Peru

Arequipa, Peru: Top Attractions & Things to Do in the White City (Plus a Colca Canyon Day Trip)

Arequipa is the kind of city that wins people over quietly—one sunny plaza at a time. Nicknamed “La Ciudad Blanca” (the White City), much of the old town is built from sillar, a pale volcanic stone formed by ancient eruptions and cut from nearby quarries. That geology also shapes the skyline: on clear days, the near-perfect cone of El Misti volcano towers above the rooftops, making even a simple afternoon walk feel cinematic. The mood is relaxed but lively—students, families, and travelers sharing the same arcaded streets, with café tables spilling into the shade.

Most trips revolve around the UNESCO-listed historic center, and for good reason. Within a compact, walkable grid, it’s easy to move from the Plaza de Armas to monasteries, museums, and shopping streets in minutes. Arequipa’s architecture isn’t just attractive; it reflects a blend of European building ideas and local craftsmanship, expressed in robust walls, courtyards, and richly decorated facades carved in sillar. Earthquakes have repeatedly tested the city, and rebuilding over centuries has helped refine techniques and styles—one reason the center feels so cohesive today.

Arequipa also works for different travel tempos. It’s simple to plan a smooth one- or two-day itinerary focused on the city’s highlights: the plaza and cathedral, the Santa Catalina Monastery, and a quick viewpoint hop to Yanahuara for the classic panorama. If there’s extra time (and energy for an early start), Arequipa is also the springboard for the Colca Canyon—famous for deep landscapes and the chance to see Andean condors gliding on thermals. This guide keeps everything practical: what to do at each stop, how to get there, how long to budget, and the fees that matter most—so planning feels straightforward and the day flows well on foot.

Top Attractions & Experiences

Historic center & Plaza de Armas

Arequipa’s historic center is where the “White City” nickname makes instant sense. Around the Plaza de Armas, elegant arcades, palm-lined gardens, and sillar-stone buildings create a classic walking zone that’s easy to enjoy without a strict plan. It’s ideal for a first stroll to get oriented, watch local life, and spot the details—carved facades, courtyards, and volcano views peeking above the rooftops.

Things to do or see there

Walk the Plaza de Armas gardens and arcades for architecture and people-watching

Browse nearby pedestrian streets for cafés, local sweets, and souvenir shops

Time a visit for early morning (quiet) or evening (lights and atmosphere)

How to get there Most hotels in central Arequipa are walkable to the Plaza. Otherwise, take a short taxi/ride-share to “Plaza de Armas.”

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours for a first loop; longer if pairing with the Cathedral museum, cafés, or shopping streets.

Address Plaza de Armas, Arequipa 04001, Perú. Google map

Notes Sunday mornings can be lively, but some businesses close earlier. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, especially around street performers and photo-op spots.

Arequipa Cathedral

Fronting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral is one of Arequipa’s defining landmarks—massive, bright, and unmistakably part of the city’s sillar identity. Even if the main nave is visited briefly, the real payoff for many travelers is the Cathedral Museum: a guided visit that adds context to the building and often includes rooftop views over the plaza and toward Misti.

Things to do or see there

Admire the façade and towers from different corners of the plaza (lighting changes fast)

Join the Cathedral Museum tour for sacred art, historic objects, and roof viewpoints

Step into the Cathedral during open hours for a quiet moment away from the plaza

How to get there The Cathedral sits directly on the Plaza de Armas; the museum entry is via the side portal on Calle Santa Catalina.

How much time to spend there 45–90 minutes (shorter if only viewing the exterior).

Entrance fees Cathedral Museum: Adults S/ 10; Students S/ 5; Minors S/ 3 (guided visit). Entry to the Cathedral for prayer/services may be free.

Address Basílica Catedral de Arequipa, Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Perú (museum entry by Calle Santa Catalina). Google map

Notes The museum lists Monday–Saturday visiting hours, with last entry around mid-afternoon; arriving earlier makes it easier to fit this into a packed day in the center.

Santa Catalina Monastery

Santa Catalina is the “don’t-skip” stop for travelers who want more than a quick city walk. Behind its walls is a mini neighborhood—bright lanes, quiet courtyards, and rooms that hint at centuries of cloistered life. The monastery’s color palette (deep blues and warm reds) makes it especially rewarding for photography, and it’s big enough that slowing down actually improves the visit.

Things to do or see there

Wander the painted alleys and courtyards (allow time for detours)

Look for tiny details: door knockers, fountains, and cooking spaces

Consider “Santa Catalina by Night” (when offered) for a different atmosphere

How to get there From Plaza de Armas, it’s an easy 10–15 minute walk; taxis are quick if the sun is strong or time is tight.

