Things to do in Arequipa

I pull in to Arequipa early in the morning. I’m getting used to these overnight buses in Peru that arrive around dawn and I quite enjoy having a full day to explore once I’ve arrived.

It’s also nice to see a city as the sun’s rays start to touch it, before the locals fill the streets and the shops open.

The bus station here in Arequipa is out of the city centre so I jump in a taxi and ask the driver to drop me at the central square so I can get a feel for the atmosphere.

I haven’t booked any accommodation so I also need make a plan to find some… and wait until it’s a slightly more reasonable time to turn up unannounced.

In the main square – Plaza de Armas – I sit on a bench and look around at the architecture.

There are shops, restaurants and public organisations, all in historic structures. With its archways, cathedral, and colonial buildings, this is one of the most important neoclassical collections in the country.

The centre of the square, with its fountain and grassed areas is quiet now but I know that later in the day it’ll be full. Some of the people will be tourists, but many will be locals who come here to have lunch or relax.

This is not one of the busiest parts of the country for tourism although there is a decent amount of people who pass through on trips of southern Peru.

The city of Arequipa has been declared a World Heritage Site but, unlike many of the other sites in Peru, it’s the Spanish influence that is being preserved here.

Arequipa doesn’t have Incan ruins or structures from ancient civilisations. This is a city of conquerors.

Arequipa was first founded as a village in the late 1540s. Over the years different styles of design were brought in here. Baroque, then rococo, neoclassicism, and modern empiricism.

All through the city are chapels, churches and monasteries – the most famous being the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

The centre of Arequipa has a grid structure, making it easy to navigate. There are 49 blocks of the original Spanish layout

Different blocks seem to have different focuses – a shoes block, an optometrist block, a mattress block. Gates and ornate doorways stand directly at the edge of the footpath but, looking through, you can see into beautiful courtyards.

Considering this is the second largest city in Peru, it feels remarkably quiet. That’s not to say the traffic isn’t bad and there aren’t lots of people on the street – it’s just that things are much more laidback than you might expect for an urban area of almost a million people.

It feels more like Cusco than Lima. It’s one of the reasons that the travellers who do make it here love it so much. As you start to scratch the surface, you discover that there are a lot of interesting things to do in Arequipa.

Perhaps it’s the altitude that makes it quieter. At 2,300 metres high, the air is thinner than the coast and that seems to slow people down a bit.

Perhaps it’s the natural scenery. Impressive snow-capped mountains surrounding Arequipa make it feel more like an expansion of the environment.

That’s the charm of the city. You can think of it as an architectural symbol of the new world the Spanish created in Peru, or you can see it as a mere spot in the greater nature that has always existed.

Challenged by environmental conditions, influenced by indigenous crafts, Arequipa deserves its heritage listing.

As you spend a few days in Arequipa, I recommend exploring the colonial heritage, spending time in the local neighbourhoods, and also getting out of town to see some of the natural wonders.

To help you plan, here are my tips for what to do in Arequipa.

Top sights

Arequipa’s historic centre is the heart of the city, full of white-painted colonial buildings and churches. While just walking the streets, with Volcano Misti dominating the backdrop, is one of the best things to do in Arequipa, you’ll also find many of the city’s highlights here.

Plaza de Armas

In the bustling centre of Arequipa, Plaza de Armas has been the soul of the community since 1540. This central square is the best place to get a feel of the city and use as a landmark to navigate around Arequipa’s sights.

In the middle of the plaza, the ornate fountain and landscaped gardens with tall palm trees will make you feel a bit like you’re in a botanical garden, not in the centre of Peru’s second-biggest city.

On the edges of the square, you’ll find buildings with rows of archways that house cafes, shops, and galleries. Those at the upper levels boast incredible views of the basilica with the impressive Misti in the backdrop.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The most prominent landmark of the main square is, without a doubt, the Basilica Cathedral de Arequipa.

Towering above the Plaza, the basilica is one of the first buildings built by the Spanish in the 17th century. Just like many other buildings in the city, it is constructed from sillar – a volcanic rock found locally, which is one of the defining features of Arequipa’s outstanding architecture.

As the sunlight hits the Arequipa Cathedral, the volcanic rock radiates a brilliant white glow that spreads across the Plaza, so I would recommend trying to see it at different times of the day.

For a church with such an impressive facade, the interior is actually quite simple. The altar and the 12 columns (representing the Apostles) are made of beautiful Italian marble, but it’s mainly the voluminous space that gives it a sense of grandeur.

Santa Catalina Monastery

Nearby, the Santa Catalina Monastery is so large that it seems like there’s a mini city within its walls. That may have something to do with its reputation for being a luxurious nunnery where the daughters of wealthy families were sent.

