How to Spend THREE DAYS in Arequipa, Peru: 3-Day Itinerary

Planning a short trip to Arequipa and want to make the most of your time? You’ve found the experts!

Arequipa is a real magnet for outdoorsy travelers. Whether you’ve planned your entire trip around the overnight Colca Canyon trek, eating your way through the city, or just want to see alpacas and llamas up close, there’s so much to fit into a short visit that it can feel a little overwhelming. 

This 3-day itinerary is easy to follow and includes options for everyone, whether you’re into all-day hikes or prefer casual strolls and sightseeing around the historic center. Let’s get right into it!

Itinerary Overview 

Arequipa is easily one of Peru’s most beautiful cities, known for its white volcanic-stone architecture, walkable historic center, excellent food, and dramatic setting beneath Misti Volcano. This 3-day itinerary starts with the city’s main highlights, including Santa Catalina Monastery, San Camilo Market, local food, Yanahuara, and a relaxed evening in the historic center.

We’ve also included a few different options for Days 2 and 3, so you can choose what suits your travel style and fitness level. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s the 2-day Colca Canyon trek, with the one-day Colca Canyon tour as an easier alternative. But if Colca Canyon isn’t high on your list, you can take a trip to Salinas National Reserve instead, along with the Sillar Route, a cooking class, a relaxed afternoon in the city, and some of the best views of Misti Volcano from Yanahuara.

Getting around Arequipa is pretty straightforward. Most of the historic center is easy to explore on foot, including Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, San Camilo Market, and plenty of restaurants. For Yanahuara and Mundo Alpaca, it’s best to grab a taxi, especially in the evening. For Colca Canyon, Salinas National Reserve, and the Sillar Route, we’d recommend booking a tour, as transport is included and it makes the day much easier. Whatever you do, don’t forget to pack layers, sun protection, water, and some Peruvian soles for the higher-altitude trips.

Day 1: Start with an early breakfast, then explore Santa Catalina Monastery. In the afternoon, taste your way through Arequipa, relax back at your hotel, and enjoy traditional Peruvian food in a cozy restaurant before calling it a night. 

Day 2: Choose between a 2-day trek in Colca Canyon, a one-day Colca Canyon tour, or a scenic private tour to Salinas National Reserve. For those returning to Arequipa, we’ve picked a great spot for dinner, followed by drinks at a rooftop bar downtown. 

Day 3: Finish your 2-day Colca Canyon trek, explore the Sillar Route, or visit Arequipa’s famous volcanic quarries. Later, choose between a cooking class or a visit to Mundo Alpaca before ending the day with dinner and volcano views in Yanahuara. 

Day 1 

Breakfast – Aleiana Brunch & Cake  

What better way to kick off your first day of vacation than with a stylish brunch at Aleiana Brunch & Cake? This cozy café with a lovely courtyard sits on San Francisco 217, making it an easy first breakfast stop in Arequipa’s historic center. We think it fits Day 1 perfectly because you’ll be visiting Santa Catalina Monastery, San Camilo Market, Plaza de Armas, and Yanahuara, so you can easily walk between them. 

Don’t be surprised if the staff welcomes you with complimentary cake bites and flowers (it happened to us!). We suggest going for the avocado toast and a fresh detox juice if you’re keeping things light, or pancakes and one of their cakes by the slice if you want to indulge a little.

We also love this place because it’s budget-friendly by Arequipa standards, so it’s a great way to save a bit of money on food without compromising quality. The café opens at 8:30 am, and reservations aren’t usually needed, although arriving close to opening is worth it if you want a quieter breakfast. Even better, Santa Catalina Monastery is only a 3-minute walk away, making this a very convenient stop before the day’s first major sight.

