💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Arequipa: card acceptance by neighborhood, where to find ATMs, how to pay for transport, and what to carry for Colca Canyon. For Peruvian ATM fees, currency basics, and tipping norms:
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Order PEN → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Arequipa?
Yes. Arequipa is more cash-dependent than Lima. The historic centre around the Plaza de Armas has tourist-oriented restaurants and hotels that accept cards, but step two blocks in any direction and you enter cash territory. Markets, street food, local restaurants (picanterias), colectivo vans, and most businesses in surrounding areas and the Colca Canyon require cash. Carry S/50–100 per day in soles. Always pay in soles, not dollars.
Where You Will Need Cash
San Camilo Market and other traditional markets (all vendors are cash). Picanterias (traditional Arequipan restaurants, most are cash-only). Colectivo vans and local buses. Street food vendors and juice stands. Colca Canyon tourist ticket (S/70 at the checkpoint). Hot springs at La Calera (S/20). Tips at restaurants and for tour guides. Small shops and bodegas throughout the city.
Where Cards Work Fine
Tourist restaurants around Plaza de Armas and Calle San Francisco. Hotels and hostels. Santa Catalina Monastery (S/40 entry). Tour agencies on Calle Jerusalem and Calle Santa Catalina. Supermarkets (Plaza Vea, Tottus). Shopping malls (Mall Aventura, Real Plaza). Upscale restaurants in the Yanahuara district.
Paying by Card in Arequipa
Card acceptance in Arequipa is concentrated in the tourist zone around the Plaza de Armas. Visa is the most widely accepted card. Mastercard works at most tourist businesses. Amex is rare outside upscale hotels. Many restaurants have a minimum purchase for card payments (often S/20–30). See the Peru guide for more on card acceptance across the country.
Plaza de Armas / Centro Historico
The main square and surrounding blocks form the tourist heart of Arequipa. Restaurants along the arcaded portals of the plaza accept cards. The Cathedral (free entry), Santa Catalina Monastery (S/40), and Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita the Ice Maiden, S/20) all accept cards at their ticket counters. Tour agencies, hotels, and cafes on Calle Santa Catalina and Calle San Francisco accept cards.
Calle Jerusalem / Backpacker Zone
The street popular with budget travelers has tour agencies that accept cards for Colca Canyon and other bookings. Hostels accept cards. Restaurants are split: the ones targeting tourists accept cards, while cheaper local eateries and bars are cash-only. The casas de cambio (money exchangers) on this street offer good rates for USD to soles.
Yanahuara
The upscale residential district across the Chili River has excellent restaurants with card acceptance. The Yanahuara viewpoint (Mirador de Yanahuara) is free. Restaurants along Avenida Ejercito and near the Yanahuara plaza accept cards. This is where many of Arequipa's best dining options are, and payment infrastructure is good. A taxi from the centre is S/5–8.
San Camilo Market
Arequipa's main traditional market is entirely cash. Fruit vendors, juice stands (try the queso helado, Arequipa's signature frozen dessert), spice sellers, and cheap lunch counters all require cash. Budget S/10–20 for a morning of eating and browsing. This is the best place to experience local Arequipan food culture, and none of it takes cards.
Picanterias (Traditional Restaurants)
Arequipa's picanterias are traditional restaurants serving enormous plates of local dishes (rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones, adobo). Most are in residential neighborhoods away from the tourist centre and are cash-only. A full meal with a chicha de jora (fermented corn drink) runs S/15–30. La Nueva Palomino, La Lucila, and Sol de Mayo are legendary. Bring cash.
Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon, 160 km from Arequipa, is largely cash territory. The Boleto Turistico (S/70) at the canyon entrance is cash. Chivay's small restaurants and shops are mostly cash. La Calera hot springs (S/20) are cash. Cruz del Condor viewpoint is included in the tourist ticket. Only the larger hotels in Chivay and Yanque accept cards. Bring S/200–300 for a two-day trip.
Preparing for the Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is Arequipa's biggest day trip (or multi-day trek). The payment situation outside Arequipa is very different from the city, so prepare before you leave.
