aventuro
Peru
Things to do in Arequipa
456 attractions · Peru
Photo: DocSlyper, CC BY-SA 2.0
Arequipa Department, Peru · -16.399, -71.537
About Arequipa
Known as the 'White City' for its extensive use of white volcanic sillar stone in colonial architecture, Arequipa sits at an altitude of 2,335 meters near the Andes. The city is dominated by the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes that frame its historic center. Visitors often start at the Plaza de Armas Arequipa before exploring the expansive complex of the Santa Catalina Monastery. The city serves as the primary gateway for expeditions into the nearby Colca Canyon.
Good to know
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Arequipa is built almost entirely from sillar, a porous white volcanic rock sourced from local quarries, which is both fire-resistant and lightweight.
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The city has been devastated by major earthquakes throughout its history, leading to the development of a unique 'sillar architecture' characterized by thick walls and low, vaulted ceilings designed to withstand seismic activity.
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Arequipa is the birthplace of the 'picantería,' a traditional restaurant style that originated from communal meals served to laborers, now recognized as a key element of the city's culinary heritage.
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Despite its high elevation, the city features a dry, sunny climate year-round due to its location in the rain shadow of the Andes.
Plan your visit to Arequipa
Best time to visit
April to June, as the skies are clearest and the rainy season has concluded, making for ideal conditions for trekking and sightseeing.
How many days
3 days, allowing enough time to explore the colonial historic center and take a day trip to the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Getting around
The historic center is highly walkable, while taxis and local 'combis' are the standard methods for reaching peripheral neighborhoods.
Where to stay
Stay in the historic center near the main plaza for proximity to major landmarks, or in the leafy Yanahuara district for quieter, traditional surroundings.
Budget
Arequipa is generally a mid-range destination, offering a wide array of affordable local dining options and moderate accommodation costs.
Highlights of Arequipa
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Plaza de Armas Arequipa
This plaza serves as the social heart of the city, framed by colonial arcades and the prominent Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa.
Santa Catalina Monastery
This 'city within a city' occupies a massive, walled complex featuring vibrantly painted streets and cloisters.
Yanahuara Scenic Overlook
The overlook offers the most famous vantage point to view the Misti volcano rising behind the city's traditional white architecture.
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
This cathedral is one of the few in Peru that runs along the entire length of its respective Plaza de Armas.
Sabandía mill
This 16th-century water-powered mill provides a glimpse into the colonial-era agricultural infrastructure of the region.
Mundo Alpaca
This facility offers an educational look at the processing of alpaca wool, a vital textile commodity for the Andean highlands.
Plaza de Yanahuara
This tranquil square is known for its traditional sillar stone church and proximity to the famous scenic viewpoints of Yanahuara.
Selva Alegre Park
This large urban park provides an extensive green space for walking and features a small lagoon and recreational paths.
Top things to do in Arequipa
The 456 most popular places in Arequipa.
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121
Museums Hidden gem
El Palacio de Goyeneche
El Palacio de Goyeneche is a centuries-old former palace located at Fernandini 133 in Arequipa, Peru. It stands as a not...
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122
Parks Hidden gem
Nuevo Peru Park
Nuevo Peru Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Arequipa region of Peru, designated by the Plus Code HGG3+6...
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123
Temples Hidden gem
Comunidad Cristiana De Arequipa
Comunidad Cristiana De Arequipa is an evangelical congregation located in the historic center of Arequipa, Peru. It occu...
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124
Parks Hidden gem
México Park
México Park is a neighborhood recreational space situated in the Monterrey sector of Arequipa, Peru. It serves as a loca...
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125
Parks Hidden gem
Plaza Tingo
Plaza Tingo is a recreational park situated in the Tingo district of Arequipa, known for being a traditional gathering s...
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126
Museums Hidden gem
Museo Arqueológico UNSA
The Museo Arqueológico UNSA is operated by the National University of Saint Augustine of Arequipa and houses a significa...
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127
Venues Hidden gem
Estadio Pampa Del Cusco
Estadio Pampa Del Cusco is a local community sports venue located in the northern district of Cerro Colorado in Arequipa...
