Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) Information

(Arequipa, Peru)

Arequipa's Rodriguez Ballon International Airport is one of the two main hubs for air arrivals in the southern region of Peru. It is also the gateway for tourists visiting the city of Arequipa itself, the spectacular Colca Canyon and the ruins of Peru's ancient civilisation. As the region's popularity with visitors has increased, the number of passengers passing through this facility has grown exponentially, with passenger numbers doubling and topping a million travellers in recent years.

Domestic flights run to Lima, Cusco, Juliaca and Tacna, with international routes to Santiago de Chile, Arica, Iquique and Antofagasta, as well as regular flights to Bolivia's La Paz and Santa Cruz. There are five carriers operating here, namely Sky Airway, LAN Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Star Peru and ACA Peru. The airport has a single terminal with limited facilities and is a joint military / civil facility, which also supports general aviation.

Set in the Andes mountain range in the far south of the country, Arequipa is Peru's second-largest city. It is nicknamed the 'White City' for its Spanish colonial architecture, which was constructed from white volcanic rock. The gleaming building material was sourced locally from around Mount Misti, an extinct volcano overlooking the city and its airport. The historic Old Town, founded in the year of 1540 AD, is crammed with magnificent plazas and mansions and, together with the Inca ruins close by, draws over a million visitors annually.

Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP)

Address: Aviacion Tumbes / Huallaga, Arequipa, Peru
The Rodriguez Ballon International Airport is located in the suburbs, some 7 km / 4 miles to the north of Arequipa's downtown district, and is connected to the city by Highway 34A.

Facilities:

• An information desk is located in the terminal
• A bank is provided in the terminal's main hall
• Currency exchange is available in the Arrivals hall
• A restaurant and snack bar are situated in the terminal
• A hotel information and booking desk is on offer in the Arrivals area
• Car hire through a Hertz licensee is provided at the airport
• Book your Arequipa Car Hire here
• Parking spaces, accessible by airport shuttle, are provided on the complex
• A gift shop is located in the main hall

Cars

Given the confusing road system in the city suburbs, the best route to the city centre for self-drive visitors is via two main highways. Head south on the 34A, taking the right-hand fork almost immediately after leaving the complex. Take a left several kilometres further on at the T-junction where the 34A meets Highway 30 (at Semirural Pachacutec), and continue into the city centre. The trip should take around 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, you may like to head along the Aviacion Tumbes / Villa Hermosa thoroughfare. This is a shorter journey in length, but has a similar overall travel time, since it is a slower road. As you head into the city along this particular route, you will encounter the suburbs of Zamacola, La Fonda, the Cerro Colorado District, Quinta El Sol, Quinta Siena, Los Angeles de Cayma, the Cayma District, Santa Cecilia and Yanahuara.

Shuttles

There is currently no dedicated bus transportation service between the airport and the city, but several Arequipa hotels offer shuttle services for their guests. It is best to check if your hotel provides this particular service in advance of your arrival.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside of the airport's Arrivals exit, offering fixed-rate journeys to the city of Arequipa and beyond. However, a spot of friendly haggling can often reduce the fixed fare, depending on the quantity of luggage and the size of the vehicle. Cheaper shared taxi services are also offered.