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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 vast Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city spanning 20,000 square meters. Hike the Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, to spot majestic Andean condors. Enjoy panoramic views from the Yanahuara Viewpoint overlooking the Plaza de Armas and volcanoes.
1. Santa Catalina Monastery
Experience a living 16th-century city inside bright red walls. Wander ancient cobbled streets, vibrant courtyards, and see authentic nun life frozen in time.
Quick facts: More than 450 years have passed since the convent opened, and it once housed up to 450 nuns at its peak. The complex covers 20,000 square meters and feels like a colorful, peaceful mini-city with narrow streets and courtyards.
Highlights: One cool secret is the bright red-orange walls, made with a natural pigment called "sillar," that give the whole place a warm glow in the sunlight. You can explore rooms frozen in time: kitchens, chapels, and nun cells still display original 16th-century furniture and wall frescoes.
2. Colca Canyon
Experience one of the deepest canyons on Earth. Encounter giant condors gliding just above your head every morning.
Quick facts: The canyon carves through volcanic rock and plunges over 3,400 meters, nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It homes over 70 species of birds, including the majestic Andean condor with a wingspan exceeding 3 meters.
Highlights: Massive terraces built by pre-Incan peoples stretch for miles along the canyon walls, showcasing ancient agricultural ingenuity. At sunrise, the thermal winds create a perfect flight corridor for condors, often seen soaring just meters above visitors' heads.
3. Plaza de Armas
A lively historical square where colonial architecture meets local culture. Stroll through colorful arcades and relax in tranquil gardens beneath towering trees.
Quick facts: Brightly colored colonial buildings frame the main square, originally designed as a Spanish military parade ground. The central fountain, made from black volcanic stone, quietly splits the plaza into four distinctive sections.
Highlights: The square’s perimeter features 16 arched porticos, each with shops selling everything from alpaca wool to local spices, combining commerce and culture seamlessly. Native plants and carefully maintained gardens create a surprising oasis, inviting visitors to linger on benches beneath oversized eucalyptus trees.
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4. Arequipa Cathedral
Experience towering volcanic stone architecture that amazes from every angle. Step inside for a chance to hear the cathedral bells and see an alabaster Virgin Mary statue glowing by candlelight.
Quick facts: A massive structure made from white volcanic sillar stone, the cathedral towers over 70 meters high at its tallest point. Inside, visitors can admire a grand organ dating back to 1744 that still fills the space with music during special ceremonies.
Highlights: Look closely and you'll find that the cathedral's twin bell towers contain 11 bells, each named and tuned to specific musical notes for harmonious ringing. The main altar features an enormous statue of the Virgin Mary carved from a single block of alabaster, giving it a ghostly glow under candlelight.
5. Yanahuara Viewpoint
Breathtaking views of colonial rooftops and a volcano in one glance. Immerse yourself in vivid sunsets and local artisan crafts here.
Quick facts: Overlooking the city from about 2,390 meters above sea level, the spot offers a panoramic view that captures Arequipa's colonial rooftops and the towering volcanic silhouette of El Misti. Its distinctive white volcanic stone arches, known as "miradores," were carved by local artisans using sillar, a lightweight volcanic rock native to the region.
Highlights: Admiring the sunset from the arches reveals how the orange-pink hues of the sky melt into the white walls, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of the colonial era. Local vendors often sell colorful textiles nearby, inviting visitors to soak in both visual and cultural textures in one spot.
6. El Misti Volcano
Experience breathtaking alpine views and get up close to one of Peru's highest active volcanoes. Adventure seekers will enjoy trekking across steep volcanic slopes and spotting rare alpine vegetation.
Quick facts: Rising 5,822 meters above sea level, this stratovolcano dominates the Arequipa skyline with its symmetrical cone shape. Despite its majestic appearance, it is an active volcano with historical eruptions recorded as recently as the 15th century.
Highlights: Climbers often witness glaciers shimmering near the summit, a rare sight in the tropics that mixes fire and ice in a dramatic contrast. At night, the stars above the peak are incredibly vivid, captivating trekkers who camp near the crater rim around 5,000 meters elevation.
7. Sabandia Mill
Experience centuries-old milling powered by flowing river water. Hear, see, and smell the traditional grain grinding in action.
Quick facts: The site features water wheels that have been grinding grain since the colonial era, powered by the Chili River. Visitors can see traditional milling techniques using volcanic stones, a method still employed today.
Highlights: The mill operates using three large, wooden water wheels each over 7 meters in diameter, turning slowly with the river's current. Hearing the rhythmic grind while sensing the fresh 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.