How to get to Arequipa from Mexico?

Traveling from Mexico to Arequipa, in southern Peru, is an excellent opportunity to combine cultural tourism, history, and nature. Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its buildings made of sillar (volcanic stone), is surrounded by imposing volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, and boasts a historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This post aims to explain clearly and concisely how to get from Mexico to Arequipa, primarily by air. If you’re wondering how to get from Mexico to Arequipa, you’ll find the most common routes, approximate travel times, estimated costs, entry requirements for Mexican citizens, and practical recommendations for your arrival and stay in the city. With this information, you can plan your trip with greater confidence, anticipate necessary procedures, and make informed decisions about dates, airlines, and connections.

2. Typical Air Route from Mexico

2.1. Departure Cities in Mexico (Examples)

The most common combinations depart from:

• Mexico City (MEX)
• Sometimes Guadalajara (GDL) or Monterrey (MTY), but there will almost always be an additional layover.

2.2. Standard Route

The most logical route is:

• Mexico City → Lima (LIM) → Arequipa (AQP)
• Airlines such as Aeromexico and LATAM, among others, fly from Mexico City to Lima, either directly or with a layover.
• From Lima to Arequipa, there are many daily flights operated by LATAM, Sky Airline Peru, JetSMART, etc.

According to flight search engines, no airline operates direct flights from MEX to AQP; all flights are with a connection, primarily in Lima.

2.3. Example Travel Time

Approximate (may vary):

MEX → LIM: 5–6 hours of flight time.

Layover in Lima: 2–5 hours (sometimes longer, depending on the time of day).

LIM → AQP: 1 hr 30 to 1 hr 40 min.

Typical total travel time: between 9 and 14 hours, including layovers.

3. Approximate Flight Costs

Based on search engines like Expedia/Kayak:

• Round-trip flights from Mexico City to Arequipa can be found for around $4,000–$11,000 MXN depending on the season, booking in advance, and airline.

Keep in mind:

• Peak season: January, summer vacation, and holidays → higher prices.
• Low season: around May, prices are usually better.

4. Immigration Requirements for Mexicans Traveling to Peru

Official information from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Peruvian Consulate in Mexico:

• Visa: Mexicans traveling as tourists do NOT need a visa to enter Peru.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Peru.
• Maximum stay as a tourist: Normally up to 183 days in a 12-month (This may vary depending on immigration criteria upon arrival).

If you are going to work, study, or do business, other types of visas are required: in that case, it is advisable to contact the Consulate General of Peru in Mexico.

⚠️ Note: Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Peru have experienced recent political tensions, but so far this does not mean that Mexican tourists need a visa; even so, it is a good idea to check the SRE website before buying your flight. El País

5. Step by step: how to organize your trip

5.1. Define dates and departure city

1. Choose your city of origin in Mexico (MEX, GDL, MTY, etc.).
2. Check the weather in Arequipa (it is a high-altitude city, temperate-dry climate, cold nights).

5.2. Search for flights

On a flight search engine:

1. Origin: your city in Mexico.
2. Destination: Arequipa (AQP).
3. Check connections:
   • Fastest option: 1 stop in Lima (LIM).
   • The cheapest option sometimes includes two layovers (for example, Bogotá, Santiago, Panama, etc.).

5.3. Booking Accommodation

In Arequipa, you can look for:

• Recommended areas: Historic Center / Plaza de Armas, San Lázaro, Vallecito.
• Types: budget hostels, boutique hotels in colonial mansions, Airbnb.

6. Arriving in Arequipa from Lima:

Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, you need to consider the following ways to get to the “White City of Arequipa.” Generally, the easiest option is to take the connecting flight, but there are other ways to reach Arequipa depending on your needs. These options include:

• Air Option (Flight)
• Land Option
  • (Interprovincial Bus)
  • (Car)
  • (Train)

7. Health, Altitude, and Practical Recommendations

Arequipa is located approximately 2,300–2,560 meters above sea level (this varies depending on the area).

Recommendations:

• For the first few days: stay well hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid strenuous activity.
• What to bring:
  • A light jacket or coat: nights can be cool.
  • Sunscreen (UV radiation is strong at high altitude).
• Travel insurance: recommended to cover unexpected medical expenses.