Arequipa

Arequipa Travel Guide

The White City — Peru's second-largest city, known for white volcanic-stone buildings and Colca Canyon. Colonial architecture of white sillar (volcanic stone) is UNESCO-listed, and Santa Catalina Monastery unfolds like a city within a city. Misti Volcano towers in the background, and picanterías (traditional eateries) serve Arequipa's distinctively spicy cuisine.

Essential Arequipa Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Arequipa

★ 4.7

Colca Canyon

About 160km from Arequipa, Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest canyons — up to 3,400m deep, roughly twice the Grand Canyon. From the Cruz del Cóndor lookout, watch Andean condors with 3m wingspans ride the thermals overhead. Pre-Inca terraced farmland still surrounds the canyon, and the hot-spring villages of Chivay and Yanque offer open-air thermal baths.

HoursOpen 24 hours (guided tour recommended)

LocationColca Valley, Arequipa Region

TipsMost visitors come on a 2-day or 3-day tour from Arequipa. To see condors, reach the lookout early (07:00-10:00). Nights are very cold, so pack warm clothing.

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★ 4.6

Santa Catalina Monastery

Founded in 1579, Santa Catalina Monastery sprawls across 20,000 sqm in central Arequipa — practically a city within a city. Nuns lived in total seclusion here for 400 years, and the complex only opened to the public in 1970. Walls painted in vivid blue, red, and orange line the narrow lanes, dotted with plazas and fountains. The original kitchens, laundries, and cells have been preserved, giving visitors the sense of stepping back in time.

HoursDaily 09:00-17:00 (open until 20:00 on Tue and Thu)

LocationCentro Histórico, Arequipa

TipsAn evening tour by candlelight is especially atmospheric. You can wander on your own, but an English guided tour brings the history to life.

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★ 4.5

Misti Volcano

Misti is a 5,822m stratovolcano about 17km from Arequipa, known as the city's guardian. Its perfect cone is visible from every corner of town, and on clear days the snow-capped peak is magnificent. Experienced climbers can attempt the summit on a 2-day expedition, rewarded by sweeping Andean panoramas from the crater. Arequipa earned the nickname White City thanks to the volcano's white tuff stone used in its colonial buildings.

HoursOpen 24 hours (climbing requires advance permits)

LocationArequipa, Peru

TipsAcclimatise before attempting the climb, and always go with a professional guide. Even without climbing, you can admire the volcano from many vantage points around town.

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★ 4.5

Plaza de Armas (Arequipa)

Arequipa's Plaza de Armas is one of Peru's most beautiful squares, with elegant white sillar arcades on three sides and the grand Arequipa Cathedral (built 1656) occupying the fourth. A bronze fountain centers the space, where locals and tourists alike relax with Misti Volcano looming in the background — a postcard-perfect scene. Inside the cathedral stands a large Belgian-made organ, and the building was restored after a 2001 earthquake. Arcaded cafes and restaurants make it a relaxing spot. Plaza free, cathedral PEN 10. Central location.

HoursOpen 24 hours (Cathedral: Mon-Sat 07:00-11:30, 17:00-19:30)

LocationCentro Histórico, Arequipa

TipsEnjoy coffee from a second-floor arcade cafe overlooking the plaza with Misti in the background. The illuminated cathedral at night is especially beautiful.

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★ 4.5

Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Museum)

The Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Museum) displays 'Juanita,' a roughly 500-year-old frozen Inca mummy of a girl aged 12-14, discovered at the summit of Ampato Volcano (6,310m) in 1995. Sacrificed as part of the Inca capacocha ritual, her skin, hair, and organs are remarkably preserved thanks to extreme cold. Guided tours explain Inca religious practices, daily life, and the story of Juanita's discovery. Admission PEN 20. 3-minute walk from Plaza de Armas.

HoursMon-Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun 09:00-15:00

LocationCentro Histórico, Arequipa

TipsGuided tours (about 45 minutes) are available in English and Spanish. Photography is prohibited. Juanita is displayed May-December; other mummies are shown the rest of the year.

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★ 4.3

Yanahuara Viewpoint (Mirador de Yanahuara)

The Yanahuara Viewpoint, about a 20-minute walk from central Arequipa, features white sillar stone arches that frame iconic views of Misti Volcano and the city below. Each arch bears an inscription from notable Arequipeño figures. On clear days, three volcanoes — Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu — are visible at once. The Yanahuara Church (1750) nearby is another fine example of sillar architecture. A sunset visit paints the volcanoes in stunning red tones. Free entry. About 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi from the center.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationYanahuara, Arequipa

TipsVisit at sunset for the best photos of the volcano bathed in red light. Ice cream vendors nearby sell queso helado (traditional Arequipa ice cream) — try one.

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★ 4.3

Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar)

The Sillar Route is a unique tour to the white volcanic-stone (sillar) quarries about 30 minutes from Arequipa. Sillar, a volcanic tuff formed during eruptions, has been used in Arequipa's architecture for centuries. The quarries feature spectacular white rock walls forming canyon-like passages. Visitors can watch local stonemasons carving blocks using traditional techniques, and the visit explains why Arequipa is called the 'White City.' Morning tours offer the best lighting for photography. Tour about PEN 50-100 (transport and guide included). About 30 minutes by car from Arequipa.

