🇵🇪 Arequipa, Peru

MB Backpackers

📍 135, Mercaderes, Arequipa

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Dein Aufenthalt — MB Backpackers

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Das Eigentum — 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.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellersFamilies with carsAccessibility needsHistory and culture lovers See all Arequipa hotels →

Chroniken von 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.

Beste Zeit zu besuchen

Vollständiger Arequipa-Guide →

Die besten Monate

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 Schulter Saison

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.

Wetter & Verpackung

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 veröffentlicht — 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 2026

Before 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.

How to request your preferred room:
  1. Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
  2. Add a note in your booking comments field
  3. Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available

Hotel Einrichtungen — MB Backpackers

📶
Wi-Fi

free, 20 Mbps speed, no login constraints, 1 GB daily data limit

🛗
Lift / Elevator

serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections

📰
Media & Newspapers

complimentary access to PressReader and The Financial Times, plus a selection of local newspapers

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Check-in / Check-out

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

🧳
Baggage Storage

available 24/7, free of charge

Accessibility

step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have structural limitations such as low ceilings or narrow doorways

🅿️
Parking

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

Gebühren, Steuern & Einlagen

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 & Diät in der Nähe

  • 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)

Lokaler Lebensstil & Erholung

🛍️
Shopping

Centro Comercial Panorámico — 455 m · ~6 min walk

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Walking & Running

San Francisco — 214 m · ~3 min walk

🖼️
Museums & Galleries

Palacio Arzobispal — 171 m · ~2 min walk

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Theatres & Concerts

Teatro Umbral — 124 m · ~2 min walk

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Kids & Family

Icombat Perú — 412 m · ~5 min walk

5 Minuten Radius Essentials

🏧
Nearest ATM

Multired — 383 m · ~5 min walk

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Nearest Pharmacy

Mifarma — 144 m · ~2 min walk

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Convenience Store

El Super — 504 m · ~6 min walk

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Nearest Transit

Estación de buses La Joya — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk

Geld & Währung

Get a travel card →
💵
Local currency

Peruvian Sol, PEN

🏦
Where to exchange

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.

💳
Cards & contactless

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 etiquette

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.

Essen, Einkaufen und Reisen auf einem Budget

Cheap car hire →
Cheap coffee

You can find a typical cheap coffee for around 5-7 Soles at a local café or street vendor.

🥪
Best-value lunch

A cheap lunch option is a traditional Peruvian sandwich, known as a 'chifa', which costs around 20-25 Soles.

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Affordable dinner

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 & cheap eats

Street food is common in the area, with vendors selling traditional snacks like 'papa a la Huancaina' or 'anticuchos' for around 5-10 Soles.

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Budget groceries

The local supermarket chain, Metro, has a branch near the corner of Mercaderes and Ugarte, offering affordable prices on staples.

👕
Affordable clothes

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.

🎫
Cheapest way around

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.

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Money-saving tips

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.

Gut zu wissen — Arequipa

🔌
Plugs & power

Type A/C · 220V

🚰
Tap water

not safe — drink bottled

💱
Currency

$1 ≈ PEN 3.39 · PEN

Emergency Contacts

Arequipa
🚔
Police
105
🚑
Ambulance / Medical
106
🚒
Fire Department
116

Dial 117 for civil defence or general emergencies. For tourist police in Arequipa, call 054-235296.

💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.

Where to Eat

1
El Fuego de San Antonio Local
££
🚶 3 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
2
La Cafeteria del Monasterio cake;coffee_shop;sandwich;tea
££
🚶 6 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
3
Restaurante Curitiba Local
££
🚶 9 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
4
Zingaro Local
££
🚶 12 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
5
La Italiana pizza
££
🚶 15 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
6
El Colorado - Pollos a la Brasa Local
££
🚶 18 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
7
Mística Restaurante peruvian;pub
££
🚶 21 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
8
Restaurante el Mesón del Virrey peruvian
££
🚶 24 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome

💡 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 walkpharmacy · Mifarma — 144 m · ~2 min walk

🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →

Umher zu kommen

🚌
Airport City Bus 1.50 soles (US$0.40)

Airport stop (outside terminal, left side) → Plaza de Armas (2 blocks from Hostal Cleofé)

25 min · Every 20 minutes · 05:30–21:00

💡 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.

🚌
Local Colectivo 2 soles (US$0.50)

Calle Jerusalén (at cross street Avenida Independencia) → Sabandía Mill

30 min · Every 10 minutes · 06:00–19:00

💡 Shared minibuses marked 'Sabandía' depart from the corner of Jerusalén and Independencia. They're cramped but cheap. Exact change required; pay as you board.

🚕
Arequipa Airport Taxi 20 soles (US$5)

Rodríguez Ballón International Airport → Hostal Cleofé (Calle Jerusalén)

15 min · On demand · 24/7

💡 Use the official taxi stand just outside arrivals. Unofficial drivers outside the fence often overcharge by triple. Pay in soles, not dollars.

🚕
Street Taxi (Radio Taxi) 8 soles (US$2)

Hostal Cleofé (Calle Jerusalén) → Yanahuara viewpoint

10 min · On demand · 24/7

💡 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.

🚗 Need a car for your trip? Compare 500+ suppliers — free cancellation, instant confirmation Compare →

Über Arequipa

Wikipedia ↗
Arequipa, Peru — city travel guide

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 ...

👥
Population 1,195,700
📅
Founded 1540

Häufig gestellte Fragen

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-Attraktionen in Arequipa

Plaza de Armas Free

💡 Avoid midday sun—there’s little shade. The Cathedral’s museum (10 soles) has a rooftop view that’s worth the small fee.

Mirador de Yanahuara Free

💡 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.

Museo de la Catedral de Arequipa

💡 The rooftop is the main draw—head straight up if you just want the view. The museum takes 20 minutes max.

Museo Santuarios Andinos

💡 Tours run every 30 minutes in Spanish and English; check the English schedule when you arrive. No photography inside the mummy room.

Santa Catalina Monastery

💡 Go early (just after 9am opening) to avoid crowds and get quiet photos. The café inside is overpriced—bring water.

ℹ️ Datenbenachrichtigung: Informationen stammen aus öffentlichen Daten, KI-Analysen und Internetquellen. Details wie Zimmerkonfiguration, Preise, Öffnungszeiten und Veranstaltungsangaben können ungenau oder veraltet sein.
How we built this briefing
  • Room intel — AI synthesis of verified guest reviews (Google Place Details)
  • Ratings — Google guest score, sourced live via Google Places API
  • Address, phone, coordinates — OpenStreetMap + hotel's official website
  • Weather — Open-Meteo 14-day forecast (open-source, no API key)
  • Transport & dining — OpenStreetMap Overpass API + AI editorial
  • Facilities dossier — AI analysis of public hotel data, updated on each visit

Room intel, local dining, transport and destination guides on this page are AI-generated from verified data sources (OpenStreetMap, Google Places, Open-Meteo). Facts that can't be sourced are omitted, never invented. How we create this content →