Arequipa Travel Guide — With The 7 Best Things To Do

From its towering volcanoes to its proximity to the gorgeous Colca Canyon, Arequipa is rightfully so probably the most fashionable locations which you could go to in Peru.

One of the prettiest Andean cities round, it’s laden with white, polished volcanic rocks. Arequipa can also be identified for its fiercely impartial tradition, which is greatest explored by way of its markets, museums and native meals.

In this Arequipa journey information, you’ll discover a number of the easiest issues to see and do. I’ll additionally give my very own ideas having hung out exploring the town!

Things to know about Arequipa

The White City

Known because the white metropolis of Peru, Arequipa tends to stun most travellers with its abundance of lovely streets and architectural delights.

Most of those have been constructed utilizing Sillar, which is a volcanic rock that has been excavated from the arid plains that encompass Arequipa.

From the Cathedral to the streets that wind by way of the Yanahuara district, you’ll discover many lovely designs and creations which are made out of this lovely rock.

Unique historical past

Arequipa additionally has a fiercely impartial tradition, even to the extent the place they half-jokingly (and half-seriously) supply an Arequipeñan passport.

During the nineteenth Century, a collection of political occasions shifted Arequipa into changing into the brand new capital of the nation, while the remainder of the nation was beneath rule from bordering Chile. This created a divide between the areas, with Arequipa being seen as a territory inside a territory by the remainder of Peru.

This may be greatest explored by way of lots of its museums, and those that are travelling by way of Peru on an extended journey will certainly additionally really feel the distinction to different cities reminiscent of Cusco or Lima.

Climate

Lastly, probably the most weird issues about Arequipa must be its nearly unchanging climate sample all year long.

Located inside the same-named area, this space could be very arid, surrounded by huge plains of rocky desert and volcanic lands. The Andes mountains are additionally discovered right here too, which block off incoming clouds and rain giving Arequipa its personal distinctive micro-climate.

Average temperatures right here by no means deviate from between 59-61°F (round 15°C), with noon highs of 70-73°F (22°C) and night lows of 49-54°F (11°C). There’s little or no rain too, with over 300 rain-free days all year long! These largely happen between May and October, however even the wettest months of January and February solely see half an inch of precipitation every all through the month.

Where to Stay in Arequipa

There are two predominant areas that travellers will need to base themselves in when visiting Arequipa.

The Historic Center is the primary one, which is the place you’ll discover the bustling Plaza de Armas (and probably the most lovely one in Peru for my part). This space could be very protected and full of varied eating places, vibrant markets and worthwhile landmarks. It’s one of the best place for nightlife in Arequipa too, the place you’ll discover many nice bars and golf equipment alongside Calle San Francisco.

If you’ll be able to afford some luxurious, then probably the greatest locations to remain inside the Historic Centre is the Casa Andina Select. Located proper inside the Plaza de Armas, you’ll be staying in a slick and cozy room, with an on-site restaurant and swimming pool obtainable.

The different space price staying in is Yanahuara, which is positioned throughout the Chili River to the west of the Historic Centre. This space has a extra genuine “town” really feel to it, with a lot of the streets being made out of white, crumbling volcanic rocks. Yanahuara is greatest identified for its gorgeous lookout level (mirador) and has a terrific number of lodging choices and eating places.

For a beautiful boutique resort in Yanahuara, it’s price staying in Azul Colonial, which is located proper within the coronary heart of this district. Here you’ll be positioned inside a phenomenal and cosy home, with an en-suite toilet in addition to a cafeteria for lunch and dinner.

Best Day Trips from Arequipa

Let’s discover a number of the easiest day journeys which you could simply (and safely) take from Arequipa.

Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons on earth, the Colca Canyon is by far probably the greatest websites you’ll be able to discover in Peru.

Within these expansive, mountainous ridges you’ll have the ability to hike alongside some actually unforgettable paths.

