A Spotlight on the Best Things To Do in Arequipa, Peru
A Spotlight on the Best Things To do in Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa is a small town that many tourists choose as a stopover stay on their way from Lima to Cusco. And while many choose to stay here for convenience, I chose to visit Arequipa specifically for all the charming and historic sights that this small city has to offer. Follow along below as I shine A Spotlight on the Best Things To Do in Arequipa, Peru:
best things to do in arequipa
Visit Museo Santuarios Andinos
Did you know that Peru has its own mummies? Maybe not as old as the ones in Egypt, but Peruvian mummies are definitely no less spectacular.
Arequipa’s Museo Santuarios Andinos is home to one such mummy. As the local anthropological museum, Santuarios Andinos holds a large collection of historic Andean clothing, tools and jewelry that have been discovered around the city.
Though, the museum is perhaps most well known as the final resting place of Juanita, a young Inca girl who was frozen in ice shortly after her sacrificial death in the 1400s due to environmental factors.
Cost of Entry: 25 Sol*
best things to do in arequipa
Walk the Halls of Santa Catalina Monastery
Built in 1579, Santa Catalina is both a historic and active monastery in the center of Arequipa today. It quite literally is a small city within a city, with many “streets” connecting its various internal structures and sculptures.
The bright colors, vibrant garden and mural paintings throughout the complex make this monastery a must visit that should be at the very top of anyone’s Arequipa bucket list.
Cost of Entry: 40 Sol* (Private Tours also available at an additional cost)
best things to do in arequipa
Wander Barrio de San Lázaro
Sometimes the best thing to do when visiting a new city is to just wander and take it all in. This is definitely the case of Arequipa’s Barrio de San Lázaro, which is the city’s oldest neighborhood.
Here many of the are the houses are made of sillar or ashlar, a local white-pink volcanic rock. It is also this region of town that’s given Arequipa its name as “The White City”.
Cost of Entry: N/A
best things to do in arequipa
See Iglesia de la Compañía
Located in Arequipa’s main square, La Iglesia de la Compañía is a sight to see, both inside and out. The church was originally built in 1578, shortly before it was destroyed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in 1698. Today, it’s known for its detailed exterior carvings & interesting interior jungle murals.
It’s one of the spots in Arequipa that I would love to come back and visit again, if only at an earlier time in the morning so as to experience all its beauty to myself!
Cost of Entry: Free*
best things to do in arequipa
Tour the Basilica Cathedral
Located in Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, the Basilica Cathedral stands quite tall above the city center.
And while it can definitely be admired by the exterior alone, the inside of the Roman Catholic cathedral houses many treasures, both figurative and literal, worth visiting. English and Spanish Tours are available to purchase at the ticket office.
From there, you’ll explore the main part of the cathedral, see over 400 years worth of historical artifacts and visit the large bell tower on the rooftop, which offers picturesque views of the entire city.
Cost of Entry: 10 Sol*
best things to do in arequipa
Raft Río Chili River
No trip to Arequipa is complete without rafting down the Rio Chili river! I loved my experience with Kanuwa Rafting.
From hotel pick-up to drop-off, they were both extremely professional and fun! And the best part? My 3-hour rafting trip only cost $25 USD*!
Cost of Entry: $25* (Transportation and snacks included, Bring Your Own Towel)
best things to do in arequipa
Make a Trek to Ruta del Sillar
Cost of Entry: 5 Sol* (+ Cost of a Tour)
Ruta del Sillar is, or The Sillar Route, is a giant stone quarry just outside of Arequipa.
Sillar, or ashlar, is a white-pink volcanic rock. And it’s within this quarry that you can learn about how Sillar is produced to make the beautiful mansions, churches and public buildings you’ll see throughout “The White City”.
Additionally, faux building fronts, intricate symbols and more have been carved into the side of the quarry walls, making a breathtaking display that’s worth a photo-op stop.
best things to do in arequipa
Hike El Misti
Another spot that’s technically just outside of the city, Misti Volcano is a popular Arequipa symbol and hike.
The hike is available through multiple Arequipa tour operators, however, it’s considered a difficult trek, taking 2 days to complete. El Misti should only be summited by those who are already acclimatized to Arequipa’s high altitude.
Cost of Entry: ~$80* (Transportation and Meals included)
- In winter months, tour operators will most likely also provide you with crampons and an ice axe.
best things to do in arequipa
Explore Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is 3 hours away from Arequipa, but is still an extremely popular day and multi-day trip. As the second deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon offers impressive nature, wildlife and views.
I strongly recommend visiting the Canyon via a multi-day guided tour. Multi-day tours typically include food, accommodations and transportation to-and-from Arequipa.
Additionally, tour operators will time their visits to spots like the famous Condor Viewpoint so that you’re arriving at exact time when you can expect the condors to show up .
Cost of Entry: $30-$400* (Depends on the type, length and inclusions of your tour)
*At time of writing.
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