City, Peru

Getting around Arequipa

Updated October 2026Sources

UberBest app

How to get around Arequipa

The historic center is walkable. Taxis and apps cover the rest; buses run to Colca Canyon, Cusco and Puno from Terrapuerto.

Ways to get around Arequipa

Walkable center

Option	Fare	Good to know
Taxi / app	About 6–12 PEN in the center	Agree the price first or use Uber / inDrive
Combis	About 1–2 PEN	Cheap but crowded and confusing for visitors
Bus to Colca Canyon	About 15–30 PEN	Departs from Terminal Terrestre or tour vans; about 3–4 h to Chivay
Long-distance bus	About 40–90 PEN to Cusco or Puno	Cruz del Sur, Cial and Civa; 6–10 h

Ride-hailing apps in Arequipa

A 5 km ride costs about S/6–12 ($1.7–3.5).

App	Notes
Uber	Works well in the center and airport
inDrive	Negotiated fares; often cheapest

Street taxis are cheap but agree the fare first. Apps are safer at night, and hotels can call a trusted driver.

Arriving in Arequipa

Rodríguez Ballón (AQP)

Taxi to the center about 20–35 PEN, 15–25 min; Uber/inDrive often cheaper. Flights from Lima take about 1.5 hours.

Driving and onward travel

Driving: on the right. Tourists can drive with a home licence plus an IDP for a limited period; driving in Lima is chaotic.
Onward travel in Peru: Premium overnight buses (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa) link the coast and Andes; flying Lima–Cusco saves a long day. Trains run only to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

Quick answers

Is there Uber in Arequipa?

Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, inDrive.

What's the best way to get around Arequipa?

The historic center is walkable. Taxis and apps cover the rest; buses run to Colca Canyon, Cusco and Puno from Terrapuerto.

How do I get from the airport to Arequipa?

Taxi to the center about 20–35 PEN, 15–25 min; Uber/inDrive often cheaper. Flights from Lima take about 1.5 hours.

Is Arequipa walkable?

Walkable center.

More about Arequipa

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Sources

Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.