Are you looking for the best things to do in Arequipa Peru? Lucky for you, I have been to this beautiful city several times and I am ready to share everything you need to know.
Known as La Ciudad Blanca (the White City, in English), a nickname due to the white volcanic rock used to build the city (though some argue that the nickname came from the fact that in colonial times, more than 70% of the local population was white), Arequipa is easily the most beautiful city in Peru and one of the best cities in South America.
Set at 2,335 meters (almost 7,761 feet) above sea level, this is the first place in the country where many travelers experience the impact of altitude.
While there are many incredible things to do in Arequipa, many travelers are attracted there by the surroundings: Arequipa is the getaway to the Colca Canyon, and overlooking the city, there are the Misti, Chachani, and Pichupichu volcanoes.
Curious to discover more about Arequipa, Peru? This post will highlight all the top things to do in Arequipa, what to do in Arequipa if you want get out of the city, and share plenty of tips to make the most of the country’s prettiest city.
The Best Things To Do In Arequipa, Peru
Get to know the city on a guided tour
Arequipa is one of Peru’s best places to visit, so it’s best if you make the most of your time and see as much of the white city as possible.
One of the best things to do in Arequipa to get acquainted with the city is to go on a guided tour. This will typically go to the Plaza de Armas, the city’s heart, and view a few other important landmarks.
You’ll learn your way around with a professional guide who can also tell you about the significance of specific neighborhoods and buildings and, of course, the history of Arequipa.
A city tour is the best thing anyone can do in the first few days of arriving in a new place! You’ll be a lot more acquainted with your surroundings and begin your travels with more information about your whereabouts.
Like in many other cities in South America, free walking tours are offered daily – they depart from Plaza de San Francisco. You can just show up at the scheduled time, but since it is a popular thing to do, you may want to reserve your spot online. Remember that, in any case, you will be requested to tip the guide at the end of the tour.
If you’d prefer to join a smaller group, you need to opt for a paid tour – don’t worry though, they are not too expensive. In fact, by the time you pay your tip, it may be about the same price!
I recommend this Arequipa City Tour and Food and Drinks Experience for anyone who wants to do something more low-key with a full itinerary. The tour includes coffee or tour and beverages, as well.
Admire the architecture at Arequipa Basilica Cathedral…
Arequipa Basilica Cathedral is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city and is a must-do while visiting Arequipa.
Arequipa’s enormous white cathedral stands dominating Plaza de Armas. This huge landmark building was constructed out of volcanic rock in 1656. Sadly, a fire in 1844 destroyed the interiors – and after being renovated, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1868.
What stands today is an impressive late 19th-century structure, which is no less impressive once you step foot inside. The altars and 12 columns (representing the 12 Apostles) are made from Italian marble; there’s a Belgian organ and Byzantine-style brass lamps. The list goes on.
Admission to the Basilica Cathedral includes a short guided tour around the Museo de la Catedral.
… And make sure to delve deeper at Museo de la Catedral
If you want to understand more about this building that has risen from the ashes, stop by the cathedral’s museum. Here, you can learn more about daily life at the basilica.
A visit will include a 45-minute bilingual tour explaining everything from the religious paintings to the exquisite church organ. To finish it all off, you’ll be treated to a visit to the rooftop for views of the city and the surrounding areas.
You can get in with the same ticket you use for the Cathedral.
Take a look at the Iglesia de la Compañía
Of course, the cathedral isn’t the only religious building in Arequipa; there are many more, one being this 16th-century Jesuit church. Situated in the same square as the cathedral, and although smaller in stature, it is no less impressive.
The exterior of this church boasts beautifully carved masterpieces. At the same time, inside, you’ll be impressed by the amazingly detailed altar that is stunningly (and completely) covered in gold leaf, complete with carvings and murals of flora and fauna.
The Iglesia de la Compania is one of the best examples of the Andean Hybrid Baroque style, also known as Mestizo architecture.