Tour Booking (Card-Friendly)
Book your Colca Canyon tour through agencies on Calle Jerusalem or Calle Santa Catalina. Most accept cards for the tour booking (S/80–200 depending on 1-day or 2-day, group or private). The tour price usually includes transport, guide, and sometimes accommodation. It does not include the Boleto Turistico (S/70), meals, hot springs, or tips.
Cash Needed in the Canyon
Boleto Turistico: S/70 cash at the Chivay checkpoint (required, not included in most tours). Hot springs: S/20 cash at La Calera. Meals: S/15–30 per meal in Chivay restaurants (most are cash). Snacks and water: S/5–10 at small shops along the way. Tips: S/10–20 per person for your guide. Total: bring at least S/200–300 beyond your tour payment.
No ATMs in the Canyon
There is a single ATM in Chivay, but it is unreliable and often out of cash (especially on weekends). Do not count on it. Withdraw all the cash you need in Arequipa before departing. There are no ATMs at Cruz del Condor, Yanque, or any other stop along the canyon route.
ATMs in Arequipa
For Peruvian ATM fee policies, withdrawal limits, and DCC warnings, see the Peru guide. This section covers where to find machines in Arequipa.
Look for these bank logos around the Plaza de Armas. BCP has the highest limits for foreign cards.
BCP
Interbank
BBVA
ScotiabankCentro Historico
BCP, Interbank, BBVA, and Scotiabank have ATMs along Calle Mercaderes, Calle San Juan de Dios, and near the Plaza de Armas. BCP is the most foreigner-friendly with withdrawal limits up to S/1,500 per transaction and English-language screens. Interbank ATMs also have good limits. Always decline the ATM's offer to convert to your home currency (this is DCC and costs 5–8% extra).
Mall Aventura / Real Plaza
Both malls on the outskirts of town have multiple bank ATMs inside, including BCP, BBVA, and Interbank. These are useful if you are staying outside the historic centre. The malls themselves are fully card-friendly for shopping and dining.
At the Airport
Arequipa's Rodriguez Ballon Airport (AQP) has BCP and Interbank ATMs in the arrivals area. Withdrawal limits and fees are the same as in town. Skip the currency exchange counters at the airport (poor rates). A taxi from the airport to the centro historico costs S/15–25.
Paying for Buses, Colectivos & Taxis
Local Buses and Combis
Arequipa's local buses and combis (minivans) are cash-only. Fares are S/1–1.50. A cobrador (fare collector) on board takes your money. Have coins or small bills ready. Routes are not well-marked for tourists, so ask your hotel for the right bus number. These are the cheapest way around the city.
Taxis
Taxis in Arequipa are not metered. Agree on the price before getting in. Within the centro historico, rides cost S/4–7. To Yanahuara, S/5–8. To the bus terminal, S/8–12. To the airport, S/15–25. All taxis are cash-only. Use official taxis (yellow or with a company sticker) for safety. Uber operates in Arequipa and is cashless.
Long-Distance Buses
Buses from Arequipa to Cusco (10–12 hours, S/60–120), Puno (6 hours, S/30–60), and Lima (16 hours, S/80–180) depart from the Terminal Terrestre. Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and other premium operators accept cards online and at their counters. Budget operators at the terminal are cash-only. Book premium buses in advance online for the best seats.
Colca Canyon Transport
If not taking a tour, public buses to Chivay leave from the Terminal Terrestre (S/15–20, 3.5 hours, cash). Colectivos (shared vans) to Chivay cost S/20–25 and depart when full from near the terminal. Both are cash-only. In the canyon, colectivos between Chivay, Yanque, and Cruz del Condor are S/3–5 cash.
Tipping in Arequipa
The Peru guide covers the full tipping norms. In Arequipa, tip 10% at tourist restaurants (check that service is not already included on the bill). At picanterias and local restaurants, tipping is not expected but appreciated (round up or leave S/2–5). For Colca Canyon guides, S/10–20 per person per day. For taxi drivers, no tip expected. Always tip in soles cash.
