Welcome to the charming city of Arequipa! If you are looking to discover unmissable destinations in Arequipa full of history and natural beauty, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit this jewel located in the south of Peru . Known as “ The White City” due to the beautiful white color of its buildings made with volcanic ashlar, Arequipa awaits you with open arms to show you its rich culture, impressive landscapes and gastronomy that will delight your senses. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we explore together the 8 must-see tourist places that you should know in Arequipa . Let’s start our adventure!
Arequipa, the second most populated city in Peru , is a tourist destination that will captivate you with its historical charm and its surprising natural landscapes. This beautiful city is surrounded by imposing volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu, creating a magical and picturesque atmosphere.
The Historic Center of Arequipa is one of the most emblematic places to visit. Its cobblestone streets are full of history and well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of the center, where you can admire the majesty of the Cathedral Basilica and enjoy a lively atmosphere in the cafes and restaurants that surround this place.
But you won’t only find architectural beauty in this city. A few kilometers away is the incredible Colca Canyon , considered one of the deepest canyons in the world. Here you can delight in stunning panoramic views while watching the majestic birds fly above you.
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve are also must-see destinations in Arequipa. Here you can appreciate the unique natural diversity that characterizes this region: pink flamingos walking elegantly in the lagoons, vicuñas running freely through
The Historic Center of Arequipa is a true treasure that you must explore, so you can take the city tours in Arequipa . They will take you on a tour of its cobblestone streets, impressive squares and well-preserved colonial architecture. You will feel transported to another era as you walk through this charming place.
A must stop is the Plaza de Armas , the heart of the historic center. Here you can admire the majesty of the Arequipa Cathedral, with its imposing white façade and tall towers. In addition, you can enjoy the colorful balconies that adorn the surrounding colonial houses.
Walking through the narrow streets around the square, you will discover numerous historic buildings such as the Monastery of Santa Catalina . This 16th century convent is an architectural gem with its picturesque patios and cells full of history.
You cannot leave behind the La Compañía Church and its impressive baroque façade carved in white ashlar. Its interior is also worth exploring to appreciate its beautiful golden altarpieces and religious works.
Other highlights include the Andean Sanctuaries Museum where artifacts found in the excavations of the Ampato volcano are on display, as well as the La Recoleta Cloister with its exquisite landscaped courtyard ideal for taking photos.
In short, exploring the Historic Center of Arequipa will allow you to immerse yourself in its rich history and enjoy a unique cultural experience. Don’t forget to walk through these streets full of charm and discover every corner.
Located in the Arequipa region, the Colca Canyon is one of the most impressive and fascinating tourist destinations you can find in Peru. With a depth of more than 3,000 meters, this canyon is considered one of the deepest in the world, surpassing even the famous Grand Canyon in the United States.
But not only its immensity makes it special, but also its scenic beauty. The canyon is surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes that will take your breath away. In addition, here you can appreciate the majestic flight of the Andean condor, an emblematic bird for Peruvian culture.
You can visit the Colca Canyon with the full day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa, offering numerous activities to enjoy outdoors, or also do it with the Colca trek 2 days 1 nights.
One of the highlights within the canyon is the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. From this privileged place you will have the unique opportunity to observe how these giant birds fly through the skies with elegance and grace.
Additionally, you cannot miss the unique experience of visiting the pre-Inca agricultural terraces found along the canyon. These ancient agricultural systems have been preserved over the centuries and are still used by local communities to grow various products.
Misti Volcano: An impressive colossus in the Andes
The imposing Misti Volcano is undoubtedly one of the most prominent tourist places in Arequipa, and it is not difficult to understand why. With an altitude of more than 5,800 meters above sea level, this majestic volcano stands like a silent guardian over the city.
Its natural beauty and historical importance make it an irresistible attraction for adventurous travelers seeking to explore the grandeur of Peruvian nature. Although climbing the volcano requires a certain level of experience and physical preparation, even from afar you can admire its grandeur.
The perfectly conical figure of the Misti Volcano contrasts with the intense blue sky that characterizes this region of Peru. In addition, it offers spectacular panoramic views of both the surrounding volcanic landscape and the white city of Arequipa.
For those who wish to get even closer to this powerful sleeping giant, there are excursions available that allow you to reach its slopes and even take short walks along its slopes. However, caution should always be taken and appropriate directions should be followed due to the geothermal activity present in the area.
The Misti Volcano represents a unique experience for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts. Whether from afar or up close, contemplating it will leave you breathless at so much intact natural grandeur.
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Arequipa. This monastery, founded in 1579, is a true oasis of peace and tranquility in the middle of the bustling historic center.
Upon entering the monastery, you will be transported to another time. Its cobblestone streets and colorful houses will make you feel like you are walking through a small old town. Every corner is full of history and mystery.
A must-see is the San Juan Evangelista Chapel , which houses an impressive collection of Peruvian colonial paintings. Here you can admire the artistic talent that flourished during that era.
Walking through the Monastery of Santa Catalina is like traveling back in time. It allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the nuns who inhabited this place for centuries.
You cannot miss the opportunity to visit this magnificent site when you are exploring Arequipa. The Santa Catalina Monastery offers a unique experience full of history, architectural beauty and inner peace.
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is an impressive place that you cannot miss in Arequipa. This natural reserve is located at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters above sea level and is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species.
One of the main attractions of the reserve are the saline lagoons, which offer a unique landscape with their crystal-clear waters reflecting the imposing surrounding volcanoes. These lagoons are also the perfect habitat for flamingos, Andean ducks and other migratory birds.
