Some of you may not have heard of Arequipa, but it is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Arequipa is the second most inhabited Peruvian city after Lima. It is in the south of the country between the Peruvian Sierra and the coast. The city is a fabulous mix of old and new and has a beautiful history of struggle and courage in the country to learn.
And with so many things to do in Arequipa, it is normal to wonder where to start. Therefore, Machu Travel Peru brings you an article about what to do in Arequipa. Learn about all the many forms of tours and day trips around this fantastic city.
Get to know the many things to do in Arequipa
- Arequipa, the White City
- The monastery of Santa Catalina tour
- Visit the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa
- Take a walk in San Camilo Market
- Get a perfect city view in Yanahuara
- Appreciate the facade of La Compañia church
- Meet Juanita mummy in the Andean Sanctuaries Museum
- Explore the nearby Colca Canyon
- Taste the traditional Arequipa cuisine
- Climb the Misti volcano
- Lose yourself in the San Lazaro neighborhood
- Monastery and museum of La Recoleta
- Appreciate the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto
- Enjoy Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Arequipa, the White City
Arequipa is the perfect place to spend a few days and experience everything offered there. The city has a different feel than most other cities, it is modern, but at the same time old with very friendly people.
The city is at the foot of a giant sleeping volcano, the Misti, in the south of Peru, over 7661 feet (2335 m.a.s.l) For centuries, the surrounding volcanic ash was petrified and gave way to “Sillar”, a quaint white stone that was used to build the most beautiful buildings in the city.
Almost, 80% of the buildings are there. This is the reason, the White City is the other name of Arequipa.
A. A brief history
The Aymaras occupied the zone of the current city. They were people who came from the Andean highlands between Peru and Bolivia 1000 years before the Inca’s arrival. In its language, “Ari” means summit, and “quipay” means lying behind. This is due to the location of the zone lying behind a volcano, the Misti.
Years later, around 1300 AD, the Sapac (regent) Inca called Mayta Capac passed over the zone with its entourage. His subjects saw the beautiful valley of Chili River and the imposing volcano. Thus, they asked to establish a settlement in that place, to which the Inca replied, “Ari, quepay” which means, “Yes, you can stay”.
From the 15th to the 18th century, the city was a key port for silver trade under Spanish rule. During this colonial age, the city began to be impregnated with beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The locals used the Sillar, a white stone product of the petrification of volcanic ash, for this purpose. Obtaining the beauty that it presents these days.
After the defeat of the Incas by the Spanish, the colonist Garcí Manuel de Carbajal re-founded the city in 1540. Nowadays, the inhabitants celebrate the city foundation in August with dances, dancing, and a lot of joy.
B. How to get there
There are frequent flight schedules from Lima, the capital of Peru. The flight lasts 01-hour trip and costs around $70 – $80 round trip. There are also flights directly from Cusco, the trip lasts 45 minutes, and the services cost around $60 – $70 round trip.
In the case of buses, there are frequent routes from Lima, (16 hours of trip) and a cost of around $27 – $30 one way. From Cusco the bus trip lasts 11 hours and has a cost of around $23 – $26 one way. When we talk about buses, there are many connections from different Peruvian cities to the White City. Unfortunately, this is not true for commercial flights.
C. Best time to visit it
Arequipa has an excellent climate all year round and almost no rain. Therefore, it is known as one of the cities with the most pleasant climate in Peru. If you want to enjoy blue skies, strong sun, warm weather, and cool nights, heed our travel tips and visit it during the dry season. This season runs from April to November.
Otherwise, if you like heavy rain, cloudy skies, cold breezes, and muddy paths, visit the White City during the rainy season. This season lasts from December to March.
1. The Monastery of Santa Catalina tour
Being able to take a tour with the Nuns who still live and work in the convent today. This is one of the best tourist attractions in Arequipa. The convent is a labyrinth of alleys settled over 20,000 square meters. It was founded in 1580 by a wealthy Arequipeña widow named Maria de Guzman.
The nuns lived there as novices for up to 4 years. During this time, their moneyed families paid a dowry of 100 gold coins per year. Then, they had to decide to continue their religious life or free themselves from all commitments to the monastery. The latter could bring great shame to the family.
Today, tour guides in English, Portuguese, and Spanish provide one-hour tours for 40 soles at the same monastery entrance.
The tour begins in the main cloisters. It goes through the Arco del Silencio and the novices’ cloisters. In the courtyard, there is a rubber tree.
The tour will end in the orange cloister. Here, you will find a mortuary room. It displays portraits of the deceased novices.
2. Visit the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa
Arequipa’s main square is one of the most beautiful in Peru. And visiting it is one of the mandatory things to do when a tourist visits the city. It has well-kept gardens with many colorful flowers and big palms that give shade to citizens, visitors, and the elderly. These last are resting with a book on the picturesque benches of the square.
