1. Plaza de Armas of Arequipa: starting point in the White City
The Plaza de Armas is the best place to start getting to know Arequipa. Surrounded by colonial sillar buildings and the imposing Cathedral, it is ideal for walking under the arcades, taking photos with views of Misti and soaking up the local atmosphere. Many city tours and free walking tours start from here, making it the perfect hub to get your bearings and plan the rest of your visit.
2. Santa Catalina Monastery: a city within the city
The Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the most impressive colonial complexes in South America. Its internal streets, plazas, colorful cloisters and nuns’ cells create the feeling of walking through a small walled city. The visit is paid, but it is essential to understand the religious history of Arequipa and to get spectacular photos.
m3. Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints: classic views of Misti volcano
From the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints you get the most famous postcards of Arequipa: the sillar arches framing Misti volcano and the Chili Valley. They are ideal to visit at sunset, combine with a walk through the traditional Yanahuara neighborhood and enjoy a panoramic view without going too far from the center.
4. Andean Sanctuaries Museum: the story of Juanita, the Lady of Ampato
At the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, “Juanita” is on display, the famous Inca mummy found on Mount Ampato. The guided visit explains high-mountain offerings, the Andean worldview and sacrifice rituals in the time of the Inca Empire. It is a recommended cultural experience for travelers looking for more than just landscapes.
5. Flavors of Arequipa: lunch at a traditional picantería
Picanterías are an essential part of Arequipa’s identity. In these traditional restaurants you can try dishes such as rocoto relleno, Sunday adobo, chupe de camarones and pastel de papa. Including a meal at a picantería in your itinerary is a must to experience Arequipa through its gastronomy and recommend authentic experiences to your clients.
6. San Lázaro neighborhood: sillar alleyways and colonial charm
San Lázaro is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Arequipa. Its cobblestone alleys, white sillar houses and small squares create an intimate, photogenic atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed stroll. It is perfect for those looking for less crowded corners that are still very close to the historic center.
7. Sillar Route: quarries and volcanic landscapes
The Sillar Route leads to the quarries where the white stone that gave Arequipa its fame as the “White City” is extracted. In Añashuayco and other nearby quarries you can see carved sillar sculptures, monumental walls and the contrast between the volcanic rock and the blue sky. It is a short but very visual excursion, perfect for half-day tours.
8. Colca Canyon: nature, villages and Andean terraces
Colca Canyon is one of Arequipa’s star attractions. Between viewpoints, traditional villages, colonial churches and terraced agricultural landscapes, travelers can appreciate high-altitude Andean life. It can be visited on a one-day tour or in 2-day programs with an overnight stay in Chivay or nearby towns, combining nature, culture and relaxation.
9. Cruz del Cóndor: encounter with the king of Colca
At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, travelers wait for the moment when Andean condors rise on the canyon’s air currents. Watching them fly just a few meters away is one of the region’s most memorable experiences. It is usually included in Colca tours, so it is a key stop when planning your tourist offer.
10. Sabandía Mill and the Arequipa countryside
The Sabandía Mill, surrounded by trees, irrigation channels and terraces, shows how grain used to be milled in the Arequipa countryside. The setting is perfect for walking, taking photos and complementing the visit with a tour of the countryside, where you can appreciate rural life just minutes from the city.
11. Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes: high-altitude adventure
Arequipa is guarded by three major volcanoes: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. For adventurous travelers, there are treks and organized climbs that allow you to approach these mountains, either on one-day or multi-day hikes. It is also possible to enjoy them from viewpoints and short routes for those who prefer less demanding activities.
12. Rafting on the Chili River: adrenaline minutes from downtown
Rafting on the Chili River offers a dose of adventure without leaving Arequipa. The navigable sections combine moderate rapids with quieter stretches, surrounded by valley landscapes and views of the volcanoes. It is an excellent experience for young travelers, groups of friends or anyone looking for an activity beyond the classic sightseeing circuit.
13. Circuit of colonial churches and mansions
Arequipa preserves a valuable collection of colonial churches and mansions built in sillar. Visiting temples such as the Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus and its cloisters, as well as some mansions adapted as museums or cultural centers, allows you to appreciate mestizo baroque architecture and understand the historical importance of the city in the viceregal period.
14. Hot springs and relaxation near Arequipa
In the surroundings of Arequipa and in the Colca Valley there are several hot spring complexes where travelers can relax after a day of excursions. The pools with hot water of volcanic origin are ideal for resting, easing fatigue and enjoying mountain views, especially at the end of the day.
15. Sunset and nightlife in the White City
The White City changes atmosphere when the sun goes down. Many travelers enjoy sunset from terraces overlooking the Cathedral and the volcanoes, and then continue the evening in bars, cafés and restaurants in the historic center and Yanahuara. It is a perfect opportunity to combine gastronomy, cocktails and live music in a beautifully lit colonial setting.
