How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa, Peru, Arequipa, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, How to Avoid Tourist Traps

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Arequipa, Peru

1. Local Markets

Visit local markets like San Camilo for authentic Peruvian goods and food at reasonable prices. Avoid overpriced souvenirs in touristy areas.
  • Authentic Goods: Purchase handmade, locally produced items.
  • Reasonable Prices: Avoid overpriced souvenirs found in touristy areas.
  • Local Experiences: Experience the local culture and interact with vendors.

2. Monasterio de Santa Catalina

While a must-see attraction, the Monasterio de Santa Catalina can be crowded and expensive. Purchase tickets online to save time and money.
  • Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to avoid long lines.
  • Time-Saving: Save time by planning ahead and purchasing tickets online.
  • Cost-Effective: Purchasing tickets online can save money compared to buying at the gate.

3. Restaurants Near Main Squares

Restaurants near main squares often cater to tourists and have inflated prices. Explore side streets for affordable, authentic eateries.
  • Authentic Cuisine: Experience local Peruvian dishes at reasonable prices.
  • Avoid Tourist Prices: Steer clear of restaurants catering to tourists with inflated prices.
  • Local Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere by exploring side streets.

4. Taxis and Transportation

Avoid taxis without meters or unofficial transportation. Use trusted services like Uber or official taxi stands.
  • Safety: Ensure safe and reliable transportation.
  • Trusted Services: Use trusted services like Uber or official taxi stands.
  • Avoid Scams: Avoid taxis without meters or unofficial transportation to avoid scams and overcharging.

5. Tourist Agencies

Research tour companies before booking to find reliable, locally-owned agencies that offer fair prices and quality experiences.
  • Locally Owned: Support local businesses and the community.
  • Fair Prices: Avoid overpriced, tourist-trap agencies.
  • Quality Experiences: Ensure a quality experience by researching tour companies before booking.

6. Free Tours

Be wary of 'free' tours as they often require tipping large amounts. Opt for paid tours with reputable companies.
  • Reputable Companies: Choose reputable, established tour companies.
  • Avoid Large Tips: Avoid 'free' tours that require large tips.
  • Quality Guides: Ensure a quality guide by choosing reputable, established tour companies.

7. Santuary of Angels Viewpoint

The Santuary of Angels viewpoint can be crowded and expensive. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy stunning views.
  • Avoid Crowds: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds.
  • Stunning Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Arequipa and the surrounding mountains.
  • Cost-Effective: Visiting early or late can save money on entrance fees.

8. Church of La Compañia

The Church of La Compañia has a fee for entry. Instead, visit the free-to-enter Church of San Francisco.
  • Free Entry: Save money by visiting the free-to-enter Church of San Francisco.
  • Architectural Wonders: Enjoy beautiful architecture and history at both churches.
  • Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Arequipa.

9. Juanita Museum

The Juanita Museum can have long lines. Purchase tickets online or arrive early to avoid wait times.
  • Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to avoid long lines.
  • Time-Saving: Save time by planning ahead and purchasing tickets online or arriving early.
  • Cultural Insight: Learn about Incan history and the frozen mummy of Juanita.

10. Mysterious Labyrinth

The Mysterious Labyrinth can be crowded with tour groups. Visit during off-peak hours or explore other nearby attractions.
  • Avoid Crowds: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds.
  • Unique Experience: Experience a unique, underground labyrinth filled with mystery.
  • Nearby Attractions: Explore other nearby attractions if the Mysterious Labyrinth is too crowded.

11. Volcan Chachani Hike

Avoid guides offering to hike Volcan Chachani without proper equipment. Rent gear or join a reputable guided tour.
  • Proper Equipment: Ensure safety by using appropriate gear.
  • Reputable Guides: Choose reputable, experienced guides for a safe and enjoyable hike.
  • Stunning Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

12. Nightlife Spots

Avoid loud, touristy nightclubs. Explore local bars and music venues for a more authentic experience.
  • Authentic Experience: Experience the local culture by visiting bars and music venues.
  • Avoid Tourist Prices: Steer clear of loud, touristy nightclubs with inflated prices.
  • Local Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere by exploring side streets and off-the-beaten-path spots.

13. Food Tours

Avoid generic food tours that focus on overpriced restaurants. Opt for smaller, locally-led tours focused on authentic Peruvian cuisine.
  • Authentic Cuisine: Experience local Peruvian dishes at reasonable prices.
  • Avoid Tourist Prices: Steer clear of food tours that focus on overpriced restaurants.
  • Local Guides: Learn about the local culture and history from knowledgeable, local guides.

14. Colca Canyon Day Trips

Avoid overcrowded Colca Canyon day trips. Plan a multi-day trek for a more authentic experience.
  • Multi-Day Treks: Experience the beauty and serenity of Colca Canyon over multiple days.
  • Avoid Crowds: Steer clear of overcrowded day trips for a more authentic experience.
  • Stunning Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views and immerse yourself in nature.

15. Volcan Misti Sunrise Hike

Avoid guides offering to hike Volcan Misti without proper gear or expertise. Rent gear or join a reputable guided tour for a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Proper Equipment: Ensure safety by using appropriate gear.
  • Reputable Guides: Choose reputable, experienced guides for a safe and enjoyable hike.
  • Stunning Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape at sunrise.