Best Places to visit In Arequipa, Peru

Built primarily from ignimbrite, a type of volcanic stone, the cathedral features a magnificent facade with 70 Corinthian columns, three main entrances, and two towers. Inside, visitors can admire the marble high altar, wooden pulpit, and a large Belgian organ. The cathedral has survived numerous earthquakes throughout its history, with the most recent restoration following the 2001 earthquake.

Location: The Cathedral Basilica stands prominently on the north side of the Plaza de Armas, the main square in the historic center of Arequipa. It is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from most hotels and accommodations.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the Cathedral Basilica on foot from anywhere in Arequipa’s historic center. For those coming from the airport or other parts of the city, taxis are readily available for a cost of around 5-6 USD.

What Can See: Admire the cathedral’s impressive facade, explore the interior with its religious artifacts and artwork, and visit the cathedral museum to see its collection of liturgical objects and vestments. Climb to the top of the towers for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes.

What Can Do: Attend mass, explore the cathedral’s history, and visit the museum to learn more about its significance. Photography is allowed inside the cathedral, so be sure to capture the stunning architecture and details.

Conclusion: The Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, history, and religious art. Its unique blend of styles, impressive size, and rich history make it one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

the market features a beautiful neo-Gothic style building with a central dome and arched entrances. Inside, visitors can find a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and traditional Peruvian handicrafts. The market is open daily from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm, making it a convenient spot for both locals and tourists to shop for essentials and souvenirs.

Location: San Camilo Market is situated just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, in the historic center of Arequipa. The market occupies an entire city block, making it a prominent feature in the neighborhood.

How to Get There: The market is easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center. Taxis are also readily available for those coming from further away, with a ride from the airport costing around 5-6 USD.

What Can See: Explore the vibrant stalls selling a wide array of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Admire the market’s stunning neo-Gothic architecture, including the central dome and arched entrances. Interact with the friendly vendors and soak in the lively atmosphere.

What Can Do: Shop for fresh ingredients to cook a traditional Peruvian meal, or browse the handicraft stalls for unique souvenirs. Grab a bite to eat at one of the market’s food stalls, offering a variety of local dishes and snacks.

Conclusion: San Camilo Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the vibrant culture and daily life of Arequipa. With its stunning architecture, diverse offerings, and lively atmosphere, the market is a great place to shop, eat, and immerse oneself in the local community.

The museum’s most famous exhibit is the “Juanita,” a well-preserved Inca mummy discovered on the summit of Mount Ampato in 1995. The museum also features a collection of Inca artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. Visitors can learn about the Inca culture, their religious practices, and the challenges of high-altitude archaeology. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with guided tours available in Spanish and English.

Location: The Museo Santuarios Andinos is located on the campus of the Catholic University of Santa María, just a short walk from the historic center of Arequipa. The museum is situated in a modern building designed to showcase its impressive collection.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the museum on foot from the Plaza de Armas in about 15 minutes. Taxis are also available for those coming from further away, with a ride from the airport costing around 5-6 USD.

What Can See: Admire the well-preserved Inca mummy “Juanita” and learn about her life and death. Explore the museum’s collection of Inca artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. Watch a short film about the discovery and study of Inca mummies and artifacts.

What Can Do: Participate in a guided tour to learn more about the Inca culture and the museum’s exhibits. Ask questions and engage with the knowledgeable staff to deepen your understanding of this fascinating aspect of Peruvian history.

Conclusion: The Museo Santuarios Andinos is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Inca history, archaeology, and culture. The museum’s impressive collection and well-preserved mummies provide a unique window into the lives and beliefs of the Inca people, making it an essential stop on any visit to Arequipa.

The monastery covers an entire city block and features a unique architectural style that blends Spanish, Moorish, and Baroque elements. Visitors can explore the monastery’s narrow streets, plazas, and buildings, which are painted in vibrant shades of blue, orange, and red. The monastery also houses a collection of religious art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with guided tours available in Spanish and English.

Location: The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is located in the historic center of Arequipa, just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The monastery occupies an entire city block, making it a prominent feature in the neighborhood.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the monastery on foot from the Plaza de Armas in about 10 minutes. Taxis are also available for those coming from further away, with a ride from the airport costing around 5-6 USD.

What Can See: Explore the monastery’s narrow streets and plazas, admiring the vibrant colors and unique architectural details. Visit the monastery’s churches and chapels, which feature stunning religious art and artifacts. Learn about the daily life and routines of the nuns who lived in the monastery.

What Can Do: Participate in a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Take photographs of the monastery’s beautiful buildings and plazas, which provide a perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of colonial Arequipa.

Conclusion: The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Peruvian history, architecture, and religious culture. The monastery’s stunning buildings, vibrant colors, and fascinating history make it one of the most popular attractions in Arequipa, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the life of colonial-era nuns.

the mill is powered by the waters of the Sabandía River and features a unique architectural style that combines Spanish and indigenous elements. Visitors can explore the mill’s interior, which houses a collection of antique milling equipment and tools. The mill also features a beautiful garden and picnic area, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The Molino de Sabandía is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Location: The Molino de Sabandía is located about 10 kilometers outside of Arequipa, in the small town of Sabandía. The mill is situated along the banks of the Sabandía River, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the Molino de Sabandía by car or taxi from Arequipa. The drive takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transportation is also available, with buses running regularly from Arequipa to Sabandía.

What Can See: Explore the mill’s interior and learn about the history of flour production in Arequipa. Admire the mill’s unique architectural features, including its stone walls and wooden beams. Stroll through the beautiful garden and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

What Can Do: Participate in a guided tour to learn more about the mill’s history and operation. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the garden, taking in the stunning views of the Sabandía River and the surrounding countryside. Visit the mill’s small museum to see a collection of antique milling equipment and tools.

Conclusion: The Molino de Sabandía is a unique and charming destination that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the history and culture of Arequipa. With its beautiful setting, fascinating history, and peaceful atmosphere, the mill is a perfect spot for a day trip or a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city.