Location: Arequipa
Top Things to do in Arequipa
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Arequipa That You Shouldn't Miss
In Peru's second-most populous city, aka "The White City," stunning colonial buildings made of pearly sillar stone vie for attention with the surrounding volcanoes and snow-capped peaks of the western Andes. Founded in 1540, it's a smorgasbord of mansions and museums. The top attraction, 215,000-square-foot Santa Catalina Monastery, is like its own city within a city, complete with fountains and cobblestone streets. Arequipa is the favorite base for visiting Colca Canyon and its massive condors.
Restaurants in Arequipa
1. Monasterio de Santa Catalina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,511 reviews
Considered a masterpiece of colonial architecture, this monastery is a large complex of rooms, picturesque plazas, ornate fountains and a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets.
Reviewed By Mihamarko - Zagreb, Croatia
Beautiful monastery in Arequipa where we spent 2-3 hours just gazing at the architecture and taking in all the history and trying to understand the lives of people inside the monastery.
2. Plaza de Armas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,830 reviews
Serving as the focus of urban life and evening activities, this elegant grand square features graceful colonnades, swaying palms and lush gardens.
Reviewed By silviat197
Great place to enjoy a colonial architecture construction, nice coffee shops, restaurants and a beautiful cathedral as much as day and night.
3. Monasterio de la Recoleta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
This 17th century convent has been rebuilt several times due to earthquake damage. Now a museum, its rooms contain mummies, masks and souvenirs collected on missionary travels.
Reviewed By P4239YHmariap - London, United Kingdom
Our guide suggested we visited here on our free afternoon and it was a really great way to spend a couple of hours. Very quiet, we had most galleries and the church to ourselves. Lots of interesting and unusual things on display, definitely worth going to.
4. Museo Santuarios Andinos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,548 reviews
This museum’s main attraction is Juanita, whose ritually sacrificed and frozen body was unearthed in a volcanic explosion. This young girl’s miraculously preserved DNA has provided priceless insight into the Inca civilization.
Reviewed By jdb49er
I visited the museum today and took the guided tour, I ended up doubling the amount I was going to tip the guide because she was so informative about the ice maiden Juanita and the other sacrificial children. The collection is small but fascinating how it all links together. I'm not much of a museum person but I highly recommend this one, especially if you plan to trek the Colca canyon.
5. Church of San Agustin
6. Museo de la Catedral de Arequipa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,085 reviews
In the heart of Arequipa in the Museum of the Cathedral, valuable pieces of art and culture, which reflect the beauty of its Catholic faith, shine for Peru and the world. Monday to Saturday of 10 – 17 hours, all year.En el Corazón de Arequipa en el Museo de la Catedral, brillan para el Perú y el mundo piezas valiosas de arte y cultura, que reflejan la belleza de su fe católica. Horario: Lunes a sábado de 10 am – 5 pm.
Reviewed By beno_tl943 - Germany, null
As part of the plaza de armas, the cathedral is a great place to see the architecture and techniques of the Spaniards
7. Tristan del Pozo (Continental Bank Exhibition Gallery)
8. Volcan Misti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Reviewed By Dutchstang05 - Jundiai, Brazil
a must to see. misty is situated between 2 other large vulcanos. from the otherside of the city going up in the mountains you can see the 3 vulcanos clearly which also shows a nice city view.
9. Historic Centre of Arequipa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,020 reviews
Reviewed By GrahamP113 - Witham, United Kingdom
Very interesting trip and definitely worth exploring the culture and rich history of this lovely white city. Find time to do this trip
10. Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By sethorch96 - Greater Sydney, Australia
Do not leave Arequipa without visiting this park. It has hot springs, salt flats, wildlife and beautiful Andean views. Too bad most tourists miss it. A day is enough but stay longer if you can.
