Family Activities in Arequipa at Altitude

October 30, 2026

Arequipa has easy, mostly free outings for children, but the altitude of about 2,335 m matters for small travellers. Keep days short, carry water and plan a rest after lunch.

Mundo Alpaca

Mundo Alpaca, run by Michell, is at Alameda San Lázaro 101 and is free. You see live alpacas and llamas, a weaving demonstration and a shop. Hours are listed as daily from about 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, so confirm before you go. It is a short and easy stop for any age.

Molino de Sabandía

Sabandía is about 8 km from the centre, a taxi of about S/15. The working mill dates to 1621 and sits in grounds with animals. Entry is about S/10 to 12. Children have room to run in the grounds. The nearby Mansión del Fundador is a quieter museum stop.

Plaza de Yanahuara

The plaza and its mirador are short, flat and free. Sillar arches carry carved verses, and the view takes in Misti and Chachani. Ice cream vendors sell queso helado, a frozen dessert made with milk, cinnamon and coconut. It is a good place for a sunset snack.

Santa Catalina Monastery

The monastery suits children who like to explore. The painted lanes and courtyards are easy to walk. Children under 7 are free, and foreign visitors aged 7 to 18 pay S/30. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday it stays open to 8:00 PM. The official site has tickets.

Altitude and what to skip

Do not send small children on the 3:00 AM Colca day trip, and do not take them to Patapampa unacclimatised. The road passes about 4,800 m. Volcano climbs on Misti, Chachani and Ampato are for adults with licensed guides and are not family outings. If a child has a headache, nausea or unusual sleepiness, go back down and ask a doctor.

The reserve at Salinas y Aguada Blanca is also high and cold, so skip it with young children.

Where not to go

ZooMundo in Paucarpata exists, but animal welfare concerns have been raised, so this guide does not recommend a visit. Choose Mundo Alpaca for seeing animals.

Practical tips

Peru is Level 2 on the US scale. Protests can close roads in the south, so ask your hotel before leaving town. Use hotel-booked or radio taxis. Wear a hat and sunscreen, since the sun at this altitude is strong. See the UK FCDO advice .

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