The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Arequipa Peru

As Peru’s most beautiful city (sorry, Cusco), there are a plethora of exciting things to do in and around Arequipa. From coming face to face with an ice maiden, to wandering around a colorful monastery or spotting condors in a jaw-dropping canyon, here’s 10 things you mustn’t miss on your next trip to Arequipa.

1. Stand awestruck in the Plaza de Armas

Arguably the most grandiose plaza in Peru, Arequipa’s central square is guaranteed to impress. Set among leafy palm trees and flanked by stunning colonial churches, the Plaza de Armas is the true heart of Arequipa and the perfect vantage point to appreciate why it is known as the “White City.”

Plaza de Armas de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa plaza | © locoterrolr / pixabay

2. Get closer to God in the Arequipa Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

Towering over the plaza is the impressive 17th century city cathedral, Arequipa’s largest and most important church. Stretching the entire length of the plaza, this mammoth house of worship in largely built from sillar, a type of white volcanic rock that is common throughout the city center.
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru +51 54 213149

Church Arequipa | © sharptoyou / Shutterstock

3. Admire the Iglesia de la Compania

Church

A more modest although arguably more interesting church is Iglesia de la Compania, located on the opposite corner of the plaza. The beautifully carved facade of this elegant Jesuit church is the main attraction, a masterful display of the churrigueresque style of design which was first made famous by the beautiful churches of Seville.

Iglesia de la Compañía, General Móran 114, Arequipa, Peru

Church Arequipa | © By alessandro pinto / Shutterstock

5. Yanahuara

For a different perspective of the city, head away from the center towards Yanahuara. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of colonial era churches and elegant archways surrounding a leafy plaza, all with unbeatable views of the majestic ice-capped volcanoes that encircle the city.
Plaza de Yanahuara, Cuesta del Ángel 513, Arequipa, Peru +51 54 253668

Arch Arequipa | © sharptoyou / Shutterstock

6. Museo Santuarios Andinos

Museum

Welcome to the city’s premier museum, the final resting place of a local celebrity dubbed the “Ice Maiden.” Guided tours in English, Spanish or French shepherd visitors past a number of artifacts from a 1995 expedition that led to the discovery of the body of a 12 year old Inca girl who was sacrificed to the gods back in the 1450s. The finale is a close up view of the gruesome remains of “Juanita.”

Museo Santuarios Andinos, La Merced, Arequipa, Peru +51 54 215013

View this post on Instagram

I always have a soft spot for old couples traveling together. Maybe it's like admiring a rare work of art! So rare that when I see one, I can't help but staring at them! #peoplewatchinggonecreepy #arequipa #peru #museosantuariosandinos #oldcouple #happytogether #relationshipgoals

A post shared by fransiska_angg (@fransiska_angg) on Jul 7, 2017 at 2:33am PDT

7. Soak up the surroundings

With such majestic surroundings at every turn, it makes sense to take your time and soak up the glory of Peru’s most beautiful city. Meander between leafy plaza, stroll down the happening pedestrian thoroughfare known as Paseo Mercaderes, or just watch life slowly pass by in the city’s numerous hip cafés, bars, and restaurants.

Paseo Mercaderes, Arequipa, Peru

arequipa | © Miguel Vera León / Flickr

8. Marvel at the Condors

Church

The greatest attraction of the region is not some church built from volcanic stone. Rather, tourists flock to the region to admire the majestic condor in full flight, marveling as these massive flying beasts swoop right past onlookers in search of hot updrafts which allow them to effortlessly glide around the canyon. Although it is possible to visit in just one day, a combined Colca Canyon hike is the best option.

Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, Caylloma Province, Arequipa, Peru

Condor in Colca Canyon | © Murray Foubister/Flickr

9. Colca Canyon

Lodge

Peru’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Colca is one of the deepest canyons in the world at a staggering 3,270 meters (10,730 ft). Tours through the region last two to three days, depending on the amount of time spent hiking each day, and pass through breathtaking scenery as the glorious condor flies overhead.
Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru

Colca, Peru | © Pedro Szekely/Flickr

10. El Misti

Those with a serious adventurous streak should consider scaling El Misti, the ominous volcano that towers over the city. A strenuous two day ascent reaches heights of 5,822 m (19,101 ft), meaning proper acclimatization is of utmost importance.

El Misti, Arequipa, Peru

El Misti above Arequipa | © Petr Meissner / Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.