Street Scams in Arequipa, Peru
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Arequipa — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Valparaíso, Mendoza, and Salvador.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
1
Street Scams Scams
8
Total in Arequipa
How it works
Arequipa's textile market and souvenir shops sell items labelled as genuine alpaca or baby alpaca wool — including sweaters, scarves, and blankets — that are actually acrylic blends or lower-grade sheep wool. Premium baby alpaca garments are sold at baby alpaca prices despite containing minimal or no alpaca fiber. Arequipa is Peru's wool capital, making it a high-volume market for this fraud.
See all scams in Arequipa
8 total warnings across all categories