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Things to Do in Arequipa, Peru
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Arequipa, Peru
Things to do in Arequipa, Peru include exploring the expansive Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within the city covering 20,000 square meters. Hike the Colca Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, to see the magnificent Andean condors. Take in panoramic views from the Yanahuara Viewpoint, which overlooks the Plaza de Armas and surrounding volcanoes.
1. Santa Catalina Monastery
Discover a living 16th-century city within bright red walls. Wander through ancient cobblestone streets, lively courtyards, and witness authentic nun life preserved in time.
Quick facts: More than 450 years have passed since the convent was founded, and at its peak, it housed as many as 450 nuns. The complex spans 20,000 square meters and resembles a charming, peaceful mini-city with narrow streets and courtyards.
Highlights: A fascinating secret is the vivid red-orange walls, colored with a natural pigment called "sillar," that bathe the site in a warm light under the sun. You can wander through rooms preserved from the 16th century: kitchens, chapels, and nun cells still display original furniture and wall frescoes from that era.
2. Colca Canyon
Explore one of the world's deepest canyons. Watch giant condors soar just above your head each morning.
Quick facts: The canyon cuts through volcanic rock and plunges over 3,400 meters, almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It is home to more than 70 bird species, including the magnificent Andean condor with a wingspan exceeding 3 meters.
Highlights: Enormous terraces constructed by pre-Incan peoples stretch for miles along the canyon walls, showcasing ancient agricultural skill. At sunrise, thermal winds create an ideal flight path for condors, often seen soaring just meters above visitors' heads.
3. Plaza de Armas
A vibrant historic square where colonial architecture blends with local culture. Walk through colorful arcades and unwind in peaceful gardens under tall trees.
Quick facts: Brightly painted colonial buildings surround the main square, which was originally designed as a Spanish military parade ground. The central fountain, made from black volcanic stone, quietly divides the plaza into four distinct sections.
Highlights: Around the square are 16 arched porticos, each with shops selling everything from alpaca wool to local spices, blending commerce and culture seamlessly. Native plants and well-kept gardens create a surprising oasis, inviting visitors to rest on benches beneath large eucalyptus trees.
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4. Arequipa Cathedral
See towering volcanic stone architecture that astonishes from every angle. Step inside to hear cathedral bells and view an alabaster Virgin Mary glowing by candlelight.
Quick facts: A vast structure made of white volcanic sillar stone, the cathedral reaches over 70 meters tall at its highest point. Inside, visitors can admire a grand organ dating back to 1744 that still fills the space with music during special events.
Highlights: Look closely and you will see that the cathedral's twin bell towers hold 11 bells, each named and tuned to specific musical notes for harmonious ringing. The main altar features a huge statue of the Virgin Mary carved from a single block of alabaster, giving it a ghostly glow when lit by candlelight.
5. Yanahuara Viewpoint
Enjoy stunning views of colonial rooftops and a volcano at once. Immerse yourself in brilliant sunsets and local artisan crafts here.
Quick facts: Perched about 2,390 meters above sea level, the viewpoint offers panoramic views that capture Arequipa's colonial rooftops and the towering volcanic profile of El Misti. Its distinctive white volcanic stone arches, called "miradores," were carved by local artisans from sillar, a lightweight volcanic rock native to the area.
Highlights: Watching the sunset from the arches reveals how the orange-pink sky tones blend into the white walls, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship of the colonial period. Nearby, local vendors often sell colorful textiles, inviting visitors to enjoy both visual and cultural textures in one place.
6. El Misti Volcano
Take in breathtaking alpine views and get close to one of Peru's highest active volcanoes. Adventurers will enjoy trekking steep volcanic slopes and spotting rare alpine plants.
Quick facts: Rising 5,822 meters above sea level, this stratovolcano dominates the Arequipa skyline with its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Despite its majestic look, it is an active volcano with historical eruptions recorded as recently as the 15th century.
Highlights: Climbers often see glaciers shimmering near the summit, a rare sight in the tropics that brings together fire and ice in dramatic contrast. At night, the stars above the peak are incredibly bright, captivating trekkers who camp near the crater rim at about 5,000 meters elevation.
7. Sabandia Mill
Experience centuries-old milling powered by flowing river water. Hear, see, and smell traditional grain grinding in action.
Quick facts: The site includes water wheels that have been grinding grain since colonial times, powered by the Chili River. Visitors can watch traditional milling techniques using volcanic stones, a method still in use today.
Highlights: The mill runs with three large wooden water wheels each over 7 meters in diameter, turning slowly with the flow of the river. Hearing the rhythmic grind while breathing air scented with flour dust creates an almost hypnotic atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Arequipa, Peru
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Queso Helado
Queso Helado is a popular Arequipa frozen dessert made from coconut, milk, cinnamon, and sugar, resembling ice cream but with a distinct, creamy, and refreshing taste.
Mazamorra Morada
Mazamorra Morada is a traditional purple corn pudding flavored with fruit and spices, unique to the region, and often served with arroz con leche.
Picarones
Picarones are deep-fried doughnuts made from squash and sweet potato, served with a spiced molasses syrup called chancaca, a festive favorite.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Rocoto Relleno
Rocoto Relleno consists of spicy rocoto peppers stuffed with a mix of ground meat, olives, and spices, baked with cheese on top, showcasing Arequipa's affinity for bold flavors.
Ocopa Arequipeña
Ocopa Arequipeña features boiled potatoes covered in a thick, spicy sauce made of peanuts, cheese, yellow peppers, and herbs, often garnished with a hard-boiled egg and olives.
Adobo Arequipeño
Adobo Arequipeño is a marinated pork stew with vinegar, chicha de jora, and spices, traditionally slow-cooked overnight, served usually for breakfast.
Traditional Beverages
Chicha de Jora
Chicha de Jora is a traditional fermented corn beer with ancient origins, often homemade and consumed during festivals and social gatherings.
Molle Syrup
Molle Syrup is a sweet, red beverage made from the berries of the Peruvian pepper tree, valued for its unique flavor and health benefits.
Emoliente
Emoliente is a warm herbal drink popular for its medicinal properties, made from roasted barley, herbs, and sometimes added lemon or sugar.
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Most popular day trips
Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Protected area with diverse wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
Getting there
Airports
Take a taxi or authorized shuttle from Rodríguez Ballón Airport to city center for convenience.
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Comments (5)
Loved the colonial charm here, but expect some crowds around Plaza de Armas. Weather cool in mornings, warm afternoons. Food is a highlight!
If you're taking a bus to Colca Canyon, book your ride early morning to avoid traffic and get better views at the canyon's miradors.
For cheaper eats, skip the restaurants near the main plaza. Walk 3 blocks east and find local joints with authentic and budget-friendly meals.
Pretty mixed feelings. The city has cool architecture but was a bit pricier than expected. Worth visiting if on the way to Colca Canyon.
Arequipa's vibe is chill, plenty of great food spots but watch out for the altitude, it hits you quick. 2-3 days is enough to get the feel though.