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128
Temples Hidden gem
Parroquia "Virgen De La Medalla Milagrosa"
Parroquia Virgen de la Medalla Milagrosa is a local parish church situated in the José Luis Bustamante y Rivero district...
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129
Parks Hidden gem
Asvea Park
Asvea Park is a localized urban green space situated in the Arequipa region of Peru. It functions as a neighborhood park...
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130
Parks Hidden gem
Chabuca Granda Park
Chabuca Granda Park is a public green space located in Arequipa, Peru, designated for neighborhood recreation and commun...
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131
Parks Hidden gem
Local Social El Eden
Local Social El Eden is a community-focused public park located in the Cerro Colorado district of Arequipa. The facility...
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132
Temples Hidden gem
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arequipa, Peru, serves as a significant religious and community hub f...
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133
Parks Hidden gem
Parque Urbanizacion Amauta
Parque Urbanizacion Amauta is a residential neighborhood park situated in the northern sector of Arequipa. It serves as...
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134
Temples Hidden gem
Centro Neocatecumenal Arequipa
Centro Neocatecumenal Arequipa is a regional religious center associated with the Neocatechumenal Way movement located i...
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135
Parks Hidden gem
Infantil 15 De Agosto Park
Infantil 15 De Agosto Park is a localized neighborhood green space situated along Avenida Mariscal Castilla in Arequipa,...
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136
Parks Hidden gem
Las Gardeñas
Las Gardeñas is a residential neighborhood park located in the urban area of Las Gardenias in Arequipa, Peru. The park s...
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137
Venues Hidden gem
Israel
Israel is a local community venue situated in the Paucarpata district of Arequipa, Peru. It serves as a neighborhood-lev...
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138
Temples Hidden gem
Capilla Santa Rosa
Capilla Santa Rosa is a localized religious landmark situated in the Mariano Melgar district of Arequipa. It serves as a...
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139
Parks Hidden gem
Tronchaderos
Tronchaderos is a local park situated along Cusco street in Arequipa, Peru, providing a localized green space within the...
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140
Parks Hidden gem
Madre Park
Madre Park is a local urban green space located in the Vallecito neighborhood of Arequipa. It serves as a quiet recreati...
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141
Parks Hidden gem
Parque 15 de Agosto
Parque 15 de Agosto is a neighborhood recreational green space situated along the busy Avenida Mariscal Castilla in Areq...
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142
Parks Hidden gem
Parque Internacional
Parque Internacional is a neighborhood-scale urban park located in the Valencia 2 residential sector of Arequipa, Peru....
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143
Parks Hidden gem
Parque, Villa Continental
Parque, Villa Continental is a neighborhood green space located in the Arequipa district of Peru. Situated at coordinate...
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144
Temples Hidden gem
Iglesia Santa Ana de Paucarpata
Iglesia Santa Ana de Paucarpata is a historic colonial-era temple located in the traditional district of Paucarpata in A...
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145
Parks Hidden gem
Niño Park
Niño Park is a neighborhood green space located in the city of Arequipa, Peru, situated at coordinates -16.3510211, -71....
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146
Museums Hidden gem
Museo CASA MORAL
Casa del Moral is one of the most representative examples of Arequipena civil baroque architecture, constructed in the 1...
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147
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Buenos Aires
The Church of Buenos Aires, located in the Cayma district of Arequipa, serves as a local parish church catering to the i...
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148
Parks Hidden gem
Santa Rosa Park
Santa Rosa Park is a local neighborhood green space located in the Paucarpata district of Arequipa, Peru. Positioned at...
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149
Parks Hidden gem
Park
Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Cerro Colorado district of Arequipa, Peru. It functions primarily as a...
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150
Parks Hidden gem
Cooperativa Ingenieros Park
Around Arequipa
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Arequipa on the map
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Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Arequipa?
Aventuro lists 456 curated attractions in and around Arequipa, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Arequipa?
Plaza de Armas Arequipa is the most popular place to visit in Arequipa right now.
What kind of attractions does Arequipa have?
The largest category is parks, with 206 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore San Isidro District, Lima, Trujillo, Peru, Independencia.
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