Arequipa

Where to stay

Most budget travelers end up on or near Calle Jerusalén, which runs a few blocks from Plaza de Armas and has the highest concentration of hostels and cheap restaurants. San Lázaro, a short walk north, is quieter and slightly cheaper, though you give up some convenience.

Getting around

• Walk Calle Santa Catalina and compare Colca Canyon tour prices in person before booking. The same two-day trip can vary considerably depending on the operator.
• Mercado San Camilo on Calle Piérola serves a full menú del día for pocket change. Eating there at lunch instead of at restaurants near the plaza will cut your daily food spend noticeably.
• Take a combi to the Yanahuara mirador rather than a taxi. It costs next to nothing, drops you a block from the viewpoint, and the route gives you a look at a neighborhood most tourists skip.

When to go

January through April is the wet season and the cheapest window for beds. July and August are the tightest, with Arequipa's founding anniversary on August 15 and Peruvian school holidays pushing hostels to full capacity for weeks.