One Day in Arequipa, Peru
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to make a purchase through the link. Thank you for your support – we hope you have a great trip!
Arequipa is one of the biggest cities in southern Peru, famously surrounded by the Misti, Chachani, Ampato, and Coropuna volcanoes.
While Arequipa is a popular destination for those looking to hike a volcano or visit the impressive Colca Canyon, there are also plenty of activities to fill your day within the city itself. In fact, located more than 2335 meters (7661 feet) high in elevation, it’s recommended that you spend at least one day allowing your body to adjust to the altitude before partaking in strenuous exercise.
Our recommendations on things to do spending one mellow day in Arequipa is below!
1. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery
The Santa Catalina Monastery is a historic convent that spans nearly 20 thousand square meters in the heart of Arequipa – jokingly referred to as a city within the city. Still an active monastery, the Santa Catalina hosts four neighborhoods, a small coffee shop, guided tours, a souvenir shop, and guided tours.
The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, with vibrantly colored walls and a balanced zen garden to explore. If you’re looking for a pretty place to take photos, you won’t find anything better than the Santa Catalina.
Entrance tickets to the monastery can be purchased at the door between 9:00am – 6:00pm everyday, with hours extended to 8:30pm on Thursdays. Adult tickets for international travelers are 45 soles (~ $11.50 USD), and international tickets for those under 21 are 25 soles (~ $6.50 USD).
2. Visit the Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is one of the main hubs in Arequipa, and not one you’ll want to miss. The plaza is located in the historical center of Arequipa, and is one of the greatest public spaces in the city. It hosts plenty of greenery and seating, a fountain, churches, and iconic archways to shops and cafes.
The Plaza de Armas is a public square that is free for entry.
3. Visit the Catedral de Arequipa
Also referred to as a basilica, the Catedral de Arequipa is an impressive architectural feat that took over a century to fully complete, located right in the Plaza de Armas! Today you are able to tour its facades, sculptures, paintings, and museum. You are also able to climb up to its bell tower and peer out at the city of Arequipa.
Tickets for the cathedral cost 10 soles (~ $2.50 USD) for adults, 5 soles (~ $1.30 USD) for students, and 3 soles (~ $0.75 USD) for children. The museum is open from 10:00am – 4:15pm Monday through Saturday, and the temple is open from 7:00am – 10:00am and 5:00pm – 7:00pm Monday through Saturday & 9:00am – 6:00pm on Sundays.
4. Go Street Shopping
Street shopping is a fun part of visiting any city, but is especially accessible in Peru. Aside from typical shops all over the city, there are often outdoor pop-up shops full of souvenir trinkets and traditional Peruvian items. If you’re looking to buy small gifts for either yourself or somebody else, these stands will offer plenty of options at a reasonable price.
5. Stop for a Bite & Schedule a Cooking Class
As with any great city, you don’t want to miss trying out the food while you’re in Arequipa. If you’re interested in trying out some Peruvian classics, look for the following:
- Ceviche
- Lomo Saltado
- Papas a la Huancaina
- Aji de Gallina
- Cuy
- Rocoto Relleno
- Anticuchos de Corazón
If you’re especially interested in learning about Peruvian food, sign yourself up for a cooking class as well! While our cooking class in Arequipa ultimately got cancelled, we were able to schedule one in Cusco – and it’s now something I hope to do in every country I visit moving forward!
Peruvian Cooking Class
Click here to read more about the Cusco Culinary cooking class!
More Nearby
Is Arequipa just one stop of many on your Peruvian adventure? Check out the guides below to continue your tour!
1. One Day Tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Now declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s no secret why Machu Picchu is the most popular…
2. How To Spend One Day in Cusco, Peru
The biggest tourist hub in all of Peru, Cusco is full of activity year round, with activities both in and out of…
3. Hotel Highlights: The Floating Islands of Uros
Uros Aruma Uro is a hotel that sits on Lake Titicaca, literally! Part of the famous Floating Islands of Uros, this…
Liked this post? Save it for later!
About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
I loved the little shopping markets in Peru. I wanted so badly to go to Arequipa, but unfortunately did’t make it. It looks like I missed a lot! I’d love to see the monastery.
I’ve never been to South America but planning a long trip with Peru high on the list of countries to visit. So this post is really helpful for me. I love discovering new cultures, cuisines and people. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds lovely- I’m always looking for pretty places to take photos when I travel.
Your posts are making me sad that we lost our trip to Peru when the pandemic hit. Good to know that if we visit Arequipa for the outdoor sights in the area that there will be lots to see in the city too. It looks like a lovely spot to wander around. And a cooking course is always a lot of fun. Can’t wait to get Peru back on the travel planning board.
Peru seems like such an interesting country! We have never been but would love to experience the culture. We will need to do a bit more research and your posts will definitely help so thank you!
Wow, I would love to visit Peru one day! Definitely one of the top countries on my bucket list. Would love to see more posts about Peru from you! <3
Very interesting! Especially the cooking class – love a good cooking class.