Visiting Arequipa
Renowned for its volcanic landscapes, the "White City" is a premier mountaineering destination. A starting point for countless treks,
Renowned for its volcanic landscapes, the "White City" is a premier mountaineering destination. A starting point for countless treks, it is famous for its volcanoes and its breathtaking Colca Canyon! Yet Arequipa is also a city steeped in history, with its colonial buildings, its Santa Catalina Convent and its mummy Juanita… Want to discover all the must-see spots for visiting Arequipa? Here are 8 things to see and do absolutely!
1. Discover the Plaza de Armas and the Church of Compañia de Jesus
Located in the historic center of Arequipa, the Plaza de Armas is a splendid square founded in 1954. Surrounded by arcades, it is renowned for its cathedral's distinctive architecture. Built in sillar (a volcanic stone), the Church of Compañia de Jesus proudly displays a neoclassical style with gothic influences. In the San Ignacio chapel, you can admire frescoes featuring tropical motifs.
In the center of the Plaza de Armas, there stands a bronze fountain. Take time to observe its famous el Tuturutu (a figure from Incan mythology) and the elements adorning the structure. A tip? Don't hesitate to stroll here as dusk falls, when musicians set up for the evening. An opportunity to taste local specialties in one of the restaurants surrounding the plaza – and to appreciate the beauty of the place, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site!
2. Explore the Santa Catalina Convent
More than just a religious building, the Santa Catalina Convent is a city within the city. Spanning two hectares, it is the largest monastery in the world (it once housed over 500 nuns)!
Opened to the public in the 1970s, it remains inhabited and is considered THE must-see attraction in Arequipa. Inside? You will discover highly colorful rooms, alleyways, gardens, fountains... It is recommended to hire a guide to discover the history of this unique place!
3. Visit Arequipa and Its Must-See San Camilo Market
During your visit, don't miss the San Camilo market. Far from being merely a tourist attraction, this market (built in 1938) is primarily an authentic place for the local population. An opportunity to meet locals and taste chicha de güiñapo – a traditional drink made from purple corn!
4. Admire "The Ice Princess" at the Santuarios Andinos Museum
Known for its extensive collection of Incan artifacts (statues, ceramics, etc.), the Santuarios Andinos museum is also renowned for its Juanita mummy. Also called "The Ice Princess," this 13-year-old girl was discovered in 1995, at over 20,000 feet altitude – after 500 years frozen in ice! She is believed to have been sacrificed as part of an Incan ritual. She is one of the world's most beautiful naturally preserved mummies!
5. Wander Through the Halls of the Convento de la Recoleta
Built in 1648, the Recoleta Convent features about ten rooms and cloisters in different styles. From neo-gothic to the most austere architecture, the entire building bears witness to several eras.
The convent also houses a magnificent library – where once-forbidden books are preserved behind the door known as the "gates of hell"! – as well as the "Archaeological and Anthropological Museum," which will introduce you to Arequipa's history, from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
6. Dine in a Picantería
A picantería is a traditional restaurant typical of the Arequipa region. Appearing in the nineteenth century, these popular establishments once brought workers together around traditional dishes. Dining in a picantería is nowadays a must-do stop in Arequipa; a way to discover its culture while savoring a Rocoto Relleno (a stuffed pepper) or caldo blanco (a dish made with lamb, chuño and yucca)!
7. Go Mountaineering and Explore the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Known for its rugged landscapes, Arequipa (and its surrounding region) is an ideal destination for mountaineering. There you can rent equipment and attempt to climb the famous volcanoes Misti (quite challenging), Chachani (challenging) and Pichu Pichu (quite challenging), located in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
To the north of the region lies Colca Canyon, which was long considered the deepest in the world. During your excursion, you can admire beautiful terraced crops! Note that it is preferable to plan your trip during the dry season (April to December) to go mountaineering in Arequipa – and to use a local guide.
8. View Arequipa from the Viewpoint at Yanahuara Church
Built in 1750 in the eponymous town, Yanahuara Church offers stunning views over Arequipa (located 20 minutes by car). At over 7,500 feet altitude, this watchtower allows you to admire the volcanoes Pichu Pichu, Chachani and Misti, as well as the colonial architecture buildings that dot the city.
Visiting Arequipa is one of the many must-see stops in the "Center of the World"! Worried you won't have time to see and do everything? Choose an express Pérou journey, for an immersive and complete trip!
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Arequipa is the dry season, which runs from April to December. The skies are clear, ideal for admiring the volcanoes and practicing mountaineering. The rainy season (January to March) can make certain excursions more difficult, particularly in Colca Canyon.
Plan at least 3 to 4 days to visit Arequipa's 8 must-see attractions at your own pace. The Santa Catalina Convent and the Santuarios Andinos Museum each deserve half a day, while an excursion to Colca Canyon or a volcano climb requires 1 to 2 additional days.
From Lima, you can reach Arequipa by plane in about 1 hour 30 minutes (regular flights available). By bus, the journey takes between 12 and 16 hours depending on the company. Flying remains the fastest and most comfortable option to reach the "White City."
Arequipa is situated at approximately 7,650 feet altitude. While most visitors adapt easily, it is advisable to allow 1 to 2 days for acclimatization before engaging in intense physical activities like mountaineering. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first few days and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness.
Yes, the Santa Catalina Convent is open to the public and can be visited independently. However, it is highly recommended to hire a guide on-site to fully appreciate the history of this unique monastery, spanning two hectares with its colorful alleyways, gardens and fountains.
From Arequipa, mountaineers can attempt to climb three emblematic volcanoes: Misti (19,101 feet, quite challenging level), Chachani (19,931 feet, challenging) and Pichu Pichu (18,272 feet, quite challenging). It is essential to use a local guide and prepare your equipment accordingly.
