Arequipa

Things to do in Arequipa

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Top 10 attractions in Arequipa

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Plaza de Armas Arequipa
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Arequipa

Plaza de Armas Arequipa

4.6
5.0/5
12 reviews
Located in the heart of Arequipa, Peru, the Plaza de Armas Arequipa is the heart and soul of the “White City”. The plaza is surrounded by colonial white volcanic rock buildings, which are unique in style and full of historical charm. Among them, the Arequipa Cathedral is particularly eye-catching. It has survived two earthquakes and a fire. What we see today is the appearance after the reconstruction in 1868. The cathedral houses many exquisite religious artworks. There is a fountain in the center of the square. The clear spring water sparkles in the sun, adding a bit of spirituality to the square. This is a good place for locals and tourists to relax. People can rest on the benches in the center of the square, enjoy the surrounding scenery, or feed the pigeons. Every Sunday, a flag-raising ceremony is held in the square, which is solemn and attracts many citizens and tourists to watch. In addition, there are many travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, and specialty shops around the square, making it convenient for tourists to explore all aspects of Arequipa.Arequipa · 1.1 km from downtown
Santa Catalina Monastery
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Arequipa

Santa Catalina Monastery

4.6
5.0/5
24 reviews
The Santa Catarina Monastery in the center of Arequipa is a city within a city. In 1580, a wealthy man founded the monastery and selected nuns from local wealthy Spanish families. The hedonistic way of life was maintained here for almost three centuries, until the arrival of a strict Dominican nun. The monastery, which occupies an entire street and is surrounded by high walls made of volcanic rock, was not open to the public until 1970. Walking through those narrow streets, beautiful courtyards and hidden stairs, it seems to be in another time and space, making people involuntarily calm down and experience the life of the nuns in those days.Arequipa · 1.4 km from downtown
Yanahuara Scenic Overlook
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Arequipa

Yanahuara Scenic Overlook

4.2
5.0/5
6 reviews
Located in Peru, this overlook offers a panoramic view of the Urubamba Valley and its surrounding rice terraces and villages, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. From Cusco, the Yanahuara Overlook is a worthwhile stop on the way to Machu Picchu. Visitors can stop here for a short while to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the tranquility of the natural environment. The height of the overlook makes it an ideal location to observe the sunrise or sunset, and the changing light adds a mysterious touch to the valley. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes as a short hike is required to reach the overlook. Due to the high altitude, it is necessary to carry enough water and sun protection. The Yanahuara Overlook is not only a viewing point, but also a window into the Inca culture and the natural landscape of the Andes. Visitors can experience the natural beauty and cultural depth of Peru here, and it is a must-see stop when exploring the Sacred Valley area.Yanahuara District · 2.4 km from Arequipa
El Misti
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Arequipa

El Misti

4.1
4.8/5
13 reviews
El Misti is a dormant volcano in southern Peru with an elevation of approx. 5,822 meters. It features a beautiful mountain shape and a volcanic cone covered in snow all year round, and it is also a popular mountaineering destination in Arequipa.Arequipa · 18.7 km from downtown
Molino de Sabandia

Molino de Sabandia

3.5
Sabandia District · 6.7 km from Arequipa
Puente Grau

Puente Grau

3.5
Arequipa · 1.8 km from downtown
Carmen Alto viewpoint

Carmen Alto viewpoint

3.3
Cayma District · 4.3 km from Arequipa
Badén

Badén

3
Paucarpata · 4.3 km from Arequipa
Mirador De Sachaca

Mirador De Sachaca

3
Sachaca District · 3.7 km from Arequipa
Kanuwa Rafting

Kanuwa Rafting

2.9
Cayma District · 5.3 km from Arequipa

Experiences you can't miss in Arequipa

Featured Day tours in Arequipa

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Colca Full Day Tour
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4.6/5
· 68 reviews
Duration: 13–14 hrs
Free cancellation
FromCAD 53.78
Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour & Culebrillas Canyon
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Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 20.15CAD 21.22
Arequipa: Chili River Rafting Pickup,snack included.
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromCAD 20.15CAD 21.22
Arequipa: Rafting on the Chili River | Full adrenaline |
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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FromCAD 38.95CAD 41.01
Full Day Tour To The Salt Lake Salinas in Arequipa
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Duration: 10–11 hrs
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FromCAD 49.53
From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno
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4.5/5
· 263 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Free cancellation
90.9% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 87.32CAD 91.92
8-Hours Tour in Arequipa Laguna de Salinas with Pick-up
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4.2/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 8–10 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromCAD 42.46

Featured Food & drink in Arequipa

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Chaqchao Chocolate Making Workshop
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5.0/5
· 33 reviews
Duration: 135 mins
English
Free cancellation
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33 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 49.53
Sensory Workshop with the Finest Cacao from Peru
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 60.47CAD 63.66
Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour
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FromCAD 111.80
Arequipa Tasting Tour
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Duration: 210 mins
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FromCAD 18.40

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What travellers say about Arequipa

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东张西望望东西April 11, 2020
5.0
Plaza de Armas is the local municipal square. There are beautiful buildings around it, many of which are city government buildings. The style is very Spanish colonial. It even feels like turning around in a small town square in southern Europe.

Plaza de Armas Arequipa

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乖小咪September 17, 2019
5.0
Santa Catalina Monastery is an ancient monastery with a history of more than 500 years. The overall color tone of the monastery is red. The interior decoration is very simple. The carvings on the shrines are very delicate and the statues are very vivid. It is a monastery with very medieval European characteristics.

Santa Catalina Monastery

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安静🤫🌹🤫September 12, 2023
5.0
Beautiful view, great choice, love this place!

Yanahuara Scenic Overlook

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泰宁根吴承恩May 2, 2020
5.0
Misti Volcano is a famous volcano in Peru. The volcano is not very high. Our group did not visit it up close, but just looked at it from a distance. It is also a local landmark attraction.

El Misti

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Arequipa?

Don't miss these attractions in Arequipa: Plaza de Armas Arequipa, Santa Catalina Monastery, and Yanahuara Scenic Overlook. If you like Cultural experiences, try Chaqchao Chocolate Making Workshop. If you enjoy Day tours, try Colca Full Day Tour.

You can give Chaqchao Chocolate Making Workshop and Sensory Workshop with the Finest Cacao from Peru a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Colca Full Day Tour, Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour & Culebrillas Canyon, and Arequipa: Chili River Rafting Pickup,snack included.. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 18, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Arequipa is around CAD 20.15 – CAD 161.7. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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