Peru Guide
Arequipa
Arrival
Generally, Arequipa is an almost unavoidable stopping-off point between Lima and the Titicaca, Cusco and Tacna regions, and is a hub for most journeys in the southern half of Peru. From Arequipa you can continue to Cusco, or Titicaca by bus or plane. The train between Arequipa and Puno no longer takes passengers; but it is easy enough to travel to Puno or Juliaca by bus and pick up the train to Cusco. Bolivia is within a day by bus, while Tacna and the Chilean frontier are also highly accessible from Arequipa by road.
Flights land at Arequipa airport ( 
054/443464), 7km northwest of town. A red shuttle bus meets most planes and will take you to any hotel in the town centre for $1; alternatively, a taxi will cost $4–5. Most long-distance buses arrive at the modern, concrete Terminal Terrestre ( 054/427797) bus station about 4km south from the centre of town or at the newer Terrapuerto ( 054/422277), next door; a taxi to the Plaza de Armas should cost no more than $2–3. It's worth noting, too, that when leaving these terminals by bus, there's a 30¢ charge per head. Click here for full details of operators, contact details and where they connect to.