Are you planning a trip to Peru and are wondering how to get from Lima to Arequipa? Here’s everything you need to know, including transportation options, tips, and tricks.
Are you planning a trip to Arequipa?
– Book an Arequipa airport transfer
– Buy bus ticket
– Rent a car in Lima and drive to Arequipa
Lima to Arequipa by bus
If you’re on a budget or prefer to travel by land, taking the bus is another option.
There are several bus companies that operate between Lima and Arequipa, with departures throughout the day and night.
The trip takes approximately 16 hours, so it’s generally better to travel overnight.
The cost of bus tickets can vary depending on the level of comfort you choose, with prices ranging from $15-50.
Having done this trip from Lima to Arequipa by bus more than once, I suggest you investing in a more expensive ticket to ensure a more comfortable journey. If you buy the cheapest bus tickets, you will get a bus seat which can’t recline, which is of course very uncomfortable for such a long journey.
The bus company I generally travel with is Civa, and I think their Excluciva line is the best in Peru. You can get 180 degrees comfortable reclining seats and a screen at your seat to watch movies.
Other good bus companies that go to Arequipa are Cruz del Sur and Oltursa.
Just make sure to bring a jacket with you, as it gets quite cold at night.
If you want to go by bus so that you get to see Peru by land, but don’t want to make such a long trip all at once, I suggest you make stops along the way. You can see the recommended stops further down in the article.
You can book your bus tickets here.
Tip: One thing to bear in mind when going from Lima to Arequipa by bus is the risk of altitude sickness. The journey takes you through some high-altitude areas, which in combination with the winding roads can very likely make you feel sick. I recommend buying Gravol (for dizziness) or Sorojchi pill (for altitude sickness) for the trip. You can buy them at any pharmacy in Lima.
Lima to Arequipa by car
If you’re looking for a more flexible and adventurous way to travel from Lima to Arequipa, renting a car could be a great option.
The journey takes around 16 hours and covers a distance of about 1,000 km (~620 miles). Along the way, there are several interesting places to stop and visit.
If you’re considering a road trip from Lima to Arequipa, it’s important to note that the journey can be challenging due to the terrain.
The first part will be quite easy though, on a flat road on the coast going through the Peruvian desert. But when the time comes to go inland and go up the mountains to reach Arequipa, the road becomes more challenging.
The road winds through the Andes, with steep cliffs on one side, which can make for some nerve-wracking moments. It’s a very long journey, so unless you have experience driving in this kind of routes, I wouldn’t recommend it.
But if you have experience and are up for it, you can rent a car in Lima here.
The best stops on your way from Lima to Arequipa
Whether you decide to go from Lima to Arequipa by bus or to drive, the journey can be much more fun if you decide to stop along the way.
If you only make one stop, Nazca is the best choice because it’s just in between Lima and Arequipa.
Nazca is a town famous for the Nazca Lines, mysterious geoglyphs drawn centuries ago on the desert plains that can only be fully appreciated from the air. You can take a flight over the lines or visit the observation tower for a ground-level view.
Another popular stop is Paracas, before Nasca, a coastal town known for its wildlife reserve. A great place to visit at Paracas are the Ballestas Islands, which are often called “the poor man’s Galapagos” for their abundance of marine life.
Finally, Huacachina is a small oasis town surrounded by sand dunes. It’s after Paracas but before Nasca. It’s a very popular spot for travelers to go sandboarding or go on a dune buggy ride.
Lima to Arequipa by plane
Flying from Lima to Arequipa is the fastest way to travel between the two cities.
The flight takes approximately one hour and can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 depending on the airline, time of year, and how far in advance you book.
As of 2023, the only airlines that operate this route are LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSmart.
Arequipa’s airport, Rodriguez Ballon International Airport, is around a 20-25 minute drive from the city center.
Tip: When traveling to Arequipa, it’s important to remember that the city sits at a high altitude of 2235m (around 7600 feet). It’s advisable to take it easy on your first day and acclimatize to the altitude before making any big plans. Colca Canyon may be a popular attraction, but it’s best to avoid it during your first and second days in Arequipa. Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the city’s sights and sounds at a comfortable pace.
Arequipa airport to the city center
An official taxi from inside the airport to the center costs around 40 soles (~USD $12). If you prefer, you can also book van in advance (for the same price), that will be waiting for you at your arrival.
Tip: If you want to save money and have good bargaining skills, you can also walk outside of the airport and you could get a taxi for as little as 15 soles (~ USD $4). However, the official taxis are of course considered safer.
