Flanked by three volcanoes, Arequipa is named the “White City” because of the white volcanic stone used to construct many of the city’s most prominent buildings. With over 1 million inhabitants, Arequipa is Peru’s 2nd largest city. In the sun-laden environment of the surrounding Atacama desert as its backdrop – the light reflecting off of the city’s white stone buildings makes Arequipa glow like a beacon on a hill. While I initially considered Arequipa as primarily a staging point for doing the Colca Canyon trek, I came to see the city as a destination in and of itself once I arrived. This blog post will explore what I think are the best things to do in Arequipa.
Contents:
- Visiting Nazca enroute to Arequipa
- Where to Stay in Arequipa
- Dining in Arequipa
- Plaza de Armas
- Free Walking Tour Arequipa
- Museo Santuarios Andinos
- Monasterio de Santa Catalina
- Mercado San Camilo
- Mundo Alpaca
- Trip costs for 3 days and 2 nights in Arequipa
- Final thoughts on Arequipa
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Visiting Nazca enroute to Arequipa:
After my incredible visit to Huacachina, I boarded my Peru Hop transport which first took us to view the famed Nazca lines (cost included in Peru Hop ticket cost), and then onto the town of Nazca itself. There is not much to see in Nazca outside of the town being jumping off point for flight and tour excursions to view the Nazca lines; so I only stayed part of an afternoon in the town, before taking the 10-hour overnight Peru Hop bus from Nazca to Arequipa.
For those not staying in Nazca, the Peru Hop bus picks up at Mom’s Cafe in Nazca. This is also a good spot to get some dinner to-go. If you want to try some good Chinese-Peruvian food however – consider Polleria Roky’s across the street to get take-out. I am always a fan of taking overnight buses when they’re available. 10 hours means you have enough time to actually sleep; and also saves a night of accommodations. The Peru Hop overnight bus was comfortable, but I would note that the seats did not recline completely flat.
We arrived in Arequipa around 5am, and the Peru Hop buses dropped each of us off at our respective accommodations in Arequipa.
Where to stay in Arequipa:
I stayed at Way Kap Arequipa. This hostel was both clean, well-run and centrally located within 10 minute walk from Plaza Armas and the amenities of the city centre. Way Kap Arequipa was also fantastic for people arriving into the city in the early morning hours on an overnight transport, as they had a lot of comfy couches, and lounge areas where one could sleep for a few hours before the city wakes up. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and they let you store your larger luggage for free if you leave to do the Colca Canyon trek.
Hotel Boutique Villa Elisa is a great mid-range choice for travellers who prefer more private accommodations. Located in a converted colonial house, Hotel Boutique Villa Elisa is only a 10 minute walk from the town centre, and has a pool.
Dining in Arequipa:
Arequipa is the heartland of traditional Peruvian cuisine. If you have ever been curious about Peruvian specialities like “Cuy” (guinea pig) or alpaca; Arequipa is the place to try it. The place most recommended to me by locals to try cuy or guinea pig is La Nueva Palermino (note: this restaurant is only open between 12noon – 5pm daily). If you’re a meat-lover or curious about trying alpaca meat, a great place to go is Zig Zag – which service a trio of beef, alpaca, and lamb on hot volcanic rock as a specialty.
Another Peruvian specialty is Chicha – a fermented corn beverage – a mildly sweet beverage that’s something between a beer and kombucha. A great place to try chicha is Chicha por Gaston Acurio – which also serves elevated Peruvian cuisine.
Plaza de Armas:
Plaza d’Armas in Arequipa is the town centre, and is beautiful both day and night. The restaurants that line the 2nd level of the square are great places to get a bite to eat while people watching or taking in the sunset.
Free Walking Tour Arequipa:
I’m always a fan of doing a walking tour of a new city to get to know the city and also meet potential travellers with whom to explore the city. This free walking tour (paid by tips) was awesome.
Museo Santuarios Andinos:
The mummy “Juanita”, also known as Lady of Ampato, is the mummified frozen body of a girl between the ages of 12 – 15 years old who was sacrificed sometime between 1440 and 1480 to the Incan gods. You can view Juanita in the Museo Santuarios Andinos in Arequipa. Photography is strictly forbidden. Museum entry is 25 soles – and includes a guided tour.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina:
The Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Sirena is a mini “city within a city” just minutes from the Plaza de Armas. Founded in 1579, the convent used to house the daughters of the wealthy, who lived lives of relative luxury in the convent despite having taking vows of poverty. Their daily lives taken care of by generous dowries paid by their families. The convent remains active today for the 20 or so cloistered nuns who still live in the convent – shielded away from the hordes of tourists that visit the tourist attraction on a daily basis. The convent is well worth the visit to see the different apartments of the wealthy women who used to call the covent home. Remnants of private apartments with beautiful gardens and kitchens make it feel like you’re on a 14th century real-estate open house visit. Entry: 45 sols for foreigners.
Mercado San Camilo:
The San Camilo market is the largest market in Arequipa and also of Southern Peru. The market was constructed over the site of the old church of San Camilo after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1868. Anything you’re looking for; you’ll likely find at the San Camilo market, from fresh fruits, vegetables, to alpaca sweaters. If you’re hungry, thirsty, or feeling generally like picking up locally sourced souvenirs – the San Camilo market is well-worth the visit. Given its proximity to the city centre, it is popular with both locals and tourists alike.
Visit Mundo Alpaca:
If you’ve had enough of city life, take a break and visit the adorable llamas and alpacas at Mundo Alpaca (see map for location). Entry is free, and you can learn about the the process to make Alpaca yarn products. There’s a gift shop where you can purchase authentic alpaca garments and products.
Trip costs for 3 days and 2 nights in Arequipa:
Accommodations: $14.84
Dining: $28.00
Excursions/entry fees: $31.64
Total: $74.48
Final thoughts on Arequipa:
I initially intended Arequipa to primarily be a staging point for my 2 day Colca Canyon trek, but I ended up really enjoying this city that emulates the heart of Peruvian culture. From trying authentic Peruvian dishes like cuy and chicha to seeing Peru’s past in museums, monasteries and markets; Arequipa should be part of any visit to the country.