Catherine - Savvy Family TravelIf you’re trying to figure out what to do in Arequipa, I’ve got you. This city surprised me in the best ways.
Its glowing white sillar buildings, volcano-dominated skyline, and cozy markets make Arequipa the perfect mix of laid-back wandering and mountain adventure. iti
What to do in Arequipa
Arequipa’s nickname, the “White City,” comes from the sillar stone material that gives the whole city a glow that transforms throughout the day. It is breathtaking at golden hour.
We have you covered with all the best things to do in Arequipa; food, plazas, museums, volcano views, and day trips that range from relaxing to epic (like spotting condors in Colca Canyon).
Planning & Practical Tips
Altitude Plays a Role
Arequipa sits at roughly 2,335 meters (about 7,661–7,700 feet) above sea level, so it’s high enough that you should take a little time to acclimatize (coca tea, light activity on day one, no heavy hikes right away).
Consider altitude sensitivity and symptoms when planning what to do in Arequipa.
How Long to Stay
You’ll want at least 36 hours just to explore the city itself. Add days for any day trips that appeal to you.
Consider the timing of your bus or plane’s arrival and departure in your hotel booking. Our bus got in at 5:30am. We booked our hotel for the evening before so that we’d have a place to crash right away.
How to Get to Arequipa
There’s a lot of distance between Arequipa and other key tourist towns, so your best bet is to take an overnight bus (like Peru Hop) or catch a plane from Cusco or Lima.
Bus: Reliable bus routes depart from Cusco, Puno, and Ica (Huacachina) for Arequipa.
Plane: From Cusco or Lima domestically, or major cities in South America.
Money
ATMs are readily available. Be sure to carry soles for markets, private vendors, and coins restroom fees.
Top 10 Things to do in Arequipa
Short on time to read our full article? Here’s a quick list of what to do in Arequipa.
- Plaza de Armas Day & Night
- Monastery of Santa Catalina
- Day Trip or Overnight Trip to Colca Canyon
- See a Professional Football Game
- Volcano Viewpoints
- Get Up Close with the Animals at Alpaca Mundo
- Buy from a local artisan
- Church of the Company of Jesus
- Try Queso Helado (Cheese Ice Cream)
- Learn to make Chocolate or Pisco Sour
Make sure to pin this for later!
The Sites: What to See in Arequipa
Plaza de Armas
The historic center of Arequipa is a UNESCO site and walking it is one of the top things to do in Arequipa.
Plaza de Armas is the city’s heart—visit during the day for people-watching, street food, and dining with a view. At night the plaza transforms: vendors sell light-up toys that my kids begged for, and the balcony restaurants light up.
The Cathedral on the square is worth exploring (and its upper levels offer a good panoramic look). If you have to choose though, I recommend the next church instead.
Church of the Company of Jesus
This baroque-style church might look modest on the outside, but step inside and the carved wooden pulpit and the colorful San Ignacio Chapel will astound you. Make sure this makes your list of what to do in Arequipa.
Cloisters of the Company (Claustro La Compañía)
Behind the Church of the Company of Jesus is a beautiful courtyard. It has a separate entrance from the church, around the back, and is free to enter. Here you’ll find charming architecture and a handful of restaurants.
The ice cream shop is nothing special and I’d recommend picking a different one over this one, but the restaurants are of good quality.
Monastery of Santa Catalina
This former monastery is set up as a mini-city—narrow lanes, painted courtyards, and cloistered life. We split parenting duties here—my husband and I traded off the kids to explore the nooks and crannies of the monastery properly.
Museo Santuarios Andinos (Andean Sanctuaries Museum):
This museum is home to Juanita, the Ice Maiden—one of the most well-preserved Inca sacrificial mummies, recovered from Mount Ampato.
Seeing Juanita is a little haunting but truly fascinating. We learned all about the Incans beliefs around sacrifices to Pachamama (Mother Earth.)
San Camilo Market
There are some tourist stalls, but overall this markets is a place where Arequipa’s daily life unfolds. San Camilo Market is full of fresh juices, local snacks, and the kind of chaotic bustle that’s fun to take in.
Mundo Alpaca
If you’re traveling with kids, Mundo Alpaca is a top family-friendly stop—the children got to meet and gently feed alpacas while we learned about fiber production and weaving. It was one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Arequipa, plus it’s free!
San Lázaro – Arequipa’s Oldest Neighborhood
With its narrow cobblestone lanes and white volcanic stone houses, San Lázaro takes you back in time.
Artisan Market
Right next to San Francisco Plaza is the artisan market where we spent an hour browsing souvenirs, snacks, local textiles and alpaca wares. You’ll have no problem finding the perfect souvenir here for a good price.
