Practical information
Discover the charm of Arequipa with our exciting tours! Explore the best Arequipa attractions. Here is some practical information, useful before booking a tour.
- Getting to Arequipa from Lima
- Flight: Arequipa is accessible by air from Lima with flights taking just over an hour.
- Bus: By road, a busride usually takes up to 16 hours.
- Best time to visit: The climate is generally mild, making it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is from April to December for the most pleasant weather.
- Altitude: 2.335 meters (7,660 feet)
- Duration of stay: Depending on your interests, about 2 days are perfect for exploring the city. If you’re planning to include treks or visits to nearby attractions in Arequipa like the Colca Canyon, consider staying up to 5 days.
Top attractions in Arequipa
- Colca Canyon: Venture out to one of the world’s deepest canyons, a place perfect for hiking and spotting the majestic Andean condors. Interested? Read our Most complete guide about the Colca Canyon.
- Misti Volcano: Dominating the city’s skyline, this active volcano offers challenging treks to its summit for panoramic views of the region.
- Santa Catalina Monastery: This sprawling convent offers a peek into a bygone era with its vividly painted walls and tranquil courtyards.
- City Tours: Explore the city’s historical center, including the bustling Plaza de Armas and its magnificent cathedral.
Colca Canyon tours
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3-Day Colca Canyon Trek Classic$ 99.00 -
2 day Colca Canyon Trek$ 75.00
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2-day Colca Canyon tour by bus$ 54.00
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Colca Canyon in one day$ 25.00
Other tours in Arequipa
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Chachani trek 2D/1N$ 106.00
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Cataratas de Pillones (Pillones Falls) tour$ 23.00
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Ruta de Sillar + Culebrillas tour$ 17.99
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Laguna de Salinas and Salar full day tour$ 25.00
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Product on saleRio Chili RaftingOriginal price was: $ 25.00.$ 22.00Current price is: $ 22.00.
For which tour/attraction visit Arequipa?
Adventure sports For those who like adventures, Arequipa is perfect. You can hike up the Misti Volcano for amazing views of the area or go to the Colca Canyon for hiking, bird watching, and hot springs. Watching giant condors flying above the canyon is an experience you won’t forget. You can also try fun outdoor activities like rafting on the Chili River or biking in the countryside. These activities give you a chance to see the beautiful landscapes around Arequipa.
Tours and activities There are many guided tours available. Some tours take you around the city to see important places and learn about local life. Others might take you to natural spots like the Colca Canyon or the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can enjoy nature and see local wildlife.
Historical and beautiful buildings Arequipa is famous for its lovely architecture made from a white stone called sillar. This gives the city its special look and nickname. You can walk around the historic center, a World Heritage site, and see beautiful old buildings like the Cathedral and the Church of the Company, which are really impressive.
Arequipa offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a food lover, this city will captivate you. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, made from white volcanic sillar stone, gives the city its nickname and is a sight to behold. In 2000, UNESCO recognized Arequipa’s historic center as a World Heritage Site, celebrating its unique blend of native and European architectural influences.
More about ‘The White City’
Arequipa, fondly known as “The White City,” is a must-visit destination in Peru. Nestled beneath the mighty Misti Volcano, this city is a blend of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1540, Arequipa boasts a fascinating history and breathtaking architecture.