Romantic Getaways in Arequipa and Colca

October 30, 2026

Arequipa suits a slow, romantic few days. The white-stone streets glow at sunset, the old convents and houses have been turned into hotels, and the Colca valley has hot springs close to the volcano views. Prices are in Peruvian soles (S/), and the city sits at about 2,335 m, so take the first evening easy.

Hotels in restored buildings

CIRQA, a Relais and Châteaux hotel at Calle Agustín Goyeneche 312, has 11 rooms inside the restored 16th-century San Agustín church, arranged around two patios. Casa Andina Premium, at Calle Ugarte 403, occupies a colonial house known as the Casa de la Moneda, dated about 1794, with a chapel and a courtyard. Search rates on Booking.com .

A night in the Colca valley

Las Casitas, a Belmond hotel at Yanque, has 20 casitas with private hot tubs and a spa. Colca Lodge Spa and Hot Springs, at Fundo Puye near Yanque, has riverside hot-spring pools reserved for guests, and they are shared, not per room, plus a spa. The valley is high, so plan to arrive rested, drink water and avoid heavy drinking on the first night. The road from Arequipa passes about 4,800 m. A short day trip would not give you the same quiet evenings, so choose two days at least. See our multi-day page for the route.

Sunset at the Yanahuara mirador

The mirador in Yanahuara is across the Chili river from the centre, and it is free. Carved sillar arches frame views of Misti and Chachani, and the light turns warm near dusk. The church of San Juan Bautista stands on the plaza. Vendors there sell queso helado, the city’s frozen cinnamon and coconut dessert.

Dinner in a picantería

Follow the sunset with dinner at a picantería. La Nueva Palomino, at Leoncio Prado 122 in Yanahuara, is family-run and cooks stone-ground, wood-fired dishes such as rocoto relleno and adobo. La Capitana, at Los Arces 209 in Cayma, is another traditional address. Hours vary, so ask your hotel to call ahead. Chupe de camarones is not served from early January to 31 March, when river shrimp fishing is closed.

A quiet morning at the monastery

Santa Catalina opens at 9:00 AM daily, and its cobalt and terracotta lanes are made for slow wandering together. On Tuesday and Wednesday it stays open to 8:00 PM, so an evening visit is possible. Foreign adults pay S/50. The monastery site has tickets.

Practical tips

Take hotel-booked or radio taxis after dark. Peru is Level 2 on the US scale, and protests can close roads, so ask the hotel before a transfer to Colca.