Additionally, in the reserve you will find the famous Pampa Cañahuas , where you can observe vicuñas in their natural state. These elegant animals are considered a protected species due to their valuable wool, so seeing them in their natural environment is truly special.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the memorable moments during your visit to this incredible national reserve. Without a doubt, the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve will leave you breathless with its natural beauty and unique biological diversity in the world.
The Yanahuara Viewpoint is one of those places that you simply cannot miss during your visit to Arequipa. Located in the district of the same name, this viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of the white city and its surroundings.
Upon arriving at the Yanahuara Viewpoint , the first thing you will notice is its imposing iron cross, which stands majestically on a platform. From there you can admire the architectural beauty of Arequipa, with its colonial churches and characteristic red roofs.
But that’s not all, since from this privileged point you can also appreciate the surrounding mountains, such as the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. With a clear sky, you will have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs and enjoy the unique natural landscape that surrounds the city.
In addition to contemplating the panoramic views, the Yanahura Viewpoint has green areas where you can relax and rest while you delight in the surroundings. It is a perfect place to escape the urban bustle and connect with nature.
If you visit Arequipa on a special occasion such as sunrise or sunset, you can witness the magical change in the colors of the sky and feel an integral part of the Peruvian Andean landscape during your stay next to this natural wonder known as “The White City.”
The Choqolaqa Stone Forest is one of the most fascinating places you should visit in Arequipa. Located just 30 kilometers north of the city, this impressive rocky landscape will take your breath away.
As you enter the forest, you will find yourself surrounded by enormous rock formations that seem to have been carved by the hand of time. The stones have surprising and whimsical shapes, creating a surreal setting that will transport you to another world.
As you walk among the rocks, you will be able to appreciate how nature has shaped each one with great precision. Some resemble animals or human figures, while others have abstract and unusual shapes. Without a doubt, you will be amazed by so much natural beauty.
In addition to its unique and mysterious appearance, the Choqolaqa Stone Forest also offers opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking along well-marked trails and contemplate impressive panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
If you are a photography lover, this place will be a true paradise for you. Every corner of the forest offers a view worth capturing with your camera.
The Sillar Route is an essential visit for those who want to discover the architectural wealth of Arequipa. This route will take you through the old workshops where ashlar, a white volcanic stone used in the construction of many emblematic buildings in the city, is extracted and worked.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the process of extraction and transformation of ashlar. You will be able to watch how skilled artisans shape this stone to create architectural masterpieces.
One of the highlights on this route is the Mirador Carmen Alto , from where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Arequipa and its surrounding volcanoes. In addition, you can also visit some workshops where you can appreciate the different techniques used by local artisans.
The Sillar Route is a true journey to the past, as it allows you to delve into the history and ancestral tradition of Arequipa. Not only will you learn about the importance of ashlar in local architecture, but you will also have the unique opportunity to witness how this ancient construction technique is kept alive.
If you are a lover of art and history, you cannot miss this fascinating tour along the Ruta del Sillar. Discover the wonders that can be created with a simple white volcanic stone and let yourself be surprised by the cultural and historical legacy that surrounds Arequipa.
If you are looking for an unforgettable natural experience in Arequipa, you cannot miss visiting the impressive Colca Canyon . With a depth of more than 3,000 meters, this canyon is one of the deepest in the world and offers stunning panoramic views.
One of the main attractions of the Colca Canyon are the flights of the condors. These majestic birds soar above the canyon, creating a unique spectacle that will leave you speechless. You can enjoy this experience from several strategically located viewpoints along the canyon.
In addition to condor observation, the Colca Canyon tour also has numerous hiking routes. You will be able to explore incredible landscapes as you walk along ancient Inca paths and cross hanging bridges over the Colca River.
Don’t forget to visit the picturesque traditional towns near the Colca Canyon, such as Chivay and Yanque . Here you can learn about the local culture, try typical dishes and relax in natural hot springs.
The Colca Canyon is undoubtedly one of those must-see tourist places in Arequipa that you should know. Its indomitable natural beauty will captivate you and its history will transport you to times past.
The Imata Stone Forest and the Pillones Waterfall are two impressive tourist destinations that you cannot miss in Arequipa. These places offer a unique experience, where you can connect with nature and marvel at its rock formations and waterfalls.
The Imata Stone Forest is a magical place, full of large rocks eroded by wind and water over time. Walking among these giant geological formations, you will feel transported to another world. The different shapes and textures invite you to explore every corner and discover its natural beauty.
A few kilometers away is the Pillones Waterfall, an imposing waterfall that will leave you breathless. The roar of water falling from above creates a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere. In addition, you can enjoy natural pools where you can cool off during hot days.
The Imata Stone Forest and the Pillones Waterfall are two hidden treasures in Arequipa that you should know. Immerse yourself in its natural beauty and be surprised by its charming rocky landscapes and majestic water falls. Don’t wait any longer to live this unique adventure!
If you already know what to visit in Arequipa, you can opt for the Andino Tours Peru packages, such as the Tour to Arequipa 3 days 2 Nights or also do a whole program that allows you to get to know the Peruvian south with programs such as Peru Andino 13 Days: Lima Ica Nazca Cusco Arequipa Puno or customize the services with the tours in Arequipa that you want to know
In our travel guide, you will be able to know everything you need to know this country that awaits you with many emotions and memories that you will carry with you for a lifetime, we are travelers like you, and we know each route and the beauty that we can share with you;, only Sit back and enjoy reading these contents, you will learn a lot; And if you want to continue reading just come back soon as we are always updating this section with news and new information
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