The historic center of Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its heart at the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by buildings made of white volcanic stone. On the square stand the magnificent cathedral, arcades, palm trees, and balcony cafés; the atmosphere is especially pleasant at sunset and when the night lights come on. The surrounding streets preserve exquisite volcanic-stone façades with relief carvings, making this the best area to experience the colonial charm of the “White City.”
The Santa Catalina Monastery, known as a “city within a city,” is one of Arequipa’s most famous sights. Inside, colorful cloisters, narrow alleys, old kitchens, and nuns’ cells form a complex where vivid reds, blues, and whites interplay with light and shadow, making it especially photogenic. It is recommended to allow 2–3 hours and to visit in the afternoon or early evening to capture the warm sunlight and tranquil atmosphere.
The Yanahuara Viewpoint lies on the western side of Arequipa and is famous for a row of stone arches framing the classic view of the Misti Volcano, one of the city’s most iconic postcard perspectives. From here you can overlook part of the city and the distant volcanoes, making it ideal for an evening stroll, photography, and soaking up the local neighborhood ambiance.
The Carmen Alto Viewpoint is located in the outskirts of Arequipa and offers a broad panorama over the Chili River canyon and the surrounding terraced fields, as well as the volcanoes encircling the city. Compared with viewpoints in the urban area, this spot is closer to nature and is a great place to appreciate Andean valley landscapes and enjoy a rural atmosphere.
The San Lázaro district is one of Arequipa’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, low white houses, and peaceful ambiance. The area is dotted with small plazas, cafés, and bars, making it an ideal place for an afternoon or evening walk, to experience local life and to photograph everyday street scenes.
The Andean Sanctuaries Museum is famous for displaying the mummy “Juanita,” the remarkably well-preserved remains of an Inca girl discovered on a nearby glacier. Through artifacts, video displays, and guided explanations, the museum presents Inca high-mountain sacrificial rituals and Andean archaeological discoveries, making it a key cultural attraction for understanding the region’s history and archaeology.
The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and is a classic natural attraction reachable from Arequipa. Within the canyon you can watch condors, go hiking, and relax in hot springs. Villages along the route preserve traditional terraced fields and Andean rural landscapes. Common itineraries include day trips or 2 days/1 night with an overnight stay in Chivay or Yanque.
The Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint is located in the middle section of the Colca Canyon and is a renowned place to observe Andean condors soaring above the canyon. In the early morning, when warm air currents rise, the condors are most active. Visitors can stand on the edge of a canyon that is thousands of meters deep to admire the majestic valley scenery and the impressive sight of giant birds gliding past at close range.
Chivay is the main town and transportation hub in the Colca Canyon area, where many canyon tours stop or include an overnight stay. The town has a market, hot springs, and several simple guesthouses and restaurants. It is a common choice for experiencing life in an Andean small town, tasting home-style dishes, and finding accommodation.
Yanque is a small village within the Colca Canyon with a quieter atmosphere, surrounded by terraced fields and valley scenery. Some two-day tours choose to overnight here. Visitors can stroll through the village in a less touristy setting, watch traditional dances, and enjoy hot springs and rural-style lodging.
El Misti is the iconic volcano rising beside the city of Arequipa; its symmetrical cone dominates the skyline and symbolizes the city. For mountaineering enthusiasts who are already acclimatized to high altitude, a two-day ascent is possible. The route is mostly on volcanic scree slopes and offers expansive views over the city and surrounding mountain ranges.
Chachani is another high-altitude volcanic massif near Arequipa. Climbers are usually transferred by 4x4 vehicles to higher elevations before starting the ascent. It is considered one of the technically easier 6,000‑meter peaks. In addition to mountaineering, local operators also organize downhill mountain biking trips with the volcano as a backdrop, suitable for visitors seeking outdoor thrills.
Chicha is a restaurant in Arequipa opened by renowned Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, specializing in innovative Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant offers tasting menus with multiple courses, such as mushroom–pistachio mousse, trout carpaccio, and alpaca ribs with pisco–mustard sauce, combining local ingredients with modern culinary techniques. It is a popular choice for sampling high-level Peruvian gastronomy.
Chelawasi Public House is a craft beer bar located near the center of Arequipa, known for its wide selection of local and international craft beers, as well as burgers and chicken wings. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and the staff are friendly, often offering travel tips to visitors. It is a great place to experience Arequipa’s nightlife and local beer culture.
