Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [123]
Librería SBS Internacional (20-5317; San Francisco 125; 9am-8pm Mon-Sat) A good selection of books, including titles in English, French, Italian, Portuguese and German.
Cultural Centers
There are a few cultural centers around town that host art shows, music concerts and film screenings, and have libraries and cafes that welcome travelers.
Alianza Francesa (21-5579; www.afarequipa.org.pe; Santa Catalina 208)
Centro Cultural Peruano Norteamericano (ICPNA; 39-1020; www.cultural.edu.pe; Melgar 109)
Instituto Cultural Peruano Alemán (ICPA; 22-8130; www.icpa.org.pe; Ugarte 207)
Emergency
Policía de Turismo (Tourist Police; 20-1258; Jerusalén 315-317; 24hr) May be helpful if you need an official theft report for insurance claims.
Immigration
Oficina de migraciónes (Immigration office; 42-1759; Parque 2, cnr Bustamente & Rivero, Urb Quinta Tristán; 8am-3:30pm Mon-Fri) Come here for a visa extension.
Internet Access
Most internet cafes charge about S1.50 per hour. Many also offer cheap local and international phone calls.
Ciber Market (28-4306; Santa Catalina 115B; 8am-10pm) Private booths, fast computers with printers available, plus Skype, webcams and digital photo CD-burning services.
Laundry
Calle Jerusalén has many spots for having your kit washed.
Magic Laundry (Jerusalén 404; per kg S3; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, 8:30am-2pm Sun) Pay S0.50 extra to have clothes washed, dried and folded in three hours.
Left Luggage
Most guesthouses and hotels will store your bags for free for a few days while you explore the surrounding countryside. Always lock your bags securely, keep a list of the contents with you and check over everything carefully when you return.
Medical Services
Clínica Arequipa (25-3424, 25-3416; Bolognesi at Puente Grau; 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 8am-12:30pm Sat) Arequipa’s best and most expensive clinic.
Hogar Clínica San Juan de Dios (25-6844, 27-2740; Av Ejército 1020, Cayma; 24hr) In the suburb of Cayma, this is also recommended; call ahead for hours.
Hospital Regional Honorio Delgado Espinoza (21-9702, 23-3812; Av Daniel Alcides Carrión s/n; 24hr) Emergency 24-hour services.
InkaFarma (20-1565; Santo Domingo 113; 24hr) One of Peru’s biggest pharmacy chains; it’s well stocked.
Paz Holandesa Policlinic (43-2281; www.pazholandesa.com; Av Jorge Chávez 527; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat) This appointment-only travel clinic provides vaccinations as well. Doctors here speak English and Dutch. Profits go toward providing free medical services for underprivileged Peruvian children.
Money
There are moneychangers and ATMs on streets east of the Plaza de Armas. Global ATMs are easy to find in most areas frequented by travelers, including inside the Casona Santa Catalina complex, the bus terminal and the airport.
Both banks listed exchange US traveler’s checks.
BCP (San Juan de Dios 125) Has a Visa ATM and changes American dollars.
Interbank (Mercaderes 217) Has a global ATM.
Post
DHL (22-5332; Santa Catalina 115; 8:30am- 7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat)
FedEx (Main office; 25-6464; Av Belaúnde 121; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat) In the suburb of Umacollo.
Main post office (Moral 118; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm Sun)
Tourist Information
Indecopi (21-2054; Hipólito Unanue 100A, Urb Victoria; 8:30am-4pm Mon-Fri) This is the national tourist-protection agency that deals with complaints against local firms, including tour operators and travel agencies.
iPerú airport (44-4564; 1st fl, Main Hall, Aeropuerto Rodríguez Ballón; 10am-7:30pm); Plaza de Armas (22-3265; iperuarequipa@promperu.gob.pe; Portal de la Municipalidad 110; 8:30am-7:30pm) Government-supported source for objective information on local and regional attractions.
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Petty theft is often reported in Arequipa, so travelers are urged to hide their valuables. Most crime is opportunistic, so keep your stuff in sight while in restaurants and internet cafes. While the area south of the Plaza de Armas is reportedly safe after dark, be wary of wandering outside