Do some shopping at Claustros de la Compañía
The 18th-century cloisters of the above church have been elegantly converted into a shopping center. Inside each stylishly curated space, you can find an array of boutique-level offerings, from an ice cream parlor and wine bar to a wool emporium.
There’s often traditional music being played by local musicians, too. And if you need to get your bearings, there’s even Wi-Fi.
Get clued up on ancient history at Museo Santuarios Andinos
Founded in 1996, this archaeological museum was intended to protect and display artifacts uncovered in the mountains of the south of Peru by Jose Chavez and Johan Reinhard.
The museum is a dramatic destination to explore and is most famous for its preserved body of a mummy that lay frozen for hundreds of years. Called “Juanita,” the mummy was found on the Ampato Volcano in 1995 by two archaeologists.
Take a tour and learn about the display of tapestries, shells, and ceramics.
You can purchase your Museo Santuarios Andinos tickets in advance to make things easier.
Check out the colonial-era churches in Yanahuara
If you fancy an exciting walk around a beautiful part of town, you should set aside some time in your itinerary to explore Yanahuara. Easily accessed from the city’s center (head west on Puente Grau), this suburb of Arequipa is famed for its buildings constructed from sillar – a type of white volcanic rock.
This middle-class neighborhood boasts tranquil avenues, pretty churches, leafy public parks, and Spanish colonial-era buildings. It’s also here that you can get a fantastic view of central Arequipa and El Misti from the Mirador (literally “viewpoint”) – it’s one of the best things to do in Arequipa.
The Yanahuara Scenic Overlook is also a great spot to get beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes and landscapes.
Tour around the hallowed Monasterio de Santa Catalina
Not every day you get the opportunity to visit a still-working convent, so a visit to Santa Catalina is a must – it’s one of the most popular things to do in Arequipa for a good reason! Built in 1579, the monastery sits at the historic center of Arequipa and was initially constructed as a cloister for Dominican monks.
The complex, which hosts a religious community to this day, is a colorful colonial remnant of Arequipa’s. The buildings are constructed of sillar and painted in bright ochres and blues. Wandering around its passageways and gardens feels like exploring a citadel in its own right.
You can purchase your Monasterio de Santa Catalina tickets in advance. Once there, you can pay one of the many local (female) guides to take you around the monastery.
Make sure to read my post, A Guide To Visiting Santa Catalina Monastery for more guidance into this incredible site.
Take photos around San Lazaro
San Lazaro is the first and oldest neighborhood in Arequipa. You’ll find it a stone’s throw from Plaza de Armas, away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busier streets. The neighborhood dates back to 1540 and is a charming place to explore.
Here, you’ll find winding, narrow streets, white-washed houses made of silver, and local life playing out as you stroll. Take time to walk around the cobbled lanes, soak up the peace, and snap a few photos. Local stores sell ripacha (wheat bread) if you get peckish.
See local artwork at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Arequipa
The small but no less beautiful Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Arequipa is a short walk south of the city center. The building itself is a sight to see: a restored Casona (“large house”) that dates back to the very founding of the city itself in 1540.
As well as admiring contemporary art and sculpture from local and regional artists, the gardens here are a picturesque place to take a moment to reflect.
Admire the collection at Monasterio y Museo de la Recoleta
Inside yet another of Arequipa’s monasteries (this time Franciscan), you can discover a world of books and learning. Situated just a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, the monastery was constructed by Franciscan friars in 1648.
On arrival, visitors can ask at the entrance to visit the library. You’ll be supervised, but that won’t detract from how impressed you’ll be on entering the enormous library here. There are an estimated 20,000 books here, with the oldest of its dusty tomes dating back to 1494.
Scholarship was essential to the Franciscan Order, so the volumes live on for others to enjoy.
