While not very well known, Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city and is an absolute must if you are spending some time backpacking Peru.
Arequipa has a great hostel scene, but with dozens of options it can be difficult to know which one to book!
This is why we’ve put together this guide to the best hostels in Arequipa.
We’ve taken the top-rated hostels in Arequipa, and put them together into one, easy to read list.
BUT, we decided to take this list even a step further. We understand that everyone has different styles of travel. Some people are traveling on a super-budget and are just looking for the cheapest bed. Other travelers are traveling as a couple and need some privacy. Other backpackers just wanna party!
Whatever your travel style, this ultimate guide to the best hostels in Arequipa is designed to help you find the hostel that best suits your needs, so you can book quickly. So whether you want some privacy or some parties, this ultimate guide to the best hostels in Arequipa has got you covered.
Then, you can focus on what matters – exploring Peru (and eating ceviche!)
Let’s look at the 20 best hostels in Arequipa.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Arequipa
- Overall Best Hostel in Arequipa – Econunay
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Arequipa – Arequipay Backpackers Downtown
Some Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Arequipa Peru
So you’re backpacking through Peru and now it’s time to find the right accommodation in Arequipa. When you are considering between the best hostels in Arequipa (or anywhere!), we recommend considering a few things…
- Consider your travel style – The most important thing you can do is find a hostel that helps your travel-needs. Doing this will allow you to enjoy your experience and help you save money.
- Consider your budget – If you are on a super tight budget, it might be tempting to book a flashpacker, fancy hostel, but it’s going to really put a dent in your spendings. Instead, try and find a medium-priced hostel that has a ton of….
- Free shit – Always, always, always see if you can find a hostel that offers a few freebies. Not all of them do, but if you get free laundry or free breakfast, these savings can really add up (especially if you are on a longer trip!).
The 20 Best Hostels in Arequipa
Econunay – Overall Best Hostel in Arequipa
The overall best hostel in Arequipa is the much loved Econunay. With an amazing rooftop terrace filled with locally made hammocks, Econunay has all the chilled out vibes you’re looking for in an Arequipa backpackers hostel. As the best hostel in Arequipa in 2021 Econunay offers a free breakfast, free WiFi and access their own bar serving up an awesome selection of craft beers. Econunay has a great selection of dorm rooms that are light, spacious and super clean. Located in the old town neighbourhood of San Lazaro Econunay is within an easy walking distance of all the tourist hotspots, top clubs and great cafes.
Arequipay Backpackers Downtown – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Arequipa
The best hostel for solo travellers in Arequipa is, of course, Arequipay Backpackers Downtown. Arequipay is a top hostel in Arequipa and makes it super easy for solo nomads to find a new crew in Peru. Treating everyone who stays like a VIP and long lost friend the Arequipay team are incredibly hospitable and have created a great all round hostel. Whether you wanna hang out on the roof, have a Netflix and chill kinda afternoon or gather a crew for a foosball tournament Arequipay encourages you to make the most of every moment you have under their roof and are genuinely sad to see travellers move on.
Friendly AQP
Friendly AQP is a great youth hostel in Arequipa for solo travellers who like to get chatting with new people around the clock. Friendly by name and by nature F-AQP is a super welcoming, relaxed and homely Arequipa backpackers hostel. The team are incredibly attentive and will even wake to see you off on your Colca Canyon trek at 3 am, just to make sure you get away safe and sound. How nice is that?! The dorms are wonderful so guys don’t be put off by the pink hues in the decor! All that matters is that the beds are comfortable and warm…which they defo are!
Hostal Sol de Oro
Whether you’re a skint digital nomad trying to make their way in the world or a traveller on a total shoestring budget Hostal Sol de Oro is a great shout. As the best budget hostel in Arequipa Sol de Oro offers the complete package, free breakfast, free WiFi, community kitchen and laundry facilities too. What more can you ask for? Admittedly the breakfast is basic but it’s tasty, wholesome and keeps the hangry in you at bay until lunchtime! Free herbal tea throughout the day is a lovely touch and goes a long way in making Sol de Oro a top hostel in Arequipa.
Le Foyer
Le Foyer is not only one of the most highly recommend hostels in Arequipa but one of the most charming too. Their rooftop terrace is the perfect place for a romantic date night with your SO! There is so much to love about Le Foyer especially their private ensuite rooms that you and your lover will never wanna leave! Some even have their own private balcony. The Le Foyer team can help you arrange your onward travel your Colca Canyon trek and more, just holla and they’ll be happy to help! Located just two blocks from Plaza de Armas Le Foyer is a total gem.
