Walking Arequipa The historic centre of Arequipa is compact and built of white sillar, so most of it can be covered on foot in a day with stops. At about 2,335 m, the main walking challenge is the thin air, not the distance. Prices are in Peruvian soles (S/). Joining a walking tour Tip-based free tours set off every day from the Plaza de Armas. Departure times vary by operator, so check the time when you book or ask at your hotel.

A walk through the sights of the old centre Arequipa’s main sights sit close together around the Plaza de Armas, with more across the Chili River in Yanahuara. White volcanic sillar stone gives the city its look, and El Misti (5,822 m, an active volcano) and Chachani (6,057 m) frame the skyline. Prices are in Peruvian soles (S/). The plaza and the cathedral The Basílica Catedral fills the north side of the Plaza de Armas in pale sillar.

Romance in a white-stone city Arequipa suits couples who like old buildings, long dinners and mountain views at dusk. The best moments are small: a room in a restored church, a sunset at a stone viewpoint, a slow lunch in a family restaurant. At about 2,335 m, the pace is gentle by necessity. Prices are in Peruvian soles (S/). Hotels in restored buildings CIRQA, a Relais and Châteaux hotel at Calle Agustín Goyeneche 312, has 11 rooms inside the restored 16th-century church of San Agustín, arranged around two patios.

Trips of two days or more from Arequipa Longer trips from Arequipa fall into four groups: Colca by road or on foot, the very remote Cotahuasi Canyon, high volcano climbs, and overland journeys to Puno and Cusco. All of them involve altitude, so give yourself at least a full day in Arequipa first. Prices are in Peruvian soles (S/), and operator prices vary by season. Colca in two days and one night This is the version most travellers choose.

Planning Arequipa with children Arequipa is a good city for families who keep the days short. Most of what suits children is flat, free or cheap, and close to the centre. At about 2,335 m, the city is high enough that small children tire faster and feel the sun more, so plan one main outing a day and a rest in the afternoon. Prices are in Peruvian soles (S/). Meeting alpacas at Mundo Alpaca Mundo Alpaca, run by the Michell company at Alameda San Lázaro 101, is free to enter.

Choosing your day out Three outings reach beyond the city limits in a single day, and they suit different travellers. Colca Canyon is for condors and big scenery, the Salinas reserve is for vicuñas and volcano views, and Toro Muerto is for rock art. Prices are in Peruvian soles (S/), and any fare marked “about” should be checked before you go. Colca Canyon: condors and a very long day Chivay, the gateway town, is about 160 km from Arequipa and 3.

Attractions sorted by distance from the centre Most attraction tours out of Arequipa are short loops through the countryside or long days into the high Andes. They are listed here from nearest to farthest. Entry fees are usually paid on top of the tour price, mostly in cash, so carry small notes in soles (S/). Countryside stops: Sabandía and Huasacache The Molino de Sabandía is a working stone mill about 8 km from the centre, dated 1621, with grounds and animals.

Three parts to a good day in Arequipa Arequipa works best when a day has three parts: one sight in the white-stone centre, a long lunch, and one thing that needs an early start or a booking. The city sits at about 2,335 m, so the first day should be slow. Prices here are in Peruvian soles (S/). The convent city of Santa Catalina Founded in 1579, the Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Siena sits at Santa Catalina 301, just two blocks off the Plaza de Armas.