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Our 15 Favourite Things to Do in Arequipa Peru

We hadn’t heard of Arequipa before visiting — it was simply one of the stops on our Peru Hop route. But it turned out to be one of our favourite stays in Peru. We booked four nights thinking we’d rest and ended up wishing we’d stayed longer!

Normally, I research every stop in detail, but this time we decided to just let things unfold. That was a mistake — there’s so much to see and do here that you’ll want to plan ahead. From the Santa Catalina Monastery to the Plaza de Armas, local cafés, chocolate workshops, and alpaca encounters — Arequipa is full of history, colour, and charm.

If you’re planning your own visit, here our list of our favourite things to do in Arequipa!

Best Things To Do In Arequipa

There is a lot to do in the historic centre – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We love to explore and follow our nose so we had a grand time!  I also made a list of the things that I’d read were must-sees and we managed to tick them all off, one by one.

But we had time to explore quite a few corners of the city, if you only have one day, you won’t see them all — but pick those that most appeal. Every one of these is worth a wander. But be warned: we did walk a lot for a few days, so plan your route to save your feet!

Top Tip: Keep some small notes and change handy — some shops and smaller cafés may not take cards, and cannot change the larger notes issued by the ATM’s.  If you pay by card you’ll probably have an additional 5% charge.

1. Barrio San Lázaro

This is the oldest part of Arequipa — a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with white volcanic-stone houses. It’s peaceful and picturesque, full of shady courtyards and flower-covered balconies.

It’s also one of the few parts of the city that survived the early earthquakes, so you get a real sense of Arequipa’s origins here.

2. Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

This grand white cathedral of Arequipa dominates the Plaza de Armas and is every bit as impressive inside as it is outside. Do be aware that there is a strict dress code to enter the church. We were refused entry the first time (Gerry had shorts and I was in a vest T-shirt).  They don’t provide scarves, so plan ahead if you wish to visit inside.

You can also climb to the roof for wonderful views across the square and towards the volcanoes beyond but you will need to join a guided tour that includes the rooftop.

3. Chaqchao Organic Chocolate

If you love chocolate, do not miss Chaqchao! This café and shop is chocolate heaven — especially if you love dark chocolate. Taste rich Peruvian dark chocolate, sip a hot chocolate, or, if you have time, join a workshop to make your own. We were in our element here — I LOVE LOVE LOVED the glorious, dark, wonderful chocolate!

4. Coffee or Helado de Queso

Arequipa’s café culture is surprisingly wonderful. You’ll find little parasols everywhere and can settle in for a great local coffee, or try the local Helado de Queso — a rich creamy ice cream. We also loved lúcuma ice cream, made from a caramel-flavoured Andean fruit.

Our favourites:

5. Drinks With A View– Pisco Sour or Chicha Morada

It’s hard to beat a sunset drink overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Be warned that the drinks are pricey around the plaza but they’re worth it for the view. Or try chicha morada, a refreshing purple-corn drink popular across Peru.

Take small notes if you can — we were told “no change” and had to pay by card (with a 5% fee). It might be unavoidable, but cash is cheaper.

6. Lunch in a Picantería

Traditional picanterías are said to be the beating heart of Arequipa’s food culture — lively, family-run restaurants serving hearty, spicy dishes. Menus change daily, and you’ll often share tables with locals.

The most popular ones are outside the centre. Arrive hungry and try rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper) or adobo arequipeño (slow-cooked pork stew). A few favourites that were recommended to us include :

If however you’re looking for fabulous local cuisine food in the historic centre then we recommend Zig Zag or Museo del Pisco – we loved both!  You’ll need to reserve and be prepared to switch to a lunch rather than dinner if it’s very busy.

7. Mercado San Camilo

This lively local market can provide a bit of a sensory overload — stalls of fruit, cheeses, Andean grains, flowers, meats, and hardware. It still feels like a market for locals, and the prices reflect that. We stocked up on snacks and dried fruit for a fraction of the price elsewhere.

There are places to eat and drink too or you can simply wander and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t miss Queso Helado Doña Rosa for her famous ice cream. There’s also a convenient ATM right outside the market.

