11 Best Things to Do and See in Arequipa
Exploring Arequipa on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Arequipa, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Arequipa. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Plaza de Armas Arequipa
Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas is the lively heart of the city, surrounded by elegant arcades, colonial buildings in light volcanic stone, and cafés where you can watch local life. It is a spacious square with well-kept gardens, benches, and a striking view of Arequipa Cathedral. A perfect place to stroll, admire the historic center’s architecture, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this Peruvian city, combining heritage, relaxation, and everyday activity.
2. Santa Catalina Convent
Santa Catalina Convent in Arequipa is a vast historic complex and one of the city’s most iconic sites. Walking through its peaceful streets, cloisters, flower-filled courtyards and colorful cells, you discover a preserved former monastery that feels like a journey back in time. The site includes religious living spaces, furnished rooms and exhibition areas that help explain the convent’s layout and monastic life. Its volcanic stone architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-see in Peru.
3. Sabandía Mill
Sabandía Mill is a tourist attraction in the countryside of Arequipa, Peru. This historic volcanic stone site is known for its traditional architecture and peaceful setting among Andean scenery and well-kept gardens. A visit lets you explore a preserved old mill, with its interior spaces, period mechanisms and an atmosphere that evokes rural life in the past. The walk also offers a chance to enjoy the charm of Sabandía district, loved for its quiet ambiance and valley views.
4. Selva Alegre Park
Selva Alegre Park in Arequipa is a large green space valued for its shady paths, well-kept lawns, and peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city. Visitors come here to walk, exercise, or simply relax away from the urban bustle. The park also offers rest areas, mature trees, and a pleasant setting to enjoy time with family or friends. It is a welcome stop for discovering a quieter, more natural side of Arequipa.
5. Mercado San Camilo
Mercado San Camilo is one of Arequipa, Peru’s most lively markets, where you can experience the city’s daily atmosphere through colorful stalls and constant activity. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices, cheese, bread, fresh juices, and simple dishes prepared on site, as well as everyday essentials. It is also a great place to observe local habits, chat with vendors, and taste regional flavors in a popular, authentic setting.
6. Cloisters of The Company
The Cloisters of The Company in Arequipa offer a peaceful stop in the heart of the city’s historic center. This cloister complex, part of the local colonial architecture, appeals with its elegant arcades, bright patios and the contrast between Arequipa’s white stone and the shadows of its galleries. It is an ideal place for a stroll, where visitors can enjoy the calm, architectural details and heritage atmosphere of the city’s religious monuments.
7. Mundo Alpaca
In Arequipa, Mundo Alpaca is an interesting stop to discover the world of Andean camelids and Peruvian wool up close. The site highlights alpacas, as well as other iconic highland animals, while offering an overview of the fiber processing stages, from sorting to weaving. Visitors can usually watch craft demonstrations and explore exhibition spaces that help explain the local textile know-how. It is an enjoyable visit for anyone wanting to learn about a living Andean tradition.
8. Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa overlooks the Plaza de Armas and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire its elegant light-stone façade, twin towers and central role in Arequipa’s historic heart.
9. Museo Santuarios Andinos
Museo Santuarios Andinos in Arequipa is a must-visit museum for discovering the archaeology and beliefs of the Peruvian Andes. It displays objects from high-altitude sanctuaries, as well as remains linked to pre-Hispanic ritual traditions. The museum is especially known for its exhibitions on Andean culture and discoveries made in the nearby volcanoes. A visit offers a deeper understanding of the spiritual importance of the mountains and the region’s ancient heritage in a setting that is both educational and striking.
10. Fundo El Fierro
Fundo El Fierro is a popular address in Arequipa for discovering a wide range of local crafts in a setting typical of the city. This place brings together shops and workshops where you can often find handmade objects, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and souvenirs that reflect Peruvian culture. As you wander through, you can watch artisans at work, compare styles, and take home an authentic piece, while enjoying a pleasant stop during your visit to Arequipa.
11. Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa
The Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa is a museum in Arequipa dedicated to one of the great figures of Peruvian literature. The site offers an insight into Mario Vargas Llosa’s world through a memorial space that connects his personal journey with the city. Visitors discover a museum focused on the writer, his importance in national culture, and his Arequipa roots. It appeals to literature lovers and travelers interested in Arequipa’s cultural heritage.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
