Arequipa’s gateway makes it easy to plan cheap, flexible journeys across Peru and beyond. Travelers value the airport’s handy location, reliable domestic links, and upgraded terminal that keeps stress low from the first step.
Aeropuerto Internacional Rodríguez Ballón sits about 8 kilometers from the city center in the Zamácola area, so getting to your flight usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Sitting at 2,560 meters above sea level, it is among the busiest facilities in Peru and serves as the south’s primary air hub.
The single asphalt runway is 2,980 meters long and supports a wide range of aircraft, while the terminal has received modernization to streamline security, boarding and services. That combination makes flights from Arequipa a smart starting point whether you are planning a quick domestic hop or connecting internationally via major hubs. Arequipa’s route map focuses on the essentials travelers need most, with nonstop links to Lima and Cusco running frequently, subject to change, allowing convenient one way journeys for business, weekends, and onward long haul trips.
Two nonstop routes dominate departures from Arequipa, with timings and frequencies that suit both frequent travelers and first timers. These are the routes locals rely on for city breaks and onward connections.
Arequipa to Lima takes about 1 hour 35 minutes nonstop, and there are multiple daily services, subject to change. It is the workhorse route for international connections and quick capital visits. For a simple booking path, check Arequipa to Lima.
Arequipa to Cusco is roughly a 1 hour nonstop hop, with several departures on most days, subject to change. It is the go to for culture trips and jumping off to the Sacred Valley. See timings on Arequipa to Cusco. Demand rises from June to August for festivals and dry season, making last minute flights pricier. In other months, weekend options often stay flexible, especially for early morning or late evening flights.
Prices move with seasons and demand. A few simple habits can help you lock in better deals without spending all day searching.
Peak demand in Arequipa usually runs June through August. If your dates are flexible, look at shoulder periods outside those months to find more cheap flights from Arequipa, noting that exact pricing varies by date and route. For short domestic hops, a common rule is to book 4 to 6 weeks in advance, and for holidays or festivals, widen that window to avoid surges, since schedules and fares are subject to change.
Automate fare hunting with Set a Price Alert. Kiwi.com tracks changes and notifies you when a route hits your target, letting you book quickly. For multi stop Andes or coast adventures, the Nomad Search Tool covers three or more stops, finding a cheap overall route. Install the Kiwi.com App for on the go booking and instant notifications. Explore hacks such as self transfer, hidden cities or throwaway tickets at Kiwi.com’s Travel Hacks page to spot options others might miss.
Here’s how Rodríguez Ballón International works on the ground, plus how to mix and match carriers the smart way when you need extra flexibility.
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport, IATA code AQP, sits about 8 kilometers from central Arequipa, generally a 20 to 30 minute taxi ride depending on traffic. Facilities have been upgraded, and amenities include dining, shopping and comfortable seating. Aim to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before domestic flights to allow for check in and security, with timing subject to change by carrier and season. Airlines flying from Arequipa usually focus on domestic routes, notably LATAM Perú, Sky Airline Perú and JetSMART Perú, each with several daily flights to Lima and some to Cusco, schedules subject to change.
When combining separate tickets, Kiwi.com’s self transfer builds one itinerary from different airlines. Since delays, cancellations or changes can arise, protect your trip using the Kiwi.com Guarantee, which offers automatic check in for all flights, 24 by 7 live chat, and Disruption Protection for instant Kiwi.com Credit or help with airline refunds if plans are interrupted, subject to their policy terms.