Morning – Step inside Santa Catalina Monastery 

Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the city’s most important sights and definitely one you shouldn’t miss. After breakfast, walk over to the monastery and aim to be there around 9:30 am. That gives you enough time for a relaxed breakfast, with plenty of the morning still left before the food tour. The monastery itself is a huge walled complex in the historic center, filled with cloisters, courtyards, narrow lanes, and religious art. 

This isn’t a quick stop, though, so we’d allow around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore everything. It’s usually open from 9 am to 5 pm, although hours can vary around holidays and special evening openings. Guided tours are optional and aren’t included in the ticket price, so you can either explore on your own or hire a guide if you’d like a little more background along the way.

One thing we learned pretty quickly: don’t underestimate the Arequipa sun. It may not feel that hot, but you’ll definitely notice it after a couple of hours, so don’t forget water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Once you’re done exploring, the starting point of the food tour is only a 13-minute walk (or about a 6-minute drive) away, so there’s no need to rush.

Lunch/Early Afternoon – Taste your way through Arequipa

Food tours are always high on our list, so if you’re a foodie like us and want to see more of the city, this 4-hour food tour is just for you! It starts at Mercado San Camilo at 12:30 pm and finishes around 4:30 pm, leaving you the rest of the afternoon free for more adventures. 

At the market, you’ll learn about local ingredients and sample snacks and fruits you’ve probably never seen before continuing through the city. Your second stop is Plaza de Armas, where you’ll learn a bit about the city’s history, including why Arequipa is known as the “White City.”

From there, you’ll make your way to a restaurant and watch how chili sauce is made using a batán (a pre-Hispanic stone-grinding tool). The final stop is Yanahuara, where you’ll get to try rocoto relleno (spicy stuffed pepper), pastel de papa (a cheesy layered potato bake), and queso helado (a creamy frozen dessert) while admiring the views of Misti Volcano. Trust us—you’ll love every bite!

This tour is the perfect way to start your first day because it introduces you to the market, the historic center, traditional dishes, and even Misti Volcano in just a few hours. Even better, it’s limited to just 10 people, which makes it feel personal and easy to follow. Just keep in mind that it’s not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone with a nut or gluten allergy.

There’s a reason it’s got nearly 100 five-star reviews, and we’re sure there will be more!

Late Afternoon – Relax before dinner

After the food tour, we’ll keep the late afternoon simple. By this point, you’ll already have wandered through the historic center, explored Santa Catalina Monastery, sampled lots of local dishes, and visited Yanahuara. We suggest heading back to your hotel to freshen up, relax by the pool if there is one, or just put your feet up before the evening.

If you’re staying in the historic center and still have some energy left, take a walk around Plaza de Armas or stop for a coffee. It really depends on how you’re feeling after such a busy morning. If you do decide to head back out, Lautrec Café (closed Sundays) is a great place to stop for a coffee or an aperitivo. From there, you can either walk or take a taxi ride to your dinner spot, depending on where you’re staying.

Dinner – Zig Zag 

For dinner, we’ve found one of the most interesting restaurants in the city. Zig Zag blends Andean and Alpine influences in a cozy setting, but what makes it stand out is the antique iron staircase designed by Gustave Eiffel that catches your eye from the moment you arrive.

The menu is just as interesting, with dishes you may not have come across before, like alpaca cooked on volcanic stone or truchitas with kiwicha (trout with amaranth). If you’re after something a little lighter, the sopa andina de quinua (Andean quinoa soup) is a great choice. If you’re still full from the food tour, there are plenty of lighter options, but if you’ve worked up an appetite again, the hot-stone plates are one of the restaurant’s specialties.

One thing to keep in mind is that Zig Zag sits in the mid-range to higher price bracket by Arequipa standards, depending on what you order. Despite that, this place is quite popular, so we recommend making a reservation ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons. We suggest booking a table for around 7 or 7:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to head back to your hotel and freshen up after your food tour.

