Your stay — MB Backpackers
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 — MB Backpackers
MB Backpackers is a laid-back, no-frills hostel in a restored colonial building in the historic centre of Arequipa. Its industrial-chic decor, exposed brick walls, and murals give it a fun, artistic vibe. This is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for a simple, clean, and social place to stay – it's easy to strike up conversations with fellow guests in the communal lounge. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the location is perfect for exploring Arequipa's vibrant city centre.
Chronicles of Arequipa
Arequipa, the 'White City', was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadors, who named it after the nearby river. The city's unique blend of Spanish and indigenous cultures is reflected in its stunning colonial architecture, which includes the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery and the Plaza de Armas. Arequipa's rich history is palpable, from the ancient Wari and Inca ruins to the Republican-era architecture. The city is also known for its traditional cuisine, which showcases the local ingredients and spices of the region. Today, Arequipa is a thriving cultural hub, with a lively arts scene and a strong sense of community.
Best Time to Visit
Full Arequipa guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months to visit Arequipa, with mild temperatures and low humidity, making it perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside. The weather is usually sunny, with average highs of 17°C (63°F), and the crowds are smaller than during the peak season.
Peak / festival surge
January is the busiest month in Arequipa, as it coincides with the Fiesta de la Vendimia, a vibrant wine harvest festival that attracts thousands of visitors. Expect higher prices for accommodation and flights, and be prepared for larger crowds in the city's historic centre. The festival takes place in late January, and it's a great time to experience the city's energy and hospitality.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months to visit Arequipa, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. You can expect to find discounts on accommodation and tours, and the weather is usually mild and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Weather & packing
Arequipa's climate is known for its sudden temperature drops, so pack layers for your stay, including a warm sweater for chilly evenings. Also, don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Andean sun during the day.
Live City Briefing — Arequipa
- The Arequipa cable car system has been expanded to include a new line connecting the city centre to the nearby Mirador de Carmen Alto, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes.
- The Museo de Arte Precolombino in Arequipa has reopened after a major renovation, showcasing an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and art.
- The city's historic centre is currently undergoing a major restoration project, which includes the restoration of the iconic Plaza de Armas and the surrounding colonial buildings. Visitors can expect some road closures and disruptions, but the end result will be well worth it – the city will be more beautiful than ever.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to MB Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located on a relatively busy street and the lower floors may experience more noise from the Mercaderes street traffic. Additionally, rooms on the upper floors are likely to have a more consistent temperature and better ventilation due to the hotel's design.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance (likely on the 1st floor) as they may be subject to more noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Mercaderes doesn't offer a scenic view. You can expect a view of the surrounding buildings or the street.
Quietest floors
The 3rd and 4th floors are likely the quietest, given the hotel's layout and the potential for more noise on the lower floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise, especially on the lower floors, as Mercaderes is a relatively busy street in Arequipa.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's location by asking for a room with a window on the side or back, which may offer a bit more natural light and a slightly better view. If you're planning to explore Arequipa, consider asking the hotel staff for recommendations on local restaurants and attractions, as they may have insider knowledge to share.
- 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 — MB Backpackers
free, 20 Mbps speed, no login constraints, 1 GB daily data limit
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary access to PressReader and The Financial Times, plus a selection of local newspapers
14:00, early bag-drop available, late check-out until 12:00 on weekdays (S/ 20, approximately USD $5), until 10:00 on weekends, and additional hours (S/ 10, approximately USD $2.50) for every hour thereafter
available 24/7, free of charge
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have structural limitations such as low ceilings or narrow doorways
on-site parking available (S/ 20, approximately USD $5) per night, nearest public car park is Parque Mirador (S/ 30, approximately USD $7.50) per day, and there is no EV charging on site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 10 per night (approximately USD $2.50) for all guests
Deposit & card hold: S/ 200 (approximately USD $50) advance deposit and an incidental card hold of S/ 200 (approximately USD $50) 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
You can change money at the many casas de cambio (currency exchange houses) along Calle Ugarte or at the airport, but be aware that rates are often less favorable than in the city centre. Avoid changing money at the airport, as the rates are generally poor.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the area, especially in larger restaurants and shops. Contactless payments are also common, but it's still a good idea to have some cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For restaurants, 5-10 Soles should be enough, while taxi drivers can be tipped around 5-10 Soles for a short trip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a typical cheap coffee for around 5-7 Soles at a local café or street vendor.
A cheap lunch option is a traditional Peruvian sandwich, known as a 'chifa', which costs around 20-25 Soles.
You can get a filling and affordable dinner at a local restaurant for around 30-40 Soles, with options like 'parrilladas' or 'ceviche'.
Street food is common in the area, with vendors selling traditional snacks like 'papa a la Huancaina' or 'anticuchos' for around 5-10 Soles.
The local supermarket chain, Metro, has a branch near the corner of Mercaderes and Ugarte, offering affordable prices on staples.
For affordable high-street shopping, head to the Mercado San Camilo, where you can find a range of clothing and accessories for around 20-50 Soles.
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a taxi or mototaxi for around 5-10 Soles, or by using the local bus network for 1-2 Soles. From the airport, take the bus (line 48 or 49) for around 1 Sole.
1. Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead. 2. Try to avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as the rates are generally poor. 3. Use public transport, such as buses or mototaxis, to get around the city.
Good to know — Arequipa
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.39 · 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 MB Backpackers
🕒 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.
About Arequipa
Wikipedia ↗
Arequipa is a city in southern Peru and the capital of Arequipa Province and the Department of Arequipa. With a projected population of 1,195,700 in 2025, it is the country's second most populous city after Lima. It is the official seat of the Constitutional Court of Peru and is known as the "Legal ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at MB Backpackers?
Request rooms on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located on a relatively busy street and the lower floors may experience more noise from the Mercaderes street traffic. Additionally, rooms on the upper floors are likely to have a more consistent temperature and better ventilation due to the hotel's design.
Which rooms should I avoid at MB Backpackers?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance (likely on the 1st floor) as they may be subject to more noise from staff and deliveries.
Is MB Backpackers noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise, especially on the lower floors, as Mercaderes is a relatively busy street in Arequipa.
Which rooms have the best views at MB Backpackers?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Mercaderes doesn't offer a scenic view. You can expect a view of the surrounding buildings or the street.
What are insider tips for staying at MB Backpackers?
Take advantage of the hotel's location by asking for a room with a window on the side or back, which may offer a bit more natural light and a slightly better view. If you're planning to explore Arequipa, consider asking the hotel staff for recommendations on local restaurants and attractions, as they may have insider knowledge to share.
What time is check-in at MB Backpackers?
Check-in at MB Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does MB Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
free, 20 Mbps speed, no login constraints, 1 GB daily data limit
Is there a city or tourist tax at MB Backpackers?
S/ 10 per night (approximately USD $2.50) for all guests
Where can I eat cheaply near MB Backpackers?
A cheap lunch option is a traditional Peruvian sandwich, known as a 'chifa', which costs around 20-25 Soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from MB Backpackers?
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a taxi or mototaxi for around 5-10 Soles, or by using the local bus network for 1-2 Soles. From the airport, take the bus (line 48 or 49) for around 1 Sole.
When is the best time to visit Arequipa?
September and October are ideal months to visit Arequipa, with mild temperatures and low humidity, making it perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside. The weather is usually sunny, with average highs of 17°C (63°F), and the crowds are smaller than during the peak season.
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.