Learn about local wool at Sol Alpaca
Wool export company Michell runs this modest local museum and doubles as a place to pick up alpaca wool. It also operates as a tourist information center. But inside the wool museum, you can learn all about wool production (from alpacas, of course); there’s a small zoo, a boutique, and a cafe.
It covers a lot of bases and makes for an excellent pre- or post-lunch excursion when you don’t feel like delving into archaeology or churches. Plus, the bonus is you can pick up alpaca wool and raw thread here, too.
See how nuns live at Museo de Arte Virreinal de Santa Teresa
The 17th-century Carmelite Convent of Santa Teresa is another of Arequipa’s religious institutions, providing an interesting space to explore in the city.
This working convent has been meticulously maintained throughout the centuries and is home to over 300 works of art in the form of icons, murals, priceless votives, and precious metals.
Students offer multilingual tours so that you can learn all about this living museum; its gardens are lovely. And when you’re done, check out the little shop in the front where you can buy fresh bread and rose-scented soap (made by the nuns themselves).
Browse for fresh food and snacks at Mercado San Camilo
A couple of streets south of Plaza de Armas is the vibrant Mercado San Camilo – visiting is one of the most exciting things to do in Arequipa.
Covering an area of several blocks, this huge covered market is the place to go for all things food. Think fresh fruit, meats, grains, cheese, and more.
Even if you aren’t shopping, it’s an excellent place to come and soak up a little bit of local life; it feels safe and clean. There’s a cafeteria on the second floor, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re at it. And if you’re here for some Peruvian souvenirs, don’t worry: you’ll also stumble across handicrafts and items like handmade hats throughout the market.
I recommend this 3-hour Guided Food Tour with 4 Iconic Restaurants of Arequipa – It’s one of the best ways to experience all the signature flavors and dishes of Arequipa, Peru.
I also recommend this Peruvian Cooking Class + PiscoSour Class + Visit the Local Market – It’s a great way to experience the market with a guide who can show you around and learn how to make a signature dish to impress your friends and family back home.
Tuck into food at Chicha
Hungry? By now, you probably will be. Gastón Acurio, head chef at Chicha, will cure your food woes. The menu here consists of an experimental array of dishes that align closely with Peru’s Inca-Spanish gastronomic heritage.
The menu is also wonderfully seasonal. For example, from April to December, river prawns are the go-to dish at Chicha. However, you can expect mouthwateringly tasty alpaca burgers and fresh ceviche throughout the year. Wash it all down with Peruvian cocktails and regional wines.
If you can’t decide what to order, stick to some local Peruvian food. After all, Peru is known to have one of the best cuisines in South America.
Can’t find a seat? The next-door Tanta shares the same kitchen as Chicha, and I can confirm that the food is delicious and portions are massive.
Enjoy local dishes at Victoria Picantería
Picanterías is a Peruvian institution. Particularly famed in Arequipa and Cusco, these informal lunchtime restaurants are local hotspots for home-spun cuisine. There are many choices around the city, but one recommended option is the Victoria Picantería.
Traditionally, these are communal spaces, and Victoria is no different: don’t be surprised if you sit down at a long table alongside various locals. Dishes include the hearty alpaca steak and other Arequipa dishes such as camarón al rescoldo (prawns served on quinoa).
Dine on European fare at the fabulous Zig Zag
When you’re looking for something a little bit fancy for dinner, grab a table at Zig Zag. This stylish Peruvian restaurant – with a European twist – takes up space inside an elegant colonial-era house, replete with an iron stairway designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame).
The menu here consists mainly of meat uniquely cooked on a volcano-stone grill. For something a little bit more affordable, swing by at lunch for a menu that includes vegetarian options if needed.
Stop by for a beer at Chelawasi Public House
It’s not all about history and churches at Arequipa: there’s beer to be enjoyed as well. The Chelawasi Public House is where it’s at for craft beer in the city.
Tucked away inside an old building, the pub is the first of its kind in the city and provides a modern but friendly spot to sip beer in the San Lazaro district.
