How Long to Stay in Arequipa, Peru
- Quick visit: 2 to 3 days to explore the city and take in a few sunsets
- With Colca Canyon: Add 1 to 2 days for a trek or full-day tour
- Long-stay travellers: It’s a comfortable place to post up for a week or more (we stayed 9 days and didn’t want to leave)
Best Things To Do in Arequipa
1. Explore the San Lázaro Neighbourhood. The city’s oldest district dates back to the Spanish founding in 1540. While it doesn’t have the vibrant colours of other colonial towns, the soft pink and white volcanic stone gives it a super unique look. Visit around 3 pm when the light hits the walls just right. Grab a patio seat, slow down, and take some photos. You’ll want your camera here.
2. Rooftop Coffee with Volcano Views. Arequipa is the land of rooftops. Puku Puku was our go-to for coffee and volcano views, with bean bag chairs and a peaceful vibe. Great spot to journal, plan your next leg, or just soak in the altitude and sunshine.
3. Sunset at Plaza de Armas (Waya Lookout). This city doesn’t have a coastline, but it gave us some of our favourite sunsets of the trip. Waya Lookout is a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the plaza and Misti volcano framed by the cathedral. Arrive before golden hour and stay through the alpenglow. It’s unreal.
4. Day trip to Colca Canyon. Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and one of Peru’s most dramatic landscapes. The main draw here is watching giant Andean condors soar on the morning thermal winds. They glide right overhead. It's safe but a bit frightening. Most tours leave Cusco or Arequipa super early, with stops at scenic viewpoints, traditional villages, and hot springs along the way.
The canyon itself is massive, with terraced fields carved into the walls and tiny villages tucked along the rim. You can either visit on a day trip for the viewpoints or go deeper with a multi-day trek that takes you all the way down into the canyon floor. Either way, it’s a mix of culture, scenery, and one of the best wildlife experiences in Peru.
Note: Protests can disrupt this tour. Protesters sometimes shut down the highway going to Colca Canyon. It's unfortunate, but disrupting tourism is often the only way for the local people to have their voices heard.
5. Walk the Chili River + Yanahuara Viewpoint. Cross Puente Grau from the historic centre and follow the cobbled path along the river for peaceful views and a more local feel. If you keep going, it leads you up to the Yanahuara mirador, a scenic lookout we missed, but everyone says is worth it.
6. Mercado San Camilo. We didn’t make it here, but this market comes highly recommended. It’s supposed to be one of the most interesting in Latin America. It's worth checking out if you’re into local flavours and daily life scenes.
Where to Eat in Arequipa, Peru
- El Buda Profano: This sushi restaurant does simple dishes right. We ordered gyozas, vegetable tempura, and their california roll. It was the first time we’ve ever ordered seconds at a restaurant.
- Prana Vegan Club: While in Arequipa, we ate at this restaurant almost every single day. With a multi course lunch menu costing 12-20 soles ($4.20-$7.00 CAD) it was hard to keep us away. Aside from their expansive lunch menu, they have an even bigger a la carte menu. Our favourite dish we had at Prana was the spaghetti bolognaise which, luckily for us, was in their daily lunch menu.
When to Visit Arequipa
The best time to visit Arequipa is April to October, during the dry season with clear skies and pleasant days averaging 20°C (68°F). Nights can get chilly, especially at altitude, so pack a jacket.
Avoid the wet season from November to March, when afternoon showers are common and some tours to Colca Canyon may be disrupted.
Arequipa is popular with Peruvian tourists during local holidays, so plan accordingly if you want quieter streets and easier bookings.
How to Get to Arequipa
Arequipa is easy to reach, whether you’re travelling within Peru or arriving from abroad. Daily flights connect the city with Lima, Cusco, and other major hubs, making air travel the fastest option. Long-distance buses also run regularly from Lima, Cusco, and Puno. The rides are lengthy, but they’re affordable and a popular choice for travellers who want to see more of the country along the way.
Most long buses in Peru also have night bus options. This is a great budget option since you wrap up your transit and accommodation costs in one. Cruz Del Sur is a great company, and the buses are decently comfortable. You won't get a great night's sleep, and you will probably arrive at your hostel early in the morning and will need to wait around for check-in, but the savings might be worth it.
Dealing with Altitude in Arequipa
Arequipa sits at about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level. This is high enough that some visitors feel the effects of altitude sickness. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping.
To help ease into the altitude:
- Take it slow the first day. Avoid strenuous activity while your body adjusts.
- Drink plenty of water. Hydration is key. Your body is going to burn through water way quicker than you’re used to when you're up this high.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals early on. Drinks will hit quicker, and a feast might leave you nauseous. Ease into both as your body adjusts.
- Consider chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, a traditional natural remedy locals swear by to combat altitude effects. You can find both easily in Arequipa’s markets and cafes. Most hostels will also have a steady supply of coca tea available.
- If you’re feeling rough, over-the-counter acetaminophen can help with headaches, but don’t ignore persistent or severe symptoms. Seek medical help if needed.
Most people acclimate within a day or two and then get to enjoy all the city and nearby landscapes without trouble.
Basic Spanish Phrases for Arequipa
Knowing a handful of Spanish phrases will go a long way here. Locals appreciate it when you try, even if your accent is rough. Here are some essentials:
| English | Translation | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-as |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Perdón | pehr-DOHN |
| Where is...? | ¿Dónde está...? | DOHN-deh es-TAH |
Starting with these will help with ordering food, asking directions, or just making friendly small talk.
A Brief History of Arequipa
Founded in 1540 by Spanish colonists, Arequipa’s stunning colonial architecture is crafted almost entirely from a unique white volcanic stone called sillar. This stone gives the city its nickname, “The White City,” and makes its historic center one of the most photogenic (and brightest) places in South America.
Arequipa grew rapidly thanks to its fertile valleys below the towering volcanoes like Misti, which looms 5,822 meters above the city. It was one of Peru’s most important trade and agricultural hubs.
During South America’s independence movements, Arequipa was a cultural and political hotspot and earned a reputation as the rebellious heart of southern Peru. The city proudly blends indigenous traditions with colonial Spanish influences, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry that’s still alive today.
Fun fact: Arequipa is also home to one of the oldest universities in the Americas, founded in 1828, which helped fuel the city’s reputation as an intellectual and artistic center.
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