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Thinking of visiting Arequipa, Peru? Let this 2-day Arequipa itinerary guide you to experiencing the best that Arequipa has to offer!
Nestled in a sun-drenched valley in southern Peru, Arequipa welcomes you at the foot of three mighty volcanic giants… Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.
Known as La Ciudad Blanca or the “White City,” it has unique baroque architecture built from pale volcanic stone and offers a peaceful, yet vibrant, atmosphere.
Arequipa is located at just over 2,316 m (7,600 feet) above sea level and about 1,000 km (621 miles) from Lima. Even though this beautiful city is often used as a jumping-off point for Colca Canyon, we believe the city deserves a couple of days all on its own.
With historic charm, budget-friendly prices, and an authentic atmosphere, Arequipa is one of Peru’s most captivating (and underrated) destinations.
✈️ Flying into Arequipa
Flying into Arequipa isn’t your average landing experience. Thanks to the surrounding Andes and towering volcanoes, wind shear and air currents can get intense.
Our plane came in tilted, almost sideways to the runway, before the pilot made a last-second correction and landed smoothly… Clearly not their first rodeo.
The airport is small and easy to navigate, and the ride into the city gives you your first taste of the desert-meets-mountain landscape. As you get closer to the city centre, you’ll start spotting the iconic white stone that gives Arequipa its nickname.
Arequipa Itinerary Day 1:
Wander, Eat, Shop, and Soak it All In
The historic centre of Arequipa is perfect for exploring on foot. With no set plan, start your journey at the Plaza de Armas, home to the stunning Basílica Cathedral and surrounded by gorgeous colonial buildings.
The cobbled side streets feel almost European. They are narrow, atmospheric, and full of unique local character. Spend the day strolling through charming alleys, checking out artisan shops and tasty bakeries, and admiring the intricate architecture.
Arequipa is also a fantastic spot for souvenir shopping. Compared to more touristy destinations like Cusco, prices here were much more reasonable. We picked up soft alpaca hats and socks, along with some unique artwork that was lightweight and easy to pack.
When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of delicious and affordable places to stop. Arequipa has a strong food scene and even the smaller cafés can be amazing!
We enjoyed stopping at Mirador Misti Restaurant Turístico to try our very first Pisco Sour, Peru’s beloved national cocktail. There are options for alleyway or rooftop seating so you can choose what vibe works for you in that moment. The rooftop offers epic views of Misti Volcano and the alleyway is peaceful with European-esque ambience.
As the sun dipped lower, we made our way back toward the Plaza de Armas and grabbed dinner at Jayari Café Restaurant. Their brick-oven pizza was excellent and the view over the plaza made it even better.
We paired our meal with an ice-cold Arequipeña beer (a local version of Cusqueña) and soaked in the golden-hour glow of the city.
Just relaxing, people watching, wondering the quaint streets and alleys was really all that was necessary to get a good feel for Arequipa!
Tour Recommendation
Arequipa Itinerary Day 2:
Culture and Colour
After a relaxed first day, it’s time to dive into the cultural side of Arequipa.
➤ Museo Histórico Municipal Guillermo Zegarra Meneses
Start your day at the Museo Histórico Municipal Guillermo Zegarra Meneses, a quiet museum filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts that explore the region’s pre-Hispanic history. Here you’ll find relics from the Wari Empire to traditional Peruvian artwork.
When we visited, it wasn’t crowded and was easy to take our time looking through the artifacts.
➤ Museo Santuarios Andinos
Next, visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos, home to the famous mummy Juanita (also known as the Ice Maiden).
She was discovered in 1995 near the summit of Mount Ampato after being ritually sacrificed by the Incas over 500 years ago. Her body is really well-preserved thanks to the freezing conditions of the high altitude where she laid. Seeing her in person is a moving experience.
➤ Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
This 17th-century Jesuit church is a stone’s throw from the Plaza de Armas. It is a masterpiece of baroque architecture carved from white volcanic stone. Inside, you’ll find ornate altars and a beautifully painted dome, while its peaceful courtyard and attached cloisters offer peaceful spaces to reflect.
➤ Santa Catalina Monastery
Next, make your way to the highlight of the day… Santa Catalina Monastery. This huge convent is like a city within a city, complete with painted courtyards, arched walkways, and lovely gardens.
It was founded in 1579 and once housed hundreds of nuns. Today it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Arequipa.
We spent a ton of time getting lost in its maze-like corridors, climbing to rooftop viewpoints, and admiring the colourful walls and intricate tile-work. You are almost guaranteed to lose track of time here!
Then…
After immersing yourself in Arequipa’s history and culture, cap off the day with another excellent meal.