Stretching out over 20,000 square metres, the convent was founded in 1579 by Dominican nuns devoted to the newly brought Catholicism.

The cobbled alleys are lined with sillar stone walls painted red, blue, or ochre, slightly deteriorated after having lived through three devastating earthquakes.

When you visit the Santa Catalina Monastery today, you’ll realise it’s still very much an active institution. Within its maze are the living quarters of the nuns and courtyards with impressive chapels and landscaped gardens.

San Francisco Church

Just around the corner stands San Francisco Church, built after the arrival of Franciscan fathers to Arequipa in 1551. Today, it is one of the best preserved colonial buildings in the city although it’s also had to wear the scars of the region’s tectonic activity.

The religious complex is one of the largest in the city, because as well as the church, there’s a monastery and a library that holds over 20,000 publications.

Outside, you will find San Francisco Plaza, another lovely spot to rest and watch the life of Arequipa go past.

From here, the outside of the San Francisco Church looks modest, so make sure you go inside to see its impressive paintings, artworks, and over 220 exquisitely ornate wooden altars.

Mundo Alpaca

Across the river, you will find Mundo Alpaca (which translates as Alpaca World). As the name suggests, it’s a museum, shop and mini-zoo dedicated to the beloved furry animals found so much in Peru – alpacas.

You may have already come across them on your travels. If not, you’ll quickly realise alpacas are of great cultural and economic importance to Peru, so it is not a surprise that there’s a whole centre dedicated to them.

At Mundo Alpaca, you can learn more about their significance in Peruvian culture and economy, witness the shearing processes (a tradition that has been alive for centuries), and connect with these gentle creatures in the natural environments.

Of course, you can also buy a whole range of products made from one of the finest wools in the world.

Museums

With so much heritage, it’s probably not a surprise that there are plenty of museums in Arequipa where you can dive deep into Peru’s cultural treasures and history.

The most significant one is the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries, but you’ll find some fascinating exhibits in some of the smaller ones as well.

Andean Sanctuaries Museum

The Andean Sanctuaries Museum (Museo Santuarios Andinos) stands on the Plaza de Armas and is one of the most important museums in Arequipa, showcasing archaeological discoveries from the Incan culture across five large halls.

One of the most important parts of this collection is the mummies of the Incan children discovered on the frozen summit of the nearby Mount Ampato. This used to be the main setting for the Incan ceremony La Cápac Cocha, where young children were sacrificed to the gods – the most famous is known as the Juanita Mummy.

The exhibitions in the Andean Sanctuaries Museum also includes things like gold statues, woven dolls in the shape of humans, tools, and items used in religious ceremonies.

Museo Arqueologico UNSA

Another great museum dedicated to archaeological artefacts is the Museo Arqueologico UNSA, which has interesting exhibits related to the region’s history and culture.

It houses over 11,000 pieces that include ceramics, textiles, metal, wood and stonework – some more than 10,000 years old!

Donations by local researchers and university students, the collection covers a range of eras right up to the 19th century.

If you haven’t had enough of mummies, the Museo Arqueologico UNSA has more information about sacrificial ceremonies and displays a well-preserved mummy as well as the tools that she was found with – but this one, the Paracas Mummy, is from the Nazca culture.

Museo La Recoleta

This 17th-century convent has been converted into the Museo La Recoleta, which is dedicated to religious materials. And you certainly get a sense of what it’s all about, surrounded by a church, charming cloisters, colonial courtyards, and an old cemetery.

The architecture is part of the attraction, but so are the artworks like wooden carvings, sculptures, and paintings. There’s also a library that houses over 25,000 volumes dating back to the 16th – 18th centuries.

There’s even a smaller section called the Amazon Museum which has pieces found by the missionaries from their missions in the Peruvian jungle.

Once you’re done with the museum, take a moment to take in the panoramic views of Arequipa!

Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa

Mario Vargas Llosa was a writer and a winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, who came to be one of the most important individuals in Latin America. Here, his childhood house has been turned into a museum devoted to his life and works.

Vargas Llosa became famous for his travels around the world and the themes for most of his novels involve Latin American countries’ power struggles, resistance movements, and revolts. Beyond books about Peruvian society, he has written about social movements in Brazil and the Dominican Republic.

For English speakers, not all of the Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa will be accessible, but there are some creative exhibitions here that will present some of his works and his involvement in modern history, so I think you should be able to get something out of it.

Neighbourhoods

Now, while the historic centre of Arequipa has many of the city’s main attractions (there’s a reason it’s a World Heritage Site), it’s also worth venturing a bit further afield. The other corners of Arequipa are a good representation of Peru’s diversity and the different cultures that influenced the southern tip of Peru.

