South America·Peru·Updated May 3, 2026

Arequipa Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Peru)

Arequipa is Peru's second city, the "White City" built from sillar volcanic stone, known for the Santa Catalina Monastery, as a gateway to Colca Canyon, and the surrounding volcanoes. The Plaza de Armas historic centre concentrates tourist activity. Taxi overcharging from Rodríguez Ballón Airport, Colca Canyon tour overcharging from unlicensed operators, and restaurant menu overcharging in tourist areas are the primary documented issues.

Risk Index

6.9

out of 10

Scams

14

documented

High Severity

2

14% of total

6.9

Risk Index

14

Scams

2

High Risk

Arequipa has 14 documented tourist scams across 8 categories in our database. Scam activity is rated moderate. The most commonly reported risks are False Policeman Shakedown, Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi, Airport Taxi Overcharging.

Editorially reviewed — sources cross-referenced before publishing. How we verify →

Traveler Context

What Travellers Should Know About Scams in Arequipa

Arequipa has 14 documented tourist-targeted scams in our database, concentrated around taxi & transport (4 reports). The most consistently reported individual pattern is False Policeman Shakedown — A person in plain clothes or partial police uniform approaches tourists near Plaza de Armas, claiming to investigate counterfeit currency or drug transactions and demanding to inspect wallets and passports. Travellers familiar with Valparaíso or Mendoza will recognise the broad shape of the risk environment in South America, though the specific local variations in Arequipa are what catch first-time visitors out.

Specific documented risk areas include Around Plaza de Armas and Calle Mercaderes, especially near money exchange shops and the Santa Catalina Monastery entrance; Terminal Terrestre (Arequipa bus terminal) on Av. Andrés Avelino Cáceres, late-night arrivals area; also around Plaza de Armas after midnight; Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) arrivals hall and exterior taxi rank, Avenida Aviación approach road. A separate but related pattern is Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi: Unlicensed taxis (colectivos) operating near the Arequipa bus terminal and around Plaza de Armas pick up lone travelers and drive to an ATM, forcing the victim to withdraw cash under threat or physical restraint before releasing them. The single most effective protection across these patterns: Real Peruvian police wear full uniform and carry official ID. Never hand over your wallet or passport to someone who stops you on the street. Offer to walk together to the nearest police station (comisaría) — genuine officers have no problem with this and scammers always refuse.

How It Plays OutHigh Risk

False Policeman Shakedown

A person in plain clothes or partial police uniform approaches tourists near Plaza de Armas, claiming to investigate counterfeit currency or drug transactions and demanding to inspect wallets and passports. This is not a legitimate police procedure in Peru. The scammer uses the confusion to pocket cash or demand a bribe to avoid a fabricated fine.

Around Plaza de Armas and Calle Mercaderes, especially near money exchange shops and the Santa Catalina Monastery entrance

How to avoid: Real Peruvian police wear full uniform and carry official ID. Never hand over your wallet or passport to someone who stops you on the street. Offer to walk together to the nearest police station (comisaría) — genuine officers have no problem with this and scammers always refuse.

This scam type is also documented in Valparaíso and Mendoza.

Key Risk Areas

Where These Scams Are Most Active

Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents in Arequipa.

False Policeman Shakedown

Other Scams

Around Plaza de Armas and Calle Mercaderes, especially near money exchange shops and the Santa Catalina Monastery entrance

Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi

Taxi & Transport

Terminal Terrestre (Arequipa bus terminal) on Av. Andrés Avelino Cáceres, late-night arrivals area; also around Plaza de Armas after midnight

Airport Taxi Overcharging

Taxi & Transport

Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) arrivals hall and exterior taxi rank, Avenida Aviación approach road

Colca Canyon Tour Overcharging

Tour & Activities

Tour agency strip on Calle Jerusalén and Calle Santa Catalina near Plaza de Armas, Miraflores tourist hotel district

Mercado San Camilo Pickpocket Diversion

Street Scams

Inside Mercado San Camilo on Calle Piérola in central Arequipa, particularly in the crowded cheese, juice, and produce sections near the main entrances

Counterfeit Alpaca Wool Products

Street Scams

Mercado San Camilo, souvenir stalls on Calle Mercaderes, tourist textile shops near Plaza de Armas and Calle Santa Catalina

These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.

