Arequipa Travel Guide: Why Peru Is More Than Just Machu Picchu

If Peru is on your bucket list, chances are Machu Picchu is the headline act. And yes, it’s incredible — but Peru is not a one-hit wonder. Too many travelers rush straight from Lima to Cusco and miss one of the country’s most beautiful, culturally rich cities: Arequipa.

Often called La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) thanks to its striking volcanic stone architecture, Arequipa offers a slower, more refined introduction to Peru. Think colonial elegance, dramatic volcano backdrops, world-class food, and deep history — without the crowds. If you want to understand Peru beyond its most famous ruin, Arequipa is absolutely worth your time.

This 2-day itinerary is perfect as a cultural stop before heading to Cusco, or as a gentle acclimatization point if you’re continuing deeper into the Andes.

How Many Days in Arequipa?

Two full days is ideal for a first visit. It gives you enough time to explore the historic center, dive into Arequipa’s food culture, and visit one of Peru’s most impressive religious complexes — all without rushing.

If you have more time, Arequipa also serves as the gateway to Colca Canyon, but even on a short itinerary, the city itself shines.

Why Arequipa Is Worth Visiting

Arequipa often gets skipped because it doesn’t have a single headline attraction like Machu Picchu. But that’s exactly its strength. Highlights include:

• Elegant colonial architecture built from white sillar volcanic stone

• A beautifully preserved historic center (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Incredible food — Arequipa is considered one of Peru’s culinary capitals

• Fewer crowds, more space, and a calmer pace than Cusco

If Cusco feels like the climax of your Peru trip, Arequipa is the chapter that adds depth (okay that's somewhat cheesy).

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Day 1: Historic Arequipa & Neighborhood Views

Morning: Arrival & First Impressions

After arriving in Arequipa, drop off your bags, grab some local currency, and head out for breakfast. Arequipa sits at around 2,300 meters, so while the altitude is noticeable, it’s far gentler than Cusco — making it an excellent first stop.

Midday: Free Walking Tour

We booked a free walking tour with Chacu Travel. This walking tour is one of the best ways to understand Arequipa’s layered history. You’ll explore:

• The Plaza de Armas, framed by palm trees and the imposing cathedral

• Colonial mansions with inner courtyards

• Stories of Spanish influence, volcanic eruptions, and local traditions

• A little alpaca sanctuary - you'll see plenty of alpacas during your time in Peru but that first encounter is so special! And you can get it on your first day in Peru.

It’s informative without being overwhelming — perfect for your first day.

Afternoon: Mirador de Yanahuara & Neighborhood Walk

After the tour, head to Mirador de Yanahuara, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the city. Framed by white stone arches, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, including El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

Wander through the Yanahuara neighborhood, known for its quiet streets, cafés, and traditional houses. It’s a lovely contrast to the city center and gives you a more residential feel of Arequipa. We didnt feel like there was much going on here though, so we returned to the areas surrounding Plaza de Armas fairly quickly.

Opt for an early, relaxed dinner to help with acclimatization to both altitude and time zone. Arequipa’s cuisine is rich and flavorful, so keeping things light on the first night is a good idea.

Day 2: Santa Catalina Monastery & Peruvian Cooking

Morning: Santa Catalina Monastery

Visit Santa Catalina Monastery right at opening time — it’s absolutely worth the early start.

This vast religious complex feels like a city within a city, with brightly painted walls in deep blues, reds, and oranges, narrow alleys, courtyards, and cloisters. Founded in 1579, it once housed nuns from wealthy Spanish families and remained closed to the public for centuries.

Walking through Santa Catalina is both peaceful and visually stunning, and it offers incredible insight into colonial-era life in Peru.

Late Morning: Cooking Class at Casa Avila

At 11:00 AM, head to your Peruvian cooking class at Casa Avila Hotel. This hands-on experience is a highlight — learning to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes gives you a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse ingredients and regional flavors. We also loved the alfresco setting of the class!

Afternoon: Old Town & Plaza de Armas

Spend your final hours wandering around the historic center, revisiting the Plaza de Armas, browsing artisan shops, or enjoying a final coffee with volcano views. From here, it’s time to head onward to your next destination.

Optional Extras to add on to your Arequipa trip

• Colca Canyon: The most famous excursion from Arequipa, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world — even deeper than the Grand Canyon in places. A visit typically includes terraced landscapes carved by the Collagua people, traditional Andean villages, and the chance to see Andean condors soaring above the canyon at Cruz del Cóndor.

  You can choose between:

  • 1-day tour: A long but rewarding day with viewpoints and village stops

  • 2-day tour: Slower-paced, with overnight stays in canyon towns and optional hot springs

  If you want nature, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery all in one, this is the top add-on. Bear in mind your physical strength and capability though, especially if you plan on other treks during your time in Peru!

  
  

• Ruta del Sillar: This lesser-known excursion explores the quarries where Arequipa’s iconic white volcanic stone (sillar) is extracted. You’ll learn how this material shaped the city’s architecture and identity, with stops at massive carved stone walls and working quarries. It’s a short, educational outing that pairs well with limited time and gives deeper context to the city you’ve just explored.

Where to Stay in Arequipa

Arequipa’s historic center is compact and walkable, so staying close to the Plaza de Armas makes a huge difference. You’re within easy reach of the city’s main sights, restaurants, cafés, and tour meeting points — all without needing taxis.

Our choice: Katari Hotel Plaza de Armas

For our stay, we chose Katari Hotel Plaza de Armas, and it turned out to be the perfect base for exploring Arequipa. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building right on the Plaza de Armas, the hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. Its interiors are elegant yet understated, with warm tones, stone details, and a calm, boutique feel that immediately makes you feel at ease.

The location is unbeatable. Step outside and you’re instantly surrounded by Arequipa’s most iconic architecture, with views of the cathedral and nearby volcanoes. Despite being so central, the rooms are quiet — ideal for resting after a full day of sightseeing.

What really sets Katari apart is its rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views over the plaza and El Misti volcano. It’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee or a sunset drink, watching the city come alive below.

Rated as a boutique hotel, Katari delivers excellent service, comfortable rooms, and a sense of place — making it an ideal choice for travelers who want character, convenience, and a touch of refinement without feeling over-the-top.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip Arequipa

Skipping it means missing the country’s colonial elegance, regional food culture, and a more grounded sense of daily life outside the Lima/Machu Picchu circuit. The city is walkable, architecturally striking, and culturally rich, with enough depth to stand on its own even on a short visit. Two days in Arequipa adds context to your Peru itinerary and makes the journey feel more complete — not just a checklist of famous sights.