Among the many destinations that you can visit in Peru is the white city and that is why it is important to know the best things to do in Arequipa, Auri Peru knows that this trip is important for you, which is why it offers you this complete guide that will be your best ally during the trip.
Its popular nickname of the white city is given due to the presence of Ashlar, a material with which many of the city’s buildings were built and these same constructions make its historic center so popular and full of history. There are fun things to do in Arequipa that you will really enjoy and always remember, here we show you some of them:
We recommend you to read our article: Discover Why 2024 Is The Best Time To Visit Peru
SOME THINGS TO DO IN AREQUIPA
1.- SAN CAMILO MARKET (AREQUIPA)
Some of the things to do in Arequipa, visiting the San Camilo market is one of the most traditional and historical since this market was declared a Monumental Historical Heritage more than 30 years ago. Located in the historic center, it is a very popular place both for local people and also for travelers who want to know its passageways and everything they can find here, from exotic fruits to local food stands where you will enjoy its incredible flavor. You can spend hours here and not realize it since the time is different inside, each step you take will surprise you more since there are some stalls that sell strange things but that attract a lot of attention. For lovers of capturing moments, this is one of the best things to do in Arequipa since each space can be the target of an instant photograph and the people are very friendly. You can visit it every day between 06:00 am and 18:00 pm.
People Shopping at the San Camilo Market
2.- ENJOY A MOMENT IN THE MAIN SQUARE
Something you can’t miss on your trip to the white city is definitely being able to visit its main square, let’s say it is one of the things to do in Arequipa Peru that perfectly complements your trip. As in every city, the main square is the center of the city and is usually surrounded by portals or buildings that have arches at their base. Here you can also find most of the colonial mansions, the cathedral and representative buildings of the city.
An interesting fact about this place is that the construction of the cathedral has already undergone its third modification, because in the past it suffered severe damage, first in a fire and then by an earthquake. Inside you can see the organ (musical instrument) largest in South America, in addition to of course a sophisticated and very distinctive art collection, entry here has a cost of s/10.00 soles per person, from Monday to Saturday you can visit it from 08:00 am to 18:00 pm. If you are a history lover then this visit is one of the things to do in Arequipa Peru that you will love.
Arequipa Main Square
2.- VISIT THE OLDEST NEIGHBORHOOD OF AREQUIPA, SAN LAZARO
One of the fun things to do in Arequipa is to get lost in time and there is no better way than to visit the oldest traditional neighborhood of the white city, this is the case of the San Lazaro neighborhood that has its history since the year 1540, typical of his time presents you with narrow streets, mansions made entirely of ashlar showing a very strong white color and thanks to the restoration that is constantly provided, it gives us a much more beautiful image. It is one of the most touristic spots in the city since it has a large number of bars and restaurants that mainly serve travelers looking for food and drink, in simple terms it has a Hipster style.
San Lazaro Neighborhood
3.- VISIT MUNDO ALPACA
Shopping is something that everyone loves, but buying things made from alpaca wool is something that very few people can achieve. This is one of the fun things to do in Arequipa since not only is the area known where you can buy souvenirs to take with you, but you can also interact with the group of llamas and alpacas that are in the place, see what their habitat is like and thanks to a detailed explanation to learn more about them. Just keep in mind that due to the exclusivity, the prices at Alpaca World are somewhat more expensive than in other places. To get there you can use a taxi from the city center or hire a private service. If you wish, we can help you with this. You can visit this place any day between 09:00 am until 17:30 pm.
Alpaca World Guests
4.- TOUR IN THE SANTA CATALINA MONASTERY
One of the best things to do in Arequipa Peru is visit the monastery of Santa Catalina not only because it is an imposing construction but also because of the history that surrounds it, during the history of Peru, this place was founded as a nunnery in 1580 and it is still functioning and occupies a large area in size, surrounded by high walls made of stone which gives it a more important appearance similar to a fortress, its access was restricted for a long time because it was like a city in itself, however, in the 70s in Peru maintenance work was needed and it was then that access was allowed to certain people and since then it has been more permissive at least in the tourist areas. Today it is one of the most visited places in the city and also considered a work of art of colonial architecture. You can access here with an entrance ticket of s/45.00 soles per person every day at any of its 2 times (08:30 am – 11:00 am and 15:30 pm – 16:45 pm).
