🇵🇪 Arequipa, Peru
Bothy hostel
📍 306, Calle Puente Grau, Arequipa, 054
Your stay — Bothy hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Arequipa.
The Property — Bothy hostel
The Bothy hostel in Arequipa is a laid-back, social hub that feels like a spacious, modern lodge. Its open-plan lounge and communal kitchen foster a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers and small groups. The interior design blends minimalist chic with local textiles, creating a unique and welcoming feel. This hostel is ideal for adventure-seekers and backpackers looking for a comfortable base to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Chronicles of Arequipa
Arequipa, the 'White City', was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistador García Manuel de Carbajal. The city's unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture is evident in its stunning Plaza de Armas and the majestic Cathedral of Arequipa. Arequipa's modern identity is shaped by its students, who make up a significant proportion of the population, and its thriving cultural scene. The city's nickname 'Ciudad Blanca' is due to the use of sillar white volcanic rock in its buildings. Arequipa is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modernity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Arequipa guide →Best months
The best time to visit Arequipa is during the Southern Hemisphere's spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and sunny, with average high temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C. During these periods, the city's famous festivals, such as the Fiesta de la Vendimia (grape harvest festival), take place, attracting visitors and locals alike.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak month in Arequipa, as it coincides with the winter school holidays in Australia, attracting a large number of families and students on summer break. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, especially in mid-June, when the Fiestas de la Virgen de Chapi take place. The hotel prices may rise by up to 20-30% in peak season.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Arequipa is from April to May and September to November. During this time, you can find discounts on hotel prices, and the weather is still pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Weather & packing
Arequipa's dry climate means that sun protection is essential, even during the winter months. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF and consider bringing a lightweight rain jacket, as sudden rain showers can occur during the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Arequipa
- The new Arequipa Cable Car system has been operational since 2020, offering a convenient and panoramic view of the city.
- The Museo de Arte Precolombino (Museum of Pre-Columbian Art) has reopened its new wing, featuring an impressive collection of ancient textiles and ceramics.
- The city's main bus station, the Terminal Terrestre, is currently undergoing renovations, which may affect bus schedules and routes. Visitors are advised to check with the hotel or a local tourist information centre for the latest updates.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Bothy hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on Calle Puente Grau is close to a busy street. Although the hotel has a lift, the floors are concrete, which may help reduce noise from footsteps. For an even quieter experience, opt for a room at the back of the hotel, away from the street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it may be used by staff and guests during late hours, potentially causing disturbance. Also, rooms close to the lift might experience more noise from frequent use.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address does not provide any notable views of the surrounding area, given its location in a busy city street.
Quietest floors
The 4th and 5th floors are likely to be the quietest, given their higher elevation and distance from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise from Calle Puente Grau, which is a major street in Arequipa. The hotel's concrete floors may help reduce footstep noise, but you may still hear some traffic and pedestrian activity.
Insider tips
Consider arriving early to secure parking, as spaces may fill up quickly in this area. Ask the staff about any available rooms with a window that offers some natural light, as some rooms may be smaller or have limited natural light due to the hotel's layout.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Bothy hostel
free, 1 Gbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) through the hostel's app
14:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00 with fee S/. 20
available for a fee of S/. 10 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have limited mobility access
on-site parking available for a fee of S/. 20 per night; nearest public car park is 'Parking Central' (S/. 15 per day), with EV charging available at 'Parking Arequipa' (S/. 25 per day)
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/. 2.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: S/. 100 advance deposit, S/. 500 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia San Juan Bautista de Yanahuara (341 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Cayma (787 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: Iglesia Católica de San Juan de Dios (997 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia La Recoleta (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Cayma — 668 m · ~8 min walk
Plaza de Yanahuara — 164 m · ~2 min walk
Museo vivencial del Pisco — 370 m · ~5 min walk
Teatro Komensky — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Icombat Perú — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Interbank — 355 m · ~4 min walk
Farmacia Magistral — 620 m · ~8 min walk
El Rosario — 594 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol (PEN)
You can exchange currency at the airport, but rates may not be the best; try a local cambio in the city for a slightly better rate. Be cautious of unofficial exchange services as they may charge high fees.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels, but contactless payments are less common; mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay may not be accepted. ATMs are easily found in major areas.
