Arequipa: Peru’s White City
With it’s stunning architecture, great food and variety of things to do, it is well worth spending a few days in Arequipa. Located at 2,300m it is also the perfect place to acclimatise before heading up to higher altitude.
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Things to do in Arequipa
White Water Rafting in the Chili River
With class IV rapids, rafting down the Chili River is the perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping.
Having never been white water rafting before, the guides clearly explained what I needed to do, making it perfect for first timers.
Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery
This 16th century monastery is like its own mini city within Arequipa. Full of small colourful streets and rich in history. A convent that was (and still is) home to the nuns, you can walk through their living quarters and kitchens to get a much better understanding of how their live. There is also anelevated section, giving you stunning panoramic views of Arequipa.
Top tip: this place can get busy so I recommend going early morning.
Visit Ruta del Sillar
Located 30 minutes outside the centre, this quarry if full of sculptures made from volcanic rock. With lots of insta worthy opportunities, this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
You can take a tour to go there but I recommend just taking a taxi or Uber and asking (paying) them to wait while you explore.
Visit the alpacas at Mundo Alpaca
Peru is famous for its alpacas and llamas and if you want to learn more about how their wool is transformed into different textiles this place is for you. Their small museum is also great place to get up and close to the animals.
As wonderful as the “alpaca” sweaters are in the markets, the Mundo Alpaca shop is the perfect place to go if you want to treat yourself to some ethically made, 100% alpaca wool clothing (even if it’s just a pair of socks).
Travel tip: be careful as the alpaca’s can spit!
Take a Chocolate Making Class
Known for its cacao, what better place than Peru to carrying out a chocolate making class. The class I took completely surpassed my expectations. We learnt all about the history behind chocolate as well as how the beans go on to become the chocolate bars we see. We also had a go at making our own and best of all trying it!
I would highly recommend the tour we did with Chaqchao Chocolates.
Admire Volcano Misti
The Yanahuara Scenic Overlook is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with panoramic views of Arequipa and Volcano Misti.
Visit the Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon draws many people to Arequipa. You can reach Chivay, the hub of Colca Canyon, from Arequipa by a 3.5 hour bus journey.
Where to eat in Arequipa
- Zig Zag: for good Peruvian food
- Pasta Canteen: with homemade pasta and you choose your sauce and toppings
- INDIA: great curries and a lovely host
- Eco Brunch: great pancakes and yoghurt bowls
- Kaffeehaus: lovely cafe with a nice courtyard and the best coffee in Arequipa
- Sunset Rooftop Bar: located in Le Foyer Hostel, worth booking if you’re not a guest
- Museo del Pisco: not to be mistaken for a museum, this cocktail bar is where to go if you fancy trying pisco
How to get to Arequipa
From Lima or Cusco
With the airport is less than 30 minutes from the city centre and multiple flights departing each day, flying is the easiest and quickest way to get from Lima or Cusco to Arequipa.
Top tip: if booked in advance you should be able to find flights for under £50.
Check out my guide to Lima and Cusco.
From Huacachina
The bus from Huacachina to Arequipa takes about 12 hours.
Peruhop is the only bus company that runs a bus service directly from Huacachina. Alternatively you can get a taxi from Huacachina to the nearby town of Ica then get a bus to Arequipa.
For my guide on Huacachina click here.
From Puno
The bus from Puno to Arequipa takes about 5 hours.
For my guide on Puno and Lake Titicaca click here.
Where to stay in Arequipa
Most of the main attractions are located north of the Plaza de Armas, so it is worth considering this when deciding where to stay in Arequipa.
- Solo travellers: Le Foyer, great location with a lovely rooftop terrace.
- For couples: Plaza Central, with big airy rooms and a lovely view of the main plaza.
OK, that making chocolate class really caught my eye. It sounds like a lot of work to make chocolate starting with the cocoa beans.
It was hard work, but worth it when you get to eat it in the end!
My friend has traveled a lot in Peru and she said Arequipa was her favorite (and I can see why!) What a beautiful city. White water rafting looks epic!!
Arequipa is definitely underrated and I have to agree, it was one of my favourite places in Peru!
I definitely want to check out that chocolate making class!
It was such a fun experience, highly recommend!