The Mirador Cruz del Cóndor is a must-visit, the place you’ll be able to spot Andean Condors hovering by way of the skies (at a wingspan of as much as 3 metres they’re amongst the biggest birds on earth).

You’ll additionally have the ability to go to the indigenous village of Chivay, which has managed to maintain its roots and tradition intact regardless of the Spanish colonial rule.

It’s doable to go to the Colca Canyon independently by taking shuttles to go to totally different locations, mountaineering the path by your self, and staying in Chivay.

However, one of many easiest methods to discover this jaw-dropping area is with a tour that already has every part included. The typical tour has you spending two days trekking by way of the epic canyons. As nicely as having all meals included, you’ll additionally keep on the unbelievable Sangalle — a tropical oasis set inside the depths of the Colca Canyon.

Volcano Hikes to El Misti and Chachani

Arequipa is well-known for its imposing volcanoes, which dwarf this in any other case giant metropolis from varied sides.

Whilst most guests solely take them in from the consolation of a mirador, why not head one step additional and climb one among them?

El Misti is by far the preferred, which may both be hiked in a day or with an in a single day ascent (2 days, 1 evening). At an altitude of 5822 metres it’s no simple enterprise although, and also you’ll must spend at the least 48 hours in Arequipa to acclimatise to the upper altitudes.

The different, extra demanding hike is as much as Chachani. At a extra dizzying altitude of 6057 metres, this one tends to be extra of a problem to succeed in the snow ridge the place you’ll be able to then hike as much as the summit (I attempted this one and failed epically. Please take the altitude significantly girls and gents!).

If you’re fairly versatile with dates, then you’ll be able to simply guide a mountaineering tour on the day. There are quite a few tour companies that encompass the Plaza de Armas. Those with much less time will need to guide upfront, with this 2 Day Hike as much as El Misti being a terrific choice.

Sillar Valley

Of all of the day journeys (and even excursions inside Arequipa) that you are able to do, I’d personally advocate doing this one earlier than all others.

This is as a result of the Sillar Valley is actually the beating coronary heart of all issues structure and design in Arequipa, from the place the gorgeous Sillar rock is excavated from.

Within the valley, we’ll discover this shiny white stone in abundance, which is made up of ash and volcanic fragments which have been launched throughout one of many many eruptions from these volcanoes.

Here you’ll be able to stroll inside the ridges and canyon formations, that are good for getting a pleasant photograph inside. Afterwards, you’ll have the ability to discover a valley with many carved-out sculptures from the rock, reminiscent of an owl in addition to the notorious scripted cliffs.

Like with the volcano hikes, you may as well guide a visit to the Sillar Valley on the day (it’s much more versatile with varied departing instances, given the tour is often round 5 hours). I additionally extremely advocate reserving this half-day tour, the place you’ll have knowledgeable information present you the location, in addition to go to the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto miradores.

Top 7 Things to do in Arequipa

Now let’s check out the easiest issues you are able to do in Arequipa (and inside its instant environment).

1. See the Historic Centre’s architectural delights

Given that this metropolis has been etched out of white rocks and different volcanic gems, one of many predominant issues to see in Arequipa must be the distinctive buildings and community of streets.

Whilst there are different worthwhile neighbourhoods to discover reminiscent of San Lázaro and Cayma, the Historic Centre is the primary that you just’ll need to head to.

Our first cease will probably be within the Plaza de Armas, which is a leafy sq. with a picturesque fountain positioned at its coronary heart. Here we are able to see the gorgeous Basilica Cathedral, with its white spirals towering above all different buildings in sight.

From right here we are able to then take a brief stroll over to the Santa Catalina Monastery, which is thought for each its unbelievable design and likewise a extra darkish previous. Built within the sixteenth Century, it has been residence to many nuns of the Dominican Order, and has since been occupied despite quite a few earthquakes which have partially destroyed totally different areas of the advanced.

Out of the 450 ladies that after lived right here, solely a 3rd have been truly nuns — while the remaining have been native Andeans who labored as both servants or slaves to the nuns.

