Arequipa is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru and it’s a great city to explore. What to do and to see? These are the best things to do in Arequipa.
Arequipa: the “White City”
In southern Peru, where the mountains of the Andes get higher and higher, lies Arequipa, the enchanting “White City.” It owes its nickname to its unique architecture, built with immaculate white volcanic stone. Indeed, Arequipa is surrounded by impressive volcanoes, including the majestic Misti, which proudly towers over the city.
This city buzzes with life and offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you seek the adrenaline of a volcano climb, want to wander through charming colonial streets, or indulge your taste buds with local delicacies, Arequipa has it all.
I personally found Arequipa to be one of the best places to stay in Peru, which is why I spent some extra time here. In this article, I will tell you more about the most beautiful places and the best things to do in Arequipa.
The best things to do in Arequipa
Arequipa is a great place to stay a little longer. But what to do in Arequipa? And what are the most beautiful Arequipa sights? Here’s a list of Arequipa tips in no particular order:
Plaza de Armas
Almost every city (and village) in Peru has a Plaza de Armas. A central square where everyone gathers. The Plaza de Armas in Arequipa is one of the most beautiful you will encounter during your trip to Peru. The beautiful white cathedral and the imposing volcano El Misti in the background make it very scenic. With its many benches, it is also a perfect place to relax for a while and admire the city life.
Tip: Right across from the cathedral is a building with a large balcony. You can reach it through the stairwell in the middle. From here you have a great view of the Plaza de Armas and there is always a bench available.
Cathedral of Arequipa
The most notable structure in the Plaza de Armas is the Cathedral of Arequipa (Basílica Catedral de Arequipa). This imposing cathedral was built in the seventeenth century, obviously with the characteristic white volcanic stone.
It is already impressive from the outside, but the inside of the cathedral is also worth visiting. The interieur beautifully decorated with yellow and white pillars, and there are beautiful statues everywhere. Near the cathedral is also a museum (Museo de la Catedral) where you can check out religious art.
Museo Santuarios Andinos (MUSA).
There are many museums in Arequipa that are worth visiting, but Museo Santuarios Andinos is very special. You will find this museum on a side street of Plaza de Armas and it is dedicated to the Inca mummy Juanita.
Upon entering, you are first shown a film about the Incas who used to sacrifice children on volcanoes (yes, they used to do that). Afterward, you’ll get a guided tour (you can choose English or Spanish) and even more explanations about these events.
In the room are various attributes that were used for rituals. At the end of the tour, you will come to Juanita, one of the best-preserved mummies ever. A little creepy, but very interesting. You can hardly imagine that people used to do this.
Check the official website for opening hours and how to buy a ticket.
Visit the Mercado San Camilo
Do you feel like getting among the locals and experiencing everyday life? Then a visit to the Mercado San Camilo is highly recommended. The covered building consists of a maze of narrow aisles and is really filled with all sorts of small stores.
From stalls full of stacked fruits and vegetables to handmade products (which do well as souvenirs). You’ll feast your eyes here, so much is happening!
The Convent of Santa Catalina
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is perhaps the most beautiful place in Arequipa. This huge monastery is like a small and quiet village in the middle of the busy city, truly an oasis of tranquility. The walls are bright blue or bright red and you can discover many beautiful nooks, houses, rooms, and parks. Bring lunch as there are plenty of great places to eat it. Highly recommended!
Rafting on the Chili River
Something I, unfortunately, had to skip on my first trip due to health issues, but definitely want to do on the next trip is to go rafting on the Chili River. This river runs right through Arequipa and just outside the city it has several rapids which makes it perfect for a rafting adventure.
The rapids range in difficulty from II to IV, making it fun for both novice and experienced rafters. Along the way, enjoy the mountainous scenery to the fullest. An adrenaline rush full of beautiful views!
Viewpoint Yanahuara
The Yanahuara viewpoint is a short walk from Plaza de Armas, but well worth it. On the route, you pass Rio Chili (a nice little park) and if you climb up to the viewpoint you will see many beautiful streets. Once you get to the top, you have a great view of Arequipa and it is one of the best places in the city to see the volcano El Misti.
Take a trip to the Misti volcano
Are you ready for a real challenge? Then climbing the iconic Misti really is something to put on your Peru bucket list. The volcano is a whopping 5,822 meters high (19,190 feet) and you can do some wonderful trekking here.