Prices in Arequipa
Arequipa offers excellent value. It is cheaper than both Lima and Cusco for nearly everything. The food scene, anchored by picanterias, is one of the best in Peru. All prices below are approximate 2026 ranges.
| Item | Price (PEN) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | S/5–8 | $1.30–2.10 |
| Set lunch (menu del dia) | S/8–15 | $2.10–4 |
| Picanteria meal | S/20–35 | $5.30–9.20 |
| Dinner for two (tourist restaurant) | S/80–150 | $21–39 |
| Pisco sour | S/15–25 | $4–6.60 |
| Santa Catalina Monastery | S/40 | $10.50 |
| Colca Canyon tourist ticket | S/70 | $18.40 |
| Colca Canyon 2-day tour | S/120–200 | $31–53 |
| Taxi (within centro) | S/4–7 | $1–1.85 |
| Bus to Cusco | S/60–120 | $16–32 |
| Hotel (mid-range, per night) | S/120–250 | $32–66 |
| Hostel dorm bed | S/25–45 | $6.60–12 |
USD estimates based on approximately S/3.80 = $1. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Arequipa
Colca Canyon (1–2 days)
The main reason most travelers visit Arequipa. A 1-day tour (S/80–120) includes Cruz del Condor viewpoint and stops at colonial villages. A 2-day tour (S/150–200) adds trekking into the canyon and La Calera hot springs. Tours are paid by card at agencies. Bring S/200–300 cash for the Boleto Turistico, meals, hot springs, and tips. See the section above for details.
Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve (half day)
The high-altitude reserve with vicunas, flamingos, and volcanic landscapes is usually included in Colca Canyon tours (the road passes through it). Standalone tours cost S/60–100 and are paid by card at agencies. There is nothing to buy in the reserve itself. No cash needed beyond the tour payment.
Chapi (half day)
The pilgrimage town 45 km south of Arequipa has a famous church. Colectivos from Arequipa cost S/5–8 (cash). The church and surrounding area are free. Small food vendors are cash-only. A low-key half-day trip. Bring S/20–30 in cash.
Arequipa Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza de Armas / tourist restaurants | ✅ Most | S/20–30 tips | Tourist zone is card-friendly |
| Santa Catalina Monastery | ✅ Yes | Not needed | Cards at ticket counter and gift shop |
| San Camilo Market | ❌ Never | S/10–20 | All vendors are cash |
| Picanterias | ❌ Rarely | S/20–40 | Traditional restaurants are cash |
| Colca Canyon (2-day trip) | ❌ Rarely | S/200–300 | Tourist ticket, meals, hot springs all cash |
| Taxis | ❌ Never | S/5–25 | Agree price before boarding |
| Yanahuara restaurants | ✅ Most | S/10–20 tips | Upscale dining area, card-friendly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Arequipa?
Yes. The historic centre has good card acceptance at tourist restaurants and hotels, but markets, street food, picanterias, colectivos, and most of the Colca Canyon are cash-only. Carry S/50–100 per day. Always pay in soles, not dollars.
Do I need cash for the Colca Canyon?
Yes. The tourist ticket (S/70) is cash at the checkpoint. Restaurants in Chivay are mostly cash. Hot springs (S/20) are cash. Bring S/200–300 beyond your tour payment. There is no reliable ATM in the canyon.
Can I pay by card at Santa Catalina Monastery?
Yes. The Santa Catalina Monastery (S/40 entry) accepts cards at the ticket counter, and the gift shop inside also accepts cards. One of the best-maintained tourist attractions in Arequipa.
Should I use soles or dollars in Arequipa?
Use soles. While some tourist hotels quote in dollars, the exchange rate they apply is unfavorable. Withdraw soles from a BCP or Interbank ATM, or exchange dollars at a casa de cambio on Calle San Juan de Dios for fair rates.
Where are the best ATMs in Arequipa?
BCP, Interbank, BBVA, and Scotiabank have ATMs around the Plaza de Armas and along Calle Mercaderes. BCP has the highest limits (up to S/1,500 per transaction). Always decline the ATM's offer to convert currencies. No reliable ATMs in the Colca Canyon.
Is Arequipa cheaper than Lima or Cusco?
Yes. A set lunch costs S/8–15, compared to S/15–25 in Cusco. Hotels are 20–30% cheaper. The Colca Canyon is more affordable than comparable treks from Cusco. Excellent value overall.
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