Arequipa is also called the “White City” due to its colonial buildings made of white volcanic stone. It’s surrounded by volcanos. In the nearby area, you can trek in the Colca canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world. What else would you want for a magical vacation in Peru?
Planning your trip to Arequipa?
Check out some of the best tours and lodging options in Arequipa. Make sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on anything!
Top experiences and tours in Arequipa:
1. Arequipa city tour
2. Colca Canyon overnight excursion
3. Colca Canyon full-day tour from Arequipa
4. Salinas Reserve and water mirrors private tour
5. Capua Waterfalls and Canyon trek
Best Hotels in Arequipa:
1. Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (High-end)
2. Selina Arequipa (Mid-range. Great place to meet people.)
3. Refugio Ecologico (Budget. I’ve stayed here and recommend it!)
Best Things to Do in Arequipa city
I’m Peruvian, live in Peru, and love to explore my country. Arequipa, is a city in the Andes of Peru I keep returning to.
The colonial buildings of the city are beautiful, there are great natural areas around, it has a good weather (warm during the day, a bit cold but not too much at night). And unlike many other pretty areas in Peru that are hard to reach, there’s a direct flight to the city from Lima.
Here I want to share with you my Arequipa travel guide: the best things to do and see in Arequipa, as well as the top places to stay to make your trip as enjoyable and unforgettable as possible.
Here are some of the top activities to add to your Arequipa itinerary.
1. Monastery of Santa Catalina
One of the most fascinating places to visit in Arequipa is the Monastery of Santa Catalina. This historic complex dates from 1579 and is famous for its colorful architecture, tranquil courtyards, and narrow streets that feel like a small village.
It’s a very interesting experience to walk through the maze of rooms, chapels, and gardens. You can imagine what life was like for the nuns who lived there in solitude for centuries. Be sure to take a guided tour to learn more about the monastery’s rich history and admire the intricate details of the architecture.
You can buy your entry ticket here.
2. The Historic Center
The historic center of Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. Its colonial architecture and rich history make this area a must-see for any visitor to the city.
At the heart of the historic center is the Plaza de Armas, a beautiful public square that is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city, including the Cathedral of Arequipa.
Book this Arequipa city tour which includes a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery explore the city’s gems.
3. Los Claustros de La Compañia
Los Claustros de La Compañia is an impressive example of colonial architecture in the heart of Arequipa’s bustling city center. The complex is built entirely with sillar, a type of white volcanic rock that is abundant in the region.
The courtyard is the main attraction, with its intricate arches and stunning decorative tiles. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll while taking in the unique architectural details. At the courtyard, you will find many cafes, shops, and restaurants.
4. San Camilo Market
If you’re looking for a taste of the local culture and cuisine, don’s miss a visit to San Camilo Market. This bustling market is a hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts and Peruvian souvenirs. The colorful stalls and narrow aisles create an immersive experience that will engage all your senses. Take the time to stroll through the market and marvel at the variety of goods on offer.
Some of the local specialties you can find there are rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers. -not vegetarian-) and chicha morada (a refreshing purple corn drink).
5. Mundo Alpaca
Arequipa is famous for its fine textiles made from alpaca wool, and there’s no better place to learn about this tradition than Mundo Alpaca. Best of all, admission is free! As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly alpacas that you can even feed by hand. This interactive museum and workshop is showcases the art of alpaca wool production and offers visitors a glimpse into the world of Andean textiles.
Take a guided tour to see the alpacas up close and learn about their role in the wool-making process. Skilled weavers will also demonstrate the intricate techniques used to create beautiful textiles.
You can browse the gift shop which features high-quality alpaca wool products, from scarves and sweaters to blankets and hats.
6. Canteras del Sillar
Canteras del Sillar is a quarry located just outside of Arequipa that has played a significant role in the city’s history and architecture. The site is home to unique rock formations, which are made of a white volcanic rock called sillar. For centuries, locals hace used this rock to build many of the city’s most iconic structures. For example, both the Monastery of Santa Catalina and the Cathedral of Arequipa are made of sillar.
To visit, you can take a tour to the quarry to learn about the process of extracting the rock and its use in construction. You’ll be amazed at the sight of the massive blocks of sillar being cut and shaped by hand using traditional techniques that date back centuries.
There tour also includes a visit to the quarry called “Culebrillas” which some people compare to an area of Petra. It’s a good opportunity to take some great pictures!
There are also private tours that will take you to the Sillar. They include other interesting sites as well, like a visit to the local market and viewpoints.
7. Museo Santuarios Andinos
The museum is home to one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the mummified remains of a young girl known as “Juanita” or the “Ice Maiden”. She was discovered atop Mount Ampato, a nearby volcano, in 1995, and her remains are remarkably well-preserved due to the freezing temperatures.
Juanita is believed to have been a victim of a ritual sacrifice performed by the Inca people more than 500 years ago. Her body shows signs of trauma. Probably, she suffered from a blow to the head, which may have been the cause of her death. The cold temperatures and the mountain’s conditions helped to preserve her body in a near-perfect state, providing archaeologists with a unique insight into the lives and beliefs of the Inca civilization.