Several tours to El Misti are organized from Arequipa, for example, a half-day tour, then you walk a little way up. However, if you really want to climb the volcano it is recommended to book a two-day tour, then you will really get to the top. Super cool!
Good to know: given the altitude of the volcano, you may suffer from altitude sickness. Make sure you are acclimatized for a few days before you really get into the altitude.
Explore the Colca Canyon
Arequipa is the base for visiting the Colca Canyon. This gorge is no less than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and if you are lucky you can see the rare andescondor flying here (as you can see in the picture I was very lucky). You can book a tour to the canyon anywhere in Arequipa, and you can choose to do a one-day tour or go hiking for 2 or 3 days.
I myself did a day tour due to my health (I had an accident when sandboarding in Huacachina, which I needed to recover from), but I would have preferred to do a multi-day tour. In fact, on a multi-day tour, you hike into the canyon and stay there overnight. But even a one-day tour will give you a good impression of this special place, although a little more Japanese-style (stop, take pictures and move on).
Taste the most delicious Peruvian dishes
The food in Peru is next level (so fresh and tasteful) and, this is why you can enjoy some amazing meals in Arequipa. You can find almost all world cuisines here, so if you don’t feel like eating Peruvian for once, you can also eat pizza or Indian for example. But the Peruvian food is the tastiest of course!
I myself have had a delicious dinner at the nice restaurant Zig Zag in Plaza San Francisco, among others, but you can also find several nice restaurants and bars in Calle San Francisco and Calle Santa Catalina.
Visit Mundo Alpaca
It’s a bit cheesy, but secretly fun to visit Mundo Alpaca. Here you will come face to face with the beautiful alpacas and also learn more about Peru’s colorful textile industry. It is free to visit, so be sure to pop in here.
Lodging in Arequipa
For every budget, there is a good place to sleep in Arequipa. The easiest way to make a reservation is via Booking.com. On this website, it’s very easy to compare all prices and check availability.
I personally would choose something in or near the old town, then you can visit all the sights on foot. I slept for €8 a night in a dorm at the Limbo Jump Hostel and it was one of the finest hostels in Peru I stayed at. The owner is super friendly and makes a delicious breakfast every morning.
Would you rather stay in a hotel? Then there are some great options:
- Las Torres de Ugarte (3⭐) – Beautifully located behind the convent of Santa Catalina. A colorful building with a small courtyard garden.
- Plaza Central (3⭐) – Comfortable hotel with great views of Plaza de Armas and the volcano Misti.
- La Hostería Boutique Hotel (4⭐) – Very nice hotel in a colonial house in the center of town. It has a beautiful patio and a spa.
Don’t forget about altitude sickness
Arequipa is at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,761 feet), which means you can suffer from altitude sickness. For example, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath are symptoms of altitude sickness.
Most people who visit Arequipa experience only mild symptoms of altitude sickness and they disappear within a few days. Arequipa is just a good destination to visit before you travel on to higher destinations, like Puno (3827 meters) or Cusco (3399), so your body can get used to it a bit.
In any case, always listen to your body and seek out a doctor if you don’t trust it.
Book a trip to Peru
These were all my Arequipa tips! Would you like to visit Arequipa during a tour of Peru? Then book your trip now.
✈️ Plane tickets – Lima has a major international airport, from there you can fly domestically to Arequipa. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals on plane tickets.
🚍 Bus tickets – To get from A to B in Peru it is best to use long-distance buses. These are very comfortable and often include a meal. I often booked first class (which was not very expensive at all) and the seats were amazing! This is especially a good idea when traveling on night buses. You can book bus tickets via Busbud.
🚘 Rental Car – You can also discover Peru with a rental car. Then you are flexible and can stop wherever you want. Check Discover Cars to find the best deals.
📱E-SIM – Do you prefer having cell service during your trip? Get an e-SIM via Airalo, so you can use mobile internet to navigate and keep in touch with family and friends.
💊 Travel insurance – Don’t forget your travel insurance, as it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.
🧗🏼 Tours & activities – There are many fun day tours and adventurous activities to do in Peru. Check Viator and Get Your Guide for all the options.
Read more about Peru
Want to explore Arequipa and other beautiful places in Peru? These are some fine travel guides full of tips.
I traveled around Peru for over a month, which is why you can read more about this beautiful destination on this website. Check out one of these articles:
- Peru travel tips: everything you need to know
- 2 days in Lima itinerary: discover the capital of Peru
- Hiking the Inca Trail: everything you need to know
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