Also, it has a large and beautiful water font in its center. In comparison with Lima and Cusco’s main squares, this one doesn’t have peddlers. Moreover, Sillar stone portals with uniform arches on the second floor surround its three sides.
The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is on its north side. Many Spanish colonial houses, which have been converted into restaurants, surround the square. You can have a tasty lunch there. In addition, you will find the best hotels in Arequipa and other historical buildings around it!
3. Take a walk in the San Camilo Market
If a visitor wants to learn about the unique Idiosyncrasy of a South America town, they should first visit the local markets. San Camilo Market is a great example in the White City and offers colors, aromas, and flavors in each one of its stalls.
In San Camilo, you’ll see heads of cattle hanging off in the meat stalls, fresh meat being chopped, and dry llama fetuses. Whitout mentions a variety of fruits and vegetables in the opposite stalls.
Of course, if you feel the thirst for the impression of the scene, don’t worry; you will find fruit juice stalls close by. Besides, on the second floor, food stalls will be waiting for you with the most representative local dishes. The market is on the southeast of Plaza de Armas, four blocks away. You’ll have to pass 2 blocks east on Santo Domingo Street and then walk 2 blocks south on Pierola Street.
4. Get a perfect view of the city in Yanahuara
Arequipa is famous for the Misti volcano; the city lies on its slopes. However, the city is also famous for pictures that were taken of him from the middle of a famous arch. We refer to Yanahuara’s viewpoint. Among the many things to do in Arequipa, a visit to this viewpoint is inevitable.
You’ll get awesome views of the monastery of Santa Catalina and the entire Arequipa!
Yanahuara is a middle-class neighborhood on the west side of the city. If you want to take a walk from the main square to Yanahuara viewpoint, the walk will last only 40 minutes. If you have a walking tour in Arequipa, this route is the most appropriate for you.
The neighborhood hosts Beautiful cobblestone streets, an ancient white church of colonial times, and quaint houses. Without mentioning the famous arches made with Sillar stones. Inspiring phrases of the most renowned Peruvian poets adorn them.
Walk 4 blocks in the north direction on Santa Catalina Street. Then turn to your left and walk 4 more blocks north along Grau Street. Return to your left and walk 3 blocks north by Francisco Bolognesi Street.
Finally, tour again on your left and walk 4 blocks west on CTA. Del Angel and ready! Do you want a perfect postcard of Arequipa? So Yanahuara is the right place for you.
5. Appreciate the facade of La Compañia church
The churrigueresque style was famous worldwide for the first time in the facades of Seville churches. For this reason, due to the Spanish conquest of Peru, they introduced this style to native Peruvian builders. Consequently, the architecture of La Compañia Church (The Company) is the best representative of this style.
Its facade is the best example of the Baroque movement: beauty, decoration, and movement of lines. Besides, inside, the visitor can find an amazing altar covered in gold leaf and ornate carvings beautifully decorated. Of course, Sillar Stone composed the entire Jesuit church.
This attraction lies over a corner of the city’s main square, just next to the administrative buildings. What are you waiting to visit?
6. Meet Juanita mummy in the Andean Sanctuaries Museum
It would be best if you took the time to visit some of the museums in Arequipa. Especially the one with the fascinating Inca mummy.
Juanita was a woman of 12 – 15 years, sacrificed to the gods in the Incas times and buried in the summit of Ampato snow. The ice and snow retained the girl’s corpse in perfect condition for centuries. 500 years later, two archaeologists Jose Chavez and Johan Reinhard discovered him.
Immediately, in 1995 the Peru govenrment created the Andean Sanctuaries Museum (Museo Santuarios Andinos) to host Juanita and other Incas mummies. Without a doubt, this museum is reliable evidence of human sacrifices made by the Incas. This museum is a few minutes walk from the main square of Arequipa!
The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 09:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. And Sundays from 09:00 a.m. – 02:00 p.m.
The cost of entrance tickets is $7 per foreign adult and $3 per foreign student.
7. Explore the nearby Colca canyon
On any visit to Arequipa, you must do a Colca Canyon tour. It is about six hours by car from the city. Many experts consider Colca one of the deepest canyons in the world. It doubles the depth of the Grand Canyon, with a depth of 11,000 feet.
The Colca River created the canyon over thousands of years over 3270 m.a.s.l. When you visit one of the many lookouts at the top of the canyon, you will see the river below. Also, you’ll see the majestic condors flying above you. The entrance cost is $20 per person.
Birds love to fly around the canyon, and if you’re lucky, you might see some amazing specimens up close. The Canyon is so large that many native towns like Cabanaconde and Socabaya are in its deep.
