The Top 11 Things to Do in Arequipa

If you’re planning a trip to Arequipa and seeking inspiration to make your visit unforgettable, you’re in the right place! Known as the White City and the Lion of the South, Arequipa is the perfect destination for culture, history, and nature enthusiasts.

Thanks to its gripping historical heritage, exquisite cuisine and breathtaking landscapes, there is no shortage of reasons to visit this picturesque Peruvian city.

So, what are the best things to do in Arequipa? Whether you’re an adventurer, a foodie or simply love a day trip, here are our tips on what to do in this city in the south of Peru.

1. Stroll through Plaza de Armas

If there’s one place to begin your adventure in Peru’s White City, it has to be the Plaza de Armas. This vibrant square, surrounded by some of the most significant monuments in the historical centre, is the ideal spot to dive into the city’s rich history. Among its many treasures is the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, a stunning neo-Renaissance temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a testament to the city’s architectural grandeur.

Another must-see religious monument near Plaza de Armas is the Church of the Society of Jesus, where you could spend hours admiring its Andean Baroque façade—a true masterpiece.

Plaza de Armas isn’t just about ecclesiastical buildings; it’s also a cultural hotspot. Both in and around the square, you’ll find two of the city’s premier theatres, the Arequepay and the Fénix, pulsating with Arequipa’s cultural vibrancy.

For a deeper dive into the history of the White City’s most iconic landmarks, be sure to join our free tour of Arequipa.

2. Visit Mummy Juanita

Arequipa is celebrated as a vibrant cultural hub, brimming with captivating museums. Just a short walk from Plaza de Armas, you’ll find the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, which boasts a remarkable collection of Incan archaeological remains from the volcanoes of Arequipa, providing evidence of the ancient civilisation’s human sacrifices.

Among these treasures, the most enthralling is undoubtedly Mummy Juanita. Discovered on the Ampato volcano by archaeologists José Chavez and Johan Reinhard in 1995, this mummy is the well-preserved remains of a young Inca girl sacrificed atop the summit. Alongside Juanita, you’ll find numerous other relics from the Inca era, making this museum a must-visit for any history buffs out there!

3. Taste Peruvian Food & Drinks

No visit to Arequipa is complete without indulging in its mouth-watering Peruvian cuisine. It’s no surprise that Peru has repeatedly been named one of the world’s best culinary destinations by the World Travel Awards (WTA).

The historic centre of Arequipa is the perfect place to savour the city’s cuisine, especially at the vibrant San Camilo Market. Here, you’ll find a variety of stalls offering fresh local produce and delicious street food.

For an authentic taste of Arequipa, try local specialties like solteritos with cheese, stuffed rocoto, or ocopa. You can savour these dishes and more by joining a food tour and workshop in Arequipa.

To taste Peru’s most famous drink, consider taking a Pisco tasting tour. You’ll not only sample this iconic beverage but also tour the city and learn about its origins.

4. Take Photos from the Viewpoints of Arequipa

Some of Arequipa’s best attractions are its viewpoints. In fact, the city boasts several exceptional vantage points, from which you can admire unbelievable views of both the city and the peaks surrounding it.

Although there are several to choose from, our favourite of all is the famous Yanahuara Viewpoint, a beautiful arched balcony which overlooks Arequipa and the Misti Volcano.

If you love photography, don’t miss the Carmen Alto Viewpoint. Although it’s located further from the city centre, it’s definitely worth a visit, as it offers unique views of the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

If you want to take photos of the area’s absolute best landscapes, you should book this tour of the Arequipa viewpoints.

5. Go Rafting on the Chili River

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, why not try rafting on the Chili River? Just 20 minutes from Arequipa’s city centre, this exhilarating activity is a perfect addition to your trip!

Not only is rafting on the Chili River one of the most thrilling experiences in Arequipa, but it’s also one of the most popular spots in Peru for river rafting. Feel the rush as you navigate the rapids!

6. Try Sandboarding in La Joya Desert

If you’d rather stay on dry land, another thrilling activity is sandboarding in the La Joya Desert. Located an hour and a half south of the city, this extraordinary desert has been compared to Martian landscapes. Sandboarding is one of the best ways to explore this unique area. As you reach the top of each dune, you can admire the stunning sandy surroundings before launching yourself back down.

If this tickles your fancy, why not join our sandboarding tour in the La Joya Desert? Glide down the dunes and explore this breathtaking Mars-like landscape!

7. Explore Arequipa’s Volcanoes

Arequipa is a key volcanological destination in the south of Peru, with the Misti Volcano being perhaps the most famous. This impressive Andean stratovolcano stands at 5,820 metres (19,094 feet) above sea level. As an active volcano, it’s common to see fumaroles in some sections of the rock, making it essential to visit the area with an expert guide.

For volcano enthusiasts, a visit to the Chachani Volcano is a must. This 6,057-metre (19,872-foot) peak, located 55 kilometres (34 miles) from Arequipa, majestically overlooks the Peruvian Andes.

If you’re a true adventurer, don’t miss our two-day trip to the Misti Volcano, where you’ll have the chance to climb this iconic Peruvian peak!

8. Marvel at the Salinas Lagoon

Staying close to the Misti Volcano, about 110 km (68 miles) east of the city of Arequipa, is the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. This area includes several volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, as well as lakes such as the Salinas Lagoon.

This spectacular stretch of salt water is also home to various animals, including flamingos. It’s certainly worth a visit, which is why we recommend booking a day trip to the Salinas Lagoon. You absolutely cannot miss this unique landscape!

9. Traverse the Colca Canyon

Another place not to be missed around Arequipa is the Colca Canyon: a spectacular gorge where the majestic Andean condor can be admired in all its glory. Have you ever heard of this South American vulture? Boasting a wingspan of up to 3.3 metres (over 10 ft), the Andean condor ranks among the largest flying birds globally and is widely recognized as the largest bird of prey!

Both the Colca Canyon and the Andagua Volcanoes are part of an environment declared a World Geopark by UNESCO. The landscapes in the area are nothing short of astonishing. After visiting this protected area, you’ll understand why it’s considered a natural gem of Arequipa.

To make the most of the beauty of its scenery, you can join this day trip to the Colca Canyon.

10. Discover Arequipa’s Quarries

Ever wondered why Arequipa is known as The White City? The name comes from the distinctive white volcanic rock, known as piedra sillar, used by Spanish colonists to build the city. This unique rock, with its characteristic white colour, is found in abundance in and around Arequipa.

The white tuff quarries are a must-see in Arequipa. You can marvel at the towering walls of white rock by booking our Ashlar Route hiking tour, which also takes you through the stunning Culebrillas Canyon.

11. Take an Evening Stroll

Last but not least on our list of things to do in Arequipa is taking an evening stroll through the city. As night descends, Arequipa is wrapped in a magical aura. The illumination of the cathedral and other monuments in the Plaza de Armas is particularly striking.

However, the square is only the tip of the iceberg, the rest of Arequipa’s historical centre boasts equally impressive sights after dark. So, simply unwind and relish the refreshing evening breeze as you wander through the bustling streets of the centre. It’s the perfect finale to a day filled with adventure!

Arequipa is a city full of endless possibilities, with delicious food to taste, amazing views to see and exciting adventures to embark on, you’re spoilt for choice. If you want even more inspiration for your trip to Peru’s White City, take a look at all of the activities offered by Civitatis in Arequipa.