MB Backpackers
Although they don’t shout about it MB Backpackers are a great youth hostel in Arequipa for party people. Catering for all kinds of travellers the MB team love a good party and you’re invited! There is no curfew so nomads are free to explore the Arequipa nightlife scene and come home whenever they like. Just remember to be quiet when you come back to your dorm, there’s always someone who has to get up early to catch a flight or join a tour. Their breakfast is awesome! Forget basic AF jam and toast we’re talking banana pancakes with dulce de leche! Boom!
Dragonfly Hostel
Dragonfly is a leading Arequipa backpackers hostel for digital nomads. Within easy reach of everything digital nomads need, shops, launderettes and coffee bars, Dragonfly Hostel is ideal for travellers who work on the road. The dorms are simple but cosy and comfortable. The free breakfast is super basic but worth getting up for. Located just two blocks from Plaza de Armas Dragonfly Hostel makes it super easy for digital nomads to hit up the Arequipa tourist hotspots once the work is done for the day.
Maycawasi
Maycawasi is a new arrival to the Arequipa backpackers hostel scene and has hit the ground running. Fast becoming one of the best hostels in Arequipa the Maycawasi team know exactly what travellers seek from the city and deliver it in droves. Just a 5-minute walk from central Plaza de Armas Maycawasi places you right at the heart of the action in Arequipa. The Maycawasi rooftop terrace is the perfect place to enjoy your free breakfast and offers spectacular views across the gorgeous Arequipa cityscape. Soak it all in!
River House – Best Cheap Hostel in Arequipa
If you’re looking for the best cheap hostel in Arequipa you better get yourself a bed at River House. They have their own in-house travel agency and have some great deals on tours and experiences in Peru. Should you be travelling on a shoestring budget and want to make your Sol stretch you’ll be happy with the value for money offered by River House. Fancy a lazy day? No worries, you can chill out in the River House TV room, complete with Netflix.
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View on Osprey View on REIVallecito Backpackers – Best Hostel for Couples in Arequipa
The best hostel for couples in Arequipa is Vallecito Backpackers. Your host Silvia is super smiley and makes you feel at home straight away. Couples looking to dodge the dorms for a few nights in Arequipa should legit think about Vallecito. Their private rooms are spacious and comfortable. Having been open for more than 15 years the Vallecito team know exactly what travellers are looking for in an Arequipa backpackers hostel and offer it in droves. FYI the WiFi at Vallecito Backpackers is great. If you and your lover have to work on the road or stay connected 24/7 you’re in the right place.
Wild Rover Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Arequipa
The best party hostel in Arequipa is, of course, Wild Rover Backpackers. Wild in all sense of the word Wild Rover is pumping from dusk ’til dawn. Easily the coolest hostel in Arequipa Wild Rover has their own hostel bar and an outdoor pool. Hello, pool party! Hosting events throughout the week come rain or shine there is always a reason to celebrate at Wild Rover. Who cares what the dorms are like when you’re staying at the best hostel in Arequipa for party vibes?! FYI, they’re great, you’re covered! The team always try to show all the big sports event on the bar flat screen too!
Bothy Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Arequipa
The best hostel for digital nomads in Arequipa is Bothy Hostel. It’s the complete package. For digital nomads, wild party hostels are a thing of the past (mostly) and this is why Bothy is a top hostel in Arequipa. They have plenty of space for digital nomads to create their temporary office in and super fast WiFi too. It’s certainly the kinda place where you end up extending your stay again and again and the staff don’t mind a bit! Whether you like to work from a hammock, your bed or at the bar Bothy Hostel is bang on. Being able to do your laundry on site is a total bonus!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Arequipa
Still not sure where you want to stay in Arequipa? Since there are many cool areas, you’ll find quite a few hostels as well. Here are even more of the best hostels in Arequipa.
Marlon’s House
Marlon’s House is a highly recommend hostel in Arequipa and for good reason. They offer a great free breakfast and brew up a brilliant coffee at their hostel cafe. Whether you’re a digital nomad, solo traveller or exploring Peru with your crew Marlon’s House is a great shout. Being a top hostel in Arequipa the Marlon’s House team are really on the ball, they can help arrange tours and experiences for you, as well as sort your travel plans too. No sweat, no stress! This is our kinda place!
