Things To Do
Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the center of everything in Arequipa and probably where you’ll end up more than once during your trip. It’s a great place to grab coffee, people-watch, and take in the views of the cathedral and surrounding volcanoes, especially around sunset. --- La Plaza de Armas es el corazón de Arequipa y probablemente terminarán visitándola más de una vez durante su viaje. Es el lugar perfecto para tomar un café, ver el movimiento de la ciudad y disfrutar las vistas de la catedral y los volcanes alrededor, especialmente al atardecer.
Mirador de Yanahuara
The Yanahuara Scenic Overlook was built in the 19th century in the neighborhood of the same name. It is made up of several arches made of ashlar, a volcanic stone abundant in the region. On its facade are registered thoughts of some of the most illustrious characters of the city. From there you have a view of the city as well as the most famous snowy three in the region: the Chachani, the Pichu Picchu and the Misti. Also, free entry!
Santa Catalina Monastery
Santa Catalina feels less like a monastery and more like a hidden little town tucked inside the city. 20 thousand square meters, four neighborhoods, which emulate the Arequipa urban distribution of the first years of the Colony. The colorful streets, quiet courtyards, and old architecture make it one of the most beautiful places to wander around in Arequipa. Learn more here: https://santacatalina.org.pe/en --- Santa Catalina se siente menos como un monasterio y más como una pequeña ciudad escondida dentro de Arequipa. Con más de 20 mil metros cuadrados y cuatro barrios que reflejan la distribución urbana de los primeros años de la colonia, sus calles coloridas, patios tranquilos y arquitectura histórica lo convierten en uno de los lugares más lindos para recorrer en la ciudad. Más información aquí: https://santacatalina.org.pe/en Entrance fee: Adults & Adult Foreigners: S/ 50.00 Foreigner from 7-18 years old: S/ 30.00 Peruvian senior citizens: S/ 30.00
Museo de la Catedral of Arequipa
The entrance to the Cathedral is free. But we recommend to doing the tour! The Museum of the Cathedral of Arequipa is located inside the Cathedral Basilica. The entrance is through the side portal on St. Catalina Street. Built in the 1600s and reconstructed after multiple earthquakes, Arequipa’s cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, you’ll find religious artwork, historic artifacts, and some of the best views overlooking the Plaza de Armas. --- La entrada a la Catedral es gratuita, pero recomendamos hacer el recorrido guiado. El Museo de la Catedral de Arequipa se encuentra dentro de la Basílica Catedral, con ingreso por la calle Santa Catalina. Construida en el siglo XVII y reconstruida tras varios terremotos, la Catedral es uno de los monumentos más emblemáticos de la ciudad, con arte religioso, objetos históricos y lindas vistas de la Plaza de Armas. Open hours: 10 am- 4:15 pm. Entrance fee: S/10 soles
Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is without doubt one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Peru. The terrain and elevations vary dramatically, chains of mountains protect and guard traditional villages along the valley and is the kingdom of the “Condor”. Multicolor terraces, deep gores, old traditions, festivities, music and the picturesque scenery of this valley, makes this spot one of the most beautiful places of Peru. We recommend the 2 day Colca Tour for a quick trip to the canyon! The journey typically takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road. Please click on the link below to view all the tour options!
Laguna de Salinas
The “Salinas Lagoon” is a salt flat of shallow water that is located within the borders of the national Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca (South side of the Reserve). The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve spans approximately 906,000 acres and has been recognized as a National Reserve since 1979. Located primarily in the Arequipa region, with part extending into Moquegua, the reserve sits at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 6,050 meters above sea level. Its name comes from two of its most notable natural features: the Salinas Lagoon and the Aguada Blanca plains (“pampa”), both found within the reserve’s territory. We heard it's gorgeous to catch a sunset here! 3 hour trip from Arequipa, could be done as a day trip!
Arequipa
Arequipa city is famous not only for its delicious cuisine, colonial charm and beautiful buildings made of white volcanic stone, but this city enjoys Sunshine around 300 days of year. It is also the jumping-off point for visiting the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons and is home of the majestic condor. The “White city “ of Peru is undoubtedly the most attractive and a must-see for any traveler on a trip to Peru. Please click the link to view all of the City tours hosted by Giardino Tours. You're welcome to do all of these events by yourself as well! --- Arequipa es famosa por su deliciosa gastronomía, su encanto colonial y sus edificios de piedra volcánica blanca. Con más de 300 días de sol al año, también es el punto de partida para visitar el Cañón del Colca, hogar del majestuoso cóndor andino y uno de los cañones más profundos del mundo. Haz clic en el enlace abajo para ver los tours de ciudad de Giardino Tours, ¡aunque también pueden explorar la ciudad por su cuenta!
Baños Termales
The hot springs are primarily centered around the Colca Canyon and just outside the main city, fed by volcanic activity from the Chachani, Cotallumi, and Ampato volcanoes! Our favorite is the Chacapi Hot Springs, in Yanque, close to Colca Canyon.
Mundo Alpaca
Name says it all. Go see some Alpacas.