Of the 29 barrios in Arequipa, I think these ones are the most interesting…

San Lázaro

The San Lázaro barrio is actually technically within the historic centre, so it’s not hard to reach. The history of this neighbourhood goes back to pre-Inca times, when the site was occupied by a previous civilisation (which is still largely forgotten today).

With the arrival of the Spanish, San Lázaro was completely transformed. Today, the snow-white ashlar buildings that line the narrow cobblestone streets are the oldest in the city. Back in the day, they used to house Spanish and Dominican monks and the alleyways outside were full of vendors selling produce and artisans.

When you’re exploring here, I recommend strolling down the famous Callejón de los Cristales and Callejón Bayoneta for the best insights into what traditional towns used to look like.

Yanahuara

Across the river, the Yanahuara neighbourhood is renowned for its colonial design, with cobblestone streets adorned with intricately detailed archways and facades made from white sillar stone, like the rest of Arequipa.

In its centre, Plaza de Yanahuara is one of the best spots for people-watching at one of the local cafes that surround the peaceful central square dotted with palm trees.

One of the highlights of Yanahuara is the Mirador. Located just off the main square, it offers panoramic views across Arequipa and the majestic Misti volcano.

Beyond, there is a local artisan market and a Botanical Garden.

Cayma

Nearby, the Cayma district stretches all the way to the outskirts of Arequipa. It offers a serene atmosphere with loads of green spaces. Just like the other neighbourhoods of Arequipa, Cayma is also made out of sillar buildings.

It is one of the most elegant neighbourhoods of the White City, and it is where the richest Arequipenos live.

The Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma dominates Plaza de Cayma and this is a good spot to start your time here – this underrated square is one of the most beautiful in the city.

Nearby, the Carmen Alto Mirador is another great viewpoint that offers a lookout on the amazing natural wonders that surround Arequipa.

Tours

With so many layers to Arequipa, it can be hard to get a full picture of the city just by wandering around. That’s why having a local show you the important areas is one of the best things to do in Arequipa.

Depending on your particular interests, there are a few good options to consider.

City tour

The first option I would recommend is a general city tour of Arequipa. Most of them are done by foot in the central area, so you’ll get to see all the main sights.

But as well as getting information about places like Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and Santa Catalina Monastery, you’ll also be able to chat to a local about life in Arequipa.

Most of these tours will also tell you about the whole fascinating history of the city, from the long history Pre-Inca and Inca civilisations, through to the Spanish colonisation period and right up until modern day.

For a great opportunity to learn things about Arequipa that might otherwise be undiscovered if explored independently, I would recommend this affordable half-day tour.

Or there are some other good options here:

If possible, I would recommend doing a general city tour as soon as you arrive in Arequipa so you can get your bearings and work out the best way to spend the rest of your time.

Food tour

Rich in aromatic spices, Peru’s food has a unique style… which is why discovering the different regional cuisines is such a fantastic things to do as you travel around.

For instance, Arequipa is the birthplace of the Peruvian version of adobo, which is a flavourful marinade packed with spices and herbs that’s used to coat slow-cooked meat.

The adobo isn’t the only thing that makes the city one of Peru’s gastronomic hubs. Dotted all around are restaurants, street food corners, and markets where you can discover some incredible treats.

You’re unlikely to find all of them on your own, because there are always some local hidden gems, which is why a food tour is a great way to discover the best Arequipa has to offer.

I think this four-hour experience is the best food tour in Arequipa, where you’ll get to try things like cuy, alpaca, rocoto relleno, and queso helado.

If you’re more interested in drinking than eating, then there’s also this fun pisco tour!

Rafting

Arequipa is set on the Chili River, which runs through the Andean mountains. It is packed with fast rapids from class II to IV, making it suitable for every thrill seeker, no matter your experience level.

If you are looking for some adventurous things to do in Arequipa, then why not join a rafting tour along the Chili River, which will certainly get the blood pumping as you bounce down the rapids.

You can sign up for a rafting tour here, with a pickup in the city. Or there are a few other fun rafting experiences to look at here:

Apart from the thrill of speeding down the gushing river, you will also be amazed by the gorgeous views that lie just outside of Arequipa.

Food and drink

As I’ve already mentioned, Arequipa is one of the best places in Peru to try traditional food and drinks, with some fantastic regional dishes originating from here.

Potatoes of all colours, healthy legumes, lots of corn and tender meat coated in herbs and chilli are at the centre of Peruvian cuisine – and you’ll find some different ways to experience them here.

Mercado San Camilo

As is the case in most of South America, head to the local markets if you want to fins some of the best places to eat authentic local food!

