Backpacker Index
Menu
The app

Arequipa

South America · Peru

Did you know?

  • Rocoto relleno is a local specialty built around a stuffed spicy pepper.
  • Sillar stone gives the historic buildings their characteristic pale appearance.
  • The mummy Juanita is a highlight of Museo Santuarios Andinos.

See also

Juliaca

Peru

15.49°S 70.13°W · 3,825 m

Overview

Arequipa's historic center is shaped by pale sillar stone and a blend of indigenous and colonial heritage. Its UNESCO-listed architecture gives travelers a rich setting for wandering on foot.

ArchitectureFoodHistoryMuseums

Languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish

Why go?

Arequipa is Peru's second most important city and a key stop on the Southern Peru Tourist Corridor. Unlike Cusco, it showcases Spanish and mestizo culture with no Inca ruins. Known as the 'white city' for its sillar stone buildings, it offers a rich mix of indigenous and colonial heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

When to go

Arequipa has a dry climate with very little rain from April to December. Winter (June-August) is warmer than summer, with daytime temperatures around 22 °C and nights dropping to 7 °C.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Things to do

Explore nearly 250 UNESCO-listed colonial buildings around Plaza de Armas, including the Basilica Cathedral and the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos to see the mummy Juanita. Enjoy sunset views from third-floor restaurants on the main square. Join a free walking tour (daily 10:00, 15:00) or go horse riding along the Chili River.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Food and drink

Arequipa's cuisine is among Peru's most varied, with dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), alpaca steak, ceviche, and chupe de camarones (shrimp soup). For drinks, head to Calle San Francisco for bars serving Pisco Sour and local specialties like Anis Najar. Try the soft drink Kola Escocesa.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Shopping

Arequipa is the world capital of alpaca wool. Good quality alpaca sweaters cost S/70-180. Visit Patio del Ekeko near Plaza de Armas for fine garments and local products. Handicrafts from the Chivay area feature colorful embroidery called Maquinaza.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Safety

Avoid walking alone after 23:00 in downtown. Use only reputable taxi companies such as Turismo Arequipa (green and white logo) or Taxitel. Ask your hotel to call a taxi. Tourist police in white shirts are available for help.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Connectivity

Unlike the rest of Peru, Arequipa uses 220 V / 50 Hz electricity. Bring a converter or adapter if needed.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.

Places to know

A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.

  • sleep

    Arequipay Backpackers

    Recorded price: Dorm bed S/20, including breakfast and hot showers.

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

  • sleep

    Bothy Hostel

    Sunny terrace, bar area, hammocks and helpful bilingual staff. Lots of fun things going on- Spanish lessons, bbqs, trips, tours, volunteering.

    Recorded price: S/23 a night

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

  • sleep

    Casa de Avila

    Casa de Avila is in a beautiful 1930s building reburbished as a hotel. Central courtyard is the main attraction of the place. Staff is friendly and helpful, and most speak English. A family run business with a warm informal atmosphere. Free wifi, private rooms with cableTV in most of them. Spanish classes and cooking activities are available. Tourist information service to help you planning your activities.

    Recorded price: From $10/person, breakfast is included

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

  • eat

    Ary Quepay

    Nice restaurant that serves local food.

    Recorded price: mains S/20-40

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

  • eat

    Chicha Por Gaston Acurio

    Excellent cuisine inspired by traditional Peruvian dishes. More expensive than other restaurants in the area, but well worth the price. Great table service by very attentive waiters.

    Recorded price: S/30-50 for mains

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

  • eat

    Eco Brunch

    Serves brunch with good portions of fruit.

    Recorded price: S/10-20

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

  • eat

    Hatunpa

    Restaurant with a unique concept: slices of 3 or 7 different Andean potatoes covered with vegetables and meat slices of your choice. Very small place with only a few tables, so it might be a good idea to be there early.

    Recorded price: S/15-25

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

  • eat

    Lazos

    Steakhouse

    Recorded price: mains S/40-60, big steaks S/100+

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

Before you go

Connectivity

Electricity is 220 V / 50 Hz.

Money

Budget dorms from S/20, set lunch menus from S/4-9. Alpaca sweaters S/70-180.

Safety

Don't walk alone after 23:00 downtown. Use reputable taxis.

Transport

Free walking tours daily at 10:00 and 15:00 from Calle Santa Catalina 204.

Coming to iPhone, iPad and Mac.

In development: the whole atlas offline, a trip planner and a private journal. We'll post here when it ships. No newsletter to join.

Coming to the App Store