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Arequipa

Solo female travel in Arequipa

Situated in the spectacular highlands of southern Peru, Arequipa, fondly referred to as the "White City", is a stunning blend of colonial and indigenous cultures. Known for its unique architecture featuring buildings constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone, this UNESCO World Heritage site provides unparalleled views of the towering snow-capped volcanoes. With attractions like the awe-inspiring 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery, the captivating Andean Sanctuary Museum which houses the famous Ice Maiden "Juanita", and succulent local cuisine dominated by spicy dishes and traditional picanterías, Arequipa leaves no stone unturned in proving itself as a remarkable destination for culture, history, and gastronomy enthusiasts.

Travel rating

3.9 /5

Based on our research

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Is Arequipa good for solo travel?

Safety:Safe

Arequipa is generally safe for tourists with a lower crime rate than other major cities in Peru. However, as a solo female traveler, you should take some precautions - always maintain awareness of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure. Petty thefts can occur, especially in crowded places, so always keep an eye on your luggage and personal items. Try to stay in well-traveled areas, dress modestly, and carry a local map or GPS to help navigate through the city. Local people are usually friendly and more than willing to give directions or advice.

Transport:Easy

Arequipa is navigable for the solo traveler. Streets are generally laid out in an easy-to-understand grid pattern and the city center isn't overly large to walk around. However, while the city itself isn't overly sprawling, some main attractions may require a taxi or bus ride. English is not widely spoken among locals so it's helpful to have basic knowledge of Spanish or a translation app.

Things to do:Interesting

Arequipa, wonderful Peru's 'White City', is incredibly diverse with a lot of activities to offer. From exploring the city's stunning architecture, including a rich collection of colonial-era churches and casonas surrounded by beautiful gardens, to experiencing its vibrant gastronomy scene, you will never run out of things to do. For more adventurous souls, Arequipa opens the gateway to trekking in the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, and the Misti volcano offers a challenging but rewarding climb. Overall, it's culturally rich, friendly, and full of adventure for solo female travelers.

Food:Above average

Arequipa offers a very diverse range of food options. Local specialties include dishes made from llama, traditional Peruvian recipes like rocoto relleno (stuffed hot peppers), and fresh seafood from the nearby coast. Arequipa is also known for their dairy so don't miss to try the local cheeses and ice creams. Regional flavors are robust with a blend of Spanish and local Quechua influences. The alpaca steak is a particularly unique treat. Street food is common and provides a chance to try small snacks and sweets, while the local market is a delight for food explorers. However, as a precaution, always ensure the street food stalls and markets have high hygiene standards.

Budget:Affordable

Arequipa is a great budget-friendly destination. Housing, dining, and transportation are quite affordable, accompanied by the cost-effective local markets and street food stalls. Of course, prices may vary if you opt for more luxurious services and experiences, but for the most part, the city caters to budget-conscious travelers very well.

Is Arequipa worth visiting?

Maria

Netherlands

Group travel experience

About my short but wonderful stay!: I went for an academic conference so my main focus wasn’t to explore, but the time I found to do so was worth it! I stayed with my friends at an Airbnb from which you could see the volcanos! The place was very safe and cheap (3 beds-2baths for 3 people). I reserved a full day to go to the Colca Valley and a couple pit stops on the way to thermal waters and a couple restaurants (breakfast and lunch). The full day tour costed around 50 soles (less than 20 USD). The tour agency picked me up close to my Airbnb and left me at the city center at the end - (Important: Booking a tour online can be more expensive. I booked it once I arrived at the city center, there are different offices that offer tours, and it’s always better to go with a local) (Also important: Be VERY specific with your request and remark that you’d like them to pick you up at your hotel/Airbnb. Might cost a little bit more but it’s the best option. I had a bit of an issue with this but I had help from someone from the vecinity. If you are solo-traveling it can be quite confusing and dangerous since this tours start very early, around 4-5 am). As we didn’t have much time to explore we had pizza every night 😂. We went to Piccola pizzeria, it wasn’t very expensive and the flavors were good! For breakfast and lunch we normally had sandwiches, we would buy avocados and fresh bread in the morning. There are nearby stores in most areas. Taxis are also pretty cheap. I know this might be a very disorganized review, but stay with this thought: I went to Colca Valley more than a year ago and to this day I still often remember watching the Condors flying up and down the Valley. For a second they make you forge everything around you and you get to feel just as free as them, cutting the air with their wings. It’s an experience that I recommend a lot. And even if you only get to go to the city, it’s wonderful to be so close to the volcanos! You can totally feel the energy. If you are able to go or have any questions feel free to reach me by ig! mfgcc_

Posted: January 6, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Kathy

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Hey, I'm Kathy and I'm interested in animals, art, backpacking, books, cinema, culture, dancing, events & social, food & cuisine, fashion, languages, live music, nightlife, photography, science, shopping, sightseeing, solo travel, nature and health

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Marión

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Hi! My name is Marion and i love to travel, make friends, animals, dancing, reading and swimming. I'm a child psychologist and going on my first solo trip to Europe this August ( for my bday!) YOU can text me for whatever you need and u can stay in my house up to 5 days!❤️

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Stay with local women in Arequipa who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

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Arequipa