Why choose a hostel in Arequipa?
Arequipa is one of South America's most striking colonial cities, built largely from white volcanic sillar stone that gives it a character unlike anywhere else. The historic Plaza de Armas anchors the city centre, and the Santa Catalina Monastery covers an entire city block with centuries-old cloisters and passageways. For travellers on longer South American routes, keeping costs down without sacrificing comfort matters. Hostels in Arequipa make that possible.
Hostels here suit solo travellers, backpackers, and budget-conscious pairs who want more than just a place to sleep. Shared dorms keep nightly costs well below hotels and private rentals, while private rooms give you your own space at a similar saving. Most hostels also offer common areas, local trip advice, and a social atmosphere that hotels rarely match and private rentals almost never provide.
How to find the best hostel deals in Arequipa
Our search engine is a pro at finding flight deals. The good news? It's every bit as talented at sniffing out amazing rates on hostels. Spend less on your stay with these tips.
Book in advance
Book ahead to give yourself the best chance of finding the perfect hostel at a price that works for you. This is even more important during peak travel periods like school holidays and major celebrations.
…or bag a last-minute Arequipa hostel deal.
Things are often more expensive closer to your stay. But in low season, late deals can still pop up when hostels have vacant rooms to fill.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap hostels can be easier to find when you're flexible with your dates. Play around with different months or seasons, or go during the week instead of weekends to save on your trip.
Where to base yourself in Arequipa
The Centro Histórico is where many of the best hostels in Arequipa are worth your attention, and it puts you within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Monastery. The white volcanic stone buildings give the area its character. Restaurants around the plaza serve local dishes like rocoto relleno at prices that won't stretch your budget. Most of what you'll want to explore on foot is close by.
The San Lázaro neighbourhood sits just north of the centre and is one of the oldest parts of the city. Cobblestone streets and small cafes make it a quieter place to stay. You're still close enough to walk to the main square and the covered market at San Camilo. It suits travellers who want a calmer pace without sacrificing easy access to the rest of the city.
Best hostels in Arequipa
Hostels on Skyscanner include ratings from travellers based on real guest reviews. They typically cover key factors like cleanliness, location, service, facilities, and value for money. It makes it easier to discover a great stay for your trip, whether you're on a tight budget or looking for something more comfortable.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that checks every box, you can't go wrong with Hostel Fuentes. It gets excellent reviews for its cleanliness, location and service.
Way Kap Hostel Arequipa is well worth a mention too. It earns solid guest ratings for its location, value and rooms.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
Hostel Fuentes is big on the little things. Guests rate this accommodation option among the best in the city for cleanliness. You'll find handy extras like a games room and luggage storage.
Maison Verte - Guest House keeps things just as tidy, with guests giving it strong cleanliness ratings. Here you'll have access to tour services, luggage storage and more.
Hostels with the best customer service
Expect a warm welcome at Hostel Fuentes. This hostel in Arequipa rates highly for its customer service and comes with bicycle rentals and a laundry.
Travellers also have good things to say about the customer service at Maison Verte - Guest House in their reviews. A restaurant and tour services are some amenities here.
Centrally located hostels
A handy location is a big part of the appeal at Hostel Fuentes. With tour services, a games room and much more, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your stay.
Or check out Way Kap Hostel Arequipa. This well-located stay features a laundry and an airport shuttle.
Hostels near the best attractions in Arequipa
Where to stay near Historical Centre of Arequipa
Arequipa's Historical Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built almost entirely from sillar, a white volcanic stone that gives the city its nickname, "La Ciudad Blanca." It covers a compact area of colonial-era plazas, churches, and monasteries, with the Plaza de Armas and the vast Santa Catalina Monastery among its most significant landmarks. Travellers searching for hostels near Historical Centre of Arequipa are basing themselves beside centuries of preserved architecture.
Check out Hostel Fuentes if you want a base near Historical Centre of Arequipa. This hostel in Arequipa makes a good impression with luggage storage, a laundry and more.
You'll also be well placed for exploring this attraction from Hostal Lirium. You'll find amenities such as Wi-Fi and a lounge here.
Hostels close to Plaza de Armas Arequipa
Plaza de Armas is the social and cultural pulse of Arequipa, drawing travellers who want to take in the city's famous white volcanic stone architecture up close. You'll find street performers, local vendors, and a constant flow of city life worth settling into over a coffee. Staying at hostels near Plaza de Armas Arequipa means you're never far from the cathedral, the artisan markets, or the energy that makes this square worth your time.
Hostel Fuentes puts you in a great spot for exploring Plaza de Armas Arequipa. You'll find a safe deposit box and a 24-hour front desk at this hostel in Arequipa.
Another great find within easy reach of this attraction is Hostal Lirium. This hostel comes with amenities like Wi-Fi and a lounge.
Malecón Bolognesi hostels
The area around hostels near Malecón Bolognesi offers a relaxed side of Arequipa that rewards slow exploration. You'll find local restaurants serving traditional Arequipeño dishes, small cafes, and independent shops within easy reach. The Chili River corridor gives the neighbourhood a calmer feel, and you're well-placed to wander toward the historic centre, where colonial sillar architecture, markets, and cultural sites are all within reach on foot.
From tour services to Wi-Fi and more, Hostel Fuentes has loads to offer. Book this hostel in Arequipa and you're well set up for a visit to this attraction.
Staying close to this popular sight is just as easy at Hostal Lirium. There are amenities like a lounge and Wi-Fi here.