Its Canadian-Peruvian owners have provided a selection of beers from Peru’s best microbreweries. There are also some hearty burgers and fries here if you want something homely to chow down on.
Be amazed by the Colca Canyon
Visiting Colca Canyon is one of the best things to do in Arequipa if you want to explore some of the surrounding nature.
This is one of the world’s deepest canyons, plunging to depths of up to 3,270 meters, and is a prime location not just for gaping in awe but also for trekking.
The lush green landscape where the canyon is located is also the habitat of the giant Andean condor – it’s amazing to see them flying overhead. Also located along the way are remote, traditional villages where you can find terraced agriculture that dates to a time before the Incas.
I recommend this From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour – It’s one of the best ways to experience the Colca Canyon. The tour includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.
These tours, From Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour and 2 Day/1 Night Trek of Colca Canyon, are great options for those looking for an overnight trek – Both tours include several meals, a guide, and one-way transportation at a minimum.
Do you have 3 days? I recommend this Colca Canyon Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights tour – The tour includes three breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, accommodation, a guide, and roundtrip transportation.
Hike up the breathtaking El Misti
For those of you who want to have an adventure, one of the top things to do in Arequipa is hiking El Misti. Aways overlooking Arequipa, like an Andean Fuji, this one volcano juts out from otherwise flat scenery and towering 1,785 meters above the city (that’s not to mention its whopping 5,822 meters – that’s 19,100 feet – elevation).
Misti’s last major eruption was around 2,000-2,300 years ago, and there is often snow capping its peak. Hiking up this mammoth mountain takes around two days from Arequipa, though it’s only an hour outside the city. Climb to the base camp, rest for the night, and then ascend to the summit for a morning to remember.
There are some really good day trips from Arequipa, but El Misti certainly tops the list.
It’s best to tackle this hike with a guide. I recommend this Misti Volcano 2-Day Climbing Trip – The trek includes breakfast, dinner, transportation, camping gear, and a mountain guide to lead the way.
Day trip to Salinas y Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve
Salinas y Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve is an enchanting nature reserve with great hiking, amazing views, and lively local animals.
Laguna de Salinas is located on the backside of Misti Volcano, about two hours from Arequipa. Laguna de Salinas is a natural salt lake and one of Peru’s lesser-known salt flats. It’s best to visit Salinas y Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve and Laguna de Salinas together, as they are right next to one another.
While it might be as popular as others, it’s still beautiful and well worth a day trip from Arequipa.
When the water level is just right, the beautiful backdrop and landscape are perfectly reflected in the striking salt lake. And you’ll also have a chance to spot some local wildlife, as flamingos and other bird species flock to this salt lake.
I recommend this 8-Hours Tour in Arequipa Laguna de Salinas with Pick-Up – The tour begins in Arequipa and heads straight to the Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve. You’ll visit Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, Laguna de Salinas, and thermal wells in the Arequipa and finish the tour with a drive through the Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve.
Visit Stone Forest and Pillones Waterfall
Stone Forest and Pillones Waterfall are excellent day trips from Arequipa.
Stone Forest of Imata is a unique region, with strange rock formations and stone columns making up almost the entirety of the unique forest. This is a great spot to take photos and see more of the diverse landscape of Peru.
Just past the Stone Forest, you have the town of Pillones and Pillones Waterfall. This isn’t one of the most striking waterfalls in Latin America, but it’s still a really fun day trip.
I recommend this From Arequipa: Pillones Waterfall and Stone Forest Day Trip – This tour takes you to some of the best and most unique places around Arequipa. First, you’ll visit the town of Pampa de Arrieros and the train station there. Then, you’ll drive through and quickly stop at Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Finally, you’ll hike around the Stone Forest and visit Pillones Waterfall.
Go rafting on the Chili River
If you are looking for more adrenaline-filled things to do in Arequipa, a short drive out of town, you will find the Chili River, where you can go whitewater rafting.
