Arequipa’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built from pale volcanic sillar, and its main sights sit within a few blocks of each other. The city is at about 2,335 m, so walk slowly and drink water. Prices are in soles (S/). Plaza de Armas and the cathedral The Basilica Catedral fills the north side of the Plaza de Armas in white sillar. Inside, look for the Belgian-built Loret organ in the nave.

Arequipa sits at about 2,335 m in southern Peru, with the volcanoes Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu behind the city. Most visitors give it two or three days and add a trip to Colca Canyon. Prices below are in Peruvian soles (S/). Santa Catalina Monastery The Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Siena is at Santa Catalina 301, two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Founded in 1579, it is a walled complex of about 20,000 m2 with lanes painted cobalt blue and terracotta red and named after Spanish cities such as Sevilla, Córdoba and Burgos.

Trips of two days or more let you see the Colca valley and the high plateaus without the 3:00 AM start of the day tour. Arequipa is at about 2,335 m, Chivay at about 3,600 m and the road passes about 4,800 m, so spend one full day in the city first. Fares are in soles (S/). Colca, 2 days and 1 night The standard two-day trip drives from Arequipa to Chivay, stops at Cruz del Cóndor and sleeps in the valley, in Chivay, Yanque or Cabanaconde.

Arequipa is a good base for long day trips into the Andes and the desert. Each trip below starts at an altitude of about 2,335 m and some climb far higher, so give yourself a full day in the city before the big ones. Fares and fees are in soles (S/). Colca Canyon This is the classic trip, and it is a long day, not a casual outing. Pickup is about 3:00 to 3:30 AM.

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.

Arequipa’s attractions are spread between the white-stone centre, the villages on its edge and the desert and altiplano beyond. This page covers the tours that suit a half day or a full day. Prices are in soles (S/) and most tour prices change with the season, so ask what is included. Ruta del Sillar The Ruta del Sillar visits the Anashuayco quarries and the Culebrillas canyon in Cerro Colorado district. Sillar is the pale volcanic stone used across the old city.

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.

Arequipa’s centre is flat, compact and easy to cover on foot, and a walk of two to three hours links most of the main sights. The altitude is about 2,335 m, so walk slowly, carry water and wear a hat. Prices are in soles (S/). Free and guided walking tours Free walking tours leave daily from the Plaza de Armas and run on tips. Departure times vary by operator, so ask at your hotel or look for the guides on the plaza.