I've been to Arequipa three times and stayed at La Casa de los Pinguinos all three times. It's a great atmosphere, clean, secure and with awesome service!

We made Arequipa our last stop in Peru and stayed at La Casa de los Pinguinos for 10 days, both were a fantastic, choice. La Casa de los Pinguinos was very comfortable and spotlessly clean, Alex and her team at made us very welcome with good suggestions of what to do in and around Arequipa. Pinguinos is a safe 10min walk from Plaza de Armas and some great restaurants (www.zigzagrestaurant.com was our favorite with its hot stone beef).

We stayed with Alex for three night before heading to Cusco. What a fabulous stopover. Not only is Ariquipa a delightful place but this homely hostel is more like a B&B. Breakfast is cereals, yogurt, fruits, rolls coffee etc, and there is also a small bar in the foyer where you can buy a wine, water or a beer and some snacks. Rooms are spacious and spotless and security is great. Its a 10 min walk at the most to the Plaza de armas, but the exercise wont kill you!! Alex even went as far as to book our tickets to Cusco on the Cruz del Sur tour bus, which stops at four points of interest on the way to cusco, and also our accomodation at the other end with a hostel she recommended. We just paid her for everything when we settled the bill. Dont miss this little gem!! Its a home away from home, and it beats me why there's no mention in LP!! Thanks for everything Alex!!!

I booked 2 rooms by email but upon arrival I understood that I mixed up the dates. Our reservation was for yestarday:-) Fortunately some rooms were available. We arrived very early in the morning and had next bus in the evening. The owner allowed us to pay for 1 room with 4 beds for 1 day. Very good deal! A breafast was included. Alexandra (the owner) is a wonderful lady. She told us about interesting place in Arequipa.
If I decide to visit Arequipa again I'll definitely stay here.