If you’re planning a trip to southern Peru, you’ve probably wondered about the best things to do in Arequipa. Known as the White City, Arequipa is one of Peru’s most beautiful destinations. It combines colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes, rich history and incredible gastronomy.
Unlike many cities that focus on a single attraction, Arequipa offers a wide variety of experiences. You can wander through centuries-old streets built from volcanic stone. You can also explore one of the country’s most fascinating monasteries. Another option is to admire soaring condors above one of the world’s deepest canyons or discover breathtaking Andean landscapes filled with wildlife.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, there are plenty of unforgettable places waiting to be explored.
Here are 8 things to do in Arequipa that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Arequipa
One of the advantages of visiting Arequipa is its pleasant weather throughout most of the year.
The dry season, which generally runs from April to November, is considered the best time to visit. During these months, travelers can expect sunny days and clear skies. The weather is perfect for exploring the Historic Center, visiting Colca Canyon and enjoying outdoor activities.
The rainy season, from December to March, usually brings short afternoon showers. Although travel is still possible, some mountain roads and hiking trails may be affected by weather conditions.
Because Arequipa sits at a high altitude, temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day. Warm afternoons are often followed by cool evenings, so packing light layers is always recommended.
No matter when you visit, Arequipa offers beautiful scenery, fascinating history and unforgettable experiences all year round.
Explore Arequipa’s Historic Center
One of the first things to do in Arequipa is explore its beautiful Historic Center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
The heart of the city is the Plaza de Armas, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Peru. Elegant arcades built from white volcanic stone, known as sillar, surround the plaza. The square is also home to beautiful gardens, fountains and some of Arequipa’s most important landmarks.
The impressive Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa dominates one side of the square. Built during the 17th century and reconstructed several times after earthquakes, it remains one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Visitors can admire its architecture from the outside. They can also explore the museum and climb the bell towers for panoramic views of Arequipa.
Just a few minutes away, you’ll also find the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía), famous for its intricate Baroque façade carved entirely from sillar. Its detailed stonework is considered one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Peru.
Walking through the surrounding streets is an experience in itself. Traditional colonial houses, charming cafés, artisan shops and rooftop restaurants create a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to spend several hours exploring at your own pace.
The Historic Center is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most attractions are located within a short walking distance from Plaza de Armas, making it an ideal starting point for first-time visitors.
Visit Santa Catalina Monastery
Only a five-minute walk from Plaza de Armas lies one of the city’s greatest treasures: Santa Catalina Monastery.
The monastery was founded in 1579. Today, it covers more than 20,000 square meters. It almost feels like a small city within Arequipa. Behind its massive walls, visitors discover colorful streets, peaceful courtyards, beautiful gardens and centuries of history.
For more than 400 years, the monastery remained almost completely closed to the public. During that time, generations of nuns lived inside its walls. They created a self-contained community with kitchens, plazas, chapels and living quarters.
Today, visitors can freely explore much of the complex while learning about daily life inside the convent.
One of the monastery’s most distinctive features is its vibrant architecture. Bright blue walls, deep red passageways and orange-colored buildings create a striking contrast with the white volcanic stone used throughout Arequipa. Every corner offers fantastic opportunities for photography.
Inside the monastery you’ll also find religious artwork, historic furniture, quiet cloisters, fountains and beautifully preserved rooms that provide a fascinating glimpse into colonial life.
Most visitors spend between one and two hours exploring the monastery, although photography enthusiasts often stay even longer.
Because of its historical importance, unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Santa Catalina Monastery is widely considered one of the top things to do in Arequipa.
Discover Colca Canyon
No list of things to do in Arequipa would be complete without visiting the spectacular Colca Canyon.
Located approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Arequipa, the journey takes around three to four hours by road, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Colca Canyon is often recognized as one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching depths of more than 3,200 meters (10,500 feet). While many travelers compare it to the Grand Canyon, the scenery is completely different. Snow-capped volcanoes, agricultural terraces, traditional villages and dramatic cliffs create one of Peru’s most impressive natural landscapes.
The canyon is especially famous for the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, where visitors can watch the majestic Andean condor soaring above the valley. With a wingspan that can exceed three meters (ten feet), the condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world and an important symbol of Andean culture.
Besides wildlife watching, the Colca region offers many other activities. Visitors can hike through the canyon, relax in natural hot springs, visit traditional villages such as Chivay, Yanque and Cabanaconde, or learn about local customs that have been preserved for centuries.
The route itself is part of the experience. Along the way, travelers enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, spot herds of alpacas and llamas, and stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding volcanoes.
Explore Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Another incredible destination near the city is the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, located about one and a half to two hours from Arequipa.
Covering nearly 367,000 hectares, this protected area plays a vital role in preserving the ecosystems of the high Andes. It is also one of the best places in Peru to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat.
As you travel through the reserve, you’ll likely encounter vicuñas, Peru’s national animal, roaming freely across the plains. You’ll also see alpacas, llamas, Andean foxes and, depending on the season, flamingos gathering around the Salinas Lagoon.
One of the most famous stops is Pampa Cañahuas, where large populations of wild vicuñas can often be seen grazing against a backdrop of towering volcanoes. The reserve is surrounded by several impressive peaks, including Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu, creating spectacular panoramic views throughout the journey.
The scenery constantly changes as you travel through the reserve. Wide open plains, wetlands, volcanic landscapes and high-altitude lagoons make every stop unique and especially rewarding for photographers.
Beyond its natural beauty, the reserve is also important for conservation efforts. It protects one of the largest populations of wild vicuñas in South America and preserves fragile ecosystems that provide water to nearby communities.
For travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife and peaceful landscapes away from the crowds, visiting Salinas and Aguada Blanca is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding things to do in Arequipa.
Taste Arequipa’s Traditional Cuisine
Among the many things to do in Arequipa, tasting its world-famous cuisine is an experience you simply can’t miss.
Arequipa is often considered Peru’s gastronomic capital outside of Lima. Its recipes have been passed down through generations, preserving traditional cooking techniques and local ingredients that have shaped the region’s identity for centuries.
One of the best ways to discover Arequipa’s culinary heritage is by visiting a traditional picantería. These family-run restaurants have existed for hundreds of years and continue to prepare authentic regional dishes using recipes that have changed very little over time.
Some of the city’s most iconic dishes include:
- Rocoto Relleno, a spicy pepper stuffed with seasoned meat, vegetables and cheese.
- Chupe de Camarones, a rich shrimp soup prepared with potatoes, milk, cheese and local herbs.
- Ocopa Arequipeña, sliced potatoes served with a creamy sauce made from fresh cheese, peanuts and huacatay.
- Adobo Arequipeño, a slow-cooked pork stew traditionally enjoyed for breakfast on Sundays.
- Solterito de Queso, a refreshing salad made with fresh cheese, corn, broad beans, onions and olives.
Many picanterías also serve homemade chicha de jora, a traditional fermented corn beverage that has been consumed in the Andes since pre-Columbian times.
Food in Arequipa is much more than a meal—it’s an important part of the city’s culture and history. Every dish reflects centuries of Indigenous and Spanish influences, making gastronomy one of the most authentic ways to experience the region.
Whether you’re visiting for one day or staying for a week, enjoying Arequipa’s local cuisine should definitely be on your list.
Admire the Misti Volcano
One of Arequipa’s most recognizable landmarks is the majestic Misti Volcano, which rises to 5,822 meters (19,101 feet) above sea level.
Its nearly symmetrical cone dominates the city’s skyline and has become one of the most photographed volcanoes in Peru. On clear days, Misti can be seen from almost anywhere in Arequipa, creating an unforgettable backdrop for the city’s historic architecture.
For centuries, the volcano has played an important role in the region’s history and identity. The white volcanic stone, known as sillar, used to build many of Arequipa’s churches, monasteries and colonial buildings originated from ancient volcanic activity in the area. This is one of the reasons why Arequipa is known as The White City.
Adventure travelers can even climb Misti through guided expeditions that usually take two days. Although reaching the summit requires good physical condition and proper acclimatization, the panoramic views from the top reward those willing to take on the challenge.
Even if climbing isn’t part of your plans, simply admiring the volcano from the city’s viewpoints or during excursions around Arequipa is one of the most memorable things.
Plan Your Trip with Lima Experience
There are countless things to do in Arequipa, and every traveler has a different way of exploring the city.
Some visitors spend a single day discovering the Historic Center and Santa Catalina Monastery. Others prefer extending their trip to visit Colca Canyon, explore the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve or continue their journey through southern Peru.
At Lima Experience, we understand that every itinerary is unique. That’s why we don’t just help travelers book tours—we help them design the trip that best matches their interests, schedule and travel style.
Whether you’re planning a short city break or a multi-day adventure, our team can create a personalized itinerary that includes the destinations you want to visit, in the order that works best for you.
From your first inquiry, you’ll receive personalized assistance, travel recommendations and practical tips to help you prepare for your journey. Throughout your trip, our team remains available to answer questions and provide support whenever you need it, giving you peace of mind from beginning to end.
Whether you’re visiting Arequipa on its own or combining it with destinations like Cusco, Puno, Paracas or Lima, we’ll help you create an unforgettable experience.
Ready to start planning your adventure? Contact us and let us help you build your perfect Peru itinerary.
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