Arequipa, Peru 🇵🇪
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Arequipa, known as 'La Ciudad Blanca' due to its sillar (white volcanic stone) architecture, is Peru's second-largest city, located in the south of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.80 PEN. ATMs available widely; most accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro offer good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include Visa and Mastercard; Banco de Crédito del Perú (BCP) is popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to apartments via Airbnb; central districts like Yanahuara and Santa Teresa are preferred. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; many places accept cards, but markets and street vendors prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies like PeruRent offer a variety of options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel and guesthouse prices start around 30 PEN per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bamboo Coworking in the center has a vibrant atmosphere and good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafetería Café Colonia offers strong Wi-Fi and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out events on Meetup for local gatherings, especially in tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Arequipa' host regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and Uber operate in Arequipa for safe and reliable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at Arequipa Bike Station for local exploration. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Punta de Bombón beach is about a 3-hour drive from Arequipa. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines provides flights to major cities in Peru. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca operates flights connecting Arequipa with international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pan-American Highway connects Arequipa with northern and southern Peru. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Trenes de Arequipa is the primary rail station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are not common; fares are typically paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to cities like Cusco, Puno, and Tacna. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Honorio Delgado is recognized for quality healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Arequipa offers various classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit has affordable memberships starting at about 70 PEN/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavaxpress provides reliable laundry services within the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo are popular food delivery options in Arequipa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rocoto Relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper, is a regional specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try El Vegetariano for a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café 112 offers excellent desserts, including traditional Tres Leches cake. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado San Camilo is a bustling market with fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Linio and Mercado Libre are popular for online shopping in Peru. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi offers grocery delivery from various local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Calle Santa Catalina has numerous bars and local venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Arequipeña offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Cava de Gusto offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit Calle San Francisco for delicious street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mangiamore serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Santa Catalina Monastery and the Plaza de Armas are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Santuarios Andinos houses the famous Inca mummy Juanita. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of Arequipa showcases stunning colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, known for its intricate Baroque facade. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | 'Fiestas de Arequipa' is celebrated in August with parades and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Yanahuara is known for its traditional architecture and views. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal is a key venue for performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado San Camilo offers local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues showcase local bands and traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the streets for vibrant murals around the historical center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary school 'Mistura' offers traditional cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Gallery 'Casa de la Cultura' features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa del Moral is an example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Arequipa's history is reflected in its unique architecture and cultural practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Colca Canyon, a popular hiking spot, is about a 3-hour drive from Arequipa. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve offers stunning scenery and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trekking routes to Misti Volcano start from the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Yanahuara provides breathtaking views of the city and volcanoes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The scenic valleys near Arequipa are rich in birdlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the countryside are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Serpost offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electrodomésticos Arequipa for electronics and device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano offers Spanish language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Regional Mario Vargas Llosa is a good place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Arequipa hosts various cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cafetería Gamerhouse offers a spot for console gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Planet hosts gaming activities in Arequipa. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,250 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $50,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on municipal valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% of the property value. |