South America·Peru

Is Arequipa Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Arequipa is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 14 scams, with only 2 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

14

Scams documented

2

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

14

High severity

2

Medium severity

11

Top risk type

Taxi & Transport

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Arequipa

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

False Policeman Shakedown

high

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.

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.

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

Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi

high

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. Incidents typically last 30–90 minutes and have been reported by solo travelers arriving late at night.

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

By traveler type

Is Arequipa safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Arequipa.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Arequipa before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Arequipa

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Arequipa. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Airport Taxi Overcharging

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

medium

Colca Canyon Tour Overcharging

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

medium

False Policeman Shakedown

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

high

Mercado San Camilo Pickpocket Diversion

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

medium

Counterfeit Alpaca Wool Products

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

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Arequipa?

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

4

29% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

3

21% of reports

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

2

14% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

7% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

7% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

7% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

7% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

7% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Arequipa

2 High — 14%
11 Medium — 79%
1 Low — 7%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Arequipa

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Arequipa, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Taxi & Transport scams are the most documented risk in Arequipa — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Arequipa's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Arequipa safe — answered

Is Arequipa safe for tourists in 2026?
Arequipa is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 14 documented scams. 2 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are taxi & transport, tour & activities, street scams. Millions of tourists visit Arequipa safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Arequipa safe for solo travelers?
Arequipa has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Arequipa before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Arequipa for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Arequipa include: Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) arrivals hall and exterior taxi rank, Avenida Aviación approach road. Tour agency strip on Calle Jerusalén and Calle Santa Catalina near Plaza de Armas, Miraflores tourist hotel district. Around Plaza de Armas and Calle Mercaderes, especially near money exchange shops and the Santa Catalina Monastery entrance. These areas are associated with taxi & transport, tour & activities, other scams incidents.
Is Arequipa safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Arequipa is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Arequipa safe for female travelers?
Arequipa is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Arequipa?
The top documented scams in Arequipa are: Airport Taxi Overcharging, Colca Canyon Tour Overcharging, False Policeman Shakedown, Mercado San Camilo Pickpocket Diversion, Counterfeit Alpaca Wool Products. The full database covers 14 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Arequipa?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Arequipa. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Peru safe to visit in 2026?
Peru as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Arequipa specifically has 14 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full Peru country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Arequipa is based on 14 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →