3 Days Itinerary in Arequipa, Peru - Travel Guide
Three Delightful Days in Arequipa, Peru
| Days | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 - Unleashing the 'White City' |
| 2 | Day 2 - Trekking Colca Canyon |
| 3 | Day 3 - Volcanic Venture & Foodie Finale |
Introduction
A whirlwind three-day trip fully packed with the charms of Arequipa, embracing its vibrant culture, historical charm, and mouthwatering food. This itinerary will guide you through the White City’s most alluring and interesting spots.
Day 1 - Unleashing the 'White City'
Kick off your ticking clock in Arequipa with a delightful breakfast at La Tradicion Arequipena known for its sumptuous traditional dishes. You will then head downtown to the Historic Centre of Arequipa, a UNESCO heritage site, where you will dive into the city’s colonial history with their baroque-style churches and houses made of white volcanic stone called sillar (Could this be the reason why it's dubbed as the 'White City'? You bet!). Visit the grand Plaza de Armas and be amazed by its 17th-century Cathedral and the jaw-dropping vistas of the Misti, Chacani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. Next, explore the incredible Monastery of Santa Catalina, a city within a city full of colorful and narrow alleys. In the evening, treat your taste buds with Arequipa's world-renowned culinary offering, specially the Rocoto Relleno at a local eatery.
Day 2 - Trekking Colca Canyon
Flip the page into day two with a dynamic breakfast because you're going to visit Colca Canyon, a natural wonder deeper than the Grand Canyon itself! It's going to take a little travel time (around 3 hours) but will the sight of Andean condors gracefully gliding above you make up for it? Absolutely! There's a viewing platform at Cruz del Condor, where you could witness these magnificent creatures up close. The thrilling trek through the canyon will be worth the sweat, I promise! For the highlight, relax your tired muscles in the hot springs of La Calera before you head back to Arequipa for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 3 - Volcanic Venture & Foodie Finale
Your final day in Arequipa will begin with a tour to the fascinating Volcanic Sillar Stone Quarries (A fascinating sight of where Arequipa gets its nickname!). Meet the hardworking 'sillar cutters' and witness the process of cutting, carving and transporting these stones. On your way back to city, take a detour to Yanahuara Scenic Viewpoint for an unimpeded view of the city and its volcanoes, a sight you wouldn't want to miss. Conclude your delightful tour in Arequipa by indulging in the local cuisine. From traditional Arequipan food at Paladar 1900 to sweet delicacy like Queso Helado, soak in the flavor of the city till the very last bite.
Mia Hall
FAQs about this
3 day itinerary in
Arequipa
The best time to visit Arequipa is during its dry season, May to September, when the city gets ample sunshine.
It's generally not recommended to drink tap water in Peru. Stick to bottled water for drinking and when brushing your teeth.
While you can get by with English in many touristic parts of Arequipa, a basic understanding of Spanish can certainly enhance your travel experience.