How much time to spend there 1.5–2.5 hours (longer if taking many photos or using a guide).

Entrance fees Adult foreigners: S/ 45; Adults: S/ 45; Foreigners age 7–21: S/ 25; Peruvian university students: S/ 15; Peruvian senior citizens: S/ 25; Peruvian schoolchildren: S/ 6. Promotional days for Peruvians: Adults S/ 15; Schoolchildren S/ 5 (on the 10th and last Sunday of the month, with ID; restrictions may apply).

Address Santa Catalina 301, Arequipa, Perú. Google map

Notes Daily hours are typically 9:00–18:00 with last entry at 17:00. If visiting during peak hours, going deeper into the complex usually means fewer crowds and better photos.

Alpaca & textile shops

Shopping for alpaca is one of the easiest “practical souvenirs” in Arequipa—warm, packable, and genuinely useful back home. The trick is knowing where to browse without overpaying. Start with reputable showrooms and then compare prices and softness (baby alpaca vs. blends) before committing. Even without buying, it’s a quick way to understand why Peru’s textile tradition is so highly regarded.

Things to do or see there

Compare baby alpaca, alpaca blends, and wool (feel matters more than labels)

Check weave density and finishing—good knits feel smooth and consistent

Look for smaller artisan items like scarves, hats, and woven accessories

How to get there Most shops cluster in and around the historic center; taxis are quick, but walking works well when combining with Santa Catalina and the Plaza.

How much time to spend there 30–90 minutes (more if price-comparing across multiple stores).

Address A reliable starting point is Mundo Alpaca (Alameda San Lázaro 101, Arequipa 04001). Google map

Notes If a “100% baby alpaca” deal feels too good to be true, it usually is. Ask to see the composition label, and take a minute to compare the same item in two shops before buying.

Mirador de Yanahuara

Yanahuara’s lookout is famous for one reason: it delivers the classic Arequipa photo—white arches in the foreground, the city below, and Misti rising behind it. It’s a short trip from the center, which makes it perfect for a quick break when the plaza area starts to feel busy. Clear mornings usually give the sharpest volcano views.

Things to do or see there

Photograph the arches and inscriptions with Misti in the background

Walk through Yanahuara’s small square and nearby streets for a calmer vibe

Pause for a drink nearby and watch the light change on the volcano

How to get there About 10 minutes by taxi from Plaza de Armas; confident walkers can reach it on foot in roughly 25–35 minutes (some uphill sections).

How much time to spend there 30–60 minutes (longer if pairing with cafés or the neighborhood walk).

Address Mirador de Yanahuara, Calle Miguel Grau (zona Yanahuara), Arequipa, Perú. Google map

Notes It’s generally free and open-air. If the volcano is hidden by clouds, wait 10–15 minutes—views can improve quickly as the weather shifts.

Yanahuara viewpoint

This is essentially the same Yanahuara lookout area—often referenced with slightly different names by locals, tour guides, and map pins. Treat it as a second chance to experience the viewpoint differently: come back at a new time of day, shift angles, and explore the nearby streets. The best “upgrade” is timing—sunrise and late afternoon often beat midday glare.

Things to do or see there

Revisit the arches for a different photo angle and softer light

Frame shots that include the Chili River valley and the city’s sillar rooftops

Stroll the neighborhood for quiet corners and small bakeries

How to get there Same access as Mirador de Yanahuara: quick taxi ride from the center, or a longer but doable walk.

How much time to spend there 20–45 minutes (especially if it’s a “return visit” for better light).

Address Yanahuara viewpoint / Mirador area (Yanahuara district), Arequipa, Perú. Google map

Notes If traveling with a tight schedule, pair Yanahuara with alpaca shopping or a San Lázaro stroll—both can fit into the same half-day without feeling rushed.

Colca Canyon day trip & condors

A Colca Canyon day trip is one of the most popular excursions from Arequipa, largely because it combines high-altitude scenery with a real wildlife moment: Andean condors often ride the thermals near the classic viewpoints. The tradeoff is the schedule—most day trips start before sunrise and spend many hours on the road. Travelers who want a smoother pace often choose an overnight version, but even the long day can be worth it with good expectations.

Things to do or see there

Watch for condors near the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor (best odds in the morning)

Enjoy Colca Valley landscapes and traditional villages on the route

Stop at viewpoints for canyon depth and terraced hillsides

How to get there Join a tour from Arequipa (most common), or go independently by bus/collectivo to Chivay and onward. Tours are simplest for a one-day plan.

