Arequipa is my favourite city in Peru. I spent three days exploring the area and these are what I found to be the 6 best things to do in Arequipa when there.
Enjoy one of the best old colonial cities in South America!
Arequipa Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the central and soul of Arequipa. It’s the place people gather for street performers and enjoy the ambience of the square while being surrounded by old colonial buildings.
It’s a place to go and sit for a while, have a picnic on a bench, and soak in the atmosphere.
It’s a popular place for workers in the area to have their lunch, as well as other tourists, and is a great place for people watching, like most city squares.
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
This cathedral is in the Plaza de Armas and is also a museum.
It was first built around 1540 and is one of Peru’s most famous cathedrals. After relaxing in the square go inside to admire the old architecture and see some of the history of the region in the museum.
Wander The Streets of Arequipa
While at Plaza de Armas you can meet up for a free two and a half hours walking tour of Arequipa. Tours start by the IPeru office are at 10am and 3pm.
You will learn a lot about Arequipa on this free walking tour and meet some other travellers as well. Give a little tip at the end to the guide.
Santa Catalina Monastery
The Santa Catalina Monastery is in the old historical part of Arequipa and has been around since 1579 and at its peak housed many Christian nuns. Nowadays though just a small group of Christians use the place.
It’s a beautiful monastery and worth seeing especially as it’s not far from the main square.
When in the area stop for a coffee and something to eat at the Petite Francaise, one of the best coffeeshops in Arequipa.
You can do a Arequipa guided tour that includes Santa Catalina Monastery and other parts of the city.
Visit Old Buildings
With an old colonial history, there are plenty of buildings to just wander into and explore around.
Along with wandering the streets, like mentioned before, keep an eye out for colonial places you might be able to get into.
Enjoy some time in a relaxing cafe with coffee and chocolate for sure. The chocolate in Peru is out of this world!
Spot Wildlife at Colca Canyon
Get out of Arequipa into nature for some great hiking and wildlife spotting.
Colca Canyon is the best place for hiking near Arequipa and you can spot lots of condors while out there. The area is famous for them.
You can visit on a long day tour if you are short on time otherwise a proper Colca Canyon hike can take two to three days.
I had been travelling into Peru from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile and passed by these areas and saw so many condors.
Things to do in Arequipa
By far Arequipa is one of the most charming cities in Peru and if coming in from Chile especially you should make it your first city in Peru to visit on the way to Cusco.
If you are in Cusco at least try to get down to Arequipa for two days or more even if you aren’t planning to go to Chile next.
I hope these things to do in Arequipa I recommend will help you give an overview of what to do in Arequipa.
I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.
Find places to stay in Arequipa.
For the best guidebook to Peru I recommend the Lonely Planet Peru guide.
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