Mango Hostel
Mango hostel is a lovely little youth hostel in Arequipa ideal for travellers who like a more low-key, toned down affair. Fun and vibrant but really relaxed Mango Hostel is a just one block away from Plaza de Armas and within walking distance of Arequipa’s must-visit sights and landmarks like the Santa Catalina Monastery and Juanita Museum. With private rooms and great dorms too Mango Hostel is great for travellers of all kinds. That said, their WiFi can be patchy so digital nomads who need a crazy fast connection should look elsewhere.
Flying Dog Hostel
Flying Dog is a much loved Arequipa backpackers hostel that is great for solo travellers, groups of adventurous and couples alike. With a great selection of private double rooms, private dorms and open dorms the Flying Dog team know how to keep everyone happy. If you and your crew fancy some space of your own think about booking the Flying Dog’s 4-bed ‘family’ room. It’s got an ensuite bathroom and is a great way to pool the costs of accommodation.
Positive Hostel & Backpackers
Practically positive in every way Positive Hostel & Backpackers is a top hostel in Arequipa for travellers who seek chilled out vibes. The team are so incredibly welcoming, they greet everyone like an old friend and they’re on hand to share their local knowledge with you should you wish to hear it. Which of course you do! Being a budget hostel in Arequipa Positive Hostel looks a bit basic but don’t be fooled; the dorms are clean and comfortable, the showers hot and the bathrooms shiny and sparkling.
Yes Arequipa Hostel
Yes Hostel is a cheap, much loved and highly recommend hostel in Arequipa. As a top budget hostel in Arequipa Yes Hostel has all the facilities you could ask for, plus kind, caring staff and a great location. Two things, in particular, make Yes a brilliant youth hostel in Arequipa and it’s their late check-out service ideal for if you’ve got an evening flight and need a place to chill for the day. The second is their tours and travel desk. Not only offering great rates but high-quality service too. What more could you ask for $4 a night?!
Limbo Jump Hostel
Brand spanking new and already kicking ass Limbo Jump is set to become the best hostel in Arequipa in the not so distant future, or very close indeed. Being new to the Arequipa backpacker hostel scene Limbo Jump has sparkly new facilities including a guest kitchen, cafe and common room. There is a rustic feel to Limbo Jump as they have used recycled materials to construct the interior of the hostel and it helps give a real homely feel to the place. If you like staying at the newest places in town you better book your stay at Limbo Jump Hostel.
Yawruna Hostel
An incredibly highly recommended hostel in Arequipa but often overlooked Yawruna is a true hidden gem! Located within walking distance of the main plaza Yawruna Hostel is on the junction of San Francisco Street and Ugarte Street. Staying at Yawruna sees you stay close to The Cathedral of Arequipa and St. Catalina Monastery, both of which feature on their free walking tour of Arequipa. Love a free walking tour! Yawruna is a top hostel in Arequipa that is legit worth thinking about if you want a relaxed and friendly hang out.
Orkkowasi Backpackers
Orkkowasi is another highly recommended hostel in Arequipa that is kinda off the radar of many travellers who tend to hit up the super busy backpackers. If you like a more intimate, relaxed hostel you’ll love Orkkowasi Backpackers. As a top hostel in Arequipa Orkkowasi Backpackers is close to Plaza de Armas and Monasterio. The staff here are simply delightful and are keen to help out their guests in any way that they can. Make sure you head to the rooftop terrace and take a moment to soak in the breathtaking view of the three volcanoes of Arequipa. It’s truly amazing!
What to Pack for your Arequipa Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Arequipa
If you are backpacking Peru and you’ve got the time, Arequipa should definitely be on your to-do list, and with dozens of great hostels available, there are plenty of options to book accommodation that suits your personal travel-style.
And remember – in case you are having a hard time picking, our top Arequipa hostel of 2021 is Econunay.
FAQ about Hostels in Arequipa
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Arequipa.
How much does a hostel cost in Arequipa?
It all depends on whether you prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom or a bed in a shared dorm. The average prices start at USD$7 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$10+ for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Arequipa for couples?
Vallecito Backpackers is our best hostel for couples in Arequipa. Their private rooms are spacious and comfortable.
What are the best hostels in Arequipa near the airport?
River House, our best cheap hostel in Arequipa, is 8.1 km from Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport. It’s affordable and has a TV room, complete with Netflix.
Travel Safety Tips for Arequipa
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
If you want to be fully prepared for your trip, make sure you check on the safety in Peru too. Avoid unnecessary troubles and you’ll have a blast!
More Epic Hostels in Peru and South America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Arequipa. There are many great hostels in Peru, and luckily, Arequipa hosts a few of them.
Planning an epic trip all across Peru or even South America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around South America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Arequipa has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Peru for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Arequipa before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