The best way to do it is on a guided tour that includes transportation from the city and back and all necessary equipment. Most expeditions last about 3 hours. The guide will take you along the rafts safely, and you will indeed have fun!
This is the perfect activity near Arequipa for adrenaline junkies, but it’s perfectly safe for beginners, as well.
I recommend this Arequipa: Chilli River Rafting adventure – The tour includes a professional rafting guide, all necessary equipment, and water.
I also recommend this Rafting Rio Chilli expedition – The tour includes all the essentials, including transportation, the necessary gear, a snack after a few hours of intense rafting, and a guide.
Gaze in awe at the Toro Muerto petroglyphs
Believed to date back more than 1,000 years, these ancient petroglyphs can be found in the barren boulders of the Peruvian Coastal desert.
Little is known about the origins of the Toro Muerto (literally “Dead Bull”) petroglyphs, but what is known is that there are around 5,000 individual etchings, and they are thought to date to Wari domination.
Exploring this landscape for yourself, you can try to interpret and unpick the meaning of the rocky illustrations. To reach them from Arequipa, you can take a bus; however, as this can be difficult, you may want to take a tour to save time and hassle. You can enquire about them in town.
Spend an afternoon at Mundo Alpaca
Mundo Alpaca, or “Alpaca World,” is one of the best things to do in Arequipa for animal lovers.
One of the main goals of Mundo Alpaca is to spread awareness about the local community’s rich culture by providing an immersive experience not just with alpacas but with other cultural traditions from the region.
You can visit the textile museum, learn about the fiber of alpacas and llamas, watch pre-Inca weaving techniques, and interact with different species of friendly alpacas.
If you don’t have time to visit Mundo Alpaca while you’re in Arequipa, there’s also a branch in Lima, and it’s just as fun, making it a great thing to do in the capital city.
Party at Calle Ugarte
Calle Ugarte is a small neighborhood and party street in Arequipa, Peru, known for its lively nightlife and loud music.
It’s a popular neighborhood for tourists and travelers, so you’ll find a lot of foreigners here and different bars and restaurants that cater to that crowd.
Peru is more of an adventure destination, with incredible hikes you wouldn’t expect to draw big partiers. That said, backpackers know how to balance fun and adventure, and Calle Ugarte is one of the best examples.
One important thing to know about Peru before visiting is that while it’s a relatively safe country, you should always be cautious, especially if partying. Don’t go out drinking alone, and always pay attention to your surroundings.
Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar
There are so many great places to watch the sunset around Peru, but watching from a rooftop bar or restaurant in Arequipa is perhaps one of my favorite places.
The best place to catch a good sunset in Arequipa is the Plaza de Armas. The central square is on a little hill, giving it great views overlooking the rest of the region. It also has many restaurants and bars with unbeatable views, whether on balconies or directly on a roof.
One of the best rooftop bars is the Waya Lookout Bar; you won’t find a better view in the city center.
Satisfy your cravings at a cafe
Peru has delicious coffee and chocolates; and visiting a local cafe is one of the best things to do in Arequipa to satisfy that craving.
Chocolate, or cacao used to make chocolate, was an integral part of ancient civilizations around South America, so you definitely must try it while traveling through Arequipa.
Additionally, Peru is known to have some of the best homegrown coffee around the world. So, the best way to experience these mouthwatering treats is to find a local cafe and try some mouthwatering chocolate alongside a cup of good coffee.
There are dozens of great cafes around Arequipa. I recommend trying a few different places while visiting.
Further Readings
For help to plan your trip to Peru, make sure to read these posts:
- Where To Stay In Arequipa
- The Best Arequipa Travel Tips
- The Best Time To Visit Peru
- The Best Hikes In Peru
- The Best Things To Do In Nazca
- The Best Things To Do In Cusco
- The Ultimate Guide To Hiking The Inca Trail
- How To Get To Machu Picchu
- How To Get Machu Picchu Tickets
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