The Very Best Things To Do In Arequipa Peru

Are you looking for the best things to do in Arequipa Peru?

Known for its elegant, white colonial buildings and a dazzling backdrop of Andean volcanoes, Arequipa is a truly remarkable destination to visit within Peru. It’s the perfect city for luxury travelers to relax in and explore, where you can enjoy delicious Arequipeñan cuisine, wander through the timeless Plaza de Armas and Yanahuara districts, as well as watch giant Condors soar above the Colca Canyon.

In this comprehensive article we’ll explore the very best things to do in Arequipa Peru, and why each one is unique and memorable in its own right. As well as key details about each place and activity, we’ll also answer anything else you need to know in our frequently asked questions section.

The 10 Very Best Things To Do In Arequipa Peru

Below we’ll now take a look at some of the best experiences and activities you can enjoy when in Arequipa, and why each one is worth adding to your itinerary.

Marvel At The White Volcanic Architecture Of The Historic Center

Located within the arid foothills of the Andes, Arequipa is surrounded by three semi-active volcanoes; El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Over millions of years, eruptions from these volcanoes led to the creation of the “Sillar” volcanic rock - which has a bright white composition and became a popular stone used for construction throughout the surrounding region. Much of Arequipa’s Historic Center was built using this marble-white rock from the 16th century onwards, giving many cobblestone streets and colonial buildings a timeless feel when walking along them - such as the main Cathedral and San Francisco Street.

Feast On Traditional Arequipeñan Cuisine

Peru has an incredibly diverse cuisine, with iconic dishes found throughout the Pacific, Andes and Amazon regions. As the second largest city in the country (after Lima), Arequipa has also formed its own unique culinary identity - merging typical coastal and mountain dishes with their own cultural twists. The Rocoto Relleno is perhaps the most famous dish of the region, which is a native pepper stuffed with overflowing melted cheese, meats and spices, and can be found in both traditional and luxurious restaurants all across the city. Another regional highlight is the Queso Helado - a delightful vanilla ice cream with cinnamon topping that is a perfect treat for a light dessert.

Wander Through The Iconic Santa Catalina Monastery

One of Peru’s most significant cultural landmarks, the Santa Catalina Monastery is often regarded as a “city within a city”, and is found in the heart of Arequipa’s Historic Center. Founded in 1579 by the Dominican Order, it served as a luxury retreat for the daughters of wealthy families for centuries, before converting into a stricter communal lifestyle at the end of the 19th century. During a private tour, you can learn more about its fascinating yet controversial past, as well as enjoy the bright red, indigo and white facades - given the entire site was also made out of the volcanic Sillar rock.

Journey To The Depths Of One Of The World’s Deepest Canyons

Did you know that Arequipa is home to one of the world’s deepest canyons? The Colca Canyon measures 4160m (13,650ft) deep, making it twice as deep as the Grand Canyon - and is the highest altitude destination in Arequipa on our list. Here we can admire incredible vistas from the highest vantage points, as well as see giant Condors (one of the largest flying birds on the planet) soar through the skies. When traveling with The Luxury Peru Travel Company, you will have all private transport included for the most seamless and relaxing experience, as well as a professional tour guide to show you around the Colca Canyon.

Explore The Charming Cobblestone Streets Of San Lázaro

Known as the oldest neighborhood of Arequipa, San Lázaro dates all the way back to 1539 - where the Spanish first settled on this indigenous quarter before founding the city of Arequipa itself. Located close to the main Plaza de Armas, this picturesque district is famous for its beautiful colonial courtyards, narrow cobblestone streets and white Sillar stone houses. It’s also a great place to base yourself within Arequipa where many luxury and boutique hotels, as well as plenty of charming cafes, help to perfectly blend modern comforts along with historic traditions.

Head To The Rural Countryside Of The Molino De Sabandía

Located just outside of the city, the Molino de Sabandía offers luxury travelers a peaceful escape into Arequipa’s rural countryside. A perfectly preserved 18th-century mill - which is built entirely out of the white Sillar stone - here we will be surrounded by lush green fields as far as the eye can see, with gentle Andean streams passing through. It’s the ideal place to swap the busier city life for proper relaxation in nature, where you can see wild Alpacas and Llamas roam, learn about the region’s history and enjoy a traditional milling demonstration.

Visit The Ice Maiden Juanita At The Santuarios Andinos Museum

For those who love history or want a truly unique cultural experience, consider a visit to the Santuarios Andinos Museum. Housing one of Peru’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries to date, the Juanita Ice Maiden was discovered completely frozen on the top of nearby Mount Ampato. Almost perfectly preserved due to the extreme conditions, here you can gain real insight into how ancient Inca ceremonies and human sacrifices took place in the Andes, with the museum providing both a fascinating yet respectful look into Peru’s more complex pre-Inca history.

