If you’re over 60 and planning a trip to Arequipa, this guide is for you. The White City is one of Peru’s most accessible and enriching destinations for all ages — but you need to know which tours suit your pace, which activities to avoid, and how to prepare for the altitude. Starting from $27 per person, Turismo Liberty operates tours designed so you can enjoy Arequipa without wearing yourself out.
✅ Comparison table: Arequipa tours by physical effort level
Before choosing what to do in Arequipa, it helps to know what each activity physically requires. This table summarizes the most popular tours with their real effort level for travelers over 60:
| Tour | Effort level | Max altitude | Suitable 60+? | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arequipa City Tour | 🟢 Low | 2,335m | ✅ Highly suitable | From $27 |
| Santa Catalina Monastery | 🟢 Low | 2,335m | ✅ Highly suitable | S/45 entry |
| Sillar Route | 🟡 Moderate | 2,500m | ✅ Suitable (comfortable shoes) | From $15 |
| Colca 2D/1N tour (by vehicle) | 🟡 Moderate | 4,900m | ✅ Suitable with acclimatization | From $90 |
| Chacapi Hot Springs | 🟢 Low | 3,600m | ✅ Highly suitable | S/15 |
| Salinas Reserve (vicuñas) | 🟡 Moderate | 4,300m | ⚠️ Suitable if no cardiac issues | From $35 |
| Colca Canyon trekking | 🔴 High | 3,900m | ❌ Not recommended | From $45 |
| El Misti Volcano ascent | 🔴 Very high | 5,822m | ❌ Not recommended | From $80 |
| Chili River rafting | 🔴 High | 2,335m | ❌ Not recommended | From $35 |
✔️ What seniors over 60 should do in Arequipa
1. City Tour — the best introduction to the White City
The City Tour is undoubtedly the number one activity for seniors in Arequipa. You’ll visit Plaza de Armas, Yanahuara Viewpoint, Santa Catalina Monastery and Sabandia Mill — all at 2,335m, with no major slopes and door-to-door transport. The guide adapts the pace to your group. Starting from $27 per person with Turismo Liberty, including hotel pickup.
2. Santa Catalina Monastery — a city within a city
This 16th-century convent is one of the most impressive places in Peru and completely accessible for seniors. Its cobblestone streets are flat and well-maintained. You can explore it at your own pace with a Spanish guide in 1.5 to 2 hours. Entry is S/45. Some Peruvian seniors receive a discount with their national ID.
3. Colca Canyon 2-day tour — by vehicle, with hot springs
The Colca Canyon is Arequipa’s star tour and it is suitable for seniors — as long as you choose the 2-day version with 1 overnight stay. The journey is mainly by tourist van. The key difference from trekking is that you observe the condor from Cruz del Condor viewpoint without walking more than 200 meters. Day one includes a stop at Chacapi hot springs, ideal for relaxing joints. Price: from $90 per person.
4. Chacapi Hot Springs — wellness at 3,600m
Located in the Colca Valley, these thermal pools maintain between 38°C and 45°C with natural minerals that relieve muscle and joint pain — especially valuable for seniors who spend long hours traveling. The pools are outdoors with Andean mountain views. They are included in the 2-day Colca tour or can be visited independently.
🦅 How to do the Colca Canyon if you’re over 60
The most common question we receive at Turismo Liberty is: “Can seniors do the Colca Canyon?” The answer is yes — with the right preparation. Here’s the protocol we recommend:
- Arrive in Arequipa (2,335m) and rest on your first day without intense tours.
- Do the City Tour on day 1 to acclimatize while walking lightly.
- Head to Colca on day 2 or 3. The tour departs at 7:30am and climbs gradually to Patapampa (4,900m) with frequent stops.
- Spend the night in Chivay (3,600m) — this overnight stay is key for acclimatization.
- Day 2: breakfast, Cruz del Condor at sunrise (only 200m on foot), colonial villages and return.
⚠️ Altitude in Arequipa: what to expect and how to prepare
| Destination | Altitude | Altitude sickness risk (60+) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arequipa city | 2,335m | 🟢 Low | Rest 1 day on arrival |
| Chivay (Colca) | 3,600m | 🟡 Moderate | Coca tea, stay hydrated |
| Cruz del Condor | 3,900m | 🟡 Moderate | No running, walk slowly |
| Patapampa | 4,900m | 🔴 High | Brief stop, stay in van if symptomatic |
Arequipa sits at 2,335m — a moderate altitude that most seniors tolerate well, especially if arriving from sea level cities. The most common symptoms are mild fatigue and slight headache on day one. To minimize them:
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day (avoid alcohol in the first 24 hours)
- Try coca leaf, muña or chachacoma herbal teas — the most effective local remedies
- Avoid intense physical activity on your first day in Arequipa
- If your doctor recommends it, consider acetazolamide (Diamox) starting the day before arrival
- Bring ibuprofen for mild altitude headaches
- Inform your guide immediately if you feel any discomfort — assistance is always available
❌ What to avoid in Arequipa if you’re over 60
Knowing what not to do is just as important. These activities are not recommended for most seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions:
| Activity | Why to avoid | Recommended alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Colca Canyon trekking (descent) | 6+ hour hike with steep descent. High impact on knees. | 2D/1N vehicle tour |
| El Misti Volcano ascent | 5,822m, 2 days, requires exceptional fitness | City Tour + Yanahuara viewpoint |
| Chili River rafting | Intense physical impact, fall risk | Chacapi hot springs |
| ATV tours | Intense vibration, requires strength in wrists and knees | Sillar Route by vehicle |
| Chachani Volcano ascent (6,057m) | High-altitude mountaineering, severe risk without preparation | Salinas Reserve (vicuña watching) |
🎒 What to pack for Arequipa if you’re over 60
This packing list is tailored specifically to the needs of travelers over 60 in Arequipa and the Colca Valley:
- Layered clothing: thermal base layer + fleece + windbreaker (Colca drops to 0°C at dawn)
- Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles — trekking boots not needed for City Tour
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (UV radiation at 2,300m is intense even on cloudy days)
- Reusable water bottle, at least 1 liter capacity
- Regular medications + medical prescription in English/Spanish
- Pain relief (ibuprofen or paracetamol) for mild altitude headaches
- Swimsuit and towel if visiting Colca hot springs
- Cash in Peruvian soles (ATMs in Arequipa only, not in Colca)
- Valid ID or passport (mandatory for Colca Valley entry)
- Energy snacks: nuts, chocolate, granola bars for the road
❓ Frequently asked questions about Arequipa tours for seniors
Ready to explore Arequipa at your own pace?
Contact us and we’ll build the perfect itinerary for you — no unnecessary effort, certified guide and comfortable transport included.
