From its towering volcanoes to its proximity to the beautiful Colca Canyon, Arequipa is rightfully so one of the crucial well-liked locations you could go to in Peru.
One of the prettiest Andean cities round, it’s laden with white, polished volcanic rocks. Arequipa can be identified for its fiercely impartial tradition, which is greatest explored via its markets, museums and native meals.
In this Arequipa journey information, you’ll discover a few of the best possible issues to see and do. I’ll additionally give my very own ideas having hung out exploring town!
Things to know about Arequipa
The White City
Known because the white metropolis of Peru, Arequipa tends to stun most travellers with its abundance of gorgeous streets and architectural delights.
Most of those have been constructed utilizing Sillar, which is a volcanic rock that has been excavated from the arid plains that encompass Arequipa.
From the Cathedral to the streets that wind via the Yanahuara district, you’ll discover many stunning designs and creations which might be made out of this stunning rock.
Unique historical past
Arequipa additionally has a fiercely impartial tradition, even to the extent the place they half-jokingly (and half-seriously) supply an Arequipeñan passport.
During the nineteenth Century, a sequence of political occasions shifted Arequipa into changing into the brand new capital of the nation, while the remainder of the nation was beneath rule from bordering Chile. This created a divide between the areas, with Arequipa being seen as a territory inside a territory by the remainder of Peru.
This may be greatest explored via lots of its museums, and those that are travelling via Peru on an extended journey will certainly additionally really feel the distinction to different cities similar to Cusco or Lima.
Climate
Lastly, one of the crucial weird issues about Arequipa needs to be its nearly unchanging climate sample all year long.
Located throughout the same-named area, this space could be very arid, surrounded by huge plains of rocky desert and volcanic lands. The Andes mountains are additionally discovered right here too, which block off incoming clouds and rain giving Arequipa its personal distinctive micro-climate.
Average temperatures right here by no means deviate from between 59-61°F (round 15°C), with noon highs of 70-73°F (22°C) and night lows of 49-54°F (11°C). There’s little or no rain too, with over 300 rain-free days all year long! These principally happen between May and October, however even the wettest months of January and February solely see half an inch of precipitation every all through the month.
Where to Stay in Arequipa
There are two essential areas that travellers will wish to base themselves in when visiting Arequipa.
The Historic Center is the primary one, which is the place you’ll discover the bustling Plaza de Armas (and essentially the most stunning one in Peru for my part). This space could be very secure and full of assorted eating places, vibrant markets and worthwhile landmarks. It’s the most effective place for nightlife in Arequipa too, the place you’ll discover many nice bars and golf equipment alongside Calle San Francisco.
If you possibly can afford some luxurious, then top-of-the-line locations to remain throughout the Historic Centre is the Casa Andina Select. Located proper throughout the Plaza de Armas, you’ll be staying in a slick and comfy room, with an on-site restaurant and swimming pool accessible.
The different space price staying in is Yanahuara, which is situated throughout the Chili River to the west of the Historic Centre. This space has a extra genuine “town” really feel to it, with a lot of the streets being made out of white, crumbling volcanic rocks. Yanahuara is greatest identified for its beautiful lookout level (mirador) and has a terrific number of lodging choices and eating places.
For an exquisite boutique resort in Yanahuara, it’s price staying in Azul Colonial, which is located proper within the coronary heart of this district. Here you’ll be situated inside a fantastic and cosy home, with an en-suite rest room in addition to a cafeteria for lunch and dinner.
Best Day Trips from Arequipa
Let’s discover a few of the best possible day journeys you could simply (and safely) take from Arequipa.
Colca Canyon
One of the deepest canyons on earth, the Colca Canyon is by far top-of-the-line websites you possibly can discover in Peru.
Within these expansive, mountainous ridges you’ll be capable to hike alongside some actually unforgettable paths.
