Things to do & places to visit in Arequipa Region, Peru

Arequipa Region #3 destination in Peru 2023. The average rating score is 4.42 based on 33.0k traveler reviews, of 113 attractions. Timezone: America/Lima, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 14:33.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Colca Zip-Lining (252 reviews)
- Not to be missed
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Dit was een superleuke activiteit met uitstekende begeleiding. In twee uur tijd vier verschillende trajecten afgelegd: twee voor beginners en twee voor gevorderden (Monster en Extreme). Behalve zip-linen moet je ook een stuk klimmen en dat maakte het extra uitdagend. De uitstekend Engels sprekende begeleiding zorgde ervoor dat alles veilig verliep en dat iedereen een leuke middag had. Dankjewel Nathan! This was a super fun activity with excellent guidance. Completed four different routes in two hours: two for beginners and two for advanced riders (Monster and Extreme). Besides zip-lining you also have to climb a bit and that made it extra challenging. The excellent English speaking guidance ensured that everything went safely and that everyone had a nice afternoon. Thank you Nathan! See more..
5.0 Planetarium & Observatory Colca (121 reviews)
- An unexpected interesting and fun evening event in Chivay
Friday: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Observation Decks & Towers • Observatories & Planetariums

Our tour guide recommended this small planetarium & observatory. It was quaint and intimate but they have several telescopes and with the dark sky in Chivay, we saw some amazing terrestrial sights! The price was very reasonable and Luis and Edgar gave us all the help and attention that we needed. Additionally, they were very nice and pleasant. See more..
5.0 YogaPark Lima (51 reviews)
- My favourite thing about Lima
Friday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Yoga & Pilates • Lessons & Workshops • Spas

Start your day with a stretching seaside Yoga Session. Breath fresh air and meet other travelers! Enjoy Yoga sessions every day to get energy, balance and peace. Im a certified Hatha Vinyasa Yoga teacher who speaks spanish and also english. Yoga mats and blankets are included. See more..
4.5 Monasterio de Santa Catalina (7.585 reviews) from $14.50
- A city within a city
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Considered a masterpiece of colonial architecture, this monastery is a large complex of rooms, picturesque plazas, ornate fountains and a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets. See more..
4.5 Colca Canyon (5.281 reviews)
- Colca Canyon Trek
Spent More than 3 hours Canyons

The two day Colca trekl was full of breathtaking views and history! The first day, the guides picked us up from our hotel in Arequipa. They drove us straight to the head of the trail and he make sure the bags was securely stored for when we got back to Arequipa. The package included our guide, lunch the first day (prepared by cooks set up in tents in the mountain), bus tickets to and from Arequipa and Cabanaconde, a hotel for the night in the Valley. Our guide had incredible knowledge as to the ancient culture and the area. He had answers to every question the group asked. I definitely recommend to hike on this trek! See more..
4.5 Plaza de Armas (3.859 reviews)
- Great City Plaza
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Serving as the focus of urban life and evening activities, this elegant grand square features graceful colonnades, swaying palms and lush gardens. See more..
4.5 Historic Centre of Arequipa (2.034 reviews)
- Loved It!
Historic Sites

This historic city had such an impact on us that we decided we would definitely return in the near future. The historic old town of Arequipa was built with volcanic sillar rock and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 2000. The architecture is like a fusion of European and local native tastes. The result is simply remarkable. If you can, do stay at least two nights here to explore this wonderful city. Highly Recommended! See more..
4.5 Museo Santuarios Andinos (1.569 reviews) from $11.08
- Museo Santuarios Andinos
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

This museum’s main attraction is Juanita, whose ritually sacrificed and frozen body was unearthed in a volcanic explosion. This young girl’s miraculously preserved DNA has provided priceless insight into the Inca civilization. See more..
4.5 Museo de la Catedral de Arequipa (1.094 reviews)
- Get the private tour to access the roof!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Churches & Cathedrals

