20 Best Things to Do in Arequipa, Peru: Places and Experiences

Arequipa is one of the most attractive travel destinations in southern Peru. Known as the White City for its volcanic stone buildings, Arequipa combines history, volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, and delicious local cuisine. Its historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just the beginning of everything this beautiful city has to offer.

If you're looking for the best things to do in Arequipa, you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy culture, nature, and adventure. From exploring the Plaza de Armas to watching Andean condors soar above the Colca Valley, every experience reveals a different side of the region.

In this guide, you'll discover 20 of the best places to visit in Arequipa and experiences worth adding to your itinerary. You'll also find useful travel tips and recommendations to help you choose among the best tours in Arequipa.

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Arequipa and one of the best places to start exploring the city. Its beautiful gardens, volcanic stone archways, and historic buildings create a welcoming atmosphere for walking, relaxing, and admiring the local architecture.

Overlooking the square is Arequipa Cathedral, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Its impressive facade and elegant towers are among the most photographed sights in the White City. In the evening, the illuminated buildings make the square especially beautiful for a relaxing stroll.

Take some time to explore the nearby streets, browse small handicraft shops, and discover cafés overlooking the historic center. If you'd like to learn more about this iconic landmark, our upcoming Plaza de Armas of Arequipa guide will offer additional information and recommendations.

Santa Catalina Monastery is one of Arequipa's most important tourist attractions. Founded in 1579, this remarkable religious complex is famous for its cobblestone streets, flower-filled courtyards, and brightly colored walls. Walking through its historic rooms offers a fascinating glimpse into life inside the monastery centuries ago.

Just a short walk from the city center, you can also explore the San Lázaro neighborhood, considered one of the oldest areas of Arequipa. Its narrow passageways, traditional volcanic stone buildings, and peaceful streets preserve much of the city's architectural charm.

Both places are excellent choices for travelers interested in history and photography. You can explore them during a cultural walk through the city or discover the main historical landmarks on an organized Arequipa City Tour.

If you want to enjoy some of the best views in Arequipa, Yanahuara Viewpoint is a must-visit destination. Its famous volcanic stone arches frame a beautiful panorama of the city and Misti Volcano, especially on clear days. Nearby, you'll also find a traditional square and places to try queso helado, a popular local frozen dessert.

Another excellent option is Carmen Alto Viewpoint, where you can admire the Chilina Valley, its green agricultural fields, and the mountains surrounding the city. This peaceful location is ideal for enjoying the scenery and taking memorable photographs.

Both viewpoints are popular stops on sightseeing routes around Arequipa. You can visit them on an Arequipa City Tour or discover more recommendations in our upcoming Yanahuara Viewpoint guide.

The Sillar Route is one of the most interesting cultural experiences near Arequipa. This excursion takes you to the quarries where the volcanic stone used for centuries to build the city's churches, mansions, and historic monuments is extracted.

At the Añashuayco quarries, you can watch local stoneworkers at work and admire sculptures carved directly into large rock walls. It's a fascinating opportunity to understand why Arequipa is known as the White City.

The excursion may also include Culebrillas Canyon, a narrow natural passage surrounded by impressive rock formations, where ancient examples of rock art can be found. To discover both attractions, you can book the Sillar Route Tour in Arequipa.

Colca Canyon is one of Peru's most impressive natural destinations and one of the most recommended day trips from Arequipa. Its mountains, agricultural terraces, and traditional Andean villages create breathtaking landscapes that deserve to be explored.

One of its most famous attractions is Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, where visitors may observe Andean condors soaring above the canyon when natural conditions are favorable. Mornings are often a good time to visit, although sightings depend on the birds' behavior and weather conditions.

If you have limited time, you can choose the Colca Canyon Full Day Tour. For a more relaxed experience, the 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour allows you to spend more time exploring the valley's landscapes and traditional villages.

Chivay is one of the most important towns in the Colca Valley and a frequent stop on excursions from Arequipa. Its main square, local market, and traditional streets offer visitors a glimpse of everyday life in a small Andean town surrounded by mountains.

