Welcome to Our Arequipa Travel Guide: Explore the Best Things to Do in Peru's White City
AREQUIPA: THE "WHITE CITY"
About Arequipa: Peru’s White City
Arequipa is a must-visit destination in Peru, located in the stunning Andes Mountains at an altitude of 2,335 meters. The city’s historic center, made of white volcanic stone, has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The Santa Catalina Monastery offers a possibility to dive into Arequipa’s history, while the surrounding mountains provide beautiful panoramic views. You can explore the city’s streets, join on incredible day trips like the famous Colca Canyon tour, and try traditional Peruvian cuisine at local picanterías. With its unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Arequipa is a top destination for anyone traveling to Peru.
What to Do in Arequipa: Top Attractions and Must-See Sights
In Arequipa, both the city and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of experiences. We recommend planning at least two full days in Arequipa, with one day dedicated to the must-do Colca Canyon tour. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Arequipa and the exciting day trips worth taking. While Lima may be known as the food capital of Latin America (check out our Lima Food Guide), Arequipa also has incredible dining options, including one of the most fantastic restaurants we found during our visit. Enjoy our Arequipa travel guide!
1. Free Walking Tour: Discover the Best of Arequipa’s Historic Center
We love taking ‘free’ walking tours, and this is a must-do in our Arequipa Travel Guide. We always make it a point to join a walking tour on the first day of our arrival, as it offers a great first impression of the city. It helps us get familiar with the layout of Arequipa, making it easier to navigate on the following days. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and share tips on what to do in Arequipa. Whether you’re exploring Arequipa’s historic center or learning about the city’s rich history, the free walking tour is, for us, one of the best things to do in Arequipa at the start of your visit.
For example, after the free walking tour, we went together to a Picantería to enjoy some local food. The walking tours in Arequipa usually start every 1-2 hours, so it’s easy to fit one into your itinerary. We gained a beautiful impression of the city and definitely visited places we wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. It’s advisable to take the tour in the morning, leaving the afternoon free to explore other highlights, such as the Santa Catalina Monastery or the Ruta del Sillar. Check out Guru Walk for available tours in Arequipa. We paid just 5 USD per person for this amazing experience.
2. The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena: A Must-Visit in Arequipa
Another highlight in Arequipa is the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena. The monastery is conveniently located on the way from the Lonko Hostel to the Plaza de Armas and is indescribably beautiful. You can find the current opening hours on the official website.
The entrance fee is $12.00 USD per person. We went inside just before the entrance stop at 5 p.m. and still had time until 6 p.m. to explore the monastery. Additionally, it was even more stunning during the sunset. You can do both the walking tour and the monastery on the same day.
3. Ruta del Sillar: A Tour of Arequipa's Famous Stone Quarries
This attraction might remind you of Petra in Jordan, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While it’s not as huge, the Ruta del Sillar is still an impressive sight in Arequipa, where you can see incredible stonework created by local artists over the past decades. We recommend not booking an organized tour but instead taking an Uber to the quarries, just like we did. It’s an affordable and flexible option for those exploring what to do in Arequipa. Just keep in mind that there’s no internet access while you’re there. Our Uber driver waited for us for about 15-20 minutes, which gave us plenty of time to get some great pictures of Arequipa’s volcanic stone quarries.
