Are there dangerous areas to avoid in Arequipa?

Arequipa is one of Peru’s most visited and beloved cities, known for its white architecture, gastronomy, and the warmth of its people. However, as with any large city, it’s important to know which areas may pose greater risks to visitors and residents. Identifying areas to avoid, especially at night or in specific situations, helps you enjoy the city with greater safety and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll explore these potentially dangerous areas of Arequipa, why they are considered more risky, and what recommendations to follow to get around with confidence.

Arequipa Safety Guide: Areas to Avoid and Recommendations 

Areas and neighborhoods with higher risk     

Although Arequipa is a city that many visitors consider relatively safe compared to other large Latin American cities, there are areas with higher crime rates or risk and dangerous zones, especially at night or if you are walking alone.

Specific places to avoid

Calle 2 de Mayo and Romaña Park area (Cercado de Arequipa)   

What’s happening there:

The 2 de Mayo street and the area surrounding Romaña Park , located within the Cercado district of Arequipa, are frequently mentioned by authorities and residents as areas most vulnerable to crime . This is especially noticeable during the early morning hours and on weekends, when there is less public presence and a greater movement of people at risk or exhibiting antisocial behavior; it is considered one of the most dangerous areas in Arequipa.

Why are these considered sensitive areas?

• Nighttime activity: In the early morning, there is a presence of people consuming alcohol in public spaces, which sometimes leads to disturbances and conflicts.

• Reported criminal acts: Minor incidents such as robberies and muggings have been recorded in areas near the park, as well as citizen videos indicating thefts of objects (for example, bottle caps or belongings) in this area.

• Neighborhood perception: Some residents report the presence of “ill-to-do” people in these streets, which coincides with the perception of insecurity in passages and areas with less pedestrian traffic.

What to do if you are in that area:

• Avoid walking alone at night (especially after midnight).
• Keep personal belongings secure and avoid distractions such as using your phone in plain sight.
• Prefer routes with more lighting, commercial activity, or police/security patrols.

Surroundings of Campo Redondo and San Francisco Street (Historic Center/Cercado)   

Campo Redondo and the surrounding areas, including San Francisco Street, are located within the traditional zone of Arequipa’s Historic Center (San Lázaro and surrounding areas). These spaces, while forming part of the city’s cultural heart, can become more dangerous at times, especially during the early morning hours or in poorly lit areas.

Factors that influence the perception of insecurity:

• Nightlife with bars and nightclubs: San Francisco Street and nearby avenues are home to several bars and entertainment venues that operate until the early hours. After closing time, groups of people may remain in the street consuming drinks, which can lead to conflicts or risky situations.

• Serious incidents reported: On some weekends, violent incidents have been documented within the Historic Center (including areas such as San Francisco), with cases of stabbings and assaults in the early morning hours.

• Lighting and surveillance: Residents and media have pointed out that some streets adjacent to Campo Redondo have poor lighting at night, which can facilitate opportunistic or more serious crimes.

Safety recommendations if you visit or pass through there:

• • At night: Avoid walking through very deserted or poorly lit areas. Instead of walking alone, consider walking with a group or taking a taxi or a reliable ride-hailing app.

  • Before you leave: If you plan to be in bars or nightclubs in the San Francisco area, arrange safe transportation back or return accompanied.

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your belongings under surveillance, and if you notice suspicious groups or aggressive behavior, move away and look for places with more people.

Neighborhoods with a high perception of insecurity according to surveys : 

• Miraflores
• Paucarpata
• José Luis Bustamante y Rivero
• Cerro Colorado
• Alto Selva Alegre
• Hunter
• Mariano Melgar
• Enclosed areas (certain more peripheral zones)
  These areas are perceived by some of the population as more vulnerable to robberies or other crimes.

Local tip : Many residents also comment that certain peripheral avenues such as Av. Jesús, Av. Goyeneche or areas near the bus terminal can feel less safe after dark.

Practical safety tips   

During the day  

• The historic center and well-lit tourist areas, such as the Plaza de Armas , are usually safe to walk around during the day.

• Always keep your personal belongings in sight and avoid distractions in crowded places (markets and bus stops).

During the night 

• Avoid walking alone on poorly lit or deserted streets.

• He prefers registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber instead of hailing one on the street, especially at night.

• If you visit places outside the historic center, do so in a group or by safe transport.

Prevention of common crimes 

• Pickpocketing is common in crowded places, such as markets or bus stations .

• Do not display valuables (phones, cameras, jewelry) in public.

• Exchange money at official locations or banks; avoid street exchanges to prevent receiving counterfeit bills.

Areas that are generally considered safer 

While avoiding higher-risk areas, it can also be helpful to know where you usually feel most at ease :

• Yanahuara: pleasant and well-guarded, ideal for daytime walks.

• Vallecito and San Lázaro: residential areas with a quiet atmosphere.

• Tourist center (Plaza de Armas and surroundings): during the day, with tourist police presence.

General safety context in Arequipa  

Citizen insecurity has been identified as a concern in several neighborhoods of the city, and recent studies reveal that a significant percentage of residents have experienced crimes such as robberies or muggings, especially in the afternoon or evening.

Local authorities have tried to reinforce surveillance with cameras and greater coordination between the municipal security force and the police, but the perception of risk in certain areas still persists.

Quick summary

✔️ Arequipa is not an extremely dangerous city , but it does have areas and times (especially at night or on deserted streets) where the risk is higher.
✔️ Authorities are working to improve security with patrols, but your personal precautions remain key.
✔️ Use common sense: avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, use safe transportation, and keep an eye on your belongings.