Just outside Chivay, you'll find La Calera Hot Springs, known for their naturally warm pools. They're a wonderful place to unwind after exploring the viewpoints and spending the day surrounded by spectacular highland scenery.

If you'd like to explore the valley at a slower pace, consider the 3-Day Colca Canyon Tour. You can also discover more recommendations for this area in our upcoming Chivay, Arequipa travel guide.

Misti Volcano is Arequipa's most recognizable natural landmark. Its distinctive silhouette dominates the city's skyline and can be admired from numerous viewpoints. For most visitors, enjoying the views and photographing the volcano from Yanahuara or Carmen Alto is a memorable experience.

Beyond the city lies Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a protected area featuring high-altitude landscapes, vast plains, and wildlife such as vicuñas. Some routes connecting Arequipa with the Colca Valley pass through sections of this remarkable reserve.

Because of the altitude, it's important to bring warm clothing, sun protection, and drinking water. If you'd like to learn more about the mountain that defines Arequipa's landscape, check out our upcoming Misti Volcano guide.

The Andean Sanctuaries Museum is one of the most fascinating cultural attractions in Arequipa. Its exhibitions explore ancient ceremonies performed in the Andean mountains during the Inca period. One of its best-known subjects is the discovery of Juanita, a young Inca girl found on Mount Ampato.

After learning about the region's history, you can visit San Camilo Market, one of Arequipa's most traditional markets. Here, you'll find fresh fruits, regional products, local ingredients, and a wide variety of prepared foods.

It's an excellent place to experience everyday life in Arequipa and discover traditional flavors. During your visit, you can also try regional specialties such as rocoto relleno, ocopa arequipeña, adobo, and chupe de camarones.

The countryside surrounding Arequipa offers wonderful places for travelers who want to enjoy peaceful landscapes and discover historic buildings beyond the city center.

Sabandía Mill is an old stone building surrounded by gardens and agricultural land. Its architecture and traditional milling equipment provide an interesting look at the activities once carried out in this part of the region.

Another attraction is the Founder's Mansion, a historic residence featuring spacious rooms, courtyards, and architectural details typical of Arequipa. Both places can be included in a countryside excursion, especially if you have extra time during your visit.

The Church of La Compañía de Jesús is one of the most remarkable religious buildings in Arequipa's historic center. Its volcanic stone facade features intricate carvings that reflect the artistic traditions developed during the colonial period.

Next to the church are the Cloisters of La Compañía, a beautiful complex of courtyards and archways where visitors can admire the traditional architecture of the White City. It's a pleasant place to walk around and appreciate the craftsmanship of the volcanic stone structures.

Thanks to its convenient location near the Plaza de Armas, you can easily include these attractions in a walking tour of the historic center. They're also among the highlights of the Arequipa City Tour.

To explore the main tourist attractions in Arequipa, spending three to four days is recommended. This gives you enough time to discover the historic center, visit scenic viewpoints, and take excursions to the region's natural attractions.

If you only have one day, focus on the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and Yanahuara. With two days, you can also visit the Sillar Route, while a longer stay allows you to include Colca Canyon in your itinerary.

These itineraries are suggestions and can be adjusted according to your arrival schedule, interests, and preferred travel pace. For more detailed planning, our upcoming guide on what to see in Arequipa in 1, 2, and 3 days will help you organize each day.

Before traveling, it's important to consider the weather and altitude. Arequipa sits approximately 2,335 meters (7,661 feet) above sea level, while excursions to the Colca Valley pass through much higher elevations. If you're not accustomed to high altitudes, it's advisable to start with relaxed activities and stay well hydrated.

Arequipa can be visited throughout the year, although months with less rainfall generally offer better conditions for enjoying scenic viewpoints and outdoor excursions. To help you choose your travel dates, check out our upcoming guide on the best time to visit Arequipa.

It's also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm layer for cooler evenings. If you're planning excursions outside the city, check departure times and tour durations before booking.

Arequipa offers much more than historic monuments. Its volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, delicious cuisine, and natural attractions make it possible to enjoy a wide variety of experiences during a single trip.

If you're planning your next adventure, explore the Arequipa tours offered by Dreamy Tours and find the perfect experience to discover the White City and its beautiful surroundings.