Day 1 in Arequipa

Welcome to Arequipa! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city and take a leisurely stroll around the historic center of the city where the famous Plaza de Armas is located. The spectacular plaza is brimming with people as it is the most popular gathering place in the city, vibrantly decorated with manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and sparkling fountains. Adorned with stunning Spanish colonial style architecture the plaza stands out with its natural beauty and the breathtaking Basilica Cathedral which takes up one entire side of the plaza.

Find yourself a seat at one of the many open-air cafes and restaurants tucked under the arches of the plaza and enjoy some lunch and refreshments while taking in the attractive ambiance and vibrant atmosphere of this stunning city.

A great way to explore the city is to take a free walking tour, which leaves right from the Plaza with a guide that will provide all kinds of interesting details and facts on The White City. Tours leave at 10 am and 3 pm from the IPeru office.

After some lunch, check out the spectacular Cathedral and its impressive museum. The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa was built in 1540 the year Arequipa was discovered. Built from the iconic white `sillar` volcanic rock used throughout The White City with a neoclassical, neo-Renaissance Gothic style architecture. The museum gives visitors a look at the large collection of invaluable objects including the largest organ found in South America, liturgical objects, artworks and a collection of crowns.

Just north of the plaza is Mundo Alpaca or Alpaca world, a great cultural center, museum and Alpaca Farm to explore. Arequipa is the World Capital of the Alpaca, the wool that comes from these animals is very fine and valuable and the `Sol Alpaca` label is sold here at the gift shop. Take a walk around the farm where you can interact with alpacas and llamas in their natural surroundings, and watch live demonstrations on how the precious wool is sorted and weaved.

On your way back down to the main plaza enter the `city within a city` of Santa Catalina. This historic area is a sprawling complex featuring the massive Santa Catalina Monastery (65,000 sq ft) which dates back to the 16the century, it is a working nunnery today where 20 nuns reside. The quaint and colorful buildings here that line the cobblestone streets are simply gorgeous, with brightly colored walls and vibrant flowers, they are picture perfect! Wander the narrow alleyways and perfect plazas with ancient churches and discover the antique and artisan shops. Climb to the top of the Monastery towers where you can enjoy spectacular views over The White City.

Discover one of Arequipa's stunning sights, sunset from a rooftop terrace bar. The city sits at 7,661 feet and as the setting sun hits the white walls of the city it creates a magical sight, it is truly mesmerizing. There are an abundance of rooftop bars found in the Plaza de Armas, sit back and sip a Pisco Sour (the signature drink of Peru) and watch the sky light up in a magical hue of colors as it sinks down beyond the Misti Volcano.

Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants found in the Plaza de Armas with outdoor seating, dine on spectacular authentic Peruvian cuisine. There are many bars and clubs found around the main square where you can stop in for a nightcap and some dancing before retiring for the night.

Day 2 in Arequipa

Start your day early with a visit to the oldest market in Arequipa, the San Camilo Market lies close to the main square in the city center. The large authentic market features underground food courts, popular restaurants, butchers, produce and spice stalls. Stroll around this sensational market and explore the rows of stands offering fresh juices, smoothies, and the famous `queso helado` ice cream.

Head out to the magnificent Colca Canyon, Peru`s version of the Grand Canyon but twice as deep! The staggering canyon plunges 13,650 feet down and is a preferred hiking spot in Peru and many tours are offered in the region along with horseback riding, biking, and kayaking or white water rafting on the Colca River. The breathtaking scenery here goes on for miles with varying landscapes and terrain that lead to lookout points where the great Andean Condor can be seen in full flight.

There are a wide array of off the beaten track opportunities available just outside of Arequipa including river rafting and kayaking on the Rio Chili where half and full day trips are available from April to November. Mountain biking is a great outdoor adventure in the area including downhill volcano mountain biking trips to Chachani and El Misti. There are also hiking trips through the Colca Canyon and to El Misti that last for days including outdoor camping and an experienced fitness level due to the dramatic change in altitude.

Once back in the city head to the neighborhood of Yanahuara for some lunch. The small charming town square here is brimming with cafes and restaurants offering outdoor seating with some of the best views in the city looking out over El Misti. After lunch, wander the narrow streets and admire the colonial style homes made of the signature white sillar rock, some are painted vibrant colors and most are adorned with baskets of flowers.

Also in Yanahuara, there are numerous ice cream vendors that sell `queso helado` the local specialty. This delicious artisanal ice-cream is made from coconut, cinnamon, and cloves.

Check out the Museo Santuarios Andinos is Arequipa`s premier museum and the final resting place of the `Ice Maiden` Juanita a 12-year-old Inca girl who was sacrificed to the gods back in the 15th century. Her body was discovered in 1995 frozen and preserved on the mountain face.

As evening time approaches make your way to the Mirador Carmen Alto viewpoint located in a small village 4 miles from the city center. Take a 30-minute walk to reach the viewpoint crossing through hilly landscapes and be rewarded with breathtaking views over Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes and snow-capped mountains. The lookout is another spectacular vantage point in the city to watch the sun setting over Arequipa with the sparkling sun shining off the ornate buildings.

Meander through the historic streets past leafy plazas and pick a place to have dinner, Arequipa has some of the best restaurants offering everything from authentic regional cuisine to burgers and beers. The city offers an upbeat nightlife scene with an abundance of bars and salsa and cumbia (Colombian salsa-like dance and musical style) with live music and dancing opportunities.

The Municipal Theatre in the city also has plenty of regular live shows to enjoy.

Additional Days in Arequipa

If you are able to spend additional days Arequipa visit the sprawling Mansion del Fundador, a Spanish Colonial Mansion found in the countryside outside of the city. The 17th-century mansion was fully restored and features original furnishings, paintings and a chapel onsite.

Sabandia Mill was the first mill of its kind built in 1785 in the Paucarpata countryside. The mill is back in full working order after being fully restored in a beautiful area with trees, flowers and plenty of water powering the millstones.

Your Last Day in Arequipa

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.