Are these the 11 BEST HOSTELS in Arequipa? [2023!]

Arequipa is a city that you can’t miss when travelling Peru. An exquisite historic centre with many buildings made of volcanic stone and one of the most diverse and intriguing culinary scenes in the country, all under the shadow of Misti – which you can bike on or climb!

With all that Arequipa has to offer, it can be tricky deciding on a place to stay. Because it’s such a tourist hot spot, hotels can be a bit pricey, so it’s definitely a good shout to look into hostels. You’re sure to still get something comfortable, clean, and full of character.

To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the best hostels in Arequipa, taking into account the ones which best match up to your itinerary and budget.

And thankfully, there’s plenty of choice! There are some well-known chains, a couple of great backpacker havens, and also more quiet, private affairs. So, let’s jump in and find the perfect hostel for you in Arequipa!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Arequipa

#1 Best overall hostel in Arequipa: Arequipay Backpackers Downtown
#2 Best party hostel in Arequipa: Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa
#3 Best hostel for solo travellers in Arequipa: Limbo Jump Hostel
#4 Best hostel for digital nomads in Arequipa: Selina Arequipa
#5 Best hostel near Plaza de Armas: Mango Hostel
#6 Best hostel near Santa Catalina Monastery: Way Kap Hostel Arequipa
#7 Best hostel near Aeropuerto Internacional Rodríguez Ballón: Cozy Hostel
#8 Best hostel near Arequipa Terrapuerto Internacional: Arequipa Dreams Inn Vallecito
#9 Best high-end hostel in Arequipa: Las Torres de Ugarte
#10 Best budget hostel in Arequipa: Happy Dreams Hostel
#11 Best hostel with private rooms in Arequipa: Yes Arequipa Hostel

 

#1 – Arequipay Backpackers Downtown

 Best Overall Hostel in Arequipa

Why we like Arequipay Backpackers Downtown…
This vibrant and friendly hostel has everything you could want from a hostel and you might end up staying here longer than you’d first expected. There are indoor and outdoor common areas, a professional pool table, annexed TV room, and hammocks dotted around everywhere. In terms of free stuff, you can expect bike rental and breakfast!

Arequipay Backpackers Downtown is perfect for…
Travellers will love Arequipay Backpackers Downtown as it’s so easy to meet other travellers here and it’s just a 10-minute stroll to the beautiful historic centre. There are multiple tours on offer from here, including treks into Colca Canyon, Peruvian cooking classes, rafting, and mountain biking on the Misti Volcano!

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#2 – Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa

 Best Party Hostel in Arequipa

Why we like Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa…
This fun and lively hostel is one of the only ones in town with a bar – and the legendary, wild parties here make it the best party hostel in Arequipa by miles! Whether you want to dance the night away with frozen slushy cocktails or super cheap beer, you’ll find the drink for you. Did we mention that there’s a swimming pool too?!

Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa is perfect for…
Wild Rover have several hostels in South America and if you’ve been to one of these Irish Bar/hostels, you’ll know that it’s always the best place in any town to party. As well as parties, there are daily social events and even some that don’t involve alcohol! So it’s a good place if you want to take a day off from drinking too… Kind of!

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MUST READ – Take a look at our guide to the best hostels in Cusco

#3 – Limbo Jump Hostel

 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Arequipa

  • Cost – $$
  • Location – Calle Ballon 113, Cercado Arequipa, Urbanizacion el Buen Retiro 
  • Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Limbo Jump Hostel…
This friendly, sociable, and welcoming hostel is right in the centre of town, and the cosy common areas, games room, and spacious dorms make it the best hostel for solo travellers in Arequipa! We love the decorations and furniture – all made from recycled materials so it’s very eco-friendly too!

Limbo Jump Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re staying in Arequipa and want meeting other travellers to be as easy as possible, then you can’t go far wrong with the brilliant Limbo Jump Hostel. The beds are very reasonably priced so it’s a good option for budget travellers too – especially as breakfast is included!

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#4 – Selina Arequipa

 Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Arequipa

Selina Arequipa
Selina Arequipa is the best hostel for digital nomads in Arequipa

Why we like Selina Arequipa…
This clean, comfortable, and modern spot is home to one of the few co-working spots in town, so it’s definitely the best hostel for digital nomads in Arequipa. As well as the tastefully designed and comfy workspace, it’s right in the historic centre, so you don’t need to waste valuable working time walking or taking public transport to the top attractions!

