Lima to Arequipa in brief:
- Best and most comfortable option: Plane
- Public buses are a good option, but some are unreliable and uncomfortable.
- Distance from Lima to Arequipa: 1,015 km – approximately 16 hours of travel
Lima to Arequipa by Bus
Traveling from Lima to Arequipa by bus can be very easy if you choose a reliable company. Unfortunately, there are many public bus companies with poor reputations for safety and reliability. When researching bus companies to travel with, you will come across two options: public buses (Cruz del Sur and others) or hop-on hop-off buses (Peru Hop). Hop-on hop-off buses offer a pick-up and drop-off service to and from your hotel door, which adds considerably to the safety and peace of mind of this type of travel. A direct bus trip to Arequipa usually takes between 16 and 18 hours, so it is best to break it up into parts and with stops along the route, using a hop-on hop-off service.
Public Buses
As you probably already know, there are several public buses in Peru with different levels of quality. While this is not a bad option, it can be stressful for some people, and the long journey without stops can be tiring. Since there is no central bus terminal, you will have to find a taxi from each company's terminals (which are usually far from tourist spots) to your accommodation, which will increase the cost of the trip.
If you opt for a public bus, it is important to check the company's safety. Google "assaults" or "accidents" along with the name of the bus company. The results should give a clear indication of the safety precautions taken by the company.
If you travel by public bus, it is recommended to keep an eye on your personal belongings and watch out for stops. The best options are Cruz del Sur and Civa. Both have years of service and, although they are a little more expensive, they offer greater reliability.
We recommend checking what customers have said on their Tripadvisor pages.
- Cruz del Sur
- Civa
This option is preferred by Peruvian residents, do not expect to meet people from other countries on these buses.
Flights from Lima to Arequipa
We recommend this option for those who are short on time. Flights from Lima to Arequipa last 1 hour and 30 minutes and leave every day. The most reliable airline is LATAM Airlines. The disadvantage of flying is missing out on the incredible destinations that can be visited along the way when traveling by bus.
Discover the best tourist places in Arequipa
If what you want is to change the routine of the city and breathe a little nature, Arequipa is what you need. The countryside awaits you, so you can appreciate the modern city from its exteriors - where traditions and ancient locations are still preserved - surrounded by beautiful landscapes full of green. At the Yanahuara, Sachaca or Carmen Alto viewpoints, you can appreciate the fabulous scenery that Arequipa offers you.
Pure adrenaline
If you want a little more adventure, you can go trekking, mountaineering, canoeing or mountain biking in the Colca Valley. The final destination will always be the majestic Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, which welcomes tourists eager to appreciate the king of the skies of the Peruvian Andes: the majestic condor.
In the historic center, you can travel back in time with the more than 500 European-Andean colonial mansions that make up the city, which is also adorned by vaults and white arches made of ashlar.
Delicious gastronomy
Are you a lover of seafood and crustaceans? You should not miss out on trying a delicious Chupe de Camarones, a soup that concentrates the flavors of the town with Western ingredients. Still, there are countless alternatives to satisfy your food cravings.
For example, the Ocopa arequipeña, an emblematic dish of the city, is usually served as a starter. Because of its ductile and pleasant flavor, it can be combined with any other main dish. Another starter that is usually required in Arequipa is the solterito de queso, which is a kind of fresh and light salad where beans, corn, onion, cheese, tomato and chopped olives are combined.
But if you want to try the emblematic dishes of the city, you should not miss trying, essentially, three options: Adobo arequipeño, Pastel de papa con rocoto relleno and Cuy frito (also known as Chactado). Any of the dishes mentioned will leave you completely satisfied, as they are hearty and usually served in generous portions.
Other attractions
To complement the adventure, the light walk and after having a satisfied stomach, Arequipa also has sectors to stimulate your intellect and hunger for knowledge. These are architectural and archaeological sanctuaries of the city, as mystical as they are ancient: the Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto. If you are looking for something more related to rock art, the best thing to do is to visit the Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, where you will find engravings of zoomorphic, anthropomorphic and geometric figures that date from the years 500 and 1300.
Without a doubt, Arequipa has a series of activities and locations that attract the attention of any adventurer. And you, have you already convinced yourself to visit it?
