This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.
Arequipa, The White City of Peru is the gateway to the Colca Canyon, home to three volcanoes and over 50 hostels! Travellers typically spend a few days in this city before they embark on the Colca Canyon trek or move on to Puno or Cusco. Here is our guide to Arequipa hostels, thrashing out the user-friendliness against the facilities and location to help you decide where to stay in Arequipa.
Tip: don’t listen to taxi drivers who tell you that a certain hostel is full, this is a typical South American tourist scam.
» Get the free Peru itinerary – see here
Arequipa Hostels
Party Hostels in Arequipa
There really is no shortage of party hostels in Peru and Arequipa, one comes with a swimming pool! You will see the same names pop up at each stop as these chain hostels are extremely popular with backpackers who are up for a booze.
While the term ‘party hostel’ doesn’t sound appealing to some, do not be put off entirely. We did partake, even as a couple, we just made sure our private room was far from the dance floor. There’s no denying that the atmosphere can be electric in these party hostels so never say never (saying never? Just scroll down for more options).
Wild Rover Arequipa
Atmosphere and attractions, that’s the appeal of the infamous Wild Rover Arequipa.
This is the only hostel in Arequipa with a swimming pool and facilities also include a bar, restaurant serving cheap food with big portions to feed the hangover, three patios, charging electronic lockers for phones etc.
Social events are the big deal here – staff and volunteers arrange fancy dress parties, beer pong, DJs and football games (to play and watch on TV). It’s also super cheap with dorms starting at just under $8.
- Address: Calle Ugarte 111
- Location: 2 blocks from the main square, smack bang in the nightlife
Bothy Hostel
Although more social than party, Bothy Hostel Arequipa gets a great write up from guests who feel especially well looked after by Orlando and Andrea.
Breakfast is basic but the WiFi works (which is a miracle in Peruvian hostels) and the terrace social area gets a thumbs up. Dorms start at just under $8.
- Address: Puente Grau 306
- Cons: Breakfast is basic (this is typical in South America)
Chill Hostels in Arequipa
Just because you don’t want to party doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Peru!
Park Hostel Arequipa boasts of 180-degree views of the stunning volcanoes with access to the hostel rooftop for travellers who want to catch some rays or relax pre/post-Colca Canyon trek. It also has a kitchen and comfortable private rooms and dorms starting at just over $8 (request to pay in Soles when checking in).
- Address: Dean Valdivia 238 A
- Cons: Street noise
Flying Dog Arequipa is another popular chain hostel in Peru. We stayed here and also booked our Colca Canyon 2-day trek through reception.
The dorms are spacious, has lockers and two shower rooms. Breakfast is included, kitchen use available (supermarket called Super is three blocks away) and I really like the suntrap courtyard. Dorms start at just over $7, privates $30 per room.
- Address: Calle Melgar 116
- Cons: Not a party hostel if solo travellers are looking to make friends
Private Rooms in Arequipa
Of course, not every traveller is looking for a pool party and the good news is that there are hostels which are more like guesthouses for couples, groups or solo travellers searching for some downtime. Incredibly the
Las Torres de Ugarte receives 9/10 from over 200 reviews.
Private ensuites can be booked from $50, three and four-bed dorms are available which is ideal for groups. Las Torres de Ugarte offers free buffet breakfast, WiFi, 24/7 front desk and luggage storage. The building also has a courtyard with pet tortoises!
- Address: Ugarte 401 – A, Cercado
- Location: Excellent, behind Santa Catalina Monastery
- Cons: This is not a social hostel, best for couples, families or those travelling in groups
El Patio de Elisa is a little cheaper at $40 for a private ensuite and it also has a bar on their terrace. Reviews state that that staff are helpful, breakfast is incredible and common areas are comfortable.
- Address: Calle Peral 206 Cercado
- Cons: Same as above
Ärequipa Backpackers is quite a usual setup, more apartment than a hostel but reviews are really positive and guests love the calm, the large fully equipped kitchen with washing machine and friendliness of Jose. Private rooms start just under $25 but guests must book for two nights.
- Address: Avenida Arequipa 711 B Alto Selva Alegre
- Cons: 25 mins walk to the centre (or 8-minute bus ride)
Airbnb in Arequipa
There are a quite a few options for Airbnb in Arequipa. Some of the apartments have basic rooms, others have beautiful terraces. Prices starts at $10.
Final Words
From party to peace, this Arequipa accommodation guide has your stay in Peru’s White City covered. Don’t forget to read our guide to the Colca Canyon, my favourite hike in Peru. Are you going to Peru, tell us your plans in the comments below.
Why not hover over and pin to your Peru board?
Any questions? Pop them in the comments below.
» Read next: how to get to Machu Picchu (14 ways)
Hey! Came across your site while looking for PeruHop reviews. Curious if you chose to do any hiking in Colca Canyon? It looks like Arequipa could be interesting enough to explore in itself and I’ve heard mixed reviews of Colca is worth it.. Any recommendations?
100% yes to Colca Canyon. We loved it. Currently doing The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu which has meant can’t get Colca Canyon article up. We just booked through Flying Dog and could’nt fault it. We opted for three day for a more relaxed / less intense walking experience. If you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Also Peru Hop – thumbs up!
Sheesh, you really took a trek to get here, but it looks amazing!! xx
Would go back in a flash!
Hahaha well it might be a slow flash by the sounds of it! xx