What are the best things to do in Arequipa?
Top picks in Arequipa include Plaza de Armas, Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa, San Camilo Market. See the full list and itinerary on this Arequipa travel guide.
Photo: Hans Brian Brandsberg Berg · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Arequipa
Travel guide for Arequipa, Peru — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Arequipa is a stop in Peru, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 1 days. If time is short, prioritise Plaza de Armas, Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa, San Camilo Market instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Experiences
Things to do in Arequipa
1
Plaza de Armas
2
Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa
3
San Camilo Market
Budget travel
Free things to do in Arequipa
Plaza de Armas
Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa
San Camilo Market
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Arequipa itinerary (1 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Plaza de Armas
- Visit Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa
- Visit San Camilo Market
- Eat at Picantería La Capitana
Budget
Arequipa trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 115–190+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Arequipa, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Arequipa
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Arequipa mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–100 · luxury 115–190+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Picantería La Capitana
Old and the truly old cooking in Arequipa, is behind Saga Falabella, this picantería observes the old traditions. Go early, or the specialty
Picantería La Lucila Sachaca
Founded by the late Señora Lucila Salas de Ballon, is a short taxi ride outside of town. An old-style kitchen specializing in spicy food wit
Tacos y Tequilas
A nice atmospheric Mexican restaurant. The Mexican meals here are delicious, with an excellent guacemole.
Mandala
Natural and tasty vegetarian food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. At lunch time, the menú ejecutivo, including a small salad, a soup, a main d
Restaurant Dhamodar
You can get the menu of the day for S/4 including soup and a main dish and a soft drink. Tasty vegetarian food with many different options.
Ary Quepay
Nice restaurant that serves local food.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Viza
Three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, US$25 a nice room, includes breakfast and pick up from the airport.
Casablanca Hostal
Posada del Parque
Located in an old colonial building with high ceilings. Budget dorms to semi-luxurious doubles. All rooms have speakers to plug in mp3/mp4/d
- $
Hostal Buenavista
Very basic hotel in one of the oldest and most pleasant suburbs. Breakfast may be of dubious quality. Keep your own record of expenses and i
- $
Casa de Avila
Casa de Avila is in a beautiful 1930s building reburbished as a hotel. Central courtyard is the main attraction of the place. Staff is frien
Nightlife
- Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría
- Chaqchao Cafe and Chocolate Factory
- Viajero Arequipa Hostel
Museums & culture
- Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa
In pictures
Arequipa gallery
Photos: Hans Brian Brandsberg Berg, Los viajes del Cangrejo, Arteyvista, Draceane, Havardtl — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Arequipa travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Arequipa?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Arequipa?
Plan at least 1 days in Arequipa for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Arequipa?
Popular stays in Arequipa include Hotel Viza, Casablanca Hostal, Posada del Parque. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Arequipa cost?
On the ground in Arequipa (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–100, and luxury about 115–190+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Arequipa, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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