She was found holding her umbilical cord, which had probably been saved specifically for her sacrifice. This finding explains that she was probably selected to be sacrificed before her birth.
Best places to visit in Arequipa outside of the city
While Arequipa is a fascinating city with much to explore, the surrounding region are the main attraction of the region. Here are some of the best places to visit outside of Arequipa:
1. The Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon, located in the Colca Valley, is a spectacular natural wonder. Visiting it is the best thing to do in Arequipa. This massive canyon is one of the deepest in the world. At it lowest point, it reaches a depth of over 3,270 meters (10,725 feet).
The canyon is located about three hours from Arequipa by car, and the journey to get there is a beautiful one. You will pass through beautiful high-altitude landscapes and will spot vicuñas along the way. Remember that you will be in high altitude, so I would advise you to take a pill for altitude sickness before the ride.
The canyon is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with a variety of trails to explore. The most famous trail is the one that leads to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
Here, visitors can watch as giant Andean condors soar through the canyon on the morning thermals. Along the way, hikers can also stop at traditional villages to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage. You can also visit the Cruz del Condor by taking a tour to the site.
In addition to hiking, visitors to the Colca Canyon can also enjoy a variety of other activities, such as hot springs, mountain biking, and rafting.
How to get to Colca Valley
If you don’t have enough time, you can book a full-day tour from Arequipa to visit the Canyon. But keep in mind that means spending 7 hours of the day in a van.
My recommendation is to spend at least one night in the Colca Valley. You could either take a bus to the valley, explore the area and decide what you want to do. Or you can organize your trip beforehand and book an overnight excursion to the canyon.
2. Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Reserva Nacional de Salinas is a must-visit for nature lovers. Located about 70 km (44 miles) south of Arequipa, this reserve features the Salinas salt flat. If you visit between January and April, the rainy season, you will see amazing water mirrors that beautifully reflect the sky. It’s a unique place and you can take great pictures, for sure it’s one of the best things to do in Arequipa.
The landscapes of the reserve are incredibly beautiful, so besides for the water mirrors, any season is a good season to visit.
The reserve is also home to many species of birds and other wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and hiking.
Since there is no public transport to take you to the reserve, the best way to visit is either by taking a tour or driving yourself. Either booking this tour to the reserve or this highly-rated private tour can be good options.
3. The Capua Canyon and Waterfalls
The Colca Canyon may be the most famous natural attraction near Arequipa, but the Capua Canyon is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed. It is much less touristy than the Colca Canyon. You might even have the canyon and waterfall almost for yourselves!
Located about 1.5 hours away from the city, this canyon is a wonderful place to explore on foot. The trek to the waterfalls takes a couple of hours, but the scenery is breathtaking. The waterfalls themselves are a sight to behold, cascading down the rocks in a rush of white water.
After your trek, you can unwind at the nearby hot springs. The thermal waters have healing properties and provide a relaxing respite after a day of hiking. The best way to go the Capua Canyon and waterfalls is by joining a tour, as it can be difficult to find the right trails and transportation on your own. The tour guides are knowledgeable and will make sure you see the most beautiful spots in the canyon.
Best Hotels in Arequipa, Peru
High-end: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Highly-rated hotel located in a 18th-century mansion just a few blocks from the main square. The hotel features spacious rooms with high ceilings, elegant furnishings, and all the amenities you would expect from a high-end property, including a spa, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.
Check availability for the Casa Andina Premium.
Mid-range: Selina Arequipa
Stylish and modern hostel, centrally-located. It has a variety of room types, from dorms to private rooms. It features amenities such as a swimming pool, garden and yoga classes.
Check availability for Selina Arequipa.
Budget: Refugio Ecologico
I have stayed here and I was very happy with my stay. The hotel has spacious rooms that are clean, quiet, and comfortable. There’s also an outdoor seating space on the rooftop provides a beautiful view of the city, where you can have your breakfast.
Check availability for Refugio Ecologico.
How to Get to Arequipa, Peru
By Air
The airport at Arequipa is the Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP). The airport has regular flights to Lima, Cusco, and other destinations within Peru, as well as international flights to cities in Chile. From there, either catch a taxi or book an airport transfer to your hotel.
By Bus
There are several bus companies that operate daily routes to and from Arequipa, including Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Civa. The journey from Lima to Arequipa by bus takes about 16 hours, while the journey from Cusco to Arequipa takes about 10 hours.
You can book your bus ticket in advance here.
For more information on how to get from Lima to Arequipa, read here. That post includes the reccommended stops along the way if you choose to go by bus.
All in all, Arequipa is a city with a rich history and culture, and offers a variety of experiences for travelers. From its beautiful architecture, museums and churches, to the natural beauty of the Colca Canyon and Salinas salt flats, there is something for everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Arequipa travel guide about the best things t
