Stand on the Puente Fierro at four in the afternoon and the volcanoes line up behind the city, the white sillar walls catching the last of the light. That is the moment Arequipa tends to make its case.
The city suits travellers who want colonial architecture, high-altitude landscapes and serious food in the same trip, and who are happy to spend their days on foot between churches, convents and markets. Most of the historic centre is compact, and the countryside sights sit within easy reach.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time in the city itself, plus a one-day plan that strings the best of them together.
Top things to do in Arequipa
1. Monasterio de Santa Catalina
Described as a city within a city, this convent is the most visited building from Arequipa's Spanish era. Its coloured walls, flowers and small streets give a strong sense of stepping back in time, and it sits two blocks north of the Plaza de Armas.
Guides speak several languages; ask at the desk to the left after the entrance. You can also tour it yourself at your own pace, as the rooms have descriptive signs in Spanish and English. An optional one-hour guided tour is available for an extra fee.
2. Plaza de Armas
The main square is surrounded by buildings made of sillar, the white volcanic stone that defines the historic centre. It is the natural starting point for a walk around the colonial buildings, many of which now house banks, stores, restaurants and private residences.
For sunset, head to any of the third-floor restaurants on the square. Arrive a little in advance, as you will not be the only one there, and the view over the mountains and the square is worth the wait.
3. Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa
The cathedral stands on the Plaza de Armas. The first cathedral was built in 1544; the present reconstruction dates from 1848, with substantial repair after the 2001 earthquake caused the towers to collapse through the roof.
The tour takes you into the basilica, through the collection of liturgical items in precious metals and gemstones and sacramental garments, and up to the roof for the bell tower and views over the Plaza de Armas and the city. A guided tour is required.
4. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús de Arequipa
An Andean Baroque church finished in 1698, built from sillar with carved façades. The carvings here are among the most impressive in the city, depicting animals, plants and elements of Pre-Columbian mythology.
Do not stop at the façade: the side cloisters with their stone carvings and the decorated interior are also worth your time. It is on General Móran, close enough to the Plaza de Armas to combine with the cathedral.
5. Museo Santuarios Andinos
On Calle la Merced, close to the main square. From May to November the main exhibit is the mummy Dama de Ampato, also known as Juanita.
Because the display is seasonal, check before you build a day around it if you are travelling outside those months.
6. Puente Fierro
An iron bridge designed by Eiffel for the railway, now converted to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The railway crosses the river on a different bridge a few kilometres to the south.
It sits in Vallecito, about ten blocks from the main square, and is a good stop for anyone interested in trains and bridges. From the bridge at golden hour, roughly 16:00 to 17:00, you can get some of the best photographs of the volcanoes and the city.
7. San Camilo Market
The oldest market in the centre of the city, three blocks from the main square. It is a working market rather than a monument, and a straightforward way to see everyday Arequipa.
It also serves as the starting point for a walking food tour that runs from the market towards Yanahuara, with stops at traditional picanterias along the way.
8. Puente Bolognesi
The closest of Arequipa's bridges to the main square. Cross it and visit the Tambos, ancient houses rebuilt by the city government and used as apartments.
Pair it with a walk along the river rather than treating it as a standalone stop.
9. Convento de Santa Teresa
On Calle Peral, a little off the usual tourist path but still in downtown Arequipa. It is not as architecturally interesting as the Convento de Santa Catalina, but some of the paintings and artifacts are stunning.
Worth adding if you have already covered the main convent and want something quieter.
10. Casa del Moral
A grand two-storey house in Baroque-Moorish style on Calle Moral, built in 1773 and named after an old mulberry plant on its patio. The entrance has magnificent stone carvings, and the wooden doors inside are decorated in the same way.
Inside you can see furniture and paintings by artists of the Cuzco School from the colonial era.
11. Casa Tristan del Pozo
Built in 1738 as the residence of general Domingo Carlos Tristán del Pozo, and now home to a branch of a bank. The building has beautiful stone carvings above the entrance portal, like many buildings in Old Arequipa.
It has five patios in total. Look at the portal from the street and combine it with the nearby churches in the centre.
12. Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Arequipa
A 16th-century mestizo style, or Andean Baroque, building opened to the public in 1978. It is notable for its sillar walls and a brick vault with a single nave.
One of several churches in the centre where you should keep a respectful eye towards people who may be worshipping.
13. Monasterio de la Recoleta
A Franciscan monastery built in 1648 on the western shore of the Río Chili, distinguished by its high bell tower in red and white bricks. Four of the original seven buildings remain.
The monastery has a library of about 20,000 volumes, and part of it is a museum with Incan and pre-Incan artifacts, from mummies and totems to paintings of emperors, as well as apparel worn by Amazonian natives.
14. Molino de Sabandía
A three-century-old water mill set in the old district of Sabandia. It is a countryside stop rather than a city one.
Combine it with the Mansión del Fundador, which is also in the old countryside.
15. Mansión del Fundador
A renovated centuries-old Spanish colonial mansion in the old countryside. Admission is charged, with a reduced rate for students.
Best treated as the second half of a trip out towards Sabandia rather than a separate journey.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start at the Plaza de Armas and visit the Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa, then walk to the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús de Arequipa. Continue to the Monasterio de Santa Catalina and give it proper time, either with a guide or at your own pace.
Afternoon. Head to San Camilo Market, three blocks from the square, then walk to the Museo Santuarios Andinos on Calle la Merced. If the mummy exhibit is not showing, use the time for the Casa del Moral and the Casa Tristan del Pozo instead.
Evening. Cross the Puente Bolognesi and look at the Tambos, then make your way to the Puente Fierro in Vallecito for golden hour, roughly 16:00 to 17:00, for the volcanoes and the city. Finish with sunset from a third-floor restaurant on the Plaza de Armas, arriving a little early for a seat.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the Dama de Ampato at the Museo Santuarios Andinos?
From May to November the main exhibit is the mummy Dama de Ampato, also known as Juanita. Outside those months, plan the museum visit around whatever else is on display.
Can I visit the Monasterio de Santa Catalina without a guide?
Yes. You can do the tour by yourself at your own pace, as there are helpful descriptive signs in Spanish and English in all the rooms. An optional one-hour guided tour is also available, and guides speak several languages.
Where should I go for sunset in Arequipa?
Any of the third-floor restaurants on the main square works well, with views of the mountains and the square. Arrive a little in advance, as it gets busy.
How do I get an overview of Arequipa's food?
A walking food tour runs from San Camilo Market towards Yanahuara, with several stops in between at traditional picanterias. It is a way to cover the region's delicacies while seeing the city.
Pick your dates, book the convent and the museum around the seasons, and let the rest of the day fill in on foot.