Tipping in Peru is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service; 5-10 PEN (1-2 USD) for taxi drivers, 10-20 PEN (2-4 USD) for restaurant staff, and 10 PEN (2 USD) per bag for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found for around 2-3 PEN (0.50-0.75 USD) from local street vendors or markets.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a bowl of soup or a sandwich from a local market for around 10-15 PEN (2.50-3.75 USD).
A affordable dinner option is a plate of grilled meat or seafood from a local restaurant for around 30-40 PEN (7.50-10 USD).
The Mercado Central and surrounding streets offer a variety of cheap-eats options, including street food stalls and small restaurants.
Local supermarkets like Wong and Tottus have multiple locations in the area, offering a range of affordable products.
You can find affordable high-street and market shopping options in the main shopping streets of Arequipa, such as Calle Jerusalén and Calle Umacollo.
A day pass for public transportation costs 3 PEN (0.75 USD) and can be purchased at local kiosks or from the driver. From the airport, a taxi ride costs around 20-30 PEN (5-7.50 USD).
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices are inflated; opt for local eateries or street food instead.Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to save money on taxis.Shop at local markets or street vendors for affordable shopping options.
Good to know — Arequipa
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Arequipa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Bothy hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Interbank — 355 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Magistral — 620 m · ~8 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Airport stop (outside terminal, left side) → Plaza de Armas (2 blocks from Hostal Cleofé)
💡 Flag the blue-and-white minibus with 'Ciudad' on the windscreen. It runs along Avenida Ejército then down to the plaza. Ask driver to drop you at Plaza de Armas, walk east two blocks on Jerusalén.
Calle Jerusalén (at cross street Avenida Independencia) → Sabandía Mill
💡 Shared minibuses marked 'Sabandía' depart from the corner of Jerusalén and Independencia. They're cramped but cheap. Exact change required; pay as you board.
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport → Hostal Cleofé (Calle Jerusalén)
💡 Use the official taxi stand just outside arrivals. Unofficial drivers outside the fence often overcharge by triple. Pay in soles, not dollars.
Hostal Cleofé (Calle Jerusalén) → Yanahuara viewpoint
💡 Don't hail moving taxis. Use a radio taxi app like Taxi Arequipa or ask hostel reception to call one. Negotiate fare before getting in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Bothy hostel?
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on Calle Puente Grau is close to a busy street. Although the hotel has a lift, the floors are concrete, which may help reduce noise from footsteps. For an even quieter experience, opt for a room at the back of the hotel, away from the street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Bothy hostel?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it may be used by staff and guests during late hours, potentially causing disturbance. Also, rooms close to the lift might experience more noise from frequent use.
Is Bothy hostel noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise from Calle Puente Grau, which is a major street in Arequipa. The hotel's concrete floors may help reduce footstep noise, but you may still hear some traffic and pedestrian activity.
Which rooms have the best views at Bothy hostel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address does not provide any notable views of the surrounding area, given its location in a busy city street.
What are insider tips for staying at Bothy hostel?
Consider arriving early to secure parking, as spaces may fill up quickly in this area. Ask the staff about any available rooms with a window that offers some natural light, as some rooms may be smaller or have limited natural light due to the hotel's layout.
What time is check-in at Bothy hostel?
Check-in at Bothy hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Bothy hostel have Wi-Fi?
free, 1 Gbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Bothy hostel?
S/. 2.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Bothy hostel?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a bowl of soup or a sandwich from a local market for around 10-15 PEN (2.50-3.75 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Bothy hostel?
A day pass for public transportation costs 3 PEN (0.75 USD) and can be purchased at local kiosks or from the driver. From the airport, a taxi ride costs around 20-30 PEN (5-7.50 USD).
When is the best time to visit Arequipa?
The best time to visit Arequipa is during the Southern Hemisphere's spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and sunny, with average high temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C. During these periods, the city's famous festivals, such as the Fiesta de la Vendimia (grape harvest festival), take place, attracting visitors and locals alike.
Top Attractions in Arequipa
💡 Avoid midday sun—there’s little shade. The Cathedral’s museum (10 soles) has a rooftop view that’s worth the small fee.
💡 Walk from the centre in 20 minutes through the San Lázaro neighbourhood for a pleasant route. Bring a jacket—it’s windy and cool up here.
💡 The rooftop is the main draw—head straight up if you just want the view. The museum takes 20 minutes max.
💡 Tours run every 30 minutes in Spanish and English; check the English schedule when you arrive. No photography inside the mummy room.
💡 Go early (just after 9am opening) to avoid crowds and get quiet photos. The café inside is overpriced—bring water.