Things to Do in Arequipa

Arequipa's Central Park

By Christopher Minster

Arequipa has silently become one of Peru’s most popular visitor draws: a gorgeous colonial city constructed of white volcanic stone with pleasant parks and friendly people. There is no one thing to do or see that defines Arequipa (like the enigmatic Nazca Lines in Nazca, for example). Instead, there are many lower-key activities that can easily fill a week or more in this lovely city and region.

There are several good Spanish schools in Arequipa: almost as many as you'll find in Lima or Cuzco. The city features some good museums, including the Contemporary Art Museum, the Municipal History Museum, and the Andean Sanctuary Museum. There are also some well-preserved colonial mansions that are open to the public. La Compañia is a beautifully restored Jesuit church from the colonial era. La Catedral, which has been destroyed twice by natural disasters and subsequently rebuilt, is an impressive sight. When you're done with the museums, there is good shopping to be had in Arequipa, especially if you're interested in wool.

If you're craving something a little more active, there are horseback riding tours and some beautiful mountains nearby, such as El Misti and Ampato. There is also a lot of hiking trails, whitewater trips and mountain biking opportunities, enough to delight any active adventure traveler.

If you want to explore the region and get out of town for a while, head for the famous Cruz del Condor to see some of these magnificent birds in flight, or to the Mirador de Los Andes to get a great view.