The Mirador Cruz del Cóndor is a must-visit, the place you possibly can spot Andean Condors hovering via the skies (at a wingspan of as much as 3 metres they’re amongst the biggest birds on earth).
You’ll additionally be capable to go to the indigenous village of Chivay, which has managed to maintain its roots and tradition intact regardless of the Spanish colonial rule.
It’s attainable to go to the Colca Canyon independently by taking shuttles to go to completely different locations, climbing the path by your self, and staying in Chivay.
However, one of many best possible methods to discover this jaw-dropping area is with a tour that already has the whole lot included. The typical tour has you spending two days trekking via the epic canyons. As properly as having all meals included, you’ll additionally keep on the unbelievable Sangalle — a tropical oasis set throughout the depths of the Colca Canyon.
Volcano Hikes to El Misti and Chachani
Arequipa is well-known for its imposing volcanoes, which dwarf this in any other case massive metropolis from numerous sides.
Whilst most guests solely take them in from the consolation of a mirador, why not head one step additional and climb one in every of them?
El Misti is by far the most well-liked, which might both be hiked in a day or with an in a single day ascent (2 days, 1 night time). At an altitude of 5822 metres it’s no straightforward enterprise although, and also you’ll have to spend at the least 48 hours in Arequipa to acclimatise to the upper altitudes.
The different, extra demanding hike is as much as Chachani. At a extra dizzying altitude of 6057 metres, this one tends to be extra of a problem to achieve the snow ridge the place you possibly can then hike as much as the summit (I attempted this one and failed epically. Please take the altitude critically women and gents!).
If you’re fairly versatile with dates, then you possibly can simply ebook a climbing tour on the day. There are quite a few tour companies that encompass the Plaza de Armas. Those with much less time will wish to ebook upfront, with this 2 Day Hike as much as El Misti being a terrific possibility.
Sillar Valley
Of all of the day journeys (and even excursions inside Arequipa) that you are able to do, I’d personally advocate doing this one earlier than all others.
This is as a result of the Sillar Valley is basically the beating coronary heart of all issues structure and design in Arequipa, from the place the gorgeous Sillar rock is excavated from.
Within the valley, we’ll discover this shiny white stone in abundance, which is made up of ash and volcanic fragments which have been launched throughout one of many many eruptions from these volcanoes.
Here you possibly can stroll throughout the ridges and canyon formations, that are excellent for getting a pleasant picture inside. Afterwards, you’ll be capable to discover a valley with many carved-out sculptures from the rock, similar to an owl in addition to the notorious scripted cliffs.
Like with the volcano hikes, you too can ebook a visit to the Sillar Valley on the day (it’s much more versatile with numerous departing occasions, given the tour is often round 5 hours). I additionally extremely advocate reserving this half-day tour, the place you’ll have knowledgeable information present you the positioning, in addition to go to the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto miradores.
Top 7 Things to do in Arequipa
Now let’s check out the perfect issues you are able to do in Arequipa (and inside its instant environment).
1. See the Historic Centre’s architectural delights
Given that this metropolis has been etched out of white rocks and different volcanic gems, one of many essential issues to see in Arequipa needs to be the distinctive buildings and community of streets.
Whilst there are different worthwhile neighbourhoods to discover similar to San Lázaro and Cayma, the Historic Centre is the primary that you just’ll wish to head to.
Our first cease can be within the Plaza de Armas, which is a leafy sq. with a picturesque fountain situated at its coronary heart. Here we will see the beautiful Basilica Cathedral, with its white spirals towering above all different buildings in sight.
From right here we will then take a brief stroll over to the Santa Catalina Monastery, which is understood for each its unbelievable design and in addition a extra darkish previous. Built within the sixteenth Century, it has been house to many nuns of the Dominican Order, and has since been occupied despite quite a few earthquakes which have partially destroyed completely different areas of the advanced.
Out of the 450 girls that after lived right here, solely a 3rd have been really nuns — while the remaining have been native Andeans who labored as both servants or slaves to the nuns.
