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Things to Do in Arequipa (2026)
Begin your visit at the Plaza de Armas, the city's historic heart, surrounded by white sillar stone buildings and the towering Cathedral. Climb the cathedral's bell tower forβ¦ ποΈ Start at the Plaza
Begin your visit at the Plaza de Armas, the city's historic heart, surrounded by white sillar stone buildings and the towering Cathedral. Climb the cathedral's bell tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Misti volcano; tours run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for about 15 soles. In the evening, the plaza lights up beautifully, and you'll find locals enjoying the central gardens.
πΊ Explore Santa Catalina
The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is a must-see, a 16th-century convent that feels like a small city within the city. Wander through its narrow streets, cloisters, and vibrant blue and red painted walls; allow at least two hours. Admission is 40 soles, and it's open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arrive early to beat the tour groups and enjoy the quiet morning light.
π½οΈ Taste Local Flavors
Don't leave without trying rocoto relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper, and chupe de camarones, a hearty shrimp chowder. Head to La Nueva Palomino on Calle BolΓvar 103, a beloved local spot where you can sample both for under 30 soles. For a sweet treat, try queso helado, a cinnamon and coconut ice cream sold by street vendors around the plaza.
ποΈ Day Trip to Colca
The Colca Canyon is a full-day excursion from Arequipa, famous for its condor sightings and terraced valleys. Most tours depart around 3 a.m. and return by 6 p.m., costing between 100 and 150 soles including transport and guide. Visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint early in the morning for the best chance to see the birds riding thermal currents.
πΆ Wander Yanahuara
Cross the Chili River to the Yanahuara district, a quiet neighborhood known for its colonial churches and artisan workshops. The Mirador de Yanahuara offers a classic postcard view of the city with Misti in the background, best at sunset. It's a 20-minute walk from the plaza, or take a taxi for about 6 soles.
π Catch a Show
For an evening of culture, check out the Teatro Municipal on Calle Mercaderes, which hosts everything from local folkloric dances to contemporary plays. Tickets are often under 30 soles, and the schedule is posted at the box office. Alternatively, many bars in the historic center offer live Andean music on weekends, free with a drink purchase.
ποΈ Shop San Camilo
The Mercado San Camilo is the city's main market, a bustling maze of produce, meat, and flower stalls. It's a great place to pick up local snacks like dried fruits and cheese, or to grab a cheap and filling lunch at one of the small eateries. The market is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it's just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
π Ride the Volcano
For adventurous travelers, a trip to the summit of Misti volcano is a challenging but rewarding two-day trek. Several agencies in town offer guided climbs for around 300 soles, including equipment and camping gear. You'll need to be acclimatized to the altitude, so plan this for the end of your trip. The view from the top is unforgettable, with the crater and the city far below.
the santa catalina tip about going early is spot on, i went at like 9:30 and still had the place almost to myself for the first hour. one thing the guide doesn't mention is the rooftop cafe inside the convent, it's a bit hidden but they have this amazing view over the orange rooftops and you can sit there with a coffee for way longer than you should.
also, skip the touristy picanterias near the plaza and walk a few blocks to La Capitana on Calle San Juan de Dios for the chupe de camarones. it's a bit rougher around the edges but the portions are huge and the locals pack it out at lunchtime. and if you're there on a sunday, the mercado san camilo is chaos but in a good way, grab a chicharron sandwich from the stall near the flower section, it's like 8 soles and honestly better than any fancy restaurant i tried.
honestly the yanahuara sunset tip is the best one on this list, i stumbled up there my last night and it was packed but everyone was just chilling, it felt like a proper neighborhood hangout. if u go, grab a cup of leche de tigre from the little cart by the mirador, it's like 5 soles and way better than anything you'll get near the plaza.
for the misti trek, dont book the first agency u see on the plaza, they all quote the same price but the gear quality varies a lot. i went with a smaller outfit called Colca Trek on Calle Jerusalen, they let me borrow their down jacket for free when mine was too thin for the summit wind. and seriously, do the acclimatization day hike to Chachani base first, it makes the actual summit way more manageable, i saw a few groups turn back halfway because they skipped it.
ngl the rocoto relleno at La Nueva Palomino is legit but go for the lunch special, they do a set menu with soup and a drink for like 15 soles, way better deal than ordering ala carte. also if youre into the colca trip, most people sleep on the hot springs at the bottom of the canyon, ask your guide to squeeze in a quick stop at La Calera on the way back, it's free and perfect for sore legs after the hike.