In the heart of Arequipa in the Museum of the Cathedral, valuable pieces of art and culture, which reflect the beauty of its Catholic faith, shine for Peru and the world. Monday to Saturday of 10 – 17 hours, all year.En el Corazón de Arequipa en el Museo de la Catedral, brillan para el Perú y el mundo piezas valiosas de arte y cultura, que reflejan la belleza de su fe católica. Horario: Lunes a sábado de 10 am – 5 pm. See more..
4.5 Volcan Misti (902 reviews)
- Tutelary volcano of Arequipa
Volcanos

A place for the delight of the eyes. The misti and its layer of snow is a mandatory place for a Peruvian. The air is dry and the climate pleasant. Totally recommended for all types of national or foreign public. You have to bring water and a good coat because it is quite cold. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (597 reviews)
- Nice Plaza!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Went here as part of the City Tour. There's delicious ice cream place by the entrance which from I heard is a must try in Arequipa. This place is somewhat quiet which can nice if you want a break from a busy town. See more..
4.5 Condor's Cross (442 reviews)
- Stunning condor´s show!
Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas

I was a little bit sceptical about watching the condors but it was an amazing show and one of the best parts of our trip. When we arrived there was only one condor sitting but after a while there were at least 8 condors gliding everywhere around us! They were just enjoying themselves, gliding and for me it was an unforgettable experience! Some tours arrive very early that they can watch the condors before everyone gets there but it is actually much better to arrive after 8am because that is the time they start gliding. Of course, there is more people there but at least you will see something! See more..
4.5 Mundo Alpaca Arequipa (417 reviews)
- Must see in Arequipa
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Ranches

Live the Alpaca experience and know the tradition, process, and history of its fibre and the wonderful textile industry of the Andes. Additionally, visit our new pre-Columbian textile museum and discover the beginnings of this wonderful art. See more..
4.5 Mirador Cruz del Condor (340 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

We had a wonderful time with the condors. Yes it is quite busy, but there are lots of view points. The condors were amazing and do come remarkably close. Not especially accessible for those less mobile, but otherwise an amazing experience. See more..
4.5 Complejo de la Compania de Jesus (326 reviews)
- Beautiful and quiet square
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This square is hidden and is quiet despite being close to the main square and busy Street. The square had several small boutiques worth having a look st, as are the paintings from local painters which can be found there working. See more..
4.5 Museo De Arte Virreinal de Santa Teresa, Arequipa. (324 reviews)
- peace
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

The Santa Teresa y San Jose’s Carmelitas Descalzas’s Monastery, from Arequipa, was founded in 1710, and since then remains in life, hosting a Community of Contemplative Nuns. In its more than 300 years of existence, the Monastery has been treasuring paintings, sculptures, furniture, metalwork, decorative arts, textiles, beautiful murals and objects of daily use from different periods, origins and artistic styles. In 2005, the Community of nuns decided to open a part of the monastery as Museum of Viceregal Art, exhibiting hundreds of objects of its valuable collection in 12 spaces of the old Cloister of the Offices. The Museum is thematic in most of its Exhibition Halls and is also a living museum, since several of the objects and environments are still used as they were more than 3 centuries ago. See more..
4.5 Parroquia San Juan Bautista de Yanahuara (288 reviews)
- While in Yanahuara, you must see this stunning church
Churches & Cathedrals

Not as grand as the larger churches in Peru, but this "neighborhood" church is well maintained and remarkably beautiful. . Had the luxury of sitting for a while in it, while attending a family wedding there.... See more..
4.5 Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve (258 reviews)
- Sumbay Cave Paintings
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Located 97km north of Arequipa on the Caylloma Road (1.45 hrs by bus), is the Salinas Reserve which houses the Sumbay Caves where you will see amazing cave paintings, some 8,000 years old created by the first humans to live in the Peruvian highlands. Clearly recognizable, I spotted paintings of the Rhea, Puma, Guanaco (no longer found in this area but still found in the southern parts of South America) amongst other paintings. Our train stopped in the middle of nowhere at the spot where natural rock steps lead down to the caves. You can’t underestimate the steepness and difficulty of navigating these steps but our train provided hiking sticks which made things easier, although coming back up was harder and our guide gave me a second stick which was a godsend. See more..
4.5 Chachani (232 reviews)
- Great experience with Waiky Adventours
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mountains • Volcanos

