Nicknamed the White City, Arequipa is a Arequipa is a gem nestled at 2300 meters above sea level at the foot of the majestic Misti volcano.
As the second-largest city in Peru, Arequipa offers an abundance of historical monuments and museums to visit.
This charming city is also renowned for its gastronomic scene, with excellent restaurants to discover.
Arequipa stands out as a must-visit stop on any trip to Peru, appealing to both culture enthusiasts and food lovers, offering a unique and enriching experience.
Here are the attractions and museums to visit in Arequipa and our tips for planning your stay.
Organizing Your Stay in Arequipa
Where to stay
Arequipa offers a wide range of accommodations for all budgets, from friendly hostels to charming hotels.
The neighborhoods of Yanahuara and the historic center are particularly popular due to their proximity to the main attractions.
During our stay, we stayed at the Plaza Central, located directly on the Plaza de Armas, close to most attractions and restaurants.
Practical info
- Arequipa is situated at an altitude of 2300 meters, so allow time for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
- Most tourist sites are within walking distance from the city center.
- The ideal time to visit Arequipa is from April to November, during the dry season when the days are sunny, and temperatures are pleasant.
- To fully enjoy what the city has to offer, plan for two to three days. This will allow you to visit main sites like the Monastery of Santa Catalina, the Plaza de Armas, and take an excursion to the Colca Canyon.
Activities and Attractions to Visit in Arequipa
Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city, surrounded by colonial buildings, with the majestic Cathedral of Arequipa dominating the square.
The area is very lively and often the site of gatherings (we even witnessed a demonstration during our stay).
Our hotel, the beautiful Plaza Central, had a terrace overlooking the square, allowing us to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
The arcades surrounding the square house numerous souvenir shops where you can buy sweaters, ponchos, and other keepsakes.
The Cathedral of Arequipa
Located on the Plaza de Armas, the imposing neo-Renaissance cathedral offers spectacular views of the Misti volcano.
The cathedral has been damaged and rebuilt several times due to the region’s frequent earthquakes. To learn more about its history, we recommend taking a guided tour.
The Santa Catalina Convent
Undoubtedly, the must-see visit in Arequipa is to the colorful Santa Catalina Convent.
Built in 1579, it is said to be the largest convent in the world.
And it is indeed so vast, with its streets, gardens, and houses, that it resembles a small city within Arequipa.
Today, the nuns occupy a more recent part of the convent.
The Museo Santuarios Andinos
This museum is dedicated to Juanita, the mummy of a young Inca girl sacrificed on the Ampato volcano around 500 years ago and found in 1995. The museum houses the famous mummy Juanita, a young girl.
Encased in ice at an altitude of 6300 meters, Juanita is considered the best-preserved mummy in the world.
The guided tour ends in the room where the mummy is kept, but it is the guide’s explanations and the artifacts on display that make this museum so fascinating.
Visitors learn a wealth of details about Inca culture, such as the selection of future sacrifices from birth and their education.
One cannot help but be impressed by Juanita’s long journey, which began in Cusco and ended at the summit of the Ampato volcano.
The San Camilo Market in Arequipa
For me, a visit to a city is not complete without a trip to the market!
The San Camilo Market offers everything from meat and spices to clothes and vegetables.
It provides a wonderful overview of the Peruvian pantry, known for its diversity, showcasing various types of corn, potatoes, and other vegetables.
The Yanahuara Viewpoint
The Yanahuara Viewpoint is located in the historic Yanahuara district and offers a panoramic view of the city of Arequipa and the majestic Misti volcano.
Framed by charming sillar stone archways, typical of the region, the site is also known for its historical inscriptions and peaceful gardens.
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
Located in the heart of Arequipa, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is a 17th-century architectural gem.
This baroque church is renowned for its facade adorned with intricate sillar stone carvings, typical of the region. Inside, you’ll discover richly decorated altars and impressive religious artworks.
Adjacent to the church, the cloister of the Compañía offers a peaceful space for strolling and admiring the elegant arches and lush gardens.
In the Surroundings: Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon, located in southern Peru, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching depths of over 3,000 meters. It makes for a beautiful one- or two-day excursion from Arequipa.
This spectacular site is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pre-Inca agricultural terraces, and rich biodiversity. Here, you can observe the majestic Andean condor soaring over the canyon, explore traditional Peruvian villages, and bathe in the thermal waters of La Calera.