Go Shopping For Luxury Alpaca Goods At Mundo Alpaca

No visit to Arequipa can be truly complete without experiencing Peru’s world-renowned luxury alpaca textiles and production processes first-hand. Mundo Alpaca, which is one of the city’s finest high-end boutiques, is well-known for their beautifully crafted garments that are made out of both alpaca and baby alpaca wool - which gives them their extra warmth and softness. During a guided tour we can not only purchase some of the very best luxurious Alpaca products, but also see the production process from fibre to finished piece - while also getting to interact with friendly Alpacas and Llamas that roam freely on-site.

Take In The Volcanic Skyline From The Yanahuara Viewpoint

Crossing the Chile River - which lies just west of Arequipa’s Historic Center - we can find the picturesque Yanahuara district. At the top of a small hill lies the Yanahuara Mirador, which is known for its beautiful colonial church, white Sillar arches and incredible landscapes of the surrounding city and volcanoes. It’s best to come up here in the late afternoon, where Arequipa’s consistently clear skies allow for an ideal golden light and unforgettable red sunset over an endless sea of white buildings - while we can also enjoy a typical Queso Helado dessert or warm coffee while admiring the views.

Relax In The Natural Thermal Springs Of Chivay And La Calera

If you’re looking for a more relaxing and therapeutic experience when in Arequipa, then the thermal springs of Chivay and Calera simply must be on your bucket list. Nestled deep within the spiraling mountains of the Colca Canyon, these natural hot baths are well-known for their rich minerals and properties, and are the perfect way to relax after watching Condors soar from atop the highest viewpoints of the valleys. When booking your luxury Peru vacation with us, we can organise private trips to visit the hot springs of Chivay and La Calera after your guided tour of the Colca Canyon, for the most complete and relaxing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Best Things To Do In Arequipa Peru

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

What Is Special About Arequipa?

Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city, and is most famous for its Historic Center which is built out of the bright white volcanic Sillar rock. Iconic buildings such as the Cathedral and the Santa Catalina Monastery are famous for its use of these stones, as well as the latter’s use of striking contrast colors. Arequipa is also a proud city with a unique heritage - often cited as having an independent identity to Lima and other Peruvian cities - which can be seen in the local culture, cuisine and traditional customs.

What Is The Most Famous Dish In Arequipa?

While known for many dishes such as the Chupe de Camarones and Cuy Chactado, the most famous dish of Arequipa is the Rocoto Relleno. Consisting of a giant native Andean pepper which has been hollowed out, it is then filled with overflowing melted cheese, minced meat, herbs, onions and local spices. It’s a proud regional dish found in most traditional restaurants, as well as in Arequipa’s finest luxury restaurants such as Chicha by Gaston Acurio, CIRQA and Claustro.

Is It Safe To Walk Around Arequipa At Night?

Yes, Arequipa is safe to walk around at night when staying within the touristy areas of the Plaza de Armas and Yanahuara district, and also when sticking to busy touristy streets and popular plazas within the city. Built up for tourism, both areas have well-lit streets and active police presence, making them safe for a night stroll. Both are also known for their fantastic array of luxurious hotels, classy restaurants and nightlife options.

What To Do In Arequipa Peru For A Day?

Even with just one day, you can easily enjoy the main highlights with ease in Arequipa. Waking up early, we recommend going for a stroll in the Plaza de Armas, enjoying a privately guided tour of the white-stone cathedral and beautiful monastery of Santa Catalina. After enjoying a traditional Arequipeñan lunch in the Historic Center, you can then visit the mysterious Juanita mummy in the Santuarios Andinos Museum before visiting the iconic Yanahuara viewpoint.

Are There Any Notable Free Things To Do In Arequipa Peru?

Yes there are many worthy free activities to enjoy when in Arequipa. One of the very best is going for a stroll in the colorful neighbourhoods of Yanahuara and San Lázaro, while you can also explore the historic house and terrace of La Casona de Santa Catalina. Finally you can visit Mundo Alpaca, which is a hands-on experience where you can pet and take selfies with friendly Alpacas and Llamas, while learning about how their famous wool is processed into luxury garments and other products.

Overview Of The Best Things To Do In Arequipa Peru

And that’s all for this guide on the very best things to do in Arequipa.

Known for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and beautiful white architecture, Arequipa is one of the most exciting and memorable destinations you can visit within Peru. From enjoying private rural experiences like visiting the Molino de Sabandía and the hot springs of Chivay, to visiting the iconic San Lázaro neighborhood and Santa Catalina Monastery within the city - Arequipa promises a whole range of unique and memorable experiences.

Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company, we have decades of experience crafting the most unforgettable Peru vacations, whether that’s exploring the colonial streets of Arequipa, visiting Machu Picchu in style or enjoying Lima’s gourmet cuisine in style. Get in touch with our expert team now and start booking your dream Peru vacation of a lifetime.