HoursTours: typically 08:00-12:00 (advance booking required)

LocationAñashuayco, Arequipa

TipsMorning tours catch the best light on the white rock walls. Bring sunscreen and a hat — the UV is intense.

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★ 4.2

Chivay Hot Springs (La Calera)

La Calera hot springs are natural open-air thermal pools about 3km from Chivay, the main town for Colca Canyon visits. Soaking in 38-42°C mineral-rich waters while gazing at snow-capped Andean peaks and valleys is a perfect healing experience. The mineral content is said to aid fatigue recovery and relieve muscle soreness, making it ideal after a Colca Canyon trek. Several pools are available, with the riverside ones offering the best atmosphere. Admission PEN 20. 5 minutes by car from Chivay.

HoursDaily 05:00-19:00

LocationChivay, Colca Valley

TipsVisit after your Colca Canyon trek to soothe tired muscles. Bring a swimsuit and towel. An evening visit under the stars is also recommended.

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Things to Do in Arequipa

Nature

Colca Canyon Tour

Visit Colca Canyon — twice as deep as the Grand Canyon — and watch Andean condors soar overhead. Cruz del Condor viewpoint offers the closest encounters.

Price 2-day/1-night tour PEN 80-200 (transport, lodging, guide included)Duration 2 days/1 night (day trips also available)

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Culture

Santa Catalina Monastery Visit

A 'city within a city' — explore this 16th-century monastery's 20,000 m2 of colorful buildings and lanes, and glimpse the lives of nuns who were cloistered for 400 years.

Price PEN 50Duration About 2 hours

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Adventure

Misti Volcano Trek

A 2-day/1-night trek to the summit of Misti Volcano (5,822m) — Arequipa's iconic peak. The panorama of the city and surrounding volcanoes from the top is magnificent.

Price PEN 200-400 (guide, gear, meals included)Duration 2 days/1 night

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Nature

Yanahuara Viewpoint Sunset

Watch the sunset over Misti Volcano and Arequipa from Yanahuara viewpoint, framed by beautiful sillar stone arches. The volcano seen through the arches is a classic photo opportunity.

Price FreeDuration About 1 hour

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Tour

Picantera Food Tour

A guided tour of Arequipa's traditional picanterías, sampling rocoto relleno, adobo, solterito, and chicha corn beer — the city's unique culinary heritage.

Price PEN 100-200 (tastings included)Duration About 3 hours

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Nature

Chivay Hot Springs Soak

Natural hot springs at Chivay, typically visited during a Colca Canyon tour. Soak in warm thermal waters at 3,600m elevation beneath the Andes — perfect recovery after trekking.

Price PEN 15Duration About 1-2 hours

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Must-Try Food in Arequipa

Rocoto Relleno

🍱 Traditional

A traditional Arequipa dish — spicy rocoto peppers stuffed with minced meat and cheese, then baked. PEN 20-40 per serving. Try La Nueva Palomino, a famous picantera.

Queso Helado

🍰 Dessert

Arequipa's traditional ice cream — despite the name, it's made with coconut and cinnamon rather than cheese. PEN 3-8 per bowl. Available from vendors around the Plaza de Armas.

Solterito

🍱 Traditional

A traditional Arequipa salad of fava beans, corn, cheese, and olives. PEN 10-20. Available at picanterías and market eateries.

Adobo Arequipeño

🍱 Traditional

Pork marinated in chicha and spices, slow-cooked in a clay pot — Arequipa's signature dish. PEN 20-40. Traditionally eaten at picanterías on Sunday mornings.

Chactado (Fried Guinea Pig)

🍱 Traditional

Guinea pig pressed flat under a stone and deep-fried — an Arequipa tradition. Crispy skin with tender meat. PEN 40-70. Order at picanterías.

Papa a la Huancaína

🍢 Street Food

Boiled potatoes topped with a creamy aji amarillo cheese sauce — a classic Peruvian appetizer. PEN 8-15. Available at picanterías and market eateries everywhere.

Pisco Sour

🍵 Drink

Peru's signature cocktail of pisco, lime, and egg white. PEN 15-30. Enjoy at bars and picanterías around the Plaza de Armas at sunset.

Arequipa Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Arequipa?

The dry season from April to November is best, with June to August offering the clearest skies and prime condor-watching.

How much does it cost to travel in Arequipa?

Daily budget around $45-85 (lodging $20-45; food $15-20; transport and tours $7-20).

How do I get around in Arequipa?

From Arequipa Airport, a taxi to the centre takes about 20 minutes. The city is walkable, and Colca Canyon is reached by tour bus. SIM cards available at the airport. Cards accepted in the city, but cash needed for Colca Canyon tours. Tipping 10%.

Do I need a visa to visit Arequipa?

Korean passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Arequipa safe for tourists?

A safe city overall, but agree on taxi fares in advance. Watch out for altitude sickness on Colca Canyon tours.

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