Is Arequipa safe?
Calm historic center and one of Peru's more relaxed cities. Petty theft, taxi issues and altitude are the main risks; avoid outer areas at night.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-15.
- Homicide rate in Peru: 8.6 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Peru: 13.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
Safety in Arequipa at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag snatching around the Plaza de Armas and markets, taxi-related theft at night, and occasional robberies in the outer districts. |
| At night | The center is lively until about midnight and feels safe. Use hotel taxis or Uber/inDrive late rather than walking across the river. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women in the center. Catcalling is common; use app taxis at night and book tours with registered operators. |
| Other risks | Altitude sickness at 2,350 m and above on Colca treks; Strong sun and UV; sunburn is quick; Earthquakes and volcanic activity (Misti, Sabancaya) |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Tour sellers offering cut-price Colca or volcano trips with hidden fees
- Fake police or 'tourist officials' asking to check your wallet
- Taxi drivers inflating fares from the bus terminal
Take care
- Streets near the Terrapuerto bus terminals after dark
- Quiet blocks around San Lázaro late at night
- Volcano climbs: weather and altitude shift quickly
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Touching, climbing or removing anything at archaeological sites brings fines or arrest.
- Flying a drone at Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites needs a permit.
- Carry your passport or a copy; police ID checks happen.
How Arequipa compares in Peru
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sacred Valley | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huacachina | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huaraz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Paracas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lima | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cusco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Arequipa | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Máncora | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puno | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Iquitos | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Nazca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Maldonado | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Arequipa safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women in the center. Catcalling is common; use app taxis at night and book tours with registered operators.
Is Arequipa safe at night?
The center is lively until about midnight and feels safe. Use hotel taxis or Uber/inDrive late rather than walking across the river.
What is the crime rate in Arequipa?
Bag snatching around the Plaza de Armas and markets, taxi-related theft at night, and occasional robberies in the outer districts. Nationally, Peru records 8.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2021).
What number do I call in an emergency in Arequipa?
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
More about Arequipa
Going to Arequipa solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- PROMPERÚ (Peru Travel)
- Cruz del Sur
- Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (SERNANP)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.