2. Dive into the native Arequipeñan Food Scene

Peruvian meals is extremely numerous. And there’s a very good cause why it’s rapidly rising into probably the most sought-after cuisines on Earth.

Whilst you’ll be able to attempt many tasty dishes from across the nation, Arequipa itself has many worthwhile meals and drinks that you just’ll need to pattern when on the town.

Lomo Saltado is named a Peruvian staple, although it was truly born right here and so it’s one of the best place to attempt probably the most genuine model. You’ll discover loads of native eating places alongside the Calle Pte. Bolognesi that serve up this unbelievable dish, while those that are after a extra deluxe expertise can head to the globally-acclaimed restaurant of Chicha by Gastón Acurio.

Another novel means of attending to know native meals (in addition to the tradition too) is by heading to the San Camilo Market. The predominant market on the town, right here you’ll discover a tonne of locals promoting their easiest produce. It’s additionally a terrific place to choose up meats and fruits when making ready your individual meals.

Wander round sufficient and also you’ll additionally discover some more strange specialities too, such because the notorious Cuy (Guinea Pig) that endlessly stays an integral a part of conventional Andean delicacies.

Another nice strategy to discover the delicacies of Arequipa is with a guided meals tour. Here you’ll attempt every part from Aji de Gallina and Ocopo to Cuy (don’t fear it’s an optionally available dish!) to conventional Arequipeñan desserts reminiscent of Queso Helado.

3. Learn by way of its Andean Museums

Whilst many know in regards to the Spanish rule of this metropolis, what isn’t so well-known is that human settlement started in these lands some 5000 years in the past in the course of the Palaeolithic Era.

Evidence of this may be present in cave work at varied websites within the area (such because the Toro Muerto). Since then it has been occupied by civilisations such because the Aruni and later the Incas, up till the Spanish Conquest.

During this lengthy interval, there have been many key findings which have made their means into the native museums, with probably the most infamous being the Juanita Mummy inside the Museo Santuarios Andinos — a sacrificed little one discovered on the foot of the Ampato Volcano.

At the museum, we are able to find out about each the ugly (and not-so-gruesome) traditions and customs and see varied weapons, pottery and textiles which have since been discovered and preserved.

Another museum that’s price visiting is the Recoleta Monastery, which is a seventeenth Century convent constructed out of a wide range of contrasting architectural kinds. It’s stuffed with many spiritual and cultural paintings, starting from historic Andean work to imported items from the extra distant Amazonian areas of Peru.

4. Meet Alpacas within the Mundo Alpaca

No journey to Peru may be full with out assembly the extra “furry” native residents. And when in Arequipa there’s no higher place to do that than by heading to the Mundo Alpaca Center, the place you’ll see dozens of alpacas roaming round.

On-site you’ll additionally discover the pre-Columbian textiles museum, the place you’ll be able to see a number of the oldest woven clothes from this space of Latin America, in addition to study the way it’s made too.

One of one of the best issues about this place (and why I all the time advocate coming right here) is that there isn’t any price to enter. They do settle for donations which helps them develop, and that is one explicit place that I really feel actually does deserve an additional serving to hand.

To get to Mundo Alpaca you’ll first want to move 6 blocks north of the Plaza de Armas till you attain the Ovalo de San Lázaro, from which it’s only a brief stroll.

5. Go White Water Rafting alongside the Chili River

When exploring Arequipa, you’ll more than likely go alongside the bridge above a river (that connects the Historic Centre to the Yanahuara district). This river known as the Chili River, and is likely one of the best-known and necessary rivers inside the area of Arequipa.

It’s additionally the proper place for journey fanatics, who can go white water rafting right here and benefit from the Class II – IV rapids (which differ relying on the stretch of river you trip alongside). Even in the event you’re skilled, it’s nonetheless greatest to go together with an organised tour given the dangers of attempting a brand new river by your self.