2. Dive into the native Arequipeñan Food Scene
Peruvian meals is very numerous. And there’s a superb purpose why it’s shortly rising into one of the crucial sought-after cuisines on Earth.
Whilst you possibly can strive many tasty dishes from across the nation, Arequipa itself has many worthwhile meals and drinks that you just’ll wish to pattern when on the town.
Lomo Saltado is called a Peruvian staple, although it was really born right here and so it’s the most effective place to strive essentially the most genuine model. You’ll discover loads of native eating places alongside the Calle Pte. Bolognesi that serve up this unbelievable dish, while those that are after a extra deluxe expertise can head to the globally-acclaimed restaurant of Chicha by Gastón Acurio.
Another novel approach of attending to know native meals (in addition to the tradition too) is by heading to the San Camilo Market. The essential market on the town, right here you’ll discover a tonne of locals promoting their best possible produce. It’s additionally a terrific place to choose up meats and fruits when making ready your individual meals.
Wander round sufficient and also you’ll additionally discover some more odd specialities too, such because the notorious Cuy (Guinea Pig) that endlessly stays an integral a part of conventional Andean delicacies.
Another nice approach to discover the delicacies of Arequipa is with a guided meals tour. Here you’ll strive the whole lot from Aji de Gallina and Ocopo to Cuy (don’t fear it’s an elective dish!) to conventional Arequipeñan desserts similar to Queso Helado.
3. Learn via its Andean Museums
Whilst many know concerning the Spanish rule of this metropolis, what isn’t so well-known is that human settlement started in these lands some 5000 years in the past in the course of the Palaeolithic Era.
Evidence of this may be present in cave work at numerous websites within the area (such because the Toro Muerto). Since then it has been occupied by civilisations such because the Aruni and later the Incas, up till the Spanish Conquest.
During this lengthy interval, there have been many key findings which have made their approach into the native museums, with essentially the most infamous being the Juanita Mummy throughout the Museo Santuarios Andinos — a sacrificed little one discovered on the foot of the Ampato Volcano.
At the museum, we will find out about each the grotesque (and not-so-gruesome) traditions and customs and see numerous weapons, pottery and textiles which have since been discovered and preserved.
Another museum that’s price visiting is the Recoleta Monastery, which is a seventeenth Century convent constructed out of quite a lot of contrasting architectural kinds. It’s stuffed with many non secular and cultural art work, starting from historic Andean work to imported items from the extra distant Amazonian areas of Peru.
4. Meet Alpacas within the Mundo Alpaca
No journey to Peru may be full with out assembly the extra “furry” native residents. And when in Arequipa there’s no higher place to do that than by heading to the Mundo Alpaca Center, the place you’ll see dozens of alpacas roaming round.
On-site you’ll additionally discover the pre-Columbian textiles museum, the place you possibly can see a few of the oldest woven clothes from this space of Latin America, in addition to study the way it’s made too.
One of the most effective issues about this place (and why I all the time advocate coming right here) is that there isn’t any value to enter. They do settle for donations which helps them develop, and that is one explicit place that I really feel actually does deserve an additional serving to hand.
To get to Mundo Alpaca you’ll first want to move 6 blocks north of the Plaza de Armas till you attain the Ovalo de San Lázaro, from which it’s only a quick stroll.
5. Go White Water Rafting alongside the Chili River
When exploring Arequipa, you’ll most probably go alongside the bridge above a river (that connects the Historic Centre to the Yanahuara district). This river known as the Chili River, and is among the best-known and vital rivers throughout the area of Arequipa.
It’s additionally the right place for journey fanatics, who can go white water rafting right here and benefit from the Class II – IV rapids (which range relying on the stretch of river you journey alongside). Even in case you’re skilled, it’s nonetheless greatest to go together with an organised tour given the dangers of making an attempt a brand new river by your self.
