Arequipa Altitude: A Must-Read Preparation Guide For Visiting Peru’s White City

Are you worried about Arequipa’s altitude and whether it will be difficult to adjust?

This beautiful city is an architectural delight’s dream. Volcanic white facades cover colonial buildings and elegant churches, while the entire canvas is surrounded by three giant volcanoes. However the altitude of Arequipa is sometimes a concern for travelers, and many wonder if it requires the same planning as with other high altitude Peruvian destinations such as Cusco and Lake Titicaca.

In this definitive guide we’ll explore Arequipa’s altitude, and what to expect when arriving here. As well as covering how to best prepare for your visit, we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions later in this guide.

How High Is Arequipa’s Altitude? What To Expect At This Elevation

One of Peru’s must-visit cities for its beautiful colonial streets, fiery volcanoes and the nearby Colca Canyon - Arequipa sits up at an altitude of 2335m. Sat between the foothills of the Andes with the desert plains of the Pacific on the adjacent side, this means that we can expect warm days and cooler evenings - similar to what travelers experience in Cusco.

It’s important to know that Arequipa’s altitude generally isn’t an issue for most travelers - like that with the altitude of Machu Picchu - given it isn’t too much of a jump when arriving here from Lima, than say with Cusco. On your first day you can easily head on a private guided tour of the city, which includes visiting the red-stained Santa Catalina Monastery as well as eating in luxury restaurants such as La Nueva Palomino and Chicha by Gastón Acurio. However other experiences, such as visiting the higher-altitude Colca Canyon or El Misti Volcano do require proper acclimation - which we’ll explore in the next section.

Preparing Properly For Arequipa’s Altitude Before And During Your Trip

While Arequipa isn’t as high in elevation compared with Cusco - preparing properly before and during your visit will help you to have the most comfortable experience possible. During your first day, we highly suggest sticking to gentle walking activities and sightseeing within the city of Arequipa. While the altitude isn’t as demanding as other Andes destinations, taking it slow on your first day will make acclimatising a more comfortable experience. 

You can also drink Coca leaf tea, which helps to ease and prevent altitude sickness symptoms - along with lots of water and avoiding alcohol during your first day or two. If you plan on visiting the incredible Colca Canyon, then it’s best to wait until day two or three - given we will ascend up to 3700m in altitude here - and by day three you will be ready to safely experience this unforgettable region.

Here at the Luxury Peru Travel Company we have decades of experience helping travelers craft their perfect Peru itineraries - which make acclimatising to higher altitude a breeze. Start planning your dream Peru trip with us now, where you can spend less time worrying or feeling ill during your Peru vacation, and instead fully enjoy some of the country’s most incredible destinations and experiences on offer.

Quick Summary Of Key Arequipa Altitude Preparation Tips:

• Take it easy during your first day in Arequipa.
• Drink coca tea and plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
• Leave higher altitude trips like Colca Canyon until day two or three.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arequipa Altitude

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the Arequipa altitude, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is Arequipa Higher Than Cusco?

Arequipa is located at an altitude of 2335m above sea-level, which is sandwiched between the spiralling Andean peaks and desert Pacific plains. Cusco, however, is located at a higher elevation of 3399m - over 1000m higher - which is noticeably different when walking around in the city. Visually we can also notice differences in scenery higher up here, with glacial lagoons and giant mountains that are found within the Cusco region.

How Long Does It Take To Acclimate In Arequipa?

Usually a day or two is enough to properly acclimate in Arequipa, and especially when coming directly from Lima or other sea-level destinations. If you plan on simply walking around the city and seeing its charming highlights on your first day - then you don’t need to wait - however acclimatising is important if you want to visit Colca Canyon or hike the towering volcanoes which are located at much higher altitudes.

Is Arequipa Peru A High Altitude City?

At a total altitude of 2335m, Arequipa can be classed as a midway altitude point in Peru when compared with other places around the country. While higher up than Lima and the Pacific Coast, it’s still much more relaxed when compared with Cusco, Lake Titicaca and other Andean destinations. This makes it an ideal early stop on itineraries, which will help you to acclimate more gently before arriving into Cusco.

Overview Of Arequipa Altitude And How To Prepare Properly

And that’s all for this guide on Arequipa altitude, and how to best prepare before heading here on your trip.

A stunning Peruvian city filled with bright white streets, volcanic facades and the picturesque nearby Colca Canyon, Arequipa is one of the most beautiful destinations that you can visit on your vacation in Peru. And at a total altitude of just 2335m, it’s easy to acclimate here comfortably and enjoy the sights - and is also an ideal place to visit between Lima and Cusco for a more seamless acclimatization experience. 

Are you wondering how to visit Arequipa without risking altitude sickness, or how to fit this beautiful city into your trip around Peru? Get in touch with our expert team here at the Luxury Peru Travel Company, where we can help you plan the most seamless and luxury vacation tailored exactly how you want it.