Where to Stay in Arequipa With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated September 2025 • We haven’t stayed here yet, this is the shortlist we’d book today based on location, family amenities, and consistent parent reviews. We’ll update after our Peru leg in late 2025.
We’re a slightly overwhelmed family of four who care about two things: short walks and early bedtimes. Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” is often described as calmer and sunnier than Lima or Cusco. It’s a place where families can catch their breath, wide plazas, a manageable historic centre, and sunny afternoons perfect for strolling with ice cream.
Our rhythm here would be mornings wandering the historic centre (with coffee for us, churros for the kids), a long lunch or siesta when the sun is strongest, and evening wanders around Plaza de Armas with volcano views. The right stay means being close enough to walk everywhere, but with space and quiet when bedtime rolls around.
These are the three stays we’d actually choose: a budget-friendly colonial guesthouse, a mid-range boutique with family rooms, and a splurge-worthy hotel that mixes history with comfort.
Arequipa neighborhoods at a glance (for families)
Centro Histórico
The UNESCO-listed heart of Arequipa. Cobblestone streets, white volcanic stone buildings, and the Plaza de Armas. Staying here means everything is walkable — markets, the Santa Catalina Monastery, cafés, and shaded plazas. Great for families who want to be close to sights without needing taxis.
Yanahuara
A quieter district just west of Centro, known for its viewpoint (mirador) over the city and volcanoes. It’s calmer than the main plaza area, with residential streets, small cafés, and more space. Good for families who want peace but still easy access to Centro (10–15 minutes by foot).
Selva Alegre
Northeast of Centro, this area has parks, larger hotels, and more modern amenities. It’s a little further out but still reachable by a short taxi ride. Families who prefer green space and bigger rooms sometimes choose this area.
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these, no endless lists)
1) Budget-Friendly Charm: Posada Nueva España (Yanahuara)
Why we picked it:
A family-run colonial house in Yanahuara with cozy family rooms and a leafy courtyard. Parents love the personal attention from staff, who happily arrange taxis and tours. Breakfast is included and served in the courtyard, an easy win with kids.
Imagine kids playing safely in the garden while you enjoy your morning coffee with volcano views. For budget travelers, this is a slice of calm without leaving the city behind.
Good to know:
It’s a 10–15 minute walk to Plaza de Armas, so bring a stroller or plan short taxi rides. Rooms are rustic and simple, not luxury. But for the price and atmosphere, it’s one of Arequipa’s best family-value stays.
2) Mid-Range Balance: Hotel Casona Solar (Centro Histórico)
Why we picked it:
A beautifully restored colonial mansion right in the historic centre. The rooms have vaulted stone ceilings, and family suites mean you don’t have to cram into one double bed. Breakfast is included, and the location makes sightseeing easy without long walks.
Families highlight the safety of the enclosed courtyards, which give kids space to run without traffic worries. Staff are known for being helpful with local tips, and the central location means food runs are simple.
Good to know:
Some rooms face the street and can be noisy, ask for courtyard-facing if you’ve got light sleepers. The historic charm also means no elevators, so be ready for a few stairs.
3) Splurge Sanity Saver: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (Centro Histórico)
Why we picked it:
A luxury hotel set inside a 200-year-old colonial mansion. Huge courtyards, spacious suites, and an on-site restaurant mean you can collapse here after a day of exploring. Families rave about the combination of history and comfort, staff welcome kids, and the central location is unbeatable.
The courtyard is particularly family-friendly, giving kids a safe space to burn off energy. Add in modern comforts (Wi-Fi, heating, laundry service), and you’ve got a hotel that makes family travel easier.
Good to know:
It’s a splurge for Arequipa standards, but if you want a stress-free base in the city’s heart, this is it. The mix of historic beauty and practical comfort makes it worth the extra soles.
How we choose (quickly, like parents do)
Walkability: food/play within 10–15 minutes
Room setup: family rooms or suites with space to breathe
Cool-down: courtyards or shaded areas for kids
Food: breakfast included, easy access to snacks
Reviews: consistent family mentions, not one-off raves
Safety & practical stuff for families
Altitude: Arequipa sits at 2,300m (7,500 ft), lower than Cusco, so altitude is usually milder. Still, go easy the first day.
Traffic: Centro is busy but less chaotic than Lima. Stick to crosswalks and hold hands on cobblestones.
Water & food: Stick to bottled/filtered water. Arequipa is famous for its picanterías (traditional restaurants), some serve spicy food, so ask for milder options for kids.
Stroller-friendliness: Centro has cobblestones but flatter streets than Cusco. A stroller works, but a baby carrier may still be easier.
Airport transfer: Arequipa airport is only 15–20 minutes from Centro by taxi. Easy and affordable.
Climate: Arequipa is known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Days are sunny and warm (20–25°C / 68–77°F), nights cool (5–10°C / 40–50°F). Bring layers.
Getting around & when to book
Getting around: Centro is walkable. For Yanahuara or Selva Alegre, short taxi rides cost just a few soles.
When to book: Arequipa is less crowded than Cusco, but June–August (dry season) still sees more tourists. Book family rooms a couple of months in advance. Shoulder months (Apr–May, Sept–Oct) offer the best balance of weather and prices.
How long to stay: With kids, 2–3 nights is enough to explore the historic center, Santa Catalina Monastery, and Yanahuara, plus a day trip to Colca Canyon if your crew can handle the drive.
Family logistics near each area (quick hits)
Centro Histórico
Plaza de Armas with shaded benches for downtime.
Santa Catalina Monastery, colorful, stroller-friendly courtyards.
Lots of cafés and bakeries for snack stops.
Pharmacies and supermarkets within walking distance
Yanahuara
Mirador for panoramic volcano views.
Residential vibe = quieter nights.
Local cafés and small shops.
Easy taxi into Centro for meals.
Selva Alegre
Large park with playgrounds.
Bigger hotels with modern amenities.
Quieter streets and less tourist bustle.
Best for families staying longer or needing space.
FAQ (for parents, by parents)
Is Arequipa safe with kids?
Yes. Centro and Yanahuara are safe and walkable. Usual big-city sense applies, keep valuables secure, avoid dark alleys at night.
Which area is best with younger kids?
Centro Histórico, flat, walkable, and close to food. Yanahuara is calmer but involves more taxis.
How many days in Arequipa with kids?
Two to three nights is plenty. Enough time to explore the city at a slow pace, enjoy plazas, and take a Colca Canyon trip if you’re up for it.
Is altitude a concern in Arequipa?
Milder than Cusco. Most families feel fine, but still go easy the first day and hydrate well.
Are Arequipa’s sights family-friendly?
Yes. The Santa Catalina Monastery is stroller-friendly, plazas have space for kids, and viewpoints like Yanahuara are easy to access.
Wrap-Up
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