This whitewater rafting tour is among the greatest choices you could head on, the place you, your group and exercise chief will spend 2 hours having the fun of your lives as you journey down these waters.
Along the way in which you’ll additionally be capable to get pleasure from some actually breathtaking views of the encompassing landscapes, which embody volcanic rocks and distant peaks. With this tour you’ll even have all transport to and from the positioning, bottled water in addition to all vital gear.
6. Walk across the Yanahuara District
As already talked about earlier on this information, Arequipa is well-known for its volcanic environment and landscapes.
Many of the buildings discovered within the metropolis centre are made out of white Sillar rock, and people eager on doing extra exploring merely should come to the neighbourhood of Yanahuara.
Located to the west of the historic centre (you’ll have to cross the bridge over the Chili River), you possibly can simply stroll right here, and the primary greatest place to return to is the Yanahuara Mirador.
With its beautiful half-oval arches and a reasonably colonial church, right here you may get a few of the best possible views over Arequipa. Within the plaza you’ll additionally discover many distributors promoting Queso Helado, which is a regional dessert that you just should strive!
From right here you possibly can then begin exploring the streets the place you’ll see loads of shiny-white buildings, in addition to an incredible community of cobblestone streets that wind via this colonial district.
I like to recommend coming right here within the early morning if you’d like the place to your self, the place you may get some insane views over Arequipa from the Mirador. The night is nice too for a sundown snap – though remember that you’ll have many crowds to deal with!
7. Enjoy the colourful Nightlife Scenes
Those who love a superb beer and boogie will actually get pleasure from what’s on supply in Arequipa. I’d even go so far as saying that this metropolis may rival the scenes of these present in Cusco and Máncora too!
The epicentre is discovered alongside Calle San Francisco, which is a slender avenue that’s situated simply a few blocks north of the Plaza de Armas.
The Sunset Rooftop Bar is a good place to kick issues off, from the place you possibly can head to La Casona Forum for extra antics later into the night time. You’ll additionally discover many bars and gastropubs right here, in addition to throughout the picturesque avenue of Pasaje de la Catedral.
Another nice space for getting drinks and assembly others is throughout the Plaza de Armas. A bustling plaza by day, this sq. transforms right into a full of life leisure centre by night time.
Along the second-story assortment of buildings that encompass the plaza, there are numerous eating places and rooftop bars price heading to. One of the perfect is Waya Lookout Terraza, which you’ll simply be capable to spot given it’s all the time blaring loud music and has vivid lights shining out from the within.
Arequipa Travel Tips from a Local
First off, the delicacies of Arequipa is by far one of many best possible you could strive when in Peru. It’s from right here the place the ever-popular Lomo Saltado hails (which is a stir fry that’s accompanied with rice, potato chips, onions and tomatoes).
Whilst right here you’ll additionally wish to strive a Quedo Helado. This vanilla-based ice cream is an absolute deal with in the course of the sizzling sunny hours of the day, and you’ll order one from the traditionally-dressed Peruvian women who work within the Plaza de Armas. You’ll additionally discover a store serving Queso Helado proper within the small plaza by the Yanahuara Mirador too.
Next up is the altitude. Whilst it’s not the best metropolis you possibly can journey to in Peru, at 2335 metres it’s nonetheless price taking the primary couple of days good and straightforward.
Walking across the metropolis you most likely gained’t really feel something extra strenuous than regular, nonetheless, it’s crucial to acclimatise earlier than heading on a higher-altitude hike (similar to to Colca Canyon or one of many volcanoes).
If you don’t, then you could undergo from a situation identified domestically as Soroche, the place you’ll really feel nauseous and sick because of the lack of oxygen within the air.
As properly as getting naturally acclimated by spending some days in Arequipa, different methods to forestall potential issues embody taking Soroche Pills (you should buy these at any Inkafarma) or by utilizing Coca Leaves (which of their unprocessed type are a gentle pure treatment relatively than a drug).
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Posted APR 17, 2023