Evening – See Plaza de Armas lit up at night

Since you’ve had a long and busy day exploring Arequipa’s historic center, it’s best to keep your first evening slow, especially if you’re still adjusting to the altitude. You’ll appreciate the slower pace, too, since the next couple of days include either a trek through Colca Canyon or an early morning Colca day tour.

That said, there’s still time to enjoy a little more of the evening. After dinner, take a short stroll around Plaza de Armas to see the cathedral and surrounding arcades lit up at night. The view is something else, trust us! If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, head to one of the nearby rooftop or balcony bars overlooking the square. 

Just don’t stay out too late; you’ll appreciate the extra rest before tomorrow. If you do feel like one final drink, La Terraza on the Top is open until 10 pm and offers great views over Plaza de Armas.

Related Read: Planning a bigger trip? Our Peru itinerary shows you how to combine Arequipa with Peru’s other must-visit destinations for an unforgettable adventure.

Day 2

Most travelers visit Colca Canyon while they’re in Arequipa, and for good reason. Since it’s such a massive canyon, exploring it on your own takes a bit more planning, which is why we think booking a tour with an experienced guide is well worth it. There are also a few different ways to visit, depending on your fitness level and travel style.

For your second day in Arequipa, we’ve included two options. The first takes you to Colca Canyon, where you can choose between an overnight trek or an easier full-day tour. The second is a day trip to Salinas National Reserve if you’d rather skip Colca Canyon altogether. 

Whichever option you choose, it’s going to be an early start, a high-altitude day, and a super long one, so it’s best if you’ve had a good night’s sleep. Don’t forget to pack layers, sun protection, water, cash, and any altitude medication you normally use.

Option 1 – Take on Colca Canyon’s most rewarding trek

There are two ways to visit Colca Canyon, and which one you choose really comes down to how much time you have and whether you’re up for a challenge. We’d go for the 2-day trek if you want to hike into the canyon, but if that’s not your thing, the one-day tour is still a great way to see it. 

Experience Colca Canyon beyond the viewpoints on a 2-day trek

If you’re an active traveler, this is the option we’d choose. Instead of just stopping at the viewpoints, you’ll actually hike down into Colca Canyon and spend the night in the oasis below. This 2-day, 1-night trek covers both Day 2 and Day 3 of the itinerary.

Since pickup is between 3 am and 3:30 am from your hotel in Arequipa, it’s best to pack the night before and get an early night. You won’t need to pack much, but don’t forget layers, sun protection, water, snacks, some extra cash (Peruvian soles), a swimsuit if you want to use the pool or hot springs, and any altitude medication you normally use. 

On the way to the canyon, you’ll stop in Chivay for breakfast before continuing to Cruz del Cóndor to (hopefully!) spot a few Andean condors and take in the views. From there, it’s time to start the trek (usually around 9 am) with a steep three-hour descent to San Juan, where you’ll have lunch. 

After lunch, you’ll continue your trek to the Sangalle Oasis. This is where you’ll have dinner and spend the night surrounded by palm trees and canyon walls, a pretty amazing place to end your second day if you ask us!

While all of this is incredibly rewarding, it’s physically demanding. Expect steep trails, long walking days, high altitude, and the overnight accommodation is pretty basic. If that doesn’t sound like your kind of trip, we’d go for Option 2 instead.

If you’re still having second thoughts, check out the AMAZING 5-star reviews here and see what you think. 

See Colca Canyon in one day

This is the best Colca Canyon option for anyone (us included) who wants the views, condors, and Andean scenery without committing to the 2-day trek. This one-day tour lasts around 13 to 14 hours, so it’s still a long day, but it’s much less physically demanding than hiking into the canyon.

We were picked up between 3 am and 3:30 am from our hotel in Arequipa’s city center (see what we meant when we said don’t overdo it the night before). Our first stop was breakfast at around 6 am—make sure to try the cactus fruit, which was surprisingly delicious! After that, you’ll continue through the valley, taking in incredible Andean landscapes, wildlife, and ancient terraces along the way.