On our final night, we treated ourselves to a three-course dinner for two—shared starter, two mains, shared dessert, and a drink each—for under $40 USD. And when we ordered a glass of wine, it arrived as half a bottle… A pleasant surprise that we learned is fairly common in Peru!
As the sun sets, the white city softens in the evening hours and the mountains fade into the darkness. It’s a peaceful and romantic way to end your time here.
Wondering where to stay?
If you are wondering where to stay in Arequipa, our Where to Stay in Arequipa post highlights top budget to luxury stays!
Where to Eat Near Plaza de Armas
Below are 10 restaurant recommendations to compliment this 2-day Arequipa itinerary. These are within a 10-minute walk of Plaza de Armas and range from budget-friendly eats to upscale meals (all with excellent customer reviews).
$ Roma Salteñería
This local spot (just a few minutes from Plaza de Armas) serves Arequipa’s legendary salteñas, which are juicy, hand-held empanadas packed. With great reviews for its tasty salses and affordable prices, it’s a must-try for a quick snack.
$ Picantería La Benita de los Claustros
Tucked into the Claustros de la Compañía, just steps from the Plaza de Armas, this small picantería delivers authentic Arequipeño dishes like chicharrón and chupe de camarones at good prices. It’s a local gem for trying traditional flavours in a charming courtyard setting.
$$ Jayari Café Restaurant
Jayari offers hearty Peruvian and international dishes with one of the best balcony views overlooking Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas. Located right on the plaza, it’s perfect for a casual meal, brick-oven pizza, and people-watching.
$$ Roqoto
Roqoto serves Arequipeño and Peruvian cuisine in a stylish, modern setting. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, making it a convenient choice for a little more refined dining experience.
$$ Mumis
Mumis is a blend of upscale dining with regional flair. It offers beautiful dishes using local ingredients. Tucked away just a block from the Plaza de Armas, it’s ideal for a romantic dinner in the city centre.
$$ La Plaza Bar & Grill
Located in the Casa Andina Select hotel, La Plaza Bar & Grill combines Peruvian and international flavours. It directly on the Plaza de Armas, and has panoramic views of the cathedral and surrounding mountains from its rooftop.
$$ Kao Thai and Peruvian Cuisine
Kao is a unique combination of traditional Thai and Peruvian flavours. It’s atmosphere is cozy and modern, and it’s located about 10 minutes on foot from the Plaza de Armas (near San Francisco Church).
$$ Piccola Pizzería
Piccola Pizzería is a cozy and casual spot known for its excellent thin-crust pizzas and friendly vibes. Located just a couple of blocks from Plaza de Armas, it’s perfect for a laid-back dinner.
$$$ Zig Zag Restaurant
Located just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, Zig Zag offers is a blend of Andean-Alpine fusion in a charming historic house. It is known for its sizzling hot stone meat platters, excellent wine selection, and cozy ambience.
$$$ Cirqa Restaurant
Cirqa Restaurant is fine dining at its best and is located in a restored 16th-centurey colonial building. It has a seasonal tasting menu based on Arequipa’s heritage and is located around the corner from the Plaza de Armas.
Final Thoughts
Arequipa shouldn’t just be a quick stopover, because it’s a place that you’ll take fond memories from for years to come. The quaint feel, the friendliness, the architectural beauty, and the cultural history all combine to create an experience that feels both relaxing and meaningful.
Arequipa makes an impression, from a dramatic plane landing to your first Pisco Sour at the foot of a magnificent volcano, to wandering monastery halls painted in deep blues and reds.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s budget-friendly, beautiful, and authentic, make time in your trip for this Arequipa itinerary. Two days here can leave a lasting impact… it did for us!
What Next?
If you enjoy trekking and venturing off the beaten path, we recommend heading into Colca Canyon after your time in Arequipa.
PIE Peru is the tour company we used and would highly recommend their all-inclusive trek!
The Colca Canyon is just a few hours away by bus and is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! It offers a dramatic natural contrast to the White City. There are terraced farmlands, towering cliffs, and giant Andean condors soaring overhead.
We suggest doing the trek after Arequipa, since the city gives you a place to acclimate to the altitude. You’ll then be better prepared both physically and mentally for the 2- to 3-day journey.
While trekking into the Colca Canyon, you’ll cross ancient stone bridges, soak in hot springs, and pass through villages that feel untouched by time.
After two days of wandering whitewashed streets, sipping Pisco Sours, and soaking up Arequipa’s cultural charm, the Colca Canyon adds the perfect taste of adventure.
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Taste the story of a place with every forkful of its cuisine.
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