Machu Picchu Travel

How to Get to Arequipa

  How to Get to Arequipa

Although Arequipa’s not Peru's top destination, the White City has a lot of things to offer. Arequipa is a must-see destination for its spectacular architecture and stunning surroundings, such as one of the deepest canyons in the world, The Colca Canyon, El  Condor Viewpoint, La Plaza de Armas, and more. We have several options for getting to this beautiful site. You can choose the best vacation experience for your time and money.

Arriving by Plane at Arequipa Airport

Arequipa's Teniente FAP Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport is just 8 kilometers from the city center. This makes it a great choice for flights. Although it is a small airport, it provides daily direct flights to and from Lima and Cusco.

If you intend to go from a different location, you must first pass through Lima, Peru's capital. To get to your final destination, you have to make a pit stop at Jorge Chávez International Airport.

Taking A Bus to Arequipa

Arequipa lies in a unique location in Peru's Andes. The most significant and well-known volcanoes in the area are located in this region, which also has one of Peru's best climates. 

Many people choose to make the trip to this location for all these reasons and beyond. The city is linked to almost every area in the whole country via a wide range of bus transportation options. One of the few recommendations we can give is Cruz del Sur, Civa, or Oltursa because they are the bus companies that offer good service. Now, let's see some examples of which routes are available for you to get to Arequipa by land.

The Pan-American South Highway links almost every country in the Americas. It's one of the most necessary routes to get to Arequipa. It's essential to note that if we decide to go from Lima, the trip to Arequipa is 1020 kilometers long and takes around 16 hours by land transportation.

The highway that connects Arequipa to Cusco is another important route for access. These two towns are 625 kilometers apart, and much like Lima, several different companies provide departures to Arequipa from the Cusco terminal. When choosing whether to buy one of these tickets, keep in mind that the trip from Cusco to Arequipa takes around ten hours.

Arequipa and Puno are divided by 325 kilometers, however this road connects both. Some buses leave the bus station to go to White City, and the trip takes around six hours.

We suggest taking this route in case you go to  Arequipa directly. However, if you're looking to do additional sightseeing while you're there, you can take advantage of a service that allows you to stop at various locations along the path between Puno and Arequipa. This is an excellent opportunity to see some natural and archaeological sites that will enhance your trip.

Lagunillas, Patawasi, and Pampa Cañahuas are a few of them. Get in touch with our staff to find out whether you can include this experience in your travel package.

Taking the Train

 From Cusco, the Andean Explorer train offers a magnificent excursion. Following a brief stop at Lake Titicaca Station, the luxurious Andean Explorer train leaves Cusco's Wanchaq Station and arrives at Arequipa Station. 

This exciting three-day trip offers excellent eating experiences in the dining car. You can relax in luxurious cabins with breathtaking designs and enjoy spa services. Plus, you'll have a chance to take in breathtaking views from the observation car. Each of the stops along the route offers exciting excursions to the most important tourist spots.

If you pick this option, you need to prepare ahead of time as these excursions aren't made every day. However, driving is another option as well. If you would rather relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings, this is one of the less recommended alternatives.

 Renting or bringing your car might not be the best choice for you. You’d better think about it since many providers provide great journeys at affordable prices. Which form of transportation to Arequipa do you prefer now that you know its options?

Our goal at Viagens Machu Picchu is to provide you with the best possible travel experience. Take a look at our trip packages to make the most of your stay in Peru. Let us handle the stress of the plane ride and completely enjoy your trip to Peru. We're waiting for you!