One of the highlights was spending time at Cruz del Cóndor, where, if you’re lucky, you might spot dozens of Andean condors in flight. We also loved the hot springs and could have happily stayed there much longer! 

It’s an early start, a high-altitude day, and there’s plenty of driving, but if you’ve only got one day, this is the option we’d go for. Transport, breakfast, and a buffet lunch are included, but we’d still bring some extra cash in soles for entrance fees, the hot springs, gratuities, and any snacks or drinks along the way.

We were back in Arequipa around 5 pm, but it’s not always the case, so we’d keep your dinner plans flexible (meaning don’t book a table just yet). Once you’re back, freshen up at your hotel, and if you’ve still got some energy left, head to the dinner spot we’ve picked for you.

This was an amazing experience, and with 360+ 5-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who thought so!

Option 2 – Escape to Salinas National Reserve on a private tour 

If you want a scenic full-day trip from Arequipa but don’t want to go all the way to Colca Canyon, we’d go for this private tour to Salinas National Reserve instead. It lasts around 8 to 9 hours, so it’s still a full day, but it’s shorter and much more flexible than the Colca Canyon day tour.

Pickup is usually around 8 am from hotels in Arequipa, although you can arrange a different time with the tour operator if that works better for you. The tour includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a picnic-style lunch, bottled water, entrance fees, Wi-Fi on board, and even an oxygen tank (don’t worry, it’s there just in case anyone feels the effects of the altitude).

You’ll have some time to wander around Plaza de Chiguata before continuing to Salinas National Reserve. Compared to Colca Canyon, this route feels much quieter and more off the beaten path, with salt flats, lagoons, volcanoes, and the chance to spot vicuñas, flamingos, alpacas, llamas, and other Andean wildlife (have your camera ready!).

One thing we really like about this tour is that it’s private (just your group), so you’ll have much more flexibility throughout the day. Just remember to bring layers, sun protection, sunglasses, water, some cash, and any altitude medication you normally use. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Dinner – Chicha por Gaston Acurio 

Dinner at Chicha by Gastón Acurio is for those returning to Arequipa today, so it applies to the Colca Canyon day trip and the private Salinas National Reserve tour. If you’re doing the 2-day Colca Canyon trek, you’ll stay overnight in the canyon, so dinner is included as part of the tour instead.

This is a polished Peruvian restaurant near Santa Catalina Monastery, making it a convenient and memorable place for dinner after a big day outside the city. The menu is packed with Peruvian specialties, but some of the must-tries are definitely the rocoto relleno with pastel de papa (Arequipa’s signature stuffed pepper served with a cheesy potato gratin) and chupe de camarones (a rich shrimp soup with potatoes, corn, cheese, and milk). If you’re a bit curious, you’ll also find alpaca dishes on the menu.

Keep in mind that Chicha is a higher-end choice by Arequipa standards, so it feels like a nice final reward after a long day of canyon views, salt flats, volcanoes, or wildlife spotting.

It’s open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm, and we recommend booking a table in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. The best time for dinner is around 8 or 8:30 pm (if you’re back in Arequipa on time), but it’s worth keeping your plans flexible in case your tour runs late.

Evening – Keep it easy with a rooftop drink or an early night

Both Day 2 options are full-day experiences, and the Colca Canyon day trip in particular starts extremely early. By now, you should probably be ready to call it a night. We get that, which is why we suggest keeping the evening very low-key.

But if you (somehow) still have energy after dinner, one drink won’t do any harm, right? The best spot to unwind after a day like this is Sunset Rooftop Bar, which gives you a relaxed view over the city without adding another busy activity. Even better, it’s just a 2-minute walk from the restaurant. See, we did think of everything!

Related Read: Before you zip up your suitcase, take a look at our Peru packing list to make sure you’ve packed everything you need for your adventure.