Traveler Visiting the Convent of Santa Catalina
5.- ARRIVE AT THE YANAHUARA VIEWPOINT
One of the things to do in Arequipa that is considered unmissable is to be able to visit and get our photo from the Yanahuara viewpoint, a series of arches made of ashlar and from which you can have a panoramic view of the city and also of the imposing Misty Volcano. who is the protector of the city. This place is located at 2300 meters above sea level which is a high point during your visit, you can visit it during the City Tour experience or also in a private way only with transportation, if you wish we can help you with this, contact Auri Perú now to obtain more information.
Yanahuara View Point
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6.- COMPLETE THE COLCA CANYON CHALLENGE
For those who love nature and hiking, this is one of the things to do in Arequipa that they will really prefer. Visiting the Colca Canyon is a unique experience since it is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, being even larger than the Grand Canyon of the United States. This work of nature is located in the Chivay sector, to get there from Arequipa you can use a shared service that runs every day or a private one depending on your planning. In any case, the visit offers us 2 main attractions, being able to appreciate the majesty of the canyon and its extension throughout the entire panorama that your eyes will be able to see and enjoying the flight of the condor in which you see a group of condors while they vote. its wings in the air, it is undoubtedly something incredible. To access this place you need to buy an entrance ticket that costs $25.00 dollars per person.
Traveler Completing the Colca Canyon Challenge
7.- ENJOY THE SUNSET ON A ROOFTOP
During your visit to the white city you will find that one of the fun things to do in Arequipa is enjoy the sunset on a rooftop, all the hotels we recommend have an adequate space for this. Being able to observe the last rays of sun over the city that has a neutral color and see how it is painted like an orange canvas, is something that leaves you speechless and that you really have to experience at least once. You can even do it in a more fun way, drinking a delicious Arequipeña (Traditional Arequipa Beer).
Traveling Couple Delighting the Sunset on a Terrace in Arequipa
8.- CLIMB MISTI VOLCANO
This is one of the things to do in Arequipa that is ideal for those looking for a new challenge and lasts 2 days. The experience begins the first day with a van tour that lasts approximately 2 hours, then continues walking for another 6 hours together with a tour guide to the designated camp. This last part is what requires the most effort, of course it is done in a gradual way so that everyone can arrive without complications. For the second day the challenge is not over, it begins much earlier at 3:00 am and you walk a longer stretch to the top of the mountain where you have a unique panoramic view, finally you return along the path to our transportation to return to the city of Arequipa again. This experience can be done in shared service or private service, in both alternatives you can count on Auri Perú as your backup, contact us if you want more information.
Group of Friends Before Starting the Climb Misti Volcano
THE CITY AT THE BASE OF THE VOLCANO
“Visiting the white city of Arequipa means feeling the emotion of being close to the Misty volcano, enjoying the flavors of its delicious cuisine and appreciating the beautiful sunset on the roof of your hotel, without a doubt they are things that you cannot miss.”
9.- DELIGHT THE FLAVORS OF AREQUIPA
Being part of Peru, it is no surprise to know that trying the local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Arequipa. Here in particular the restaurants are called “Picanterias” because one of the main ingredients is always chili and also because of the size of the portions, they are really big so you better be hungry when ordering your food. The main dish of the city is the Stuffed Rocoto, which is made mainly of rocoto that is used as a container and where minced meat, boiled eggs, olives, peanuts, cheese and milk are mixed. All this together with the oven cooking gives it a unique flavor. Another emblematic dish is also Adobo, which is a type of soup but with pork previously marinated in Chicha or beer that gives it a touch of bitterness. Rocoto is also used in its preparation, thus giving it a pleasant spicy flavor.
Stuffed Rocoto
TRAVEL TIPS
Arequipa is a very easy city to visit, however there are many things you should take into account, such as:
- It is a safe city, at least in its central area, for this reason it is important that you try to stay in that area most of the time. Taking walks around the area will help you become familiar with the environment.
- In the main square you will find a tourist information office that can give you guidance if you feel like you need help. There is no restriction on the information you request, they are here to help you. Even if you need it, they can provide you with a map to guide you easily.
- Near the hotels there are ATMs so you can withdraw money, try not to have so much cash on hand, only what you need.
- Arequipa is a city that is higher than Lima, so it is normal to feel some discomfort. It is always best to be well hydrated. Avoid taking pills for altitude as much as possible.
Visiting Arequipa is undoubtedly a different experience from others in Peru but it shows you how incredible the culture can be, don’t wait too long to choose it as your next destination. Auri Peru can help you organize a complete experience here, contact us and find out how to do it.
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