Itinerary Suggestions: Arequipa

-Hour Layover Highlights

For a very short stay, focus on Arequipa's most iconic sites in the historic center to experience its essence.

Morning: Arrive, taxi to central hotel. Head to Plaza de Armas, admire the Basilica Cathedral. Enjoy 'menú del día' near the plaza.

Afternoon & Evening

Visit Santa Catalina Monastery (2-3 hours).
Short taxi to Mirador de Yanahuara for sunset volcano views.
Dinner at a traditional Arequipeña restaurant (Rocoto Relleno or Chupe de Camarones).

Weekend & Short Stays

Discover the best of Arequipa within a limited timeframe, combining city exploration with a taste of the canyon.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A weekend allows for focused city exploration and a significant taste of the canyon country, even if rushed.

Day 1 Highlights

Arrive, settle into accommodation.
Explore Historic Center, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral.
Visit Santa Catalina Monastery.
Dinner at a traditional Arequipeña restaurant.

Explore experiences on GetYourGuide.

Weekend Canyon Immersion

A dedicated day allows for a focused visit to Colca Canyon, highlighting viewpoints and natural beauty.

Day 2 & 3 Activities

Day 2: Early morning 1-day guided tour to Colca Canyon (Cruz del Condor).
Day 3 (Morning): Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Museum).
Day 3: Explore Mercado San Camilo for local sights and souvenir shopping.

One-Week Arequipa Depth

A week in Arequipa provides ample time to explore the city and fully experience Colca Canyon.

Days 1-4: City & Canyon

Day 1: Arrive, acclimatize, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral.
Day 2: Santa Catalina Monastery, San Lázaro neighborhood.
Days 3-4: 2-day/1-night trek or non-trekking tour to Colca Canyon.
Includes condor viewing and potential village homestay.

One-Week Extended Exploration

Continue your journey through Arequipa and its surroundings with diverse activities after your canyon trip.

Days 5-7: Recovery & Discovery

Day 5: Return from Colca Canyon, relax. Museo Santuarios Andinos or Casa del Moral.
Day 6: Canteras de Sillar (Sillar Quarries) or Chili River rafting.
Day 6 (Evening): Consider a cooking class.
Day 7: Last-minute souvenir shopping at Mercado San Camilo, final Arequipeña meal.

Extended Stays

For journeys beyond a week, consider combining Arequipa with wider regional travel or a more extended immersion.

Two-Week Journey

Combine the one-week Arequipa itinerary with 2-3 days in Puno/Lake Titicaca and 5-7 days in Cusco/Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu for a comprehensive Southern Peru experience.

Long-Term Immersion

For several weeks or months, consider renting an apartment or house via Airbnb or local real estate agents.

Lifestyle & Learning

Arequipa offers a comfortable and affordable base for language learning, volunteering, or cultural immersion, providing a good quality of life.

Tailored Travel Plans

These itineraries are suggestions; customize them to fit your pace, interests, and desired depth of exploration.

Interest-Based Itineraries

Tailor your Arequipa itinerary to your specific interests, whether history, food, adventure, or family travel.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Concentrate your time on the Historic Center's UNESCO sites and ancient cultural marvels.

Historical Sites

Santa Catalina Monastery.
Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Museum).
Casa del Moral and Iglesia de la Compañía.
Day trip to Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto.

Explore more history on GetYourGuide.

Food & Culinary Delights

Arequipa's rich culinary scene offers delicious experiences, from local markets to cooking classes.

Gastronomic Journey

Explore Mercado San Camilo and sample diverse foods.
Visit traditional picanterías (Rocoto Relleno, Chupe de Camarones, Adobo Arequipeño).
Take a cooking class to learn Peruvian techniques.
Sample local street foods like Queso Helado.

Adventure & Outdoors

For thrill-seekers, Arequipa's rugged landscapes offer a variety of outdoor pursuits.

Adrenaline Experiences

Prioritize a multi-day trek in Colca Canyon.
Consider El Misti volcano climbing (experienced, acclimatized).
Engage in Chili River rafting for an adrenaline rush.
Explore mountain biking tours on nearby volcanoes.

Book your adventure activities with GetYourGuide.

Family-Friendly Travel

Balance sightseeing with engaging, kid-friendly activities to entertain all ages.

Family Fun

Santa Catalina Monastery (maze-like passages are fun).
Plaza de Armas (feeding pigeons).
Alpaca World (Mundo Alpaca) to see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas.
Consider a less strenuous Colca Canyon tour (non-trekking).

Art & Architecture Focus

Explore Arequipa's distinctive sillar architecture and its artistic expressions.

Architectural Wonders

Focus on intricate sillar architecture of the Historic Center.
Extended time at Santa Catalina Monastery for design and art.
Explore detailed facades of Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús.
Visit the sillar quarries to understand the building material.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Discover moments of peace, reflection, and rejuvenation amidst Arequipa's spiritual and natural settings.

Inner Harmony

Visit local churches and convents for spiritual ambiance.
Experience hot springs in Colca Canyon for relaxation.
Engage in quiet reflection in colonial courtyards.
Seek out local yoga classes or wellness centers.

Personalized Discovery

These interest-based routes empower you to craft a journey that resonates deeply with your passions.

Budget-Friendly & Seasonal Travel

Arequipa accommodates various budgets, from frugal backpacking to luxurious experiences, with distinct seasonal charms.

Backpacker's Guide

Travel smart and save money with these tips for a budget-friendly Arequipa adventure.

Frugal Travel

Stay in hostels (dorm beds or basic private rooms).
Eat "menú del día" at local eateries and street food.
Rely on local microbuses for intra-city travel (very inexpensive).
Trek Colca Canyon independently or with a budget tour.

Prioritize free attractions like Plaza de Armas and Yanahuara viewpoint.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Balance comfort and affordability, enjoying a broad range of experiences without excessive spending.

Balanced Journey

Stay in comfortable guesthouses or mid-range hotels.
Enjoy meals at local and mid-range restaurants.
Use a combination of taxis and public transport.
Take comfortable long-distance buses for inter-city travel.

Premium & Value Travel

From indulgent escapes to smart savings, Arequipa can be experienced at various price points.

Luxury Experience

Stay in 5-star hotels or premium boutique properties.
Dine at fine dining restaurants and exclusive eateries.
Utilize private transfers and domestic flights.

Value-Focused Tips

Mix nicer meals with budget options.
Look for package deals on tours for overall savings.
Travel during shoulder or low season for better rates.

Seasonal Highlights

Your visit might align with specific seasons, offering unique experiences and considerations.

Dry vs. Wet Season

Summer (Dec-Mar): Rainy, but lush landscapes. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
Winter (May-Oct): Dry season, best for outdoor activities. Clear skies for condor viewing.
Consider focusing on city attractions during heavy rain.
Book well in advance for dry season due to higher tourist numbers.

Festivals & Events

Experience Arequipa's culture through its public holidays and special celebrations.

Cultural Calendar

August (Anniversary of Arequipa): Lively celebrations, parades, food festivals.
Holy Week (Easter): Solemn and elaborate religious processions.
Book accommodation and tours well in advance during peak festival times.
Embrace the local atmosphere during these celebrations.

Off-Season Exploration

Rainy Season Adaptation

Embrace the occasional rain during the wet season. Pack appropriate waterproof gear.

Advantages

Take advantage of lower prices and quieter attractions. Check road conditions for Colca Canyon with operators.

Optimal Visit Timing

Your chosen time of year impacts activities and crowd levels. Plan accordingly for the best Arequipa experience.

Itinerary Suggestions