Day 3

Your last day in Arequipa starts with another choice. If you’re finishing the 2-day Colca Canyon trek, you’ll be back in the city at around 5 pm. If you stayed in Arequipa instead, we’d recommend taking the Sillar Route to see the famous volcanic quarries and learn why Arequipa is known as the White City. 

Option 1 – Finish the Colca Canyon trek and return to Arequipa

This day only applies if you chose the 2-day Colca Canyon trek on Day 2. Once again, it’s an early start, with the climb out of the canyon beginning around 5 am, so hopefully you got a good night’s sleep.

The climb back to Cabanaconde takes around three hours, and this is the hardest part of the trek. If you need it, you can rent a mule for the climb. Once you reach Cabanaconde, you’ll have breakfast before continuing back to Arequipa by tourist bus. 

We’re not going to pretend it’s an easy morning, but waking up in the middle of Colca Canyon and hiking back out is incredibly rewarding—you’ll finish the trek with a real sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve conquered one of Peru’s most impressive landscapes.

The drive back to Arequipa isn’t just a straight journey either. You’ll stop at a few viewpoints and attractions along the way. Expect to arrive in the city at around 5 pm, although the exact time depends on traffic, road conditions, and how long you spend at each stop.

Once you’re back in Arequipa, head to your hotel, freshen up, and then make your way to dinner. And if you’re absolutely exhausted, don’t feel bad about skipping it and having a quiet night at your hotel instead.

Option 2 – Discover why Arequipa is called the White City 

This option is for anyone who chose the Colca Canyon day tour or the Salinas National Reserve private tour on Day 2 and is waking up in Arequipa on Day 3. We know it’s been a busy couple of days, so we’re keeping today a little more relaxed, while still making it worth your time.

The Sillar Route is the main activity this morning because it helps explain why Arequipa is known as the White City. If you didn’t already know, sillar is the pale volcanic stone used to build many of Arequipa’s churches, archways, colonial buildings, and historic facades, so it’s pretty cool to see where it all comes from.

The route takes you to the quarries, where you can see the stone being extracted and carved before it’s used around the city. Afterward, you can keep the afternoon flexible with a cooking class, a final wander around Arequipa, or whatever feels right before your trip comes to an end.

Breakfast – Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría  

If you’re taking the Sillar Route tour, stop by Kafi Wasi Café Tostaduría for a hearty breakfast. This specialty coffee shop and café is close to Plaza de Armas, so you won’t have to walk far to meet your tour at 9 am, as the meeting point is by the Plaza de Armas Cathedral.

There are plenty of food options to choose from. You can keep it light with avocado toast and fresh juice, or go for something more filling like breakfast sandwiches, omelets, or pancakes. Don’t miss the Peruvian coffee, though! It might taste a little unusual if you’re only used to espresso, but it really grows on you (you might even end up ordering another cup!). 

Price-wise, it falls somewhere between budget-friendly and mid-range by Arequipa standards. Since it opens at 8 am, we recommend arriving right at opening so you have enough time to order, eat, and make your way to the cathedral meeting point before the 9 am tour, which is just a 3-minute walk away. If you prefer not to rush, or if your hotel is included in the pickup zone, you can also have breakfast at your hotel and request pickup from the tour operator instead, whichever works best for you. 

Morning – Follow the Sillar Route to Arequipa’s volcanic quarries 

If you’d rather explore the Sillar Route with a guide and learn a little more about Arequipa’s history, this 4-hour Sillar Route and Culebrillas Petroglyphs tour is the one we’d recommend. It starts at around 9 am and finishes at about 1 pm, so it works really well if you don’t want to spend your whole last day on a tour.

Pickup is available from Arequipa’s Historic Center, but if you’re staying farther away, the meeting point is usually outside the cathedral in Plaza de Armas. The tour is run in small groups (up to 18 people) and includes stops at Yanahuara, the Canteras de Sillar, and Quebrada de Culebrillas.