Safety Checklist

Quick Safety Tips for Arequipa

Key precautions based on the most frequently reported scams here.

  • Real Peruvian police wear full uniform and carry official ID. Never hand over your wallet or passport to someone who stops you on the street. Offer to walk together to the nearest police station (comisaría) — genuine officers have no problem with this and scammers always refuse.
  • Use only taxi companies your hotel recommends or call a licensed radio taxi service. Avoid unmarked cars, especially after dark near the Terminal Terrestre. Sit in the back seat and keep your phone accessible. Share your live location with someone before getting in.
  • Use only the licensed taxi counter inside the terminal where fixed zone prices are posted and pre-paid tickets are issued. Alternatively, arrange airport pickup through your hotel. Never accept unsolicited driver approaches inside the baggage hall.
  • Book Colca Canyon tours exclusively through agencies certified by Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR). Confirm the package explicitly includes the Boleto Turístico de Colca, a certified bilingual guide, and transport with adequate heating for cold canyon mornings. Compare three certified agencies before booking.
  • Carry only the cash you need for the day in a front pocket or money belt. Keep your phone in a zipped bag compartment. Be especially alert when someone bumps into you or creates a commotion nearby — it is almost always a distraction.

FAQ

Arequipa Safety — Frequently Asked Questions

What scams target tourists in Arequipa?
The most frequently reported tourist scams in Arequipa are False Policeman Shakedown, Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi, Airport Taxi Overcharging, with 2 classified as high severity. Most scams operate near transit hubs, tourist attractions, and busy markets. Reviewing each type before you arrive significantly reduces your risk of being targeted. Similar patterns are also documented in Valparaíso and Mendoza.
Are taxis safe in Arequipa?
Taxis in Arequipa carry documented risk for tourists — 4 transport-related scams are on record. Use only taxi companies your hotel recommends or call a licensed radio taxi service. Avoid unmarked cars, especially after dark near the Terminal Terrestre. Sit in the back seat and keep your phone accessible. Share your live location with someone before getting in. Where available, verified ride-hailing apps (Uber, Grab, or local equivalents) are generally safer than street taxis.
Is Arequipa safe at night for tourists?
Arequipa is Peru's second city, the "White City" built from sillar volcanic stone, known for the Santa Catalina Monastery, as a gateway to Colca Canyon, and the surrounding volcanoes. The Plaza de Armas historic centre concentrates tourist activity. Taxi overcharging from Rodríguez Ballón Airport, Colca Canyon tour overcharging from unlicensed operators, and restaurant menu overcharging in tourist areas are the primary documented issues. 2 of the 14 documented scams here are rated high severity. After dark, extra caution is advised near Around Plaza de Armas and Calle Mercaderes, especially near money exchange shops and the Santa Catalina Monastery entrance. Use app-based transport at night and avoid unsolicited approaches from strangers.
Which areas of Arequipa should tourists be most careful in?
Documented scam activity in Arequipa is concentrated in high-traffic tourist zones. Based on reported incidents: Around Plaza de Armas and Calle Mercaderes, especially near money exchange shops and the Santa Catalina Monastery entrance (False Policeman Shakedown); Terminal Terrestre (Arequipa bus terminal) on Av. Andrés Avelino Cáceres, late-night arrivals area; also around Plaza de Armas after midnight (Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi); Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) arrivals hall and exterior taxi rank, Avenida Aviación approach road (Airport Taxi Overcharging). These areas are safe to visit — knowing the common setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
How can I avoid being scammed in Arequipa?
The best protection against scams in Arequipa is preparation — knowing the specific tactics used here before you arrive. Key precautions: Use only taxi companies your hotel recommends or call a licensed radio taxi service. Avoid unmarked cars, especially after dark near the Terminal Terrestre. Sit in the back seat and keep your phone accessible. Share your live location with someone before getting in. Always confirm prices before agreeing to any service, use official or app-based transport, and slow down if anyone creates urgency or distraction — that is almost always the setup.

Arequipa · Peru · South America

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Editorial note: Scam warnings for Arequipa are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →