Arequipa is far more than a stopover on the road to Cusco. Peru’s White City brings together colonial sillar-stone architecture, the world’s second-deepest canyon, towering volcanoes, and a culinary scene that rivals Lima itself. This guide to the 20 best things to do in Arequipa in 2026 is built for international travelers who want to make the most of every day — with real prices, honest tips, and recommendations from a local agency that’s been on the ground here for years.
🏙️ Why Arequipa wins over every traveler who visits
Set at 2,335 m (7,661 ft) above sea level in southern Peru, Arequipa enjoys a privileged climate with over 300 sunny days per year. It’s Peru’s second-largest city and its historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Framed by three volcanoes — El Misti (5,822 m), Chachani (6,057 m), and Pichupichu (5,664 m) — the city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature within a compact, walkable area.
For international travelers, Arequipa has a strategic advantage: its moderate altitude allows you to acclimatize before heading up to the Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca. Many visitors from the US, Europe, and other parts of Latin America use it as the ideal starting point for southern Peru.
🏛️ Things to do in Arequipa: Historic Center (activities 1–8)
The heart of Arequipa is a walkable maze of white volcanic stone streets you can explore in half a day. This is where the most important cultural attractions and the most authentic food scene concentrate. Here are the must-do activities in the city center:
Santa Catalina Monastery
A city within a city. This 16th-century convent covers over 20,000 m² of cloisters, chapels, and cobblestone alleys painted vivid blue and terracotta. You could easily spend 2–3 hours getting lost inside. Spanish and English guided tours available.
S/ 45 entry | S/ 10 guided tour upgradePlaza de Armas & Cathedral Basilica
The city’s epicenter. The cathedral is the only one in Peru allowed to fly the Vatican flag. At sunset, when the golden light falls over El Misti volcano in the background, the scene is simply unforgettable for photographers.
Free (exterior) | S/ 15 cathedral entryAndean Sanctuaries Museum — Juanita
Home to Juanita, the world’s best-preserved Inca ice mummy, discovered on Ampato volcano in 1995. The guided visit tells the story of ritual Inca sacrifice to the volcanoes. Entry with a guide only — Spanish and English available.
S/ 25 adult | S/ 13 studentArequipa City Tour with a local guide
The most efficient way to see the city. The classic route covers Santa Catalina Monastery, Plaza de Armas, Yanahuara viewpoint, the Countryside, and Menelik Museum. With Turismo Liberty, pickup is from your hotel door.
From USD 18 per personYanahuara Viewpoint
A 15-minute taxi ride from the center, this viewpoint with sillar stone arches gives you the best face-to-face view of El Misti volcano. The Yanahuara district also has excellent traditional picanterías. Best visited at sunset.
FreeChurch of the Company of Jesus
The most elaborate Baroque façade in all of Peru. Its interior cloister has been converted into art galleries, cafés, and boutiques. The painted ceilings of the side chapel are a masterpiece of Andean colonial art.
S/ 10 entrySan Camilo Market
The beating heart of Arequipa’s popular food scene. Fresh fruit juices, shrimp ceviche, queso helado, and rocoto relleno at local prices. Best visited between 8am and 1pm when the market is most lively and stocked.
Free entry | Lunch from S/ 12Mundo Alpaca
An educational and photogenic experience: learn about the fiber process of alpaca, vicuña, and llama wool, and feed the animals. Admission is free and the store carries high-quality garments. Great for families and animal lovers.
Free🌋 Tours from Arequipa: nature & landscapes (activities 9–14)
The surroundings of Arequipa are the main reason to stay more than two days. The Colca Canyon is the undisputed star, but there are other experiences that few travelers discover — and which are absolutely worth the detour. Here are the activities outside the city that you can’t miss:
Colca Canyon Tour — Full Day
The world’s second-deepest canyon, just 3 hours from Arequipa. The highlight is Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where Andean condors soar within meters at sunrise. Tours depart at 3am from the city. Departure from S/ 80 per person (BTC not included).
From USD 25 pp + BTC ~USD 18Colca Canyon Tour — 2 Days / 1 Night
The premium version. With a night in Chivay, you have time for the La Calera hot springs, a relaxed sunrise at Cruz del Cóndor, and dinner with local music. Turismo Liberty’s experiential Colca tour includes a stay with an Andean family. A transformative experience.
From USD 55 pp with night and breakfastSillar Route
40 minutes from the city center, the quarries where the white volcanic stone that built Arequipa was extracted. A mini canyon with rock carvings, sillar sculptures, and the living story of colonial architecture. A half-day tour that’s vastly underrated.
From USD 15 pp in group tourSalinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve
A high-Andean puna ecosystem protecting vicuñas, pink flamingos, alpacas, and condors. Laguna de Salinas (4,300+ m) fills with flamingos between January and April. The lunar landscape of snow-capped volcanoes is breathtaking year-round.
From USD 35 pp in full-day tourCotahuasi Canyon
The world’s deepest canyon, 6 hours from Arequipa. For travelers seeking adventure without crowds. 3-day tours combine trekking, condors, waterfalls, and remote rural communities. An experience for those who want the truly off-the-beaten-path Peru.
3-day tour from USD 180 ppSabandia Mill & Countryside Tour
15 minutes from the center, the oldest colonial water mill in Arequipa (17th century) surrounded by green countryside with El Misti as backdrop. The countryside tour combines it with Paucarpata and Sachaca. Perfect for families and photographers.
Included in Turismo Liberty Countryside City Tour🧗 Adventure & sport in Arequipa (activities 15–17)
For travelers who want more than viewpoints, Arequipa offers some of the most accessible adventure experiences in southern Peru. No expert skills required to enjoy most of them:
Rafting on the Chili River
Just minutes from the historic center, the Chili River offers Class II and III rapids suitable for beginners. The tour includes full equipment, a certified guide, and transport. One hour of adrenaline with the volcano skyline as backdrop.
From USD 30 ppTrekking El Misti Volcano
Arequipa’s tutelary volcano can be climbed in 2 days with a guide. The ascent requires good physical condition and prior acclimatization. The view from 5,822 m (19,101 ft) is worth every step. Never attempt this without a certified guide.
2-day tour from USD 120 ppChachani Volcano Climb
Chachani (6,057 m / 19,872 ft) is considered one of the most accessible 6,000-meter peaks in the Andes. With proper guide and equipment, climbers with basic mountaineering experience can reach the summit. One of the most sought-after summits in southern Peru.
Expedition from USD 150 pp🍽️ Arequipa’s food scene: activities 18–20
Arequipa has one of the most distinctive cuisines in all of Peru, a centuries-old fusion of Andean, Creole, and Spanish influences. The picanterías arequipeñas — traditional family-run restaurants serving hearty, spicy dishes — have been declared a National Cultural Heritage, and the title is well earned.
Lunch at a traditional picantería
Rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper baked with cheese), chupe de camarones (rich shrimp chowder from the Chili River), and adobo arequipeño (pork slow-cooked in chicha) are the three signature dishes. Picanterías only open for lunch. Try Sol de Mayo or La Nueva Palomino.
Full lunch from S/ 35Food tour & San Camilo Market visit
A guided tasting journey through Arequipa’s flavors: queso helado (a local frozen dessert), chicha de guiñapo (fermented black corn drink), picarones (Peruvian doughnuts), and shrimp ceviche. The best way to understand the local culture through food.
Gastronomy tours from USD 35 ppArtisan chocolate & specialty coffee
Arequipa has a growing world-class coffee and chocolate scene. Visit Chaqchao Chocolates for a workshop or tasting of Peruvian cacao. The city’s specialty coffee movement showcases beans from Peru’s high-altitude growing regions in thoughtfully designed cafés.
Chocolate workshop from S/ 60 pp📅 Seasons, prices and how much it costs to visit Arequipa in 2026
One of the first things international travelers want to know is the real cost of visiting. Here’s an honest breakdown of 2026 prices for the main activities and tours:
| Activity / Tour | Approx. price per person | Duration | What’s included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arequipa City Tour | USD 18–25 | 4–5 hours | Guide, transport, hotel pickup |
| Colca Canyon Tour (1 day) | USD 25–35 + BTC ~USD 18 | 13–15 hours | Guide, transport, breakfast in Chivay |
| Colca Canyon Tour (2 days/1 night) | USD 55–80 | 2 days | Guide, transport, hotel, breakfast & dinner |
| Colca Experiential Tour | USD 70–90 | 2 days | Local family stay, Andean dinner, Cruz del Cóndor |
| Sillar Route | USD 15–20 | 4–5 hours | Guide and transport |
| Salinas Reserve Tour | USD 35–45 | 8–9 hours | Guide and transport |
| Chili River Rafting | USD 30–40 | 2–3 hours | Full equipment and guide |
For official information about Arequipa’s UNESCO heritage status and cultural patrimony, visit the UNESCO World Heritage page for Arequipa. For our full trip cost breakdown, check our blog at Best Destinations in Peru 2026: Cusco, Arequipa & Puno.
Best seasons to visit Arequipa
| Season | Months | Weather | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌞 High — Dry | May to November | Clear skies, cold nights | Colca Canyon, trekking, volcanoes |
| 🌧️ Low — Rainy | December to March | Afternoon rain, vivid green | Photography, lower prices, fewer crowds |
| 🎉 Arequipa Anniversary | August | Dry and festive | Corso de la Amistad, Arequipa Fair |
| 🦩 Flamingo Season at Salinas | January to April | Rainy season | Pink flamingo sightings at Laguna Salinas |
🎒 What to pack for Arequipa: essential checklist
To make the most of your visit, this list covers everything you’ll need depending on your plans:
- Layered clothing: warm days (18–22°C / 64–72°F), cold nights (8–12°C / 46–54°F in the city, down to -5°C in Colca)
- High SPF sunscreen (50+): UV radiation at altitude is intense even on cloudy days
- Trekking shoes if you plan the Colca Canyon or El Misti
- Valid passport (required for Colca Tourist Ticket and migratory controls)
- Peruvian soles in cash for the Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC) and local markets
- Headlamp or flashlight for the pre-dawn Colca Canyon departure (3am start)
- Reusable water bottle: hydration is key at altitude
- Altitude sickness pills (acetazolamide): available at any Peruvian pharmacy
- Power adapter: standard Type A/B plugs, same as USA and most of Latin America
- Save Turismo Liberty’s WhatsApp: +51 959 175 901 for support on the ground
❓ Frequently asked questions about things to do in Arequipa
Ready to experience Arequipa to the fullest?
At Turismo Liberty we organize your Arequipa experience with English-speaking guides, hotel pickup, and absolutely no hidden fees. Tell us your dates and we’ll build the perfect itinerary for you.