At the Canteras de Sillar, you’ll see the pale volcanic stone that gave Arequipa its White City nickname and learn how it’s been used to build many of the city’s churches, archways, and historic buildings. After seeing lots of white buildings here, it was really interesting to see where all that stone actually comes from. 

The walk through Quebrada de Culebrillas was another highlight for us. It’s a little hot and dusty, but walking through the narrow canyon and seeing the ancient petroglyphs made it well worth it. That said, we’d wear closed-toe shoes (or good trainers) and bring sunscreen, water, sunglasses, a hat, and a face covering if you’re sensitive to dust.

After the tour, you’ll be dropped back near your pickup point, so you’ve still got plenty of time for lunch or another wander around Arequipa before the afternoon.

Lunch – Las Gringas Pizza 

After the Sillar Route, you might be feeling peckish, which is why we wouldn’t wait long and would head straight to Las Gringas Pizza for lunch. This is a casual Peruvian pizzeria and craft beer spot on Calle Santa Catalina 204, not far from where your tour ends.

We love it because, despite being in the city center, it feels relaxed and offers a nice change from the more traditional Arequipeño restaurants you’ve visited so far. People come here for the Peruvian-inspired wood-fired pizzas, which can be made with quinoa flour or purple corn-infused bases. But you’ll also find seasonal salads, sandwiches, gluten-free pizza and pasta options, and, of course, local craft beer to cool you down on a hot day in Arequipa.

Your time here depends on whether you want to keep it casual and quick or settle in for a while. Just keep in mind that it will be around 2 or 3 pm by the time you finish lunch.

Afternoon – Pick your perfect final afternoon in Arequipa 

After the Sillar Route finishes around 1 pm and you’ve had lunch, we’ll keep the afternoon flexible rather than forcing you into one final activity straight away. We have picked 3 different activities depending on your energy levels, so you can pick whichever suits you best.  

Join a Peruvian cooking class 

This is a great choice if you want something interactive after two days of sightseeing and exploring the surrounding landscapes, and don’t mind building part of the afternoon around food (we always have room for some more!). This Peruvian cooking class lasts around 1 hour and 40 minutes, so it’s not too long for the final day. It starts at 4 pm, so you should be finished by 6 pm at the latest.

Even though it’s relatively short, you’ll still have enough time to prepare a few classic Peruvian dishes, with sample menus featuring lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, fries, and rice), potato pie, causa (a potato dish filled with chicken, tuna, shrimp, or avocado), and dessert, depending on the menu you choose. The class also includes a starter, main course, dessert, and drinks. 

You’ll likely have around 1 to 2 hours between lunch and the cooking class, which is helpful after the morning tour. You can use this time to return to your hotel, freshen up, and rest before heading back out. If you’d rather stay in the historic center, you could spend the time wandering along Santa Catalina Street, around Plaza de Armas and the surrounding arcades, or stop for a coffee before the class.

Visit Mundo Alpaca and wander San Lázaro  

This is a more casual cultural option if you want something meaningful but not as structured as another tour or class. Mundo Alpaca gives you the chance to see alpacas and llamas up close, learn about alpaca and vicuña fiber (one of the finest natural fibers in the world), and get a better understanding of Peru’s long-standing textile traditions.

It works well after the Sillar Route because it’s still connected to Arequipa’s identity, but at a much slower pace that’s easy to enjoy on your own. It’s open daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, so you can easily fit it into your schedule.

After visiting Mundo Alpaca, we suggest taking a short wander through San Lázaro, one of Arequipa’s most atmospheric historic neighborhoods. With its narrow lanes, white-stone buildings, and quieter feel, it’s a nice change of pace from the busier streets around Plaza de Armas. It’s ideal if you just want to stretch your legs without committing to another long outing. 

From Mundo Alpaca and San Lázaro, you can walk back toward Plaza de Armas in around 15 to 20 minutes, or grab a short taxi if you’re done walking for the day.

