🇵🇪 Arequipa, Peru
Friendly AQP
📍 418, Consuelo, Arequipa, 04001
Your stay — Friendly AQP
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 — Friendly AQP
The Friendly AQP is a no-frills, family-run hotel in the heart of Arequipa's historic centre, offering a warm welcome to budget-conscious travellers. The lobby's rustic, colonial-style decor sets the tone for a homely stay, complete with antique furniture and vibrant textiles. The hotel's USP is its unbeatable location, within walking distance to the Plaza de Armas and the majestic Cathedral of Arequipa. It's an ideal choice for backpackers and solo travellers seeking a authentic Peruvian experience without breaking the bank.
Chronicles of Arequipa
Arequipa, founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistador Garcí Manrique de Lara, is a city of rich cultural heritage, reflecting its indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. The city's architecture is a blend of colonial and modern styles, with the iconic Plaza de Armas serving as a testament to its history. The city's famous White City nickname owes to its unique volcanic rock architecture, which gives buildings a distinctive white hue. Arequipa is a hub for gastronomy, with its traditional cuisine featuring dishes like rocoto relleno and papas a la Huancaina. The city's vibrant cultural scene is characterized by its traditional festivals and events, such as the Fiestas de la Vendimia in August.
Best Time to Visit
Full Arequipa guide →Best months
September and October are the best months to visit Arequipa, with mild temperatures (10-20°C) and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic centre and surrounding natural wonders.
Peak / festival surge
January is the peak tourist month in Arequipa, driven by the Fiestas de la Vendimia, which attract thousands of visitors. Expect higher prices for accommodation and increased crowds, but the festivities offer a unique cultural experience.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with discounts on accommodation and lower prices for tourist attractions. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C, and the city is less crowded than during peak season.
Weather & packing
Arequipa's climate is known for its sudden changes in temperature, so pack layers for your stay, and don't forget a waterproof jacket or umbrella for the occasional rain shower. Bring warm clothing for the cooler mornings and evenings, especially during the shoulder season.
Live City Briefing — Arequipa
- The city's new cable car system, which connects the historic centre to the upper districts, is now fully operational, offering a convenient and scenic way to explore the city.
- Arequipa's newest museum, the Museo de Arte Precolombino, has opened its doors to the public, showcasing an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.
- The city is currently upgrading its public transportation system, with new bus routes and improved infrastructure expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Friendly AQP, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd floor or above) as they are likely to be farther from the Consuelo street, which is a busy commercial area. This should minimize street noise. Additionally, the hotel has 3 floors with a lift, so you can be sure to get a room on a higher floor without worrying about stairs.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, which is likely located on the ground floor. This may lead to noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Consuelo street does not offer a clear view of any notable landmarks, so the view from any room will likely be of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 are likely to be relatively quiet, as they are not directly adjacent to the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that Consuelo street is a busy commercial area, so expect some street noise, especially during the day.
Insider tips
1. If you're arriving by car, be aware that parking around the hotel can be limited. You may need to park in a nearby lot and walk to the hotel. 2. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, but the staff may not always speak fluent English. It's a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases to help with communication.
- 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 — Friendly AQP
free Wi-Fi throughout with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
serves all floors; some rooms have stairs-only access due to historic building layout
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices
14:00-22:00; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 15:00 for S/ 50
available for a fee of S/ 10 per bag, per 24 hours
step-free access; wheelchair entries at main entrance and side entrance; some rooms have adapted bathrooms
on-site parking available for S/ 20 per night; nearest public car park is at Plaza de Armas for S/ 15 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 10 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 100% payment at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: San Francisco (213 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Basílica Catedral de Arequipa (281 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: San Agustín (448 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: El Aposento Alto (488 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial Panorámico — 455 m · ~6 min walk
San Francisco — 214 m · ~3 min walk
Palacio Arzobispal — 171 m · ~2 min walk
Teatro Umbral — 124 m · ~2 min walk
Icombat Perú — 412 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Multired — 383 m · ~5 min walk
Mifarma — 144 m · ~2 min walk
El Super — 504 m · ~6 min walk
Estación de buses La Joya — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Use bank ATMs in the city centre for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaus at the airport or tourist areas as they give poor rates.
Major cards widely accepted in supermarkets, mid-range restaurants and hotels; small shops and market stalls usually cash-only.
Restaurants: 10% if service is good, no expectation for street food or taxis; hotel porters: 1–2 soles per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small black coffee from a local café or bakery: around 3–5 soles.
Menú del día (set lunch with soup, main and drink) at a bodega or small eatery: roughly 10–15 soles.
A main dish at a modest local restaurant: around 15–20 soles.
The Mercado San Camilo area and surrounding streets are packed with stalls selling anticuchos, salteñas and fresh juice for 3–8 soles.
Plaza Vea, Metro and Tottus are common budget supermarkets in the area.
The Polvos Azules market and the Calle Mercaderes pedestrian streets have affordable clothing, shoes and textiles.
City buses cost about 1.50 soles per ride; from the airport, take the local bus (route around 2 soles) into town rather than a taxi.
Eat at menú del día places for lunch rather than dinner. Drink tap water only if boiled or filtered – buy bottled water from supermarkets. Take buses instead of taxis during the day.
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 Friendly AQP
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Multired — 383 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Mifarma — 144 m · ~2 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 Friendly AQP?
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd floor or above) as they are likely to be farther from the Consuelo street, which is a busy commercial area. This should minimize street noise. Additionally, the hotel has 3 floors with a lift, so you can be sure to get a room on a higher floor without worrying about stairs.
Which rooms should I avoid at Friendly AQP?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, which is likely located on the ground floor. This may lead to noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Friendly AQP noisy?
Be aware that Consuelo street is a busy commercial area, so expect some street noise, especially during the day.
Which rooms have the best views at Friendly AQP?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Consuelo street does not offer a clear view of any notable landmarks, so the view from any room will likely be of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Friendly AQP?
1. If you're arriving by car, be aware that parking around the hotel can be limited. You may need to park in a nearby lot and walk to the hotel. 2. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, but the staff may not always speak fluent English. It's a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases to help with communication.
What time is check-in at Friendly AQP?
Check-in at Friendly AQP is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Friendly AQP have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi throughout with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Friendly AQP?
S/ 10 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Friendly AQP?
Menú del día (set lunch with soup, main and drink) at a bodega or small eatery: roughly 10–15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Friendly AQP?
City buses cost about 1.50 soles per ride; from the airport, take the local bus (route around 2 soles) into town rather than a taxi.
When is the best time to visit Arequipa?
September and October are the best months to visit Arequipa, with mild temperatures (10-20°C) and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic centre and surrounding natural wonders.
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.