This large extinct volcano, 6,057 meters in height, rises above Arequipa in southern Peru and is a popular site for climbers. See more..
4.5 Museo La Recoleta (182 reviews)
- Interesting musuem with some weird exhibits
Friday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

This 17th century convent has been rebuilt several times due to earthquake damage. Now a museum, its rooms contain mummies, masks and souvenirs collected on missionary travels. See more..
4.5 Mercado Central (168 reviews)
- unique experience
Spent < 1 hour Flea & Street Markets

Me and my partner believe that visiting a local market is a must to get a better understanding on the local culture so checking this place seemed obvious to us. Good place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Let the pictures tell the rest. See more..
4.5 Canteras de Sillar (131 reviews)
- great discovery
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We loved this visit away from the turistic crowd. It explains a lot about the splendid constructions of Arequipa and it s also interesting to see the suburbs, where the "real" peruvians live and work. I recommand it for people who have time and want to see impressive landscapes. See more..
4.5 Church of San Agustin (126 reviews)
- Can't miss it
Religious Sites

The Church of St. Agustin is absolutely massive. You can't miss it as it sits dead center in the Plaza de Armas. Its a stunning church absolutely worth a visit. You do have to pay to get inside however. To us it was worth it. See more..
4.5 Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa (105 reviews)
- Great and interested place in Arequipa
Speciality Museums

No many people come to this museum comparing with other ones, It is worth it If You would like to know about history of Arequipa and Mario Vargas Llosa See more..
4.5 Casa Museo Villalobos (71 reviews)
- Obras de arte de nivel mundial y arquitectura clásica... Genial! / Masterpieces, art pieces, classical architecture... Amazing!
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Casa Museo de Dn. José Villalobos, certificado como uno de los mil coleccionistas de arte más importantes del mundo, donde se puede apreciar, según parece, el único Tiziano certificado en America Latina además de otras joyas en pintura, escultura, etc. No hacen falta más comentarios! / Dn. José Villalobos 's House Museum - he is certified as one of the one thousand most important art collector's worldwide - where you can see a Tiziano certified as unique, according to my research, in América and some other amazing art pieces in painting, sculpture, etc. No need to make more comments! See more..
4.5 Mirador Achachiua (69 reviews)
- Blessing
Lookouts

Thanks to some intensiv internet research I found this place very close to the village of Cabanaconde. We went there twice and both times we were completely alone - seing the Condors rising up the Canyon! GREAT! See more..
4.5 Tristan del Pozo (Continental Bank Exhibition Gallery) (46 reviews)
- Great (but small) collection of Peruvian art
Art Galleries

There are just a couple of rooms from what used to be a regal colonial mansion converted into the art gallery, but the richness of the works in these two rooms makes this a must-see while in Arequipa. Palao is my favorite as his style of Indigenismo is so realistic, but every viewer comes with his or her own aesthetic preference and I guarantee there is something in the free exhibit that will move you just like Palao's work moved me. Oh, the architecture of the colonial house is something on its own, too! See more..
4.5 Petroglifos de Toro Muerto (41 reviews)
- Toros Muertos - Wari Tribe Petroglyphs
Historic Sites

Toros Muertos - Dead Bulls from the many cattle that died crossing the Martian-like landscape. 100's of petroglyphs from the vanished Wari tribe cover a desolate area but only a short taxi ride of 2 km or so from the nearest town. The taxi will wait or might return later, mine did not but the walk back to the highway to catch a passing combi was better. Take water and a snack, you'll probably want to stay longer than planned. Go early, the sun is extremely bright. See more..
4.0 Yanahuara (1.634 reviews)
- Good place to visit
Neighborhoods

Walking tours of the white city were the highlight. Plaza de Armas was beautiful. Good exchange rate for currency con version can be found on Jerusalem. El misti volcano is impressive as it towers over the city See more..
4.0 La Calera Thermal Waters (475 reviews)
- Bring your sandals
Hot Springs & Geysers

Don't forget your sandals and towel. Try all the pools. We liked pool number 5 for the water temperature and number 1 for the view. See more..