Plaza de Armas and Historic Center

Plaza de Armas sits at the city heart with white volcanic stone arcades and a central fountain where locals relax under palm trees. Surrounding streets close to traffic create a calm zone for strolling and photos. The Basilica Cathedral faces the square in neoclassical style and houses a Belgian organ and Carrara marble altar.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Originally built in 1612 then rebuilt after 19th-century earthquakes and fires the cathedral features a Sevillian chandelier and a wooden pulpit carved by a French sculptor. A guided tour includes access to the bell tower for panoramic views of the city and nearby volcanoes.

Convent of Santa Catalina

Founded in 1579 this cloister spans over two hectares with narrow alleys small plazas and brightly painted walls. Visitors break into small groups for guided explanations of nuns’ cells colonial chapels and hidden fountains. Parts open daily and you’ll notice how the architecture blends Inca City foundations with Spanish designs.

District of Yanahuara and Mirador

A brief colectivo ride from the center brings you to Yanahuara’s stone-arched streets and its mirador overlooking the Plaza de Armas and Misti volcano. Mornings offer clear light for photos. Local bars pour pisco sour with bar snacks so you can chill before heading back.

Culinary Scene and Picanterías

Lunch at a picantería feels like joining a family table where dishes come loaded with rocoto relleno or chupe de camarones. Most spots open around noon and wrap service by mid-afternoon. If you don’t arrive early you risk waiting—reservations help if you must.

San Camilo Market and Local Flavors

San Camilo Market bustles from dawn with stalls selling queso helado and rodajas de camote alongside fresh produce and alpaca meat. Natural fruit juices cost under two soles and give you a quick boost before you hit the next site. Bottled water is a must here.

Sillar Route and Quarry Tour

The Sillar Route departs around nine AM in a minivan and winds past quarries where masons carve blocks from volcanic tuff by hand. Guides explain basic carving tools and safety gear—you even get to hold a chisel heavier than expected. The trip returns by mid-day with a chance to buy mini-sillar sculptures.

Day Trips: Colca Canyon and Beyond

Colca Canyon lies roughly 160 km north and famous for condors gliding at sunrise. Most day tours start at four AM from Arequipa but you can opt to overnight in Chivay to catch thermal baths in the afternoon. Multi-day hikes begin in Cabanaconde with descents to Sangalle Oasis then climbs back the next morning.

Practical Tips

Days in Arequipa swing from five °C at sunrise to twenty °C by midday so layers and sunscreen matter. Colectivos run frequent lines to Yanahuara and San Camilo Market for under one sol—confirm the fare before you hop on. Historic sites accept a partial tourist ticket but carry cash for single-entry fees at smaller museums and convents. Altitude can hit hard so move slow sip water often and chew coca leaves if you choose.