15 Reasons Why Arequipa is the Most Magical South American City You’ll Ever Visit
With a long list of stunning cities and towns scattered throughout South America, it may be an underdog, and lesser known city like Arequipa in the south of Peru that will win your heart as the most enchanting city you will visit in Latin America, maybe ever.
1. Basilica Catedral De Arequipa
Cathedral
The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is a perfect centerpiece to complete the perfect city center. Even though construction started back in 1540, and has battled through multiple earthquakes which damaged its progress, the Catedral Basilica still stands in immaculate condition. Prepare to have a full roll of film, as this stunning piece of architecture will demand it.
Basilica Catedral De Arequipa, Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru, +51 54 213 149
Sunrise At The Plaza De Armas
Many city centers in Latin America will bear the name Plaza de Armas, whose literal translation is ‘Weapons Square.’ However, none will be able to compete with the sheer beauty of the center of Arequipa. In the morning, the rising sunlight shines through the pink clouds and speckles off the center fountain, and Basilica Catedral which is the highlight of Arequipa.
2. Sunset At The Plaza De Armas
Cathedral
At night, the archways that surround the Plaza de Armas, as well as the cathedral itself, all light up in a gorgeous glow which attracts locals and travelers to sit on the benches and enjoy the few remaining hours of the day.
Plaza De Armas, Arequipa, Peru
3. San Camilo Market
Market
4. El Misti
Similar to how the Basilica Catedral overlooks the center of Arequipa, the looming volcano of ‘El Misti’ sits in the backdrop to the north of Arequipa overlooking the whole city as if to protect it. You can do day trips and treks to conquer the volcano, and gain an incredible view of the surrounding area and city itself.
El Misti Volcano, Arequipa, Peru
5. Mercaderes
In almost European fashion, the street known simply as ‘Mercaderes’ runs perpendicular to the northeast corner of the Plaza de Armas and offers wanderers the ability to stroll on a pedestrian-only promenade with restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and always some entertaining street performances as soon as the sun sets.
6. Colca Canyon
Ranking as the second deepest canyon in the world, and providing some of the most breathtaking scenery in Peru, it comes as no surprise that the Colca Canyon is one of the highlights of visiting Arequipa. Jagged cliffs, open fields, gushing rivers, and constant wildlife, spending a night or two outside of the city and in the surrounding wilderness will make you fall in love with this area even more.
7. Yanahuara
The historical beauty of Arequipa does not simply remain in the Plaza de Armas. Towards the west, across the Chili River, is a neighborhood known as Yanahuara, where you can enjoy the colonial beauty you have come to expect from Arequipa, but without the crowds. Sit under the archways and get a view of the city, river and El Misti lurking in the distance.
8. Parque Selva Alegre
Park
Continuing with the trend of searching for peace and quiet, Parque Selva Alegra, at the north of the city, will make you feel as if you have left Arequipa altogether. Catch your breath while enjoying the very well kept grounds, beautiful flower arrangements, few water works, and even some wandering llamas.
9. Fundo El Fierro
Market
It will be a challenge to leave Peru without some sort of souvenir, and those chances diminish even more when you see the top quality of alpaca clothing and Peruvian jewelry available on almost any street corner. To get the best selection, walk up to Parque San Francisco and pass through the Artisanal Market and grab something you know no one back home will have.
10. Mundo Alpaca
Want to see where your brand new sweater came from? Take a free and very educational tour to Mundo Alpaca. Feed llamas, learn about the different types of fiber from the different breeds of animal and how different elevation creates different density, including some fibers softer and more expensive than cashmere. You can see the old way of weaving with some of the traditional weavers on site as well as the machines used in the early 1900s from North America and Europe.
Mundo Alpaca, Ovalo, San Lazaro, Arequipa, Peru, +51 54 202 525
11. Santa Catalina Monastery
Cathedral, Monastery
12. Juanita The Ice Maiden
Arequipa oozes historical significance and amazing stories, none more so than the story of Juanita, the “Inca Ice Maiden.” Killed as an “offering” to the gods, this well preserved frozen body of a 12- to 15-year-old girl provides a spooky insight to the way the world was when the beautiful architecture throughout Arequipa was being constructed.
Museo Santunarios Andinos, La Merced 110, Arequipa, Peru, +51 54 215 013
Eclectic restaurants
Peru is quickly gaining attention on a global stage not only as a culinary leader in South America, but closing the gap on the world powerhouses like France and Italy. The country that created ceviche has so much more to offer than simply fish dishes, so let Arequipa showcase that to you with many mouth watering restaurants for a great price point.
Unique nightlife
Arequipa is not known as a party town, yet you are guaranteed to have fun as soon as the sun sets. Casual and traditional Peruvian bars, German beer gardens, relaxing lounges, and of course, as everywhere, an Irish bar ensures no matter what you like your Saturday night to entail, you will find it in Arequipa.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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