Arequipa is a city full of charm and beauty that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. You will be able to explore its colonial architecture, enjoy the delicious local gastronomy and immerse yourself in its rich culture.
Arequipa, known as the “White City”, is a fascinating destination located in southern Peru. With its stunning colonial architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture, it offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. Here we present a guide for you to make the most of your visit.
Read here: Arequipa What to dom eat and where to stay!
Day 1:
Morning:
Begin the adventure in the heart of Arequipa by visiting the Plaza de Armas, the historic center of the city. Admire the majesty of the Cathedral of Arequipa and the imposing Monastery of Santa Catalina, a fascinating religious complex that will transport you back in time. Be sure to explore its narrow cobbled streets and colorful facades.
You can visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a fascinating religious complex that will transport you back in time.
Next, head to the Museo Santuarios Andinos, where you can learn about pre-Columbian culture and discover the famous mummy of Juanita, an Inca girl sacrificed more than 500 years ago.
This museum offers a unique insight into the region’s history and is a must-stop for archeology lovers.
Afternoon:
After a day of exploring, it is time to enjoy the delicious gastronomy of Arequipa. Head to the Yanahuara district, known for its traditional picanterías.
Try typical dishes such as stuffed rocoto, adobo or guinea pig. Also, you cannot stop trying the ice cream cheese, a local dessert that will captivate your palate.
After lunch, you can take a walk through the traditional San Lázaro neighborhood, with its narrow streets and adobe houses. If you are interested in local crafts, visit the Casa del Moral, a museum that exhibits pieces of Arequipa folk art.
Take a walk through the Plaza de Yanahuara and admire the impressive panoramic views of the illuminated city.
Night:
For the night, reserve a dinner in one of the restaurants with a terrace in the historic center. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city while you savor exquisite dishes and enjoy the nightlife. After dinner, you can visit a bar or disco to experience Arequipa’s nightlife.
Day 2:
Morning:
Take advantage of the morning to explore the surroundings of Arequipa and discover its impressive landscape. You can book a full day excursion to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Here you can enjoy panoramic views, spot condors in flight, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Please note that this excursion can take several hours, so be sure to plan your time accordingly.
Arequipa is the starting point to visit the impressive Colca Canyon. Here you can enjoy spectacular landscapes, spot condors in flight and get to know traditional communities that preserve their ancestral customs.
Arequipa is the starting point to visit the impressive Colca Canyon. Here you can enjoy spectacular landscapes, spot condors in flight and get to know traditional communities that preserve their ancestral customs.
Afternoon:
Back in Arequipa, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Peruvian art. You will be able to appreciate works by renowned local artists and discover the vibrant art scene of Arequipa.
Another option is to visit the Mercado San Camilo, a bustling local market where you can immerse yourself in the aromas and colors of fresh produce. Here you will find fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and a variety of artisan products.
In addition, you can enjoy a delicious freshly squeezed fruit juice or try some of the famous native potatoes of the region.
Where to Stay?
Arequipa offers a wide variety of accommodation options that adapt to different budgets and preferences. If you prefer to be in the historic center, you will find charming boutique hotels and guest houses with colonial charm.
These places will allow you to immerse yourself in the history of the city and be close to the main tourist attractions.
The Hotel Casa Andina in Arequipa is an excellent option to stay during your visit to the city, since it is located in the historic center, which will allow you to explore the main tourist attractions of the city on foot. You will be a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Arequipa, the Monastery of Santa Catalina and other places of interest.
The hotel Hamilton by Hilton in Arequipa is an excellent option to stay during your visit to the city, since it is located in the historic center, which will allow you to explore the main tourist attractions of the city on foot. You will be a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Arequipa, the Monastery of Santa Catalina and other places of interest.
If you are looking for a quieter experience, you can choose to stay on the outskirts of the city, where you will find hotels and resorts that offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and spaces to relax and enjoy nature.
Arequipa is a city full of charm and beauty that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. During your 36 hours in this city, you will be able to explore its colonial architecture, enjoy the delicious local gastronomy and immerse yourself in its rich culture