FAQs
Question
When should I arrive in Arequipa so I don't miss any of the festivities?
Answer
We recommend arriving the night of Thursday, July 1st so you can begin acclimating and enjoying the city, but most will arrive on Friday, July 2nd. Welcome party is Friday night, Wedding on Saturday, and then feel free to begin heading out home or to your next adventure on Sunday! --- Recomendamos llegar la noche del jueves 1 de julio para que puedan aclimatarse y disfrutar la ciudad, aunque la mayoría llegará el viernes 2 de julio. La fiesta de bienvenida será el viernes por la noche, la boda el sábado, y el domingo pueden regresar a casa o continuar con su próxima aventura.
Question
Where in Arequipa should I stay?
Answer
We recommend staying in the Historical Centre of Arequipa, by the Plaza de Armas. Guests should plan to stay the nights of Friday, July 2nd and Saturday, July 3rd at a minimum so they don't miss any of the planned festivities. You can also choose to stay at an Airbnbs, but we recommend hotels as they offer great service and can connect you with local tourism opportunities, excursions, and attractions. Please see travel tab for hotel recommendations and more information! --- Recomendamos hospedarse en el Centro Histórico de Arequipa, cerca de la Plaza de Armas. Los invitados deberían quedarse al menos las noches del viernes 2 y sábado 3 de julio para no perderse ninguna de las celebraciones. También pueden hospedarse en un Airbnb, aunque recomendamos hoteles ya que ofrecen excelente servicio y ayuda para coordinar tours, excursiones y actividades locales. ¡Visiten la sección de viajes para recomendaciones de hoteles y más información!
Question
Do I need to rent a car?
Answer
We do not recommend renting a car. There are Uber, and taxi services throughout the city. Your hotel may also coordinate shuttles to and from the airport. For the wedding, we will provide shuttles to and from the venue. --- No recomendamos alquilar un auto. Hay servicios de Uber y taxis disponibles en toda la ciudad, y muchos hoteles también pueden coordinar transporte desde y hacia el aeropuerto. Para la boda, proporcionaremos transporte de ida y vuelta al lugar del evento.
Question
What's the weather going to be in Arequipa? What should I pack for?
Answer
July is summer right? WRONG! It's winter in Peru, fool! But expect dry weather with temperatures in the 60's and 70's during the day and dipping to 40's and 50's at night. If you go on excursions to local mountains/volcanos and higher elevation regions, pack accordingly. --- ¿Julio es verano, verdad? ¡No! En Perú es invierno. Pero esperen clima seco, con temperaturas entre los 60s y 70s °F durante el día, y entre los 40s y 50s °F por la noche. Si planean hacer excursiones a montañas, volcanes o zonas de mayor altitud, les recomendamos empacar ropa abrigadora.
Question
Is altitude sickness common in Arequipa?
Answer
No, altitude sickness is not very common in Arequipa. The city is located at a moderate altitude of around 2,300 meters (7,600 feet), which makes it an ideal place for gradual acclimatization before visiting higher destinations in southern Peru, such as the Colca Canyon or Puno. In some cases, visitors may experience mild symptoms such as a light headache or fatigue, especially during the first day. If this happens, it is recommended to avoid alcohol (good luck), stay well hydrated, rest, and walk at a relaxed pace. For a more comfortable experience, many travelers choose to spend an additional day in Arequipa to acclimatize properly before continuing their journey to higher altitude areas.
Question
Should I travel throughout Peru before or after the wedding?
Answer
We really don't care. --- Realmente no nos importa.
Question
Is it wise to travel alone or do self-guided tourism in Arequipa?
Answer
The historic district of Arequipa is walkable and safe; however if you plan to explore the wider region, we recommend traveling, exploring, and going out with others! Please see the Things To Do tab for recommended tour and travel agencies that cater to both English and Spanish. --- El Centro Histórico de Arequipa es seguro y fácil de recorrer caminando; sin embargo, si planean explorar otras zonas de la región, recomendamos viajar y salir en grupo. Visiten la sección “Things To Do” para ver agencias y tours recomendados en inglés y español.
Question
What is a picantería in Arequipa?
Answer
A picantería in Arequipa is a traditional local restaurant where you can experience authentic Arequipeñan cuisine in a casual, cultural setting. These restaurants are an important part of the city’s culinary heritage and are known for serving typical regional dishes, often prepared with traditional recipes passed down through generations. Common specialties include spicy stews, soups, and local drinks such as chicha. Visiting a picantería is not just about food—it is also a cultural experience where locals gather to share meals, traditions, and social life, making it one of the best ways to understand the gastronomy and culture of southern Peru.