off of your entire stay!

Coming to the hostel, they served us great complimentary breakfasts every morning, and that too at different times. What’s more, there was even a nice little communal kitchen where we could cook our own meals, helping us save on food costs. Not only was the hostel spacious, clean, and super affordable, but also it had a rooftop terrace and a cool design, thanks to the colonial-style structure it sat in.

Coming to the stay, we had the choice of dorms and private rooms both, which came with shared and private bathrooms. Comfy beds and linens, seating spaces, and bath products in the bathrooms ensured that we had a comfortable stay.

Casa de Avila Hotel

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Best value for money. Built in 1923, the Casa Avila Hotel sits just a 2-minute walk from the main square in the city center in Arequipa. Staying at this hotel is like taking a sensory journey to the 19th century, so if you’re historically inclined, then this is where you need to be.

The central feature is the charming and large garden, where we’d enjoy a delicious spread of a buffet breakfast everyday. Think yogurt, olives, Andean cereals, butter, cheese, local bread, natural fruit juices, salads, and more. Moreover, the restaurant even offered cooking lessons for preparing traditional Arequipan dishes. The other common areas were lovely as well, including free Wi-Fi, guided walks for travelers, Spanish classes, a tourist desk, and even a game room for kids.

Choose from a bunch of rooms distributed on two levels, all of which come with great garden views, desks, closets, ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, and more. Morever, some rooms, like ours, had terraces with alfresco furniture, where we’d enjoy a spot of coffee throughout the day.

Palla Boutique Hotel

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Located in the historic center of Arequipa near Plaza de Armas, the trendy Palla Boutique Hotel sits on a gorgeous, narrow street near the Chili River. This hotel is a masterclass in how to use sillar in a modern way. On the inside, it feels airy and bright, with the internal courtyards full of local plants, creating a small “urban jungle” in the middle of the city.

With just 30 rooms at the hotel to choose from, staying here felt like staying with a rich friend at their huge house, rather than a hotel. What’s more, they’re all understated with mod-cons; think soundproof windows and floors, Wi-Fi, and smartscreen TVs. Since the smaller rooms and suites are smaller and more minimalist, we chose one of the Junior Suites, which not only had more space but also bathtubs. Hardwood floors, minibars, and seating areas render the spaces minimalist but warm.

We especially loved the outdoor rooftop at the hotel, which boasted lovely views of the surrounding city and the volcanoes in the distance. It’s also where the airy restaurant sits, along with meeting space and a wine cellar.

La Hosteria

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La Hosteria is a charming hotel that feels like a hug. Nestled in a well-preserved and restored colonial mansion with impeccably tasteful rustic details, the mansion sits close to most of the main things to do and sights to see in Arequipa.

At the hotel, we got happily lost in the maze of colorful balconies and terraces that were overflowing and brimming with flowers. It gave the hotel a very cheery, cozy, and homely appearance. What’s more, we had the choice of 31 rooms, 13 of which have been built using sillar. Since we were recommended to stay in one of the superior rooms, that’s what we did, as they were more comofortable and spacious. Besides having mod-cons, every room had its own distinct personality, with the vaulted ceilings making us feel protected by the volcanic stone itself.

Downstairs, the hotel had a bunch of facilities, despite being a small one. Their small spa with a sauna was a particularly lovely and relaxing place to unwind after a long day of exploring Arequipa and the region.

Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca

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Are you looking for privacy and seclusion away from the hubbub of the city? Welcome to Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca, a peaceful riverside retreat in the tranquil rolling hills of the Colca region. Surrounded by lush greenery, this superbly positioned property was still a mere 20-minute drive from Chivay, the main town and center of the Colca region.

Tucked into a deep valley at the side of a set of thermal pools and the Colca River, the hotel is designed in the style of a “pueblito,” or a small village. What’s more, it’s made up of a series of colorful chalets and houses set around pretty gardens at the river’s side. Facilities at the hotel include a fantastic outdoor plunge pool and a lounge area, an indoor solar-heated pool, and a spa. However, our favorite was the modern restaurant and bar, where bread-making and pisco classes are held every evening. Other features include a chapel and two pet alpacas and llamas, who are some of the hotel’s most interesting residents!

We had the choice of 41 deluxe en-suite rooms, suites, and chalets. The chalets were our favorite, which is also where we stayed. Moreover, they’re split over two floors and have their own lounge areas and kitchenettes. Finally, they also come with minibars, fridges, standalone heaters, and satellite TVs.

Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas

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Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas is perfectly located for soaking up the culture and history of Arequipa. Sitting smack dab on Arequipa’s main square, Plaza de Armas, we were a mere 15-minute walk from the scenic city center. So, it’s all about the “Blue View” here, which are views that few other places in the city center can match. Choose from 15 rooms, all of which are decorated with pre-Columbian details, colonial-style furnishings, and antiques. So, they are reminiscent of the different historical eras that shaped Arequipa.

That being said, the standout feature here is the hotel’s roof terrace, which is home to the Ascai restaurant and bar. It offers some of the most stunning views from the city center, over the plaza, the Cathedral, and the impressive volcanoes in the distance. Moreover, the best part is that guests who aren’t staying at the hotel can also enjoy the rooftop view for a minimum spend. With traditional textiles, designs, and trinkets, and fast and efficient service, this hotel stands out as one of the most value-for-money accommodations in the Arequipa city center.

Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa

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Most luxurious. If luxury is what you’re looking for in Arequipa, then look no further than the Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa. A long-standing favorite in the city, this ex-Libertador property is a luxury five-star escape bursting with colonial grandeur. It sits in a pink-colored colonial mansion just north of the historical city center. That, along with the fact that the hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, was our favorite thing about the property.

Not surprisingly, this Wyndham outpost is brimming with amenities. The star is the large swimming pool, which sits amidst the lush gardens, complete with daybeds and parasols. You’ll also find the 100-year-old pet tortoise named “Juanita,” named after the famous Incan mummy on show in the local museum. We especially loved the restaurant and the alfresco dining area, where they served a blend of Arequipeñan and international cuisines using local produce. Wrapping things up are a steam room, a sauna, a well-equipped gym, and even a children’s playground and terrace.

Since it sits in a 1940s colonial-style mansion, the rooms and suites have touches from the modern era as well as maintains its historical charm. Choose from 88 spacious rooms and suites, all of which were spacious and decked out in a colonial style. Think luxurious bed linens, chandeliers, ornate wooden headboards, and more. Finally, modern touches such as minibars, satellite TVs, air conditioning, and heating wrap up the place.

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa

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Most historic. Brimming with character and history, Casa Andina Premium Arequipa sits right in the historical center of Arequipa. It occupies an 18th-century colonial mansion, formerly the Casa de la Moneda, one of Arequipa’s most traditional buildings. In fact, this 1794-built structure also happens to be a national historic monument!

There were a lot of things we loved about this stately hotel, starting with its ideal location just three blocks from the main square. Think elegant decor and high ceilings, which are present in all five suites in the property. Tucked in the original Mint house, the suites took us back in time with their wrought iron windows, colonial-style decorations, and traditional sillar (volcanic stone) walls. What’s more, there are even modern rooms and historic suites at the back of the hotel and in the historic wing. However, they’re all spacious with king/queen beds, dark wooden furniture, coffee and tea making facilities, mini-bars, and satellite TVs.

Since the structure is heritage, there aren’t many additional features. However, the original part of the hotel has a large lobby/lounge area, a restaurant, and a computer center. Our days began with amazing buffet breakfasts in the internal courtyard, which we’d tuck into to the tunes of a local harpist. Wrapping things up are the sun terrace, a dry sauna, and a massage room on the fourth floor.

Cirqa – Relais & Châteaux

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Best overall. Making it to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious “Gold List 2024” is Cirqa, a gorgeous and luxurious Relais & Châteaux property. Sitting inside a 16th-century historical monastery, this structure has been built entirely from white volcanic stone. What’s more, it merges contemporary luxury with local history; think candles, vaulted ceilings, dimly lit hallways, and wrought-iron doors.

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Choose from 11 rooms, which blend the old and the modern; think arched windows, freestanding bathtubs, and great panels of glass, lending them the sleekness of a Relais & Châteaux property.  On the inside, sculpted stone tables, matte black floor lamps, emerald-green velvet high-backed chairs, and vases bursting with flowers make the space cozy and elegant.

We loved the terrace, which provided panoramic views, while the restaurants serving wines and flavors from the region are excellent. After a long day of exploring Arequipa, the luxurious relaxation oasis of a heated stone sapphire pool beckons. Wrap up your day, quite literally, with blazing braziers and fluffy alpaca fleeces, as the nights get cold.

Our Verdict!

We loved all of Arequipa’s stays, but the ones below were extra special.

• Best overall: Cirqa – Relais & Châteaux
• Most historic: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
• Most luxurious: Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa
• Best value for money: Casa de Avila Hotel

Where to Stay in Arequipa, Peru?

Despite Arequipa being smaller than Lima, which itself is smaller than so many world capitals, it’s no mean feat choosing a neighborhood to stay in. According to us, the best place to stay is the Historical Center of Arequipa. This entire city center stretches from Parque Selva Alegre all the way across La Barraca, and is all about basilica cathedrals, monasteries, a village-like citadel, stunning white pillar architecture, city buzz, and a fabulous nightlife. Secondly, there are the historic bylanes and sillar (pearly white volcanic rock) courtyards of San Lázaro, which is just north of Centro. This area, despite being close to Centro, is quieter at night and equally photogenic and charming.

Next, there’s Yanahuara, which is famous for its sillar architecture, with the highlight being the white-arched mirador with spectacular views. Meanwhile, Selva Alegre and Vallecito are all about larger, family hotels and leafy streets. Finally, there are Av. Ejército and Cayma, which might have lesser colonial charm but are practical for longer stays with modern comforts near cafés and malls.

How many nights should I spend in Arequipa?

For most visitors, 2-3 nights are enough to explore Arequipa in all its glory without feeling rushed. Are you arriving overnight from the coast? It’s best to book an early check-in with a breakfast add-on that will allow you to rest before you can begin exploring.

Where are the best areas to stay in Arequipa?

Our recommendation is the Historic Center, followed by the quieter Yanahuara close by.

Is it better to stay near the Plaza de Armas in the Historical Center?

Certainly, especially if you’re short on time or are visiting Arequipa for the first time.