This whitewater rafting tour is likely one of the greatest choices which you could head on, the place you, your group and exercise chief will spend 2 hours having the fun of your lives as you trip down these waters.

Along the way in which you’ll additionally have the ability to take pleasure in some actually breathtaking views of the encircling landscapes, which embody volcanic rocks and distant peaks. With this tour you’ll even have all transport to and from the location, bottled water in addition to all mandatory gear.

6. Walk across the Yanahuara District

As already talked about earlier on this information, Arequipa is well-known for its volcanic environment and landscapes.

Many of the buildings discovered within the metropolis centre are made out of white Sillar rock, and people eager on doing extra exploring merely should come to the neighbourhood of Yanahuara.

Located to the west of the historic centre (you’ll must cross the bridge over the Chili River), you’ll be able to simply stroll right here, and the primary greatest place to come back to is the Yanahuara Mirador.

With its gorgeous half-oval arches and a fairly colonial church, right here you may get a number of the easiest views over Arequipa. Within the plaza you’ll additionally discover many distributors promoting Queso Helado, which is a regional dessert that you just should attempt!

From right here you’ll be able to then begin exploring the streets the place you’ll see loads of shiny-white buildings, in addition to a tremendous community of cobblestone streets that wind by way of this colonial district.

I like to recommend coming right here within the early morning if you would like the place to your self, the place you may get some insane views over Arequipa from the Mirador. The night is nice too for a sundown snap – though remember that you’ll have many crowds to cope with!

7. Enjoy the colourful Nightlife Scenes

Those who love a very good beer and boogie will actually take pleasure in what’s on supply in Arequipa. I’d even go so far as saying that this metropolis can even rival the scenes of these present in Cusco and Máncora too!

The epicentre is discovered alongside Calle San Francisco, which is a slim avenue that’s positioned simply a few blocks north of the Plaza de Armas.

The Sunset Rooftop Bar is a superb place to kick issues off, from the place you’ll be able to head to La Casona Forum for extra antics later into the evening. You’ll additionally discover many bars and gastropubs right here, in addition to inside the picturesque avenue of Pasaje de la Catedral.

Another nice space for getting drinks and assembly others is inside the Plaza de Armas. A bustling plaza by day, this sq. transforms right into a energetic leisure centre by evening.

Along the second-story assortment of buildings that encompass the plaza, there are numerous eating places and rooftop bars price heading to. One of the easiest is Waya Lookout Terraza, which you’ll simply have the ability to spot given it’s all the time blaring loud music and has shiny lights shining out from the within.

Arequipa Travel Tips from a Local

First off, the delicacies of Arequipa is by far one of many easiest which you could attempt when in Peru. It’s from right here the place the ever-popular Lomo Saltado hails (which is a stir fry that’s accompanied with rice, potato chips, onions and tomatoes).

Whilst right here you’ll additionally need to attempt a Quedo Helado. This vanilla-based ice cream is an absolute deal with in the course of the sizzling sunny hours of the day, and you may order one from the traditionally-dressed Peruvian girls who work within the Plaza de Armas. You’ll additionally discover a store serving Queso Helado proper within the small plaza by the Yanahuara Mirador too.

Next up is the altitude. Whilst it’s not the very best metropolis you’ll be able to journey to in Peru, at 2335 metres it’s nonetheless price taking the primary couple of days good and straightforward.

Walking across the metropolis you in all probability gained’t really feel something extra strenuous than regular, nevertheless, it’s essential to acclimatise earlier than heading on a higher-altitude hike (reminiscent of to Colca Canyon or one of many volcanoes).

If you don’t, then you could undergo from a situation identified domestically as Soroche, the place you’ll really feel nauseous and sick as a result of lack of oxygen within the air.

As nicely as getting naturally acclimated by spending some days in Arequipa, different methods to forestall potential issues embody taking Soroche Pills (you should buy these at any Inkafarma) or through the use of Coca Leaves (which of their unprocessed kind are a gentle pure treatment quite than a drug).