Exploring Arequipa – Highlights of Peru’s White City

Nestled in southern Peru, Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its historic white volcanic stone buildings, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and rich cultural experiences. From exploring towering volcanoes and lush canyons to savoring delectable Peruvian cuisine, Arequipa has something for every traveler. In this guide, we’ll delve into the top things to do in Arequipa.

How to get to Arequipa

Arequipa, known as the “White City,” is well-connected by air, bus, and even luxury train travel. Whether you’re looking for a quick flight, a budget-friendly bus ride, or a scenic rail journey, there are multiple ways to reach this stunning Peruvian destination. Here’s a breakdown of the best travel options to help you plan your trip efficiently.

✈️ By plane: Some international airlines offer direct flights to Arequipa from cities in neighboring countries, such as La Paz (Bolivia) and Santiago (Chile). Check for international flights directly to Arequipa to streamline your travel plans.

🚌 By bus: If you’re on a budget or enjoy scenic routes, consider taking a long-distance bus from Lima to Arequipa. The journey typically takes 15 to 18 hours, with various companies offering comfortable and semi-luxury services. The scenic route allows you to see the Peruvian countryside, but be prepared for an extended journey. Arequipa is also well-connected by bus to other major cities in Peru, including Cusco, Puno and Nazca. Check out 12GO for available buses.

🚅 By train: The Andean Explorer, a luxury sleeper train operated by PeruRail, offers a scenic journey from Cusco, via Puno, to Arequipa. This leisurely ride provides stunning views of the Andes and Lake Titicaca. While it’s a more relaxed mode of travel, it may take longer than other options. The train journey takes 2 nights from Cusco and one night from Puno.

What to do in Arequipa

Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to dive into the heart of a new city is by embarking on a free walking tour. What makes these tours special is that they’re typically led by local students, offering a unique perspective on the destination. The beauty of these tours lies in their flexibility and accessibility, as they operate on a tip basis. If you find the tour engaging and informative, showing your appreciation with a tip is encouraged. A common guideline is to contribute between €5 and €15 per person, with the amount reflecting both the tour’s quality and duration. You can book the walking tour directly through the organizer.

Explore the Historic Center

Start your journey by wandering through Arequipa’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Admire the splendid Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city, and the grandeur of the Arequipa Cathedral. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas, the bustling heart of the city.

Mercado San Camilo: A Culinary Journey in Arequipa

Mercado San Camilo in Arequipa offers a vibrant cultural experience, immersing visitors in Peruvian cuisine and local traditions. The market’s lively atmosphere is filled with the scents of fresh dishes and colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, meats, and spices. Sample authentic regional dishes like rocoto peppers (Peruvian spicy peppers), ocopa (creamy sauce), and adobo (pork stew), and quench your thirst with chicha morada (corn drink) or emoliente (Peruvian herbal tea). Explore the market’s alleys and interact with friendly vendors who are eager to share their culinary knowledge. To support the market’s livelihood and vibrant spirit, consider making a small purchase or leaving a tip. Mercado San Camilo is a must-visit for food-loving visitors of the city!

Visit Colca Canyon

Arequipa is the gateway to the Colca Canyon, a canyon twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, you’ll see herds of vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. The highlight of the journey is the Mirador Cruz del Condor, where you can observe the majestic condors up close. Enjoy the local hot springs, connect with local communities, and savor Peruvian cuisine. We recommend dedicating at least 2 or 3 days to the Colca Canyon region.

Find out more about visiting Colca Canyon in our dedicated guide.

Where to eat in Arequipa

Arequipa is home to a lot of wonderful restaurants. These were our favorites:

• Pasta Canteen: This restaurant blends the comforting flavors of Italy with Peruvian culinary heritage. Handcrafted pasta dishes showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a Peruvian twist. A must-visit for pasta lovers and foodies.
• Picanteria Tradicional La Palomino: Specializing in traditional Peruvian dishes like guinea pig (cuy), this typical picanteria captures the essence of local culinary heritage. Initially hesitant, we were pleasantly surprised by the unique flavors.
• Tanta: Established by renowned chef Gastón Acurio, Tanta celebrates Peruvian cuisine with dishes ranging from coastal ceviche to hearty Andean stews. Although pricier than most Peruvian restaurants, it’s still affordable compared to European standards.

• Paprika de Arequipa: Part of the Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham, this restaurant has multiple Tripadvisor awards. The menu combines traditional Peruvian and international dishes, making it a pricier but worthwhile experience.
• Hatunpa: Known for dishes made with various Peruvian potatoes, this was our favorite restaurant in Arequipa. Although Google indicates it may be permanently closed, we hope it reopens as tourism picks up.

Where to stay in Arequipa

Our favorite place to stay was in Le Foyer Arequipa, a lovely hotel in a colonial building close to the main square. They have a rooftop bars with magnificent views and they can arrange all type of activities and transportation for you. En-suite double rooms start at ~€25 per night.

If you fancy a cooling dip, the Vita Hoteles Arequipa, is your go to place. Their pool is small, but big enough to have a refreshing dip. Their double rooms start at ~€55 a night.

The most central hotel, right at the Plaza de Armas, lies Plaza Central. Their double rooms include breakfast and start at ~€85 per night.