Set right in Arequipa’s centre, Mercado San Camilo is a historic market brimming with local produce. From fruits and vegetables cultivated in the nearby farms, to spices, herbs, meats, and fish.

It is always swarming with merchants eager to sell their products, busy shoppers, and curious travellers, so there’s plenty of great people-watching here too.

My favourite nook is the one where you can sample traditional Peruvian dishes. There are numerous food stalls run by super friendly locals that serve homemade meals for an affordable price.

Local food

Beyond ceviche and potatoes, there are specialties only local to the White City that you should try.

The most traditional one is the adobo Arequipeño which consists of slow cooked meat of your choice, marinated in the adored adobo sauce. Similarly, the Arequipeña soup is a spicy meat soup with a large portion of vegetables. This is a hearty and warm dish, ideal if you visit during colder months.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, munch on queso helado – frozen cheese ice cream.

As well as fancy restaurants and local markets, you’ll find ‘picanterías’ – traditional restaurants only found in Arequipa, that specialise in spicy dishes!

Cooking class

Cooking classes are a great way to delve deeper into the cuisine of Arequipa and immerse yourself in the local culture.

I love signing up for cooking classes because it’s always about so much more than the food. You also get to chat to the chef and learn about the destination through its food.

In Arequipa, there’s this interesting cooking school, where you’ll prepare and cook two courses, choosing from dishes like rocoto relleno (peppers stuffed with meat) or lomo saltado (a beef dish cooked in a wok).

Of course, you’ll then get to eat it all (along with a dessert) and chat more with the local cooks and other travellers.

Day trips

Some of the best Arequipa experiences are not actually in the city itself, but in the surrounding region, so basing yourself here for a few extra days is a great idea.

From the city, you’ll be able to see some of the places I’m recommending in the Andean mountains and majestic volcanoes. But you’ll need to go a bit further for some of my other suggestions.

Misti Volcano

The dominating view from anywhere in the city is the perfectly coned Misti Volcano. Reaching over 5,820 metres above sea level, it creates a majestic backdrop to Arequipa’s skyline.

The indigenous people of Southern Peru hold El Misti in high regard and consider it a sacred mountain. But since it has been inactive since the 15th century, it is now considered a dormant volcano.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can reach the summit of the volcano on this gruelling two-day hike, where you’ll walk to base camp on the first day and then onto the summit on the second day.

Or there is this half-day trek that just takes you to the base camp (there are still spectacular views).

Alternatively, the Sabandía, Chiguata and Characato Viewpoints all offer different perspectives of the majestic beast.

Colca Canyon

A few hours outside of Arequipa lies the famous Colca Canyon. With its depth plunging more than twice the size of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, it is one of the world’s deepest canyons.

The green valley is edged with swooping mountains with terraced fields tucking away remote villages and natural hot springs. Above, soar majestic Andean condors that call this place their home.

There are a few things to do here. The Colca Canyon is a super famous hiking destination, with trails along the canyon rim or down into the valley. And one of the most popular spots is Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint where you can see Andean condor.

You can head to Colca Canyon as a day trip from Arequipa, and I would recommend this jam-packed tour that includes lunch at plenty of free time.

But, if you can, I think a two-night trip is a better option. This great tour is really convenient if you want to end up in Puno, or there are some other options here:

Of all the sights around Arequipa, I definitely think Colca Canyon is the best, so it’s worth visiting if you have time.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

On the other side of Arequipa, you’ll find Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, an expansive area of rugged terrain, high altitude lands, volcanic peaks, salt lakes and amazing flora and fauna.

There are also lots of different things to see here. Exploring Pampas Cañahuas you will find vicuñas and alpacas, while other parts of the reservation have wildlife like Andean flamingos, geese, and condors.

Or head to the Patapampa Viewpoint, recognised as the ‘Mirador de los Andes’ for surreal panoramic views of the surrounding Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu Volcanoes.

This National Reserve offers jaw-dropping landscapes that seem otherworldly. To see the highlights, there is this full-day tour from Arequipa.

Sillar Route

On the outskirts of Arequipa, along the Andean plateau, lie countless quarries where sillar stone was extracted – the stone that was used to build much of Arequipa, giving it the nickname ‘The White City’.

These days, many of the quarries have been turned into a tourist trail called the Sillar Route. It also includes places like viewpoints, impressive sillar sculptures, and long ravines with hidden petroglyphs from the ancient Wari civilisations.

The best way to explore La Ruta del Sillar is on a guided tour that will take you to the best of these sights. Have a look at this full-day tour from Arequipa, or there are more good half-day tours here:

I think that after spending a bit of time exploring the top sights in Arequipa itself, it’s really interesting to come out and see their (literal) building blocks.