12 Things to do in Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa is a beautiful city in the south of Peru. The bustling city is full of cultural and historical wonders. Nearby, you can also escape into nature in the Colca Canyon, surrounding mountains and national reserves. Here is my list of top things to do in Arequipa plus a couple of bonus day trips!

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Things to do in Arequipa, Peru

1. Explore the Santa Catalina Monastery

The Santa Catalina is a huge monastery in the heart of Arequipa with a history dating back hundreds of years. Whilst part of the monastery has been open to the public for 50 years, there is still a community of nuns living there. Inside, you’ll be able to explore the striking courtyards painted in bold blues, reds and oranges.

2. Visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos

Museo Santuarios Andinos is a museum filled with archaeological artifacts uncovered in the Andean mountains. The star of the exhibit is Juanita, a mummy of a teenage girl who was discovered 6,000 metres above sea level in the Peruvian mountains. Juanita lived around 500 years ago and is thought to have died as part of a ritual sacrifice. Her body has been remarkably well-preserved due to the freezing conditions on the mountains. 

3. Visit Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the central plaza in the old town of Arequipa. The square sits in front of the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa – an iconic landmark of the city. Explore the inside of the Cathedral and visit the attached museum if you are keen to learn more about its history and artefacts. 

4. Take a trip to Ruta del Sillar

The Ruta Del Sillar is a popular half-day tour that takes you to the Sillar canyons and quarries to show you the white lava rock from which Arequipa got the name the  ‘White City’. Most tours will take you through the Quebrada de Culebrillas – a walkway through the rock where you might be able to spot some ancient carvings. You’ll also visit Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco – a quarry that has become an outdoor sculpture gallery. Here you’ll find impressive sculptures and carvings made from the Sillar rock, including a replica of Petra. 

Click here to view Ruta Del Sillar tours

5. Join a Chocolate-Making Class

Learn how chocolate is made and have a go at making your own bean-to-bar chocolate with Peruvian cacao at Chaqchao. If you don’t have time for a full workshop, you can still visit their store or cafe to sample some of their delicious chocolate.

Peru Stickers and Postcards

6. Taste Queso Helado

Queso Helado translates to cheese ice cream. This may sound strange but doesn’t cheesecake if you really think about it? This creamy dessert doesn’t actually contain any cheese. Instead it is made from condensed milk. It’s a traditional sweet treat in the Arequipa region so worth a try while you’re there! Lots of ice cream vendors will likely have it in stock, we sampled some at Queso Helado Charito near the Yanahuara viewpoint. 

7. Try Rocoto Rellono

Rocoto Relleno is a staple of Peruvian cuisine, particularly in Arequipa. It is a red pepper stuffed with a beef and vegetable mixture (and sometimes a hard-boiled egg), topped with melted cheese. Visit a Picanteria – a traditional family-run lunch restaurant to same Rocoto Rellono for yourself!

8. Enjoy the view from Mirador de Yanahuara 

A short walk uphill from the centre of town, you will find Primera Plaza de Yanahuara. This picturesque square is next to a stunning viewpoint which overlooks the historical centre of Arequipa with the River Chili running through it and the Misti Volcano in the background. The view is perfectly framed in a stone archway. 

9. Visit Fundo el Fierro Market

Fundo el Fierro is a quiet courtyard surrounded by craft stores and workshops. This is a great place to pick up some souvenirs and handmade gifts.

10. Take a Walking tour

Get to know the city on a walking tour. Joining a tour group will help to get your bearings, learn more about the culture and history and help you pick up some recommendations for places to visit and things to do in Arequipa (if this list isn’t enough for you!). Free Walking Tours Peru offer 2-hour tours every day in both English and Spanish. 

Day trips from Arequipa

11. Take a Day Trip to the Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is a valley near Arequipa known for spectacular views, wildlife, hot springs and rural villages. Visit the canyon on a day trip from Arequipa to see huge Andean Condors and some of the best viewpoints in the region. Some tours may also take you to the natural hot springs so double check this and bring your swimming costume!

If you want to spend longer in nature, you can do multi-day trips and trekking tours of the canyon too. It gets very cold in the Colca Canyon and you’ll be reaching even higher altitudes than the city of Arequipa so wrap up warm and drink coca tea at any opportunity you can get!

12. Take a Day Trip to Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

From Arequipa, you can take a day trip to the Salinas National Reserve to visit the Laguna Salinas – a large salt water lake. Here you may see flamingos and observe the mirror effect of the salt flats if you visit between January and March. Either way, you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. 

Click here to view tours of Salinas National Reserve

Where to stay in Arequipa

We stayed in Villa Sillar. A lovely hotel in a great location near the historic centre. We were easily able to walk everywhere. It is also very reasonably priced!