Complete Arequipa Peru Travel Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about visiting Peru’s stunning White City
About Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city with 1 million inhabitants, offers a perfect blend of colonial charm, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and authentic Peruvian culture. Founded in 1540, the city earned its « White City » (Ciudad Blanca) nickname from the distinctive white volcanic stone (sillar) used to construct its baroque colonial buildings, churches, and mansions.
Set at 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) altitude in southern Peru, Arequipa is framed by three imposing volcanoes: El Misti (5,822m), Chachani (6,075m), and Pichu Pichu (5,664m). The city serves as the gateway to Colca Canyon – one of the world’s deepest canyons and home to Andean condors. Arequipa’s UNESCO-listed historic center, excellent cuisine, and year-round pleasant climate make it an essential stop on any Peru itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Arequipa
☀️ Dry Season (April – November)
- Weather: Sunny days, clear skies, cool nights (8-22°C)
- Best for: Volcano viewing, Colca Canyon tours, outdoor activities
- Peak months: June-August (high season for tourism)
- Advantage: Perfect visibility of volcanoes, ideal hiking conditions
- Disadvantage: Colder nights at altitude, more tourists
- UV: Intense high-altitude sun – sunscreen essential
🌧️ Rainy Season (December – March)
- Weather: Afternoon showers, warmer days (10-24°C), occasional cloud cover
- Best for: Budget travelers, fewer crowds, lush landscapes
- Advantage: Lower prices (20-30% discount), green countryside
- Disadvantage: Volcano views obscured by clouds, muddy trails
- Note: Rain typically afternoon/evening – mornings usually clear
- Colca Canyon: Still accessible but road conditions can be challenging
Top Attractions in Arequipa
1. Santa Catalina Monastery
⛪ Colonial convent | 💰 60 soles ($16) | ⏱️ 2-3 hours
Sprawling 20,000 sq meter convent founded in 1579, functioning as a self-contained city within Arequipa. Vibrant cobalt blue and terracotta red painted walls create stunning photo opportunities. Walk through narrow streets, plazas, kitchens, and nun cells. Still houses 20 cloistered nuns in separate section. English-speaking guides available ($10 additional). Evening visits (6-9pm Tuesday/Thursday) offer magical candlelit atmosphere. Arequipa’s must-see attraction.
2. Plaza de Armas
🏛️ Main square | 💰 Free (cathedral 15 soles) | ⏱️ 1-2 hours
Peru’s most beautiful main plaza surrounded by colonial arcades and dominated by Arequipa Cathedral. Sillar stone buildings glow golden at sunset. Cathedral houses museum with religious art and gold/silver artifacts. Three volcanoes visible from plaza on clear days – El Misti directly behind cathedral creates iconic photo. Active square with street performers, vendors, and locals. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting.
3. Mirador de Yanahuara
🌄 Viewpoint | 💰 Free | ⏱️ 30-60 minutes
Scenic viewpoint in Yanahuara neighborhood offering panoramic city and volcano views. Series of sillar stone arches frame perfect photos of El Misti volcano and city below. Small charming plaza with cafés and colonial church. 15-minute walk from city center uphill, or 5-minute taxi ($2). Visit afternoon (3-5pm) for best lighting. Combine with lunch at traditional picantería nearby. Less crowded alternative to crowded Plaza de Armas for volcano photos.
4. Museo Santuarios Andinos
🏺 Archaeology museum | 💰 20 soles ($5) | ⏱️ 1 hour
Houses Juanita, the « Ice Maiden » – remarkably preserved 500-year-old Inca mummy discovered on Ampato volcano in 1995. Frozen body of sacrificed 13-year-old girl displayed in climate-controlled chamber. Museum explains Inca mountain worship and human sacrifice practices. Mandatory guided tours (English/Spanish) every 30 minutes. Fascinating but potentially unsettling content. Photography prohibited. Best visited morning when fewer tour groups.
5. San Camilo Market
🛍️ Traditional market | 💰 Free | ⏱️ 1-2 hours
Authentic local market selling produce, meat, textiles, and traditional foods. Experience real Arequipeño daily life. Try fresh fruit juices (2 soles), queso helado (local ice cream), and street food. Excellent for souvenirs – alpaca products cheaper than tourist shops. Watch for pickpockets in crowded sections. Best visited morning (8-11am) for freshest produce and vibrant atmosphere. Not overly touristy like Cusco markets.
Top Activities in Arequipa
🦅 Colca Canyon Tour (2 days)
World’s second-deepest canyon (3,270m) – twice as deep as Grand Canyon. Two-day tour includes Cruz del Condor viewpoint for condor sightings (8-10am best time), hot springs, and traditional villages. Stay overnight in Chivay. Cost: $40-80 including transport, guide, entrance fees, accommodation, some meals. Depart 3am from Arequipa, return next evening. Altitude reaches 4,910m at Patapampa Pass. Essential Arequipa experience.
🌋 El Misti Volcano Climb (2 days)
Summit Peru’s most iconic volcano at 5,822m. Challenging climb requiring good fitness and altitude acclimatization. Two-day expedition with overnight camping at 4,600m base camp. Final summit push starts 2am for sunrise arrival. Technical difficulty: moderate (no climbing experience needed but extremely strenuous). Cost: $120-180 including guide, camping gear, meals. Season: April-November. Medical checkup recommended.
🍽️ Food Tours & Cooking Classes
Discover Arequipeño cuisine – distinct regional style. Visit picanterías (traditional restaurants) sampling rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), adobo (pork stew), and ocopa (potato dish). Cooking classes teach local recipes using Andean ingredients. Evening tours include pisco tasting. Cost: $35-70. Duration: 3-4 hours. Book ahead for popular tours. Arequipa increasingly recognized as Peru’s second food capital after Lima.
🚴 Mountain Biking & Cycling
Explore countryside, volcanoes, and traditional villages by bike. Routes range from easy valley rides to challenging mountain descents. Popular route: Arequipa to Chivay via Colca Canyon. Downhill from Patapampa Pass offers thrilling descent with volcano views. Half-day tours ($30-50) or multi-day expeditions ($200-400). Includes bike, helmet, guide, support vehicle. Best April-October.
🧗 Rock Climbing
Arequipa region offers excellent volcanic rock climbing. Routes on sillar stone cliffs near city and advanced climbs on volcanoes. Beginners can try sport climbing at Chilina Valley. Experienced climbers attempt technical routes on Chachani and Misti. Guided climbing tours: $60-100 half-day. Equipment included. Year-round activity though rainy season (Dec-Mar) has less reliable conditions.
Where to Stay in Arequipa
Historic Center (Best for First-Time Visitors)
💵 Price: $25-150/night | ✨ Best for: Walkability, attractions, restaurants
Stay within 5-10 blocks of Plaza de Armas for easy access to all main sights. Colonial buildings converted into boutique hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Safe to walk day and night. Many hotels in restored mansions with interior courtyards. Book early for peak season (June-August). Popular mid-range: Casa de Avila, Los Tambos, Tierra Viva. Budget: Wild Rover, Flying Dog hostels.
Yanahuara (Best for Views)
💵 Price: $40-200/night | ✨ Best for: Volcano views, quieter atmosphere
Upscale residential neighborhood 2km from center with spectacular volcano views. Boutique hotels and B&Bs in converted colonial homes. More peaceful than downtown but still walkable (20 minutes) or quick taxi ($2). Excellent restaurants and cafés. Good option for travelers seeking tranquility. Popular hotels: Casa Andina Premium, Katari Hotel. Less backpacker-focused than center.
Budget Options (Hostels)
💵 Price: $10-30/night | ✨ Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers
Arequipa has excellent hostel scene. Dorm beds: $10-15/night. Private rooms: $25-30/night. Most include breakfast, kitchen, and social areas. Many organize group tours to Colca Canyon. Popular hostels: Wild Rover (party atmosphere), Flying Dog (social but quieter), Selina (coworking space). Book directly for best rates and tour package deals.
Practical Travel Information
✈️ Getting to Arequipa
By air: Rodríguez Ballón Airport (AQP), 20 minutes from center. Flights from Lima (1.5 hours, $60-150). Daily connections from Cusco (45 minutes, $80-180).
Airport to city: Official taxi $8-12, ride apps $5-8. No public bus.
By bus from Cusco: 10-12 hours overnight ($20-50). Cruz del Sur, Civa recommended. Scenic daytime route also available.
By bus from Puno: 5-6 hours ($15-30). Beautiful route through altiplano.
By bus from Lima: 14-16 hours ($40-80). Overnight recommended.
🚕 Getting Around Arequipa
Walking: Historic center very walkable. Most attractions within 15-20 minute walk.
Taxis: $2-4 within city. Use apps: Uber, Beat, InDriver. No meters – agree price before departure.
Local buses: $0.50-1.00. Crowded and confusing routes. Not recommended for tourists.
To Colca Canyon: Book organized tour or hire private transport ($150-200 round trip).
Day trips: Most tour companies include transport from hotels.
💰 Money & Costs
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). Exchange rate: ~$1 USD = 3.7 soles
ATMs: Numerous in historic center. Use machines inside banks for security.
Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted in restaurants and shops. Cash for markets, taxis.
Daily budget: Budget: $30-50 | Mid-range: $60-90 | Luxury: $150+
Costs: Generally cheaper than Cusco and Lima. Excellent value for quality.
Tipping: 10% service charge often included in restaurants.
🍴 Where to Eat
Picanterías (traditional): La Nueva Palomino, Sol de Mayo, La Benita. Try rocoto relleno.
Fine dining: Zig Zag (alpaca steaks, volcano stone grill), Chicha (Gastón Acurio restaurant).
Mid-range: Hatunpa, Crepisimo, La Italiana. $15-25/person.
Street food: Try queso helado (local ice cream) and anticuchos. $2-5.
Vegetarian: Green’s Organic, El Vegetariano, Govinda.
Lunch menus: Set meals $3-5 in local restaurants. Great value.
🏔️ Altitude Considerations
Arequipa altitude: 2,335m (7,660 feet) – lower than Cusco (3,400m)
Acclimatization: Most people feel fine. Take it easy first day.
Colca Canyon: Road reaches 4,910m at pass – altitude symptoms possible
Prevention: Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol first night, drink coca tea
Medication: Diamox available at pharmacies without prescription
Tip: Good acclimatization stop between Lima (sea level) and Cusco (high altitude)
⚠️ Safety Tips
• Arequipa is generally safe. Exercise normal precautions in tourist areas
• Historic center safe for walking day and night. Stick to well-lit streets after 10pm
• Watch belongings in crowded markets and bus terminals
• Use official taxis or ride apps. Don’t hail street taxis
• Earthquakes possible – Peru is in seismic zone. Hotels have evacuation plans
• Emergency: Police 105 | Tourist Police: +51 54 201258
• Medical: Hospital Regional Honorio Delgado has English-speaking staff
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Arequipa?
Plan 2-3 days minimum: 1 day for city exploration (Santa Catalina, Plaza de Armas, museums), 1-2 days for Colca Canyon tour. Add extra days for volcano climbing, mountain biking, or relaxed pace. Arequipa’s pleasant climate and attractions make it easy to spend 4-5 days comfortably. Good place to slow down after hectic Cusco.
Is the Colca Canyon tour worth it?
Absolutely yes – one of Peru’s highlights. The canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and watching Andean condors soar at Cruz del Condor is unforgettable. Two-day tour (recommended) allows better acclimatization to 4,910m altitude and includes hot springs. One-day tours possible but very rushed with 3am departure and 7pm return. Book with reputable agency for better experience.
Do I need to acclimatize before visiting Arequipa?
Most people feel fine at Arequipa’s 2,335m altitude – significantly lower than Cusco (3,400m). However, Colca Canyon tours reach 4,910m at Patapampa Pass where altitude sickness is possible. Spend 1-2 days in Arequipa before Colca Canyon. If coming from sea level (Lima), allow 24 hours adjustment. Drink coca tea and stay hydrated. Arequipa makes excellent acclimatization stop before Cusco.
What’s the best way to see the volcanoes?
Best volcano views from Mirador de Yanahuara and Plaza de Armas. Visit morning (6-9am) for clearest visibility before clouds form. El Misti is most photogenic – perfectly symmetrical cone visible from city. For adventure, climb El Misti (2 days, challenging) or Chachani (2 days, less technical). Many tour companies offer volcano expeditions April-November. Clear days almost guaranteed May-September.
🌟 Start Planning Your Arequipa Adventure
Arequipa offers a perfect blend of colonial architecture, dramatic volcanic landscapes, authentic Peruvian culture, and gateway access to the spectacular Colca Canyon. With 300+ sunny days annually, pleasant altitude, and excellent cuisine, the White City provides an ideal complement to Lima’s coastal charm and Cusco’s Inca heritage.
Book your Colca Canyon tour and accommodation 1-2 weeks ahead during high season (June-August). Most tours include hotel pickup and professional guides. Don’t miss Santa Catalina Monastery and take time to enjoy Arequipa’s relaxed pace after the tourist crowds of Cusco.