7 THINGS TO DO IN AREQUIPA, PERU
Before I first started traveling through Peru, I had never heard of Arequipa. It wasn’t until I was in the country that other backpackers recommended I visit during my month backpacking in the country.
So, after spending about 12 days in Cusco hiking many incredible trails, I set out on a night bus to Arequipa. I had no idea what to expect as I didn’t plan my visit. However, I ended up enjoying this lovely white city in Peru.
Although it’s the second-largest city in Peru, it didn’t feel like it. The population is 1 million (Peru is 9.7 million). To me, it felt like a cozy city.
What I liked most about Arequipa is the view of the three dormant volcanoes nearby (Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu). Unfortunately, I only spent two full days in this city, but I squeezed in everything I could. So here I gathered a list of the things you can do in Arequipa on a short stay.
7 Things to Do in Arequipa, Peru
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Arequipa
1. Wander the Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas, or the historic center of Arequipa, is one of the most beautiful in South America. I didn’t say it myself. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. You can find the Catedral de Arequipa, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, tour agencies, stores, and more at the plaza.
It’s the perfect place for people watching, to enjoy the beautiful fountains, and to eat or drink coffee from a restaurant with a view of the volcano in the background. Sometimes, you can catch performances by locals.
2. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery
One beautiful spot to visit in Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Monastery. The price to visit is a little higher than most attractions in Peru. It cost 40 soles ($10). However, I’m glad I paid the visit.
The monastery has stunning architecture and design. It has brightly painted orange, red, white, and blue walls. It’s decorated with flower walkways and antique items. You walk through common rooms, kitchens, and rooms that teach you the monastery’s history.
When you arrive, you can hire a guide for 20 soles to walk you through the monastery and teach you the history. Or, you can walk around yourself. Honestly, the place was so beautiful I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it. Check out the Catalina Monastery website for times and more pictures.
3. Mirador de Yanahuara
A popular and beautiful viewpoint of the city is Mirador de Yanahuara. From the city center, it takes about a 20-minute walk. The mirador, or viewpoint, has archways made from sillar brick. When you look through them, you can spot Volcano Misti and Arequipa. In addition, you can find a wine museum, pisco, and a hang-out area if you walk the neighborhood.
4. La Ruta del Sillar
I love being outdoors and in nature. So, I booked a $10 tour with my hotel and decided to go into the desert. Just 30 minutes outside the city, you find La Ruta del Sillar, known as “The White City.” It’s not really a city. It’s a site made out of sillar. Sillar is white volcanic rock.
When you walk around Arequipa, you’ll notice the buildings are white. The reason is that they are made from sillar. So, at La Ruta de Sillar, we watched workers handle sillar brick. They have some cool designs that you will want to photograph. It was a nice little spot to check out and explore.
5. Quebrada de Culebrillas
On the same trip from above, they will also take you to Quebrada de Culebrillas. It’s basically a slot canyon similar to those in Arizona and Utah, except these are formed from sillar. You walk through the canyon until you get to the end of it, where you find hieroglyphs. I really enjoyed this spot because the desert canyon reminded me of home. I’m a full-on desert girl.
6. Have a Rooftop Drink
One of my favorite things to do in a city is finding the best viewpoints and rooftop bars to watch the sunset. Arequipa has a few, and you can admire the volcano views too. Some popular ones are Katari Hotel, Mirador Misti, Waya Lookout Rooftop Bar, and Sunset Rooftop Bar. However, as you walk around Plaza de Armas, you can spot some bars and restaurants with views. My boutique hotel had a great view too.
7. Hike Colca Canyon
The main reason tourists go to Arequipa is to hike Colca Canyon. It is the second deepest canyon in the world. The depth of the canyon is 3,270m (10,730ft). It is also famous for condor sightings. Many tours head out to Colca Canyon.
There are three options for going from Arequipa. One is to go on a day tour. They pick you up at 3 am, and you return late at night. You spend most of your time on the bus, which I don’t find worth it.
The second option is to do the 1-3 day tours. They start at about 160 soles (plus a 70 sol entrance fee at Colca Canyon). These tours include accommodation.
The third option is to go on your own via bus or taxi. Once there, you pay the entrance fee and your accommodation.
Unfortunately, I decided to skip Colca Canyon. I had just hiked 7 Lagunas de Ausangate the day before, and I only had two nights in Arequipa. I was too exhausted to think about hiking the second deepest canyon in the world. Instead, I stayed in the city and went for a less tiring trip to Rutas de Sillar. Perhaps one day I’ll return to hike it.
Extra Activities To Do
Most people don’t spend much time in Arequipa, so tourism isn’t as well developed. However, from one of the guides, I learned they try to show tourists new places besides Colca Canyon, such as Rutas de Sillar. So, here are a few other places I missed that if you have time, you can visit.
Climb a Volcano: If you are an experienced hiker and have more time in the city, you can hike a volcano. But beware, the altitude makes them challenge, so even experienced hikers might find it difficult. Misti is 5,825m (19,100ft) and Chachani is 6,075m (19,931ft).
Mundo Alpaca: A place where you can watch weavers thread Andean textiles, and you can visit the museum and exhibitions.
San Camilo Market: You can grab souvenirs, fresh juice, and snacks.
Museo Santuarios Andinos: One of the top attractions in Arequipa where you can learn about Juanita, who was offered to the Incas as an offering to the gods.
How To Get To Arequipa
Getting to Arequipa is mainly done by an overnight bus from either la Huacachina or Cusco. Either route will be a long one. I’m talking about nearly 12-14 hours from either direction. Therefore, I recommend you book ahead if you want to get the seats that lean back like a bed to get the necessary sleep overnight. Cruz del Sur does this route, and the price is about 95 soles.
The other option is to fly to Rodriguez Ballon International Airport, but flights within the country are expensive. So most people I met did the bus option.
Where To Stay
If you want to easily get around, I recommend you stay in the city center. I stayed at a Le Foyer Arequipa hotel with a very short 4-5 minute walk to the Plaza de Armas. What I enjoyed most about it was the rooftop bar/restaurant with a view of the city and sunset.
What to Pack
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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