8. Mirador de Yanahuara

If you want the iconic Arequipa volcano vista photo, head to the Yanahuara viewpoint. The archway here perfectly frames the city with snow-capped Misti volcano behind it. The surrounding neighbourhood is also lovely to stroll through, with quiet streets and little cafés tucked between white-stone houses.

It’s a fair walk from the centre, so if your feet are tired, call an Uber to save your legs.

9. Monasterio de Santa Catalina

Every itinerary should include Santa Catalina — This is a must-see, no matter how long you spend in Arequipa. It’s a vast complex of courtyards, chapels, and cloisters — a peaceful walled city within a city, painted in deep reds and cobalt blues.

We spent a few hours here and could have lingered longer. The information boards are excellent, and there’s a small café too. On our visit, I even found a reference to the Camino de Santiago in one of the galleries – but I did have to search for it!

Do include a visit here – it is a beautiful place to while away some time!  And the monastery also opens later twice a week and a candlelit visit is pretty special.

10. Mundo Alpaca

A lovely change of pace and easy to drop into your schedule. Visit Mundo Alpaca and learn how alpaca and vicuña wool is produced — from the animals themselves to the final weaving. It’s free, peaceful, and surprisingly interesting and you can feed the Alpaca!

An Englishman played a key role in developing the early alpaca trade here, and you can still watch traditional weavers at work.  Take a few Sols if you would like to take their photos (they have a little donations plate)

The on-site shop sells lovely (albeit pricey) alpaca clothing. Even if you don’t buy, it’s a beautiful experience.

11. Museo Santuarios Andinos

This small museum is home to “Juanita the Ice Maiden” — the remarkably preserved Inca mummy discovered on Mount Ampato. You must join a guided tour (included in the ticket), but it’s in English and you’ll learn more about the Inca rituals and the story behind Juanita’s discovery.

It’s worth noting that Juanita isn’t always on display (she rests periodically for preservation), but a similar mummy replaces her during those times.

12. Planetarium & Observatory

We didn’t make it to this one, as we’d booked a similar experience in San Pedro de Atacama, but it’s highly rated and one of the most popular things to do in the city! Located at the university (you’ll need an Uber), the Arequipa Planetarium offers short evening sessions with powerful telescopes and expert guides.

Book ahead and choose the latest tour in the evening for the clearest view of the night skies. It’s one of the best ways to experience the stars at Arequipa’s high altitude. We really considered taking this tour – it’s short and perfect for an evening but we’d already booked a similar experience in San Pedro de Atacama.

But, like us, you might get to see Saturn’s Rings and the Milky Way and so much more!  Looking into space through such a powerful telescope is an amazing experience.

13. Plaza de Armas

You’ll pass through this grand square many times during your stay — it’s said to be Arequipa’s beating heart. Visit by day to admire the architecture, or in the evening when everything glows under the lights.

We stumbled upon a full orchestral concert one night and another evening, a loud demonstration with a heavy police presence.  Protests aside, this is a wonderful square to visit and explore at any time of day.

14. Stroll the Historic Centre

When we escaped our first free walking tour, we wandered through cloisters and courtyards that caught our eye as we walked. Stick to the historic centre and you’ll find cafes and countless little shops and it’s an easy way to lose an hour or even an afternoon meandering.

15. Walking Tour Of Arequipa

We love a walking tour — it’s how we get to know a city and discover great places to eat too. We tried the free Red Walking Tour (recommended by our hotel) but honestly, it was a tad dull and more political speech than sightseeing. We slipped away and made our own visits instead. 

Not to miss out, we later joined a paid tour— it was much smaller, more engaging, and filled with real insights.  For Arequipa, we definitely recommend the paid version!

Day Trips From Arequipa

As well as the many things we’ve listed above to fill your time within the city, there are lots of excellent options beyond Arequipa. Too many to cover completely, so here are four that we either did ourselves or wanted to do!

a. Colca Canyon

We were really disappointed with our tour and we know that if we’d done our own research we would have found better options.  We loved travelling on Peru Hop but the tours they recommended were frequently disappointing.  This tour was no exception.  We strongly recommend you do your own research and book the highest rated tour on one of the major booking sites.

b. Ruta del Sillar

You’ll visit the quarries, learn about the extraction process, see large volcanic-stone walls, take in a viewpoint of the volcanoes (e.g., Chachani) and maybe walk through the Culebrillas Canyon section. This is a great for a short outing if you want something less intense that Colca Canyon!

c. Laguna de Salinas & Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve

You should expect an early morning pick-up, stop in Chiguata or other villages, lookout for volcanoes, visit the salt‐lake and lagoon, wildlife spotting. Less about deep history, more about landscape and nature. Good when you want to get out of the city without the extreme altitude of Colca. 