Selina Arequipa is perfect for…
This is the perfect place if you’re travelling with your laptop. The superfast internet makes it really easy to work, and there’s luggage storage and 24-hour security so that you can be sure your expensive electronics are safe at all times! There’s also a kitchen on-site if you want to prepare your own meals.

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Editor’s Recommendation – You should definitely check out our guide on the coolest hostels in Lima

#5 – Mango Hostel

Best Hostel Near Plaza de Armas

Mango Hostel
Mango Hostel is the best hostel near Plaza de Armas

Why we like Mango Hostel…
This relaxed and social hostel is just 1 block from the city’s main square, where you’ll find Arequipa’s beautiful cathedral and an incredible view of Misti, so it’s the best hostel near Plaza de Armas. We love that you can watch the beautiful sunset in a hammock on the roof terrace!

Mango Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking to stay close to Arequipa’s stunning Plaza de Armas, you won’t find a better budget option than this. As well as offering extremely affordable rooms, the hostel throws in a free buffet breakfast too! The hostel works with some great tour companies so you can easily get out to the beautiful Colca Canyon!

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#6 – Way Kap Hostel Arequipa

 Best Hostel Near Santa Catalina Monastery

Way Kap Hostel Arequipa
Way Kap Hostel Arequipa is the best hostel near Santa Catalina Monastery

Why we like Way Kap Hostel Arequipa…
This authentic, traditional, and welcoming hostel is just steps from one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions, making it the best hostel near Santa Catalina Monastery. We love that after a long day sightseeing, hiking, or rafting, you can relax in the lobby with Netflix or a game on the PS4!

Way Kap Hostel Arequipa is perfect for…
If you want to roll out of bed in the morning and have Santa Catalina Monastery right on your doorstep, then this is definitely your best bet! There are a number of other city attractions too. The hostel has a bar, and while it may not be as lively as the one in the Wild Rover, it’s a lovely space to relax with a cocktail!

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Need to stay near the airport? These are the top hostels near the Lima airport.

#7 – Cozy Hostel

 Best Hostel Near Aeropuerto Internacional Rodríguez Ballón

Cozy Hostel
Cozy Hostel is the best hostel near Aeropuerto Internacional Rodríguez Ballón

Why we like Cozy Hostel…
So, there aren’t really any hostels close to Arequipa’s airport, but this is the best one which offers their own private transfers. This will take the stress out of travelling to or from the airport, for sure! Plus, it’s just a 4-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, so you’re really getting the best of both worlds!

Cozy Hostel is perfect for…
If you get worried and stressed about getting to and from the airport, especially if your flight is at an awkward time, Cozy Hostel’s airport transfers will help put your mind at rest. It’s also a good spot for solo travellers – as there’s a terrace out back where you can have a BBQ and get chatting!

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#8 – Arequipa Dreams Inn Vallecito

 Best Hostel Near Arequipa Terrapuerto Internacional

Arequipa Dreams Inn Vallecito
Arequipa Dreams Inn Vallecito is the best hostel near Arequipa Terrapuerto Internacional
  • Cost – $$
  • Location – Av. Lima 152 – Vallecito, (Esquina Av. Lima con Calle 28 de Julio)
  • Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Arequipa Dreams Inn Vallecito…
Like with the airport, there aren’t any hostels in the vicinity of Arequipa’s huge bus station, but it is how most people arrive or leave town. The Vallecito district is the closest in a taxi, so this sociable and bright hostel is the best place to say near the Terrapuerto! It’s also got a great roof terrace, which is a pretty special place to enjoy the free breakfast!

Arequipa Dreams Inn Vallecito is perfect for…
If you want to be within easy reach of Arequipa’s bus station and be able to take a bus to Lima, then Dreams Inn Vallecito is a great bet! It’s a good place if you’re into food too and want to take a slice of the Arequipa culinary scene home with you as the hostel offers cooking classes!

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#9 – Las Torres de Ugarte

Best High-End Hostel in Arequipa

Las Torres de Ugarte
Las Torres de Ugarte is the best high-end hostel in Arequipa

Why we like Las Torres de Ugarte…
This ambient hostel is located in just around the corner from the Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Hostel. It’s actually a 3-star hostel because it has so many facilities, so it’s clearly the best high-end hostel in Arequipa! All rooms are private there are several options up to 4 person rooms!

Las Torres de Ugarte is perfect for…
If you want to treat and pamper yourself during your trip to Arequipa, then you should seriously be considering Las Torres de Ugarte. On top of the stuff you’d expect in a regular hostel, here there are reflexology massages, a mini bar in every room, and a beautiful roof terrace with a great view!

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#10 – Happy Dreams Hostel

 Best Budget Hostel in Arequipa

Happy Dreams Hostel
Happy Dreams Hostel is the best budget hostel in Arequipa

Why we like Happy Dreams Hostel…
This chilled out hostel is located on the second floor of a colonial house. It offers some of the lowest prices in town, so it’s the best budget hostel in Arequipa! You’ll still have plenty of perks though, including a sun-kissed roof terrace great for catching some rays, balconies in the private rooms, and a central location!

Happy Dreams Hostel is perfect for…
This laid-back place is perfect for the budget traveller, especially one travelling solo. At weekends, there are live music concerts and parties which are open to guests from outside the hostel too. So, you’ll have a chance to meet locals and then go out and see the best that the city has to offer!

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MUST READ – Heading to Cusco next? Check out our post about some of the most fun day trips from Cusco!

#11 – Yes Arequipa Hostel

 Best Hostel With Private Rooms in Arequipa

Yes Arequipa Hostel
Yes Arequipa Hostel is the best hostel with private rooms in Arequipa

Why we like Yes Arequipa Hostel…
This homely and family run hostel offers twins, doubles, triples, and quadruple rooms, so it’s the best hostel in Arequipa with private rooms. It’s in a quiet area too, so there’s no fear that you won’t have a great night’s sleep – and to top it all off, breakfast is included in the price too!

Yes Arequipa Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or a small group of friends and you want your own private space, then there’s no better option in Arequipa than this charming family-run place. If you like the sound of what we’ve written but your budget won’t stretch to a private room, there are dorms too – so plenty of opportunities to meet people if you’re travelling solo!

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FAQ’s

How Much are Hostels in Arequipa?

Most dorm rooms are under $10 in Arequipa, making it a great place for budget travelers! If you want a private room, expect to pay at least $15 and usually closer to $25 per night.

What are Hostels in Arequipa Like?

In a city known for its history, most hostels are centrally located near the historic center. At most hostels you can arrange tours and activities including exploring the famous Colca Canyon or treks to Misti!

How Safe are Hostels in Arequipa?

Arequipa is fairly safe, but some petty theft and crime does occur. Check to make sure your hostel has security features and ask if there are places you should avoid, particulalry after dark.

How to Find Hostels in Arequipa?

Start your search using HostelWorld to see all the options and compare prices. If you're traveling around Peru, you can ask other travelers you meet for suggestions or see if your current hotel or hostel has a recommendation.

 

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Arequipay Backpackers Downtown

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Laundry Facilities
Check for Best Price
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Wild Rover Hostel Arequipa

  • Free WiFi, Laundry Facilities, 24 hr Reception
Check for Best Price
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Limbo Jump Hostel

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, 24 hr Reception
Check for Best Price
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Selina Arequipa

  • Free WiFi, Luggage Storage, 24 hr Reception
Check for Best Price
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Mango Hostel

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Self-Catering Facilities
Check for Best Price
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Way Kap Hostel Arequipa

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, 24 hr Reception
Check for Best Price
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Cozy Hostel

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Outdoor Terrace
Check for Best Price
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Arequipa Dreams Inn Vallecito

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Security Lockers
Check for Best Price
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Las Torres de Ugarte

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Airport Transfers
Check for Best Price
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Happy Dreams Hostel

  • Free WiFi, Luggage Storage, 24 hr Reception
Check for Best Price
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Yes Arequipa Hostel

  • Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Luggage Storage
Check for Best Price

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it. We’ve had a long look at the best hostels Arequipa has to offer and we’re pretty sure that you’ll have found something suitable for your trip (and most importantly your budget) on our extensive list.

It would be a tragedy to miss out on one of Peru’s most interesting and chilled out tourist hotspots, wouldn’t it?!

Hostels are an important way to travel, even in a country where the cost of travel is relatively inexpensive like Peru. It will enable you to meet lots of cool and like-minded people while saving a bit of cash that you can spend on the rest of your South American travels!

And don’t forget our number one hostel in Arequipa – Arequipay Backpackers Downtown. We hope whichever cool hostel you choose, you have an incredible trip!

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