Find an Iconic Viewpoint
Arequipa’s skyline is dominated by volcanoes, and taking in those peaks is a highlight of any list of things to do in Arequipa. On clear days you can see Misti, Chachani, and Ampato from multiple vantage points around the city; they’re a constant backdrop to the sillar buildings.
Mirador de Yanahuara
This is where visitors snap those classic framed views of Misti through an arch.
Carmen Alto:
Overlooks farmland and gives a valley perspective with volcanoes beyond.
Rooftops
Several restaurants allow access to their rooftop so pop up for a peek. Crepisimo is just one example. There are also great rooftop views while you’re exploring the Monastery.
Local Experiences to try in Arequipa
Learn to play Ludo
You’ll see this board game on park tables and in restaurants (or even grab it as a souvinir!)
It is easier to learn and played a lot like Trouble.
Walk the Malecón
Take an evening stroll along a riverside walkway with views of Misti and the surrounding countryside. It’s a relaxing place for a stroll when you need a break from sightseeing in the historic center.
Take a Historic Walking Tour
Free walking tours and photography walks one of our favorite, affordable ways to learn the city’s stories and find hidden courtyards.
Nightlife
Waya Lookout is located right on the Plaza de Armas. But, Angels Rooftop and Terrasse Rooftop get more praise.
Join the Fans
Check if Arequipa’s professional fútbol team, FBC Melgar, has a game while you’re in town. The energy at the game we went to in Cusco was unmatched.
Chocolate and Pisco Workshops
Take this four hour food tour which will include stops at some of the other places mentioned in this guide like the market and famous Yanahuara viewpoint. Try Peruvian favorites like cuy, alpaca, and rocoto.
Day Trips from Arequipa
Salinas Lagoon
Visit the slat flats outside Arequipa on this full day tour. It’s likely that alpaca and llama will be hanging with you too! Depending on the season, you may see the sparkling salt crystal flats or a reflective pool.
Ruta del Sillar
This half-day trip takes you to the quarries where they mine the white volcanic stone used to build Arequipa. Carvings are scattered around the quarry and they draw many influencers and photographers.
Rafting on the Chili River
For adventure-seekers, rafting trips like this one are available not far from the city.
Pillones Waterfall
This 11 hour day trip takes you to both the impressive Pillones Waterfall and later to the Stone Forest (which reminds me of Goblin Valley State Park in the USA).
Multi Day Trips from Arequipa
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is the highlight for many as it is one of the world’s deepest canyons and a top place to watch Andean condors circle at sunrise.
Colca can be a long day-trip or preferably a multi-day trek; I recommend at least an overnight if you want more relaxed hiking and better chance to spot condor. The canyon reaches massive depths; deeper than the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Colca Canyon’s admission is 70 soles.
Chacapi Hot Springs or La Calera Thermal Waters
Ideal for soaking after a long day of trekking. Both Colca Canyon tours that I linked above include a stop at one of these thermal waters, you’ll just pay admission separately: about 15 soles per person.
Volcano Hike
Trails around Arequipa are not well marked, so you’ll absolutely want to book with a guide. Many 2 day, 1 night tours are available to climb Chachani or Misti.
Where to Stay in Arequipa
I’d recommend staying near the historic center if you want easy walking access to the plazas, markets, and rooftop restaurants. Boutique hotels and family-run guesthouses in the center give a lot of atmosphere; there are also luxury options and friendly hostels for budget-minded travelers.
Luxury stays: Cirqa or Casa Andina Premium
Boutique & mid-range hotels: Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas or Palla Boutique
Budget-friendly: Hotel Los Tambos Colonial or Hotel Tierrasur
Where (and What) to Eat in Arequipa
Food is a huge reason to answer the question “what to do in Arequipa” with enthusiasm.
Must-try local dishes
- Rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper)
- Chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder)
- Adobo arequipeño (marinated pork stew)
- Queso helado “Cheese Ice Cream” (tastes like cinnamon vanilla)
- Empanadas
- Fresh Squeezed Juices
Our Favorite Arequipa Restaurants
- Crepisimo did not disappoint—get a crepe and head up to the rooftop for the view. Don’t skip it.
- Omphalos for a vegetarian friendly option.
- Chica for a splurge worthy meal.
- Zig Zag for a great atmosphere and photogenic plate presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arequipa worth visiting instead of, or in addition to, Cusco?
Arequipa is less crowded than Cusco, with a more relaxed pace, incredible food, and equally stunning mountain views. It complements a Cusco visit nicely.
Here’s how we fit both into a 2 week Peru itinerary.
When should I visit Colca Canyon?
The dry season (May–September) offers the best condor-viewing weather and easier trekking conditions.
Can I see the volcanoes from the city?
Yes—the skyline is dominated by Misti, Chachani, and Ampato, and they are visible while you’re enjoying all the things to do in Arequipa.
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
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