3 Days in Arequipa: Itinerary 2026
Start your first day at the Plaza de Armas, where you can see the Cathedral and the beautiful arches. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery (entrance S/40) in the morning toβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1: Historic Center
Start your first day at the Plaza de Armas, where you can see the Cathedral and the beautiful arches. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery (entrance S/40) in the morning to avoid crowds. For lunch, head to La Nueva Palomino on Calle BolΓvar for authentic picanterΓa dishes. In the afternoon, explore the Museo Santuarios Andinos to see the famous 'Juanita' mummy.
π½οΈ Evening Dining and Nightlife
For dinner, try the traditional 'rocoto relleno' at Zig Zag Restaurant on Calle Zela, known for its fusion cuisine. Afterward, enjoy a pisco sour at the Museo del Pisco on Calle Moral, which offers live music. If you prefer a quieter evening, take a stroll along the CallejΓ³n del Solar and admire the colonial architecture.
ποΈ Day 2: Yanahuara and Cayma
Begin your second day with a short taxi ride (10 minutes) to the Yanahuara viewpoint for panoramic views of the city and the Misti volcano. Walk through the Yanahuara district and visit the San Juan Bautista Church. For lunch, head to Cayma and try the 'adobo' at La Casona del Pato, a local favorite. Spend the afternoon exploring the Carmen Alto viewpoint and the nearby countryside.
π Getting Around
Arequipa's historic center is walkable, but for longer distances, use taxis or Uber, which are affordable (S/10-S/20 within the city). Public buses cost S/1.50 but can be confusing for visitors. To reach Yanahuara or Cayma, take a taxi or a 'colectivo' from the center for about S/5. Always confirm the fare before getting in a taxi.
ποΈ Day 3: Museums and Markets
On your last day, visit the Museo de Arte ContemporΓ‘neo (MAC) in the historic center, which showcases modern Peruvian art. Then, explore the San Camilo Market, where you can taste local fruits and buy souvenirs. For lunch, try the 'chupe de camarones' at La Benita, a small restaurant near the market. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Catedral de Arequipa, including its rooftop views.
π° Local Prices and Tips
Arequipa is budget-friendly: a meal at a local restaurant costs S/15-S/30, while a nice dinner is S/50-S/80. Museum entrances range from S/10 to S/40. Carry small bills for markets and tips, as many places don't accept cards. Always ask for the 'menΓΊ del dΓa' for a cheap set lunch.
π Best Sunset Spots
For a memorable sunset, head to the Yanahuara viewpoint or the Carmen Alto viewpoint, both offering stunning views of the volcanoes. Another option is the Mirador de Sachaca, a bit farther but less crowded. Bring a jacket, as it gets cool in the evening. These spots are perfect for photography, so don't forget your camera.
the san camilo market tip is solid but dont sleep on the mercaderes street food stalls right outside it, get the chicharron sandwich with salsa criolla, like s/8 and way better than anything sit down. also if u have time on day 3 skip the mac if ur not into modern art and instead do a quick walk up to the fundo el fundo on the outskirts, it's a picanteria that does a mean cuy chactado but u gotta call ahead rn. the rooftop cathedral tour is worth it but go at like 4pm when the light hits the plaza, not midday when it's harsh. and for sunset, sachaca is the move, less tourists and u can grab a beer at the little kiosk up there, just bring cash cause they dont take cards.
solid itinerary, the santa catalina tip about going early is key cause it gets packed by noon. if u got extra energy day 1, swing by the mercado san camilo at like 6pm when the stalls are winding down, grab a emoliente from the old lady by the flower section, it's the perfect way to end the night after the pisco sours. also the juanita mummy thing, they don't let u take pics of her, but the other artifacts are fair game, so dont waste ur phone battery waiting.
honestly the zig zag rec is spot on, that rocoto relleno is the real deal. but if u want the classic version, skip the fusion and hit up la palomino for lunch instead, their rocoto is spicier and the chicha de jora on tap is a must. for day 2, instead of the colectivo, just walk from yanahuara down to cayma, it's like 20 mins downhill and u pass the old molino de sabandia, which is a chill detour if u like mill ruins. also, the museo santuarios andinos is better with the english audio guide, it adds context to juanita that the plaques miss. and for a late night bite after pisco, the anticuchos cart on calle san jose near the plaza is open til like 1am, s/6 for a skewer, way better than the tourist spots.