Best things to do in Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa, set in the shadow of the majestic Misti volcano and Peru’s second-largest city. It is a destination with a rich history, culture, and breathtaking nature surrounding it. It’s also known as the “White City” for its stunning colonial architecture, crafted from white volcanic stone. Whether you’re an outdoorsy adventurer looking to explore the landscapes of the Colca Canyon, interested in cultural experiences or a foodie ready to indulge in Peru’s renowned cuisine, Arequipa has something special in store. At 2,335m in altitude it’s also a great stopover to let your body get used to a higher altitude, before heading to Cusco. In this post, I’ll tell you about all the must-see attractions, hidden gems and restaurants that make Arequipa a destination worth exploring.

Best things to do in Arequipa

Santa Catalina Monastery

Tucked away in the historic center of Arequipa, the Santa Catalina Monastery caught our attention with both its architecture and history. This centuries-old convent feels like a city within a city. The convent is a maze of vividly painted alleys, sun-dappled courtyards, and secluded cells where nuns once lived in isolation. It’s much larger than I anticipated and we could’ve walked around for hours. The rich colors of the walls, ranging from deep reds to vibrant blues make every corner worthy of a photo stop. It’s a peaceful escape within the city and shows us a unique glimpse into Peru’s colonial past. It’s best to reserve your ticket online. On Tuesdays it is also possible to book a night visit.

Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Entrance fee: 45 soles/ ~ 12 USD. Book here.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa commands attention as it dominates the city’s main square, crafted from striking white sillar stone with the Misti volcano looming in the background. Built in the 17th century, the cathedral not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a symbol of Arequipa’s resilience, having been rebuilt after several earthquakes. Inside, grand columns, an exquisite Belgian organ, and a stunning altar greet you. The fusion of Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles makes it a must-see for anyone exploring Arequipa.

Mirador de Yanahuara where you might see Volcano Misti

When you visit Mirador de Yanahuara, it feels like stepping into a postcard. The peaceful walk through the quaint Yanahuara neighborhood leeds into these beautiful stone arches that, if you’re lucky, show you the view of a perfectly framed Misti volcano. Unfortunately the volcano was completely covered by clouds durning my visit, but it was a pretty spot nonetheless.

Have a drink on a Rooftop Bar on the Square

In Arequipa, the best place for a drink is around sunset at the rooftop bar La Terraza. You can find it at the top on the corner of the Plaza de Armas. From here you have a great view of the cathedral and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Mundo Alpaca

Mundo Alpaca is a little commercial, but a fun experience nonetheless. They offer a tour that starts at a tiny alpaca farm and then leads you through an alpaca textile museum. Here you can learn how the textile is processed into handicrafts. Local women in traditional clothing are working with the wool to show you how the clothing and traditional fabrics are made.

Holy week in Arequipa

Holy Week in Arequipa is an experience that immerses you in the city’s rich religious traditions. Especially the solemn Holy Friday procession. As the streets fill with the haunting sounds of brass bands and the scent of incense, the atmosphere becomes both somber and mesmerizing. I found myself captivated by the sight of devout Arequipeños carrying statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus through the narrow, cobblestone streets. The flickering candlelight illuminated their faces. The procession winds through the historic city center, passing by majestic colonial churches like the Cathedral and La Compañía. In conclusion, watching this spiritual event, will be an unforgettable highlight of your time in Arequipa.

Claustros de La Compañía

This courtyard is an old convent, turned shopping center. Take a quick look for the beautiful architecture or have a look inside one of the shops selling beautiful clothing made from Alpaca wool.

Colca Canyon

Technically the Colca Canyon is not in Arequipa, but many people choose to visit it from Arequipa. However, I definitely recommend to take multiple days in the canyon and not try to squeeze it into a day trip.

Here you can find my guide to the Colca Canyon.

Traditional hat store

There is a really cute store that sells traditional hats. All the hats were of incredible quality and I think the owner deserves the business! You can see me wearing the hat in most photos of Peru. The store is not listed on google maps, but I saved the approximate location, so you can find it if you’re looking for a nice quality hat! You can find it here.

My Favorite Restaurants in Arequipa

Pasta Canteen
Wherever I travel to, at some point I’ll crave a really good pasta. This cozy little restaurant offers several freshly made pasta dishes with a variety of sauces to choose from. It’ casual and laid-back, but has a nice vibe and a great spot for an affordable lunch or dinner.

Masamama – Bakery & Mill
I love a good sourdough bread, so I was very happy to find this bakery. If you appreciate artisanal baked goods, you’ll love this place. This bakery takes pride in using locally sourced grains, milled on-site to create their own bread and pastries. It was my go to spot in the morning to grab a coffee and breakfast before starting my day in Arequipa.

Zig Zag
Zig Zag is where Peruvian and Swiss culinary traditions come together in a beautifully restored colonial house. While it’s known for its stone-grilled meats and alpaca steaks the trout starters and a veggie main are also delicious. It’s a little on the pricey side, but it’s a great place for a special evening.

Kao Thai and Peruvian Cuisine
Kao Thai and Peruvian Cuisine is a fusion restaurant that mixes Thai flavor with Traditional Peruvian ingredients. The menu has some interesting curries and refreshing ceviches, but all with a creative twist.

13 Monjas
We mostly visited this place for the beautifully designed space. When I was there it was always packed! After seeing the queues we decided to give it a try ourselves. The menu is simple and the food is fine, but the atmosphere is fantastic.

Mi Kcao Chocolates y Café Rooftop (Ring the Bell)
This rooftop Café Rooftop is a lovely surprise in the city. To reach the rooftop, you’ll need to ring the bell at the entrance, adding a touch of intrigue to your visit. Once upstairs, stunning views of the city welcome you as well as a menu full of decadent chocolate treats and coffees.

La Terraza on the Top
La Terraza on the Top has some of the best views Arequipa has to offer. However, I wouldn’t go here for the food, but it’s the ideal spot for a sundowner overlooking the main square.

Best Places to stay in Arequipa

Me and my mom stayed in Casona Plaza Hotel Colonial. I can highly recommend them, because of their very clean rooms and absolutely lovely staff. They helped us when we had to change our bus tickets due to getting sick and went above and beyond.

If you’re looking for something even more central, then try Plaza Central. Beautiful rooms, with comfortable beds and overlooking the main square.

Last but not least, La Hostería Boutique Hotel. Expect a charming retreat set within a beautifully restored colonial mansion. Additionally it’s only a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas. Relax in the courtyard enjoy their spa, or enjoy the views of the city from the rooftop terrace.