The paths in Colca Canyon are well-marked. Some tourists can visit on their own. However, it is better to go in a group with a tour guide. The environment is spectacular, and the walk is challenging; most of the walks are two or three days long.
You can also soak in the wonderful hot springs in Colca canyon!
8. Taste the traditional cuisine of Arequipa
The White City is also becoming a gastronomic destination per excellent in Peru. In the white city, Picanterias are the names of the typical restaurants of Arequipa. Here, you will find all the local specialties to try.
But remember that the plate sizes are large, so go with a big appetite. Consider tasting one of the best typical dishes of Arequipa, the Rocoto Relleno.
This is made with red peppers cleaned and seeds removed. Then the pepper is stuffed with minced meat, peanuts, boiled eggs, olives, cream cheese, and milk. And baked in the oven when ready and served with potatoes.
Also, no trip to this city would be complete without trying the traditional soup, Adobo. This soup is served throughout Peru but is best in Arequipa. With chunks of pork marinated in chicha (Inca Beer) and cooked with vinegar, hot peppers, and spices, frequently cooked in a flavor-enhancing clay pot and served with bread. This wonderful soup is traditionally served in the morning for breakfast.
9. Climb the Misti volcano
Everybody knows Arequipa for two things: the Sillar white stone and the high-altitude Misti volcano. The last one covers the town as a protective mother does with her son. The volcano has 19,100 feet (5,822 m.a.s.l) of altitude and is currently not active today.
Climbing is for tourists who are in a good physical state. This is because the path is a strong slope, and the climb lasts 2 days, at a minimum.
The majority of the groups reach the highest area around noon on the second day. In this form, they obtain awesome views of the White City. Happily, there are many specialist and authorized travel agencies in the historic center.
They offer the famous climbing to the Misti. Dare to conquer the skirts of the most famous volcano in Peru.
10. Lose yourself in the San Lazaro neighborhood
San Lázaro is the first and oldest neighborhood in White City. Even, the Spanish founded it before the formal constitution of the city, in other words, before 1540. Taking a walk by its narrow Sillar streets, alleys, and charm squares is an extraordinary experience.
There is no shortage of tourists who claim to have been transported to a Spanish or French rural town street when visiting San Lazaro. This quaint neighborhood is 1 kilometer from the Arequipa Plaza de Armas.
You will have to take Santa Catalina Street and go straight, heading north by 4 blocks, and well done! You will arrive in San Lazaro. Thus, the best time to visit is at sunset, when the sun faints and the first public lamp posts are turned on.
11. Monastery and museum of La Recoleta
The priest Pedro de Peñaloza designed it in 1648. Of course, 1 church and 4 cloisters composed the monastery. The Franciscan order also ran it. It also stands out as a library with more than 25000 volumes dating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
The place operated as a monastery up to 1978 when a museum took a position in place. The museum hosts an ethnographic room and a religious art room. Mentioning another room dedicated to the Amazonian world and the objects that the missionaries themselves collected over the years on their evangelization trips by the Peruvian Amazon.
There is also a pre-Colombian art room (museo de arte pre colombino), another of religious art, and a room of toys! It is 5 blocks northwesterly from the plaza de Armas.
12. Appreciate the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto
The petroglyphs of Toro Muerto are in Castilla province. They are in the Majes valley, which is a dry area. This site is 159 kilometers from Arequipa.
Toro Muerto may be the largest example of rock art in all of Peru, with more than 5 thousand rocks. These contain cave art displaced in an area of more than 5 square km.
The paintings represent zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, and geometric figures and were painted between 500 and 1500 A.C.
This is an unusual place in the White City. To get there, you can hire a tour that includes transportation. If you prefer to go by yourself, take public transportation to Corire. From there, you can take a taxi to Toro Muerto.
13. Enjoy Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve may be the closest to any Peruvian city’s historic center. It is 3 hours from the Arequipa main square, taking the northeast direction. It is on the same road that connects the Colca Canyon with the White City.
There, you’ll be able to appreciate different types of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in their natural habitat. Also, you will see flocks of flamingos and the Yareta plant that looks like moss.
The national reserve has more than 367,000 hectares. It is also home to many enchanting places. These include lagoons, volcanoes, and wetlands. You can even find pre-Inca ruins and unique wildlife there.
You will need to hire a car or van wagon or in a guided tour. Many local travel agencies offer group tours for this experience. Of course, they include transport and a tour guide.
“WE DON’T NEED OBJECTS; WE NEED ADVENTURES”
These are just some of the many things to do in Arequipa. The truth is that within this majestic city, you can find much more to enjoy. These are just some of the most important examples that you cannot miss.
But the White City is full of incredible places to go and visit. Make sure to visit its historical buildings such as the Cathedral and other no less surprising places. We hope together with the Machu Travel Peru travel experts has been helpful. If you want to know more about our tours, you can consult with our advisors.
