Arequipa

As of May 2026, Arequipa has 1,485 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Arequipa generates S/13K per year. High-performing properties earn S/36K/year, while low-performing properties earn S/5K/year. This wide disparity suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to property-specific execution, as the revenue spread indicates that top listings capture a disproportionate share of total demand.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Arequipa. Average annual revenue is S/13K with 23% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to S/36K/year. The gap between the average and high-performing segments reveals that while base occupancy is moderate, there is significant untapped revenue potential for listings that effectively differentiate themselves.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Arequipa is 23%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of S/148, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of S/30 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Arequipa, with annual revenue of S/21K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Arequipa market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Arequipa area. Arequipa: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations or registration requirements at municipal level. Tourism businesses need RUC tax registration but enforcement for individual STR hosts is minimal. No owner-occupancy rules, rental caps, or density limits. Most hosts operate informally without permits. Very light enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Arequipa Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 2%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The slight decline in RevPAR alongside modest supply growth suggests the market is absorbing new inventory without triggering a sharp compression in overall profitability.

Launch around June, 2-3 months before peak fall season (September peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 27% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-June) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Arequipa listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (98%), Washing Machine (61%), Parking (44%), Balcony (30%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pets Allowed, Heating, Bbq, with Pets Allowed properties earning approximately 16% more (S/32K/year vs S/27K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Arequipa over the last 12 months: May: S/731, June: S/638, July: S/1K, August: S/1K, September: S/2K, October: S/900, November: S/748, December: S/901, January: S/983, February: S/611, March: S/714, April: S/872. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Arequipa is S/148, up 24% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average S/119/night, 2-bedroom properties average S/148/night, 3-bedroom properties average S/191/night, 4+ bedroom properties average S/325/night. Rates peak in September and are lowest in June.

Guests in Arequipa book an average of 17 days in advance, down 24% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 16 days, 2-bedroom: 16 days, 3-bedroom: 17 days, 4+ bedroom: 22 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Arequipa Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 5%, revenue per listing decreased 2%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 24%, and lead time decreased 24%. These shifts highlight a transition toward shorter booking windows and premium pricing strategies, despite the broader softening in occupancy levels.

In Arequipa, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekends show 18% higher occupancy than weekdays.