Taxi & Transport Scams in Arequipa, Peru
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists. Below are the taxi & transport 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
2
Taxi & Transport Scams
8
Total in Arequipa
How it works
Taxi drivers at Rodríguez Ballón International Airport aggressively target arriving tourists, quoting fares of three to four times the standard rate into Arequipa's historic centre. The 8km journey is one of the most reported scam points in the city. Some drivers claim to offer "official airport taxis" while operating without authorization and with no meter.
How it works
Three-wheeled mototaxis (tuk-tuks) operating in and around Arequipa's outer districts and toward the mirador viewpoints charge tourists inflated flat rates with no meter. Some drivers offer to wait while tourists visit a mirador then charge an inflated combined fee at the return. Routes that cost a standard local fare are quoted at three to four times that for tourists.
See all scams in Arequipa
8 total warnings across all categories