We knew that we were heading to Uyuni and the incredible salt flats in Bolivia but if you’re not travelling that far, this could well be a great option for a different landscape.  And if this day is anything like ours, you’ll have an incredible experience.

d. Half-Day Hike Around Volcán Misti

If you love a hike and would love to see a little nature and get up close to the volcanos this trip would be for you.  Again, if I’d done better research in advance I would have allowed for this trek!

You might still have a few altitude issues so spend a day or two in Arequipa first.  And as with any hike have appropriate clothing and water and sun protection.

Our Thoughts on Booking Tours

You’ll see dozens of tour agencies around the historic centre — some great, others less so. Quality can be very hit-and-miss, and we learned the hard way that not all tours deliver what they promise.

Where to Stay in Arequipa

We stayed in the historic centre, which meant we could walk to almost everything. You might hear a little nightlife if your room faces a busy street, but it’s worth it for the convenience.

If you prefer something quieter, look across the river to Yanahuara, the neighbourhood with white sillar arches and views of El Misti.  Vallecito, just south of the centre, is another good option for longer stays but we loved being the centre!

Our favourite places to stay include:

Where to Eat in Arequipa

Arequipa’s food scene is one of the best in Peru, so take time to enjoy it! From hearty traditional lunches to elegant rooftop dinners, there’s something for everyone.

If you only have a short stay, these are the places we loved most:

Frequently Asked Questions About Arequipa

Here are some quick answers to the questions we’re often asked about Arequipa.

1. How many days do you need in Arequipa?

Most travellers spend 1 or 2 days in Arequipa to see the main sights and enjoy the food scene. If you plan to visit Colca Canyon or take day trips, add another day or two.  Read more about how long in our post Is Arequipa Worth Visiting & How Many Days Should You Stay?

2. What is Arequipa famous for?

Arequipa is known as La Ciudad Blanca (the White City) for its stunning sillar stone architecture. It’s also famous for its volcano views, colonial charm, and outstanding local cuisine.

3. Is Arequipa safe for tourists?

Yes, Arequipa is generally safe. Like any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. Pickpockets sometimes work in groups, so keep your bag secure and avoid carrying valuables when exploring.

4. When is the best time to visit Arequipa?

The best months are April to November, when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing. December to March brings more rain, especially if you plan to visit Colca Canyon.

5. Are there any festivals worth seeing?

Yes! The biggest is Arequipa Day on 15 August, celebrating the city’s foundation with parades, fireworks, and concerts.

6. How high is Arequipa, and will I feel the altitude?

Arequipa sits at about 2,335 metres (7,660 ft) — lower than Cusco, so most people adjust easily. Drink plenty of water and take it slowly on your first day if you’ve just arrived from sea level.

Our Final Thoughts on Arequipa And The Best Things To Do

Arequipa might be Peru’s second city, but the historic centre feels more like a village — with it’s own character, and plenty of hidden corners to explore.

We really only paused here because it was on our route, but it turned out to be a great choice.  There’s so much history packed into a small area –  we loved wandering the cloisters of Santa Catalina, sipping coffee in the Plaza de Armas, or even making our own chocolates at Chaqchao!

Add to this the café culture, the views, and the excellent food, and it’s easy to see why so many travellers stay a little longer here.

If you can, allow yourself an extra day or two. There’s plenty to see and do, but it’s also the kind of place that invites you to pause — find your favourite café  and simply watch the city go by and do nothing at all!

Are You Travelling Through Peru?

We spent three months exploring South America and this was our second visit to Peru.  Arequipa was one of the highlights of this Peru journey and if you’re planning your own adventure, here are a few more guides you might enjoy: