Arequipa, the white city | Peru

The colonial, -white city- Arequipa is well-known for its architecture, built with white volcanic stone sourced from the four surrounding volcanoes. It’s located in a valley at the foot of the snow-capped El Misti volcano and is the perfect stop to get used to the altitude of 2,400 meters. Here are my must do’s when in Arequipa, Peru.

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1) Acclimatize

Don’t forget that when you arrive in Arequipa from the lower ground (Lima 0m), you will need at least one day, preferably 2, to acclimatize before doing an intensive hike or to travel up in the mountains. We stayed 2 days to acclimatize.

2) Santa Catalina Monastery

The Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the must do’s in Arequipa. About 450 nuns lived in total seclusion in this monastery for 400 years. The monastery is open to the public since 1970. It’s considered the most important colonial structure in the city. Santa Catalina is large (20 000 m²) so it will feel like a city in itself (take +-2hrs).

Price: 40 soles (€10)

3) Mundo Alpaca or not?

Munda Alcapa is an alpaca textile museum, where you can learn how the alpacas are raised, and how the textile is processed into handicrafts. It is a great experience to see how the workers turn the material into clothing or scarves! Unfortunately, when we visited, almost everything was closed. We could only visit the shop, and see the llamas and alpacas in a too small environment (my opinion). Luckily there was this leady who made us some friendship bracelets! Based on my experience, not a must do.

4) Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the center square of each Latin American city and thus of Arequipa in this case. Palm trees, flowers, a fountain, and the surrounding arches, decorate the city square.

Fun Fact: Many buildings and churches are made from ‘sillar’, a pearly white volcanic material. 

5) Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is on the main square. This Catholic church is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Peru.

Fun fact: a nice rooftop bar is nearby on the top floor! Go chase that golden hour with an amazing view of the Basilica! 👀

6) Mercado San Camilo

The soil around Arequipa is extremely fertile due to the nearby volcanoes. Mercoda San Camilo is the market in town for exotic fruits, fish, vegetables, bread, and meat. 

7) Claustros de La Compañía

The cloisters of the company are an impressive construction made in stone, built by Jesuits in the 17th century. In the evening go there for a drink or dinner!

8) Yanahuara

Yanahuara region is a more quiet area in Arequipa. Just a 25-minute walk from Plaza del Armas! 

Viewpoint: Walk up the Yanahuara scenic viewpoint –  the perfect place for a view of the Misti volcano

9) Eat at a Picantería

Try to eat local dishes at the so-called Picanterias. 

Tip: Try to book in advance.

10) Chicha restaurant!

A MUST DO: Chicha Restaurant. I ate the best Alpaca meat ánd chocolate dessert in my life here! **Chef’s Kiss**

Tip: Last place to drink Alcohol as Alcohol doesn’t help your altitude sickness 😉

11) Colca Canyon & Chivay

After Arequipa, we went to Chivay to visit the Colca Canyon. You can do this as a day trip from Arequipa but I would recommend an overnight stay in Chivay as there is some altitude to acclimatize to.

» Book your bus tickets to Chivay here «

Read more about Colca Canyon & Chivay in this special blog post!
» Chivay | Peru

How to get to Arequipa?

You can take the bus or airplane (coming from Lima/Cusco). We came by airplane from Lima and went with the bus to Chivay.

» Book your bus tickets here «

Where to Stay in Arequipa

Arequipa has great accommodation for every kind of budget. We stayed at the Hotel Casona Solar, a 300-year-old mansion in the heart of the city near Plaza de Armas.

Restaurants in Arequipa

Chicha ! (in front of the monastery), Pasta Canteen (homemade pasta), La Nueva Palomino (local food), Da Giancarlo Casa Pizzería Italiana.

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