How much time to spend there Full-day tours often run 14–16 hours round-trip; overnight trips are more relaxed.

Entrance fees Colca Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): Adult foreigner S/ 70; Adult Latinoamericano S/ 40; Adult Peruvian S/ 20 (children have different rates). Tours typically charge separately and may not include meals.

Address A common condor-watching point is Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, Colca, Arequipa, Perú. Google map

Notes Pack layers—temperatures swing from cold mornings to strong midday sun. Altitude can hit hard on a day trip, so hydrate and keep the first day in Arequipa relatively easy if possible.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Mercado San Camilo

When the historic-center streets start to feel polished, Mercado San Camilo brings the city back to earth—in the best way. It’s a working market with fruit stalls, spice piles, juice counters, and everyday Arequipeño shopping. It’s perfect for a snack stop or a quick cultural reset between museums and viewpoints, especially in the morning when the energy is highest.

Things to do or see there

Try fresh juices and local fruit you won’t see at home

Sample simple market meals (go where locals line up)

Pick up edible souvenirs like dried goods or local sweets

How to get there About a 10–15 minute walk from Plaza de Armas; taxis are inexpensive for short hops.

How much time to spend there 30–60 minutes (longer if eating a full meal or shopping).

Address Calle San Camilo 218, Arequipa 04001, Perú. Google map

Notes Go earlier for the freshest produce and fewer crowds. Keep small bills handy—many stands are cash-only and change can be limited.

Barrio de San Lázaro

San Lázaro is often described as one of Arequipa’s oldest neighborhoods, and it’s a nice antidote to the busy plaza area. Think narrow lanes, simple sillar details, and a slower rhythm that feels local rather than tour-optimized. It’s an easy add-on because it sits near the center, and it works especially well as a late-afternoon wander when the light warms the stone.

Things to do or see there

Walk the small streets and look for carved stone details and quiet corners

Pair it with nearby cafés or an early dinner in the center

Use it as a low-effort “buffer” between bigger sights

How to get there Roughly a 15-minute walk from Plaza de Armas; any taxi can take you to “Barrio San Lázaro.”

How much time to spend there 30–75 minutes.

Address Barrio de San Lázaro (zona histórica), Arequipa, Perú. Google map

Notes It’s best enjoyed unhurried. After dark, keep to well-lit streets and consider a taxi back if staying outside the center.

Photography Hotspots

Plaza de Armas at sunrise: fewer people, cleaner shots, and soft light on sillar
Arequipa Cathedral façade from the plaza corners for symmetry and scale
Santa Catalina’s blue-and-red lanes (mid-morning often balances light and crowds)
Yanahuara arches framing Misti—try both morning clarity and late-afternoon warmth
Mercado San Camilo stalls for color and daily-life scenes (ask before close-up photos)
Mirador Cruz del Cóndor in Colca Canyon for condors in flight (morning is key)

Pro Tips & Local Secrets

Build an easy first day. Arequipa’s altitude is manageable for many travelers, but a relaxed first afternoon (plaza + cathedral exterior + early dinner) helps before Colca or long walks.
Plan Santa Catalina smart. It’s bigger than it looks—go in the morning or early afternoon, and watch last-entry times so the visit doesn’t feel rushed.
Use Yanahuara for “weather windows.” If Misti is hidden, wait a little; clouds often move quickly. Returning later can completely change the view.
Carry cash in soles. Museum tickets, markets, and small taxis often work best with cash, and making change can be an issue in the afternoon.
For Colca, ask what’s included. Many tours don’t include the Colca Tourist Ticket or meals—confirm in advance to avoid surprise add-ons.
Shop alpaca like a pro. Compare softness and weight, check composition labels, and don’t rush. “Baby alpaca” should feel smooth and warm, not scratchy.

Building the perfect Arequipa itinerary is refreshingly easy: start with the Plaza de Armas and the UNESCO-listed historic center, add the Arequipa Cathedral and its guided museum visit for rooftop views, then slow down inside the Santa Catalina Monastery for the city’s most memorable lanes, courtyards, and colors. For the classic “White City + Misti” photo, the Yanahuara viewpoint delivers fast, and alpaca and textile shopping is one of the smartest souvenirs in Peru—warm, lightweight, and genuinely useful. If you’re looking up “Colca Canyon day trip from Arequipa,” go in knowing the day is long, but the scenery (and condor sightings) can absolutely justify the early alarm. Save this guide, mix the stops by proximity, and you’ll have a smooth, realistic plan that fits real travel days—not just a checklist.