Keep it slow around Plaza de Armas

We think this option works best if you’re tired after the previous two days or simply want a slower-paced final afternoon. After your Sillar Route tour, return to your hotel to rest first, then come back out for a casual wander around Plaza de Armas, the cathedral exterior, the surrounding arcades, and the streets around Santa Catalina.

While you’re there, you could stop for coffee, browse a few shops, pick up souvenirs, or simply sit in the square and enjoy the late-afternoon light on Arequipa’s white volcanic-stone buildings. If you’re anything like us and want one more drink with a view before dinner, you can head back to the Sunset Rooftop Bar that we were at yesterday!

Dinner – 13 Monjas 

For the grand finale dinner, we’re sending you somewhere super special. 13 Monjas is a stylish yet relaxed restaurant on Calle Santa Catalina, so you’ll be dining in the heart of Arequipa’s historic center.

If you joined the cooking class and are already full, this place is still worth checking out! Come for a glass of wine, a craft beer, dessert, or something small to share rather than a full dinner. But if you’ve chosen Mundo Alpaca, a slow city wander, or returned from the Colca Canyon trek, this is a great spot for a proper final meal.

The menu is so extensive you’ll probably have a hard time choosing, but maybe our suggestions will help you get started a little faster. Dishes worth trying include trout carpaccio (raw trout served with olive oil, citrus, and herbs), lasagna de osobuco, and alpaca with Andean herbs. If you’re not in the mood for Peruvian food, you can always go for the sourdough Roman-style pizza or agnolotti (Italian stuffed pasta, similar to ravioli).

Pair your meal with one of the craft beers or natural wines, and it feels like the perfect way to toast the end of your trip without making the evening too formal. It might be a little more expensive than the previous dining spots, but it’s worth every cent. Reservations are recommended during busy periods, especially for dinner. We recommend booking a table for around 7 or 7:30 pm. If you did the cooking class, you can always eat later and keep things light.

Evening – End with volcano views in Yanahuara 

For your final evening, keep things scenic but relaxed with a short trip to Mirador de Yanahuara. It gives you one last look across Arequipa without repeating Plaza de Armas or another rooftop bar. The mirador is known for its white sillar arches and views across the city toward Misti Volcano, so it’s a nice connection to the Sillar Route from earlier in the day. 

If you can, try to time your visit for sunset or early evening, but it also works well after dinner as a short final stroll if you’ve still got some energy left. If you feel like lingering a little longer, wander around Yanahuara’s small plaza, take a few photos beneath the arches, or find somewhere nearby for a drink or dessert. 

Getting there is easy, too. From the historic center, it’s just a short taxi or rideshare away. You can also walk from some central areas, but a taxi is usually the easier option in the evening.

Related Read: Looking for even more ideas? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Arequipa for even more tours, attractions, and can’t-miss experiences.

Where to Stay in Arequipa, Peru

When it comes to places to stay in Arequipa, there are tons of great options, especially around the city center. No matter if you are traveling on a budget or treating yourself to a luxurious holiday, there is something for everyone. 

La Hosteria Boutique Hotel – $$$

If you are looking for a luxurious experience, then La Hosteria Boutique Hotel delivers! This hotel was built in a renovated colonial house and has access to a beautiful courtyard with intricate tilework and a fountain.

You’re also in a great location in the historic center of the city, so you can walk out the door and explore! If around $95 USD a night fits within your budget, don’t forget to treat yourself to their exquisite spa and sauna services as well. Check availability and book this luxury stay here!

Los Andres Bed & Breakfast – $$

A local favorite is Los Andes Bed & Breakfast, which features traditional cultural decor inside decently spacious rooms. There’s a mix of dorm rooms and private rooms here, and although you’ll pay a bit more for a private room at around $48 USD, it’s still really reasonable.

The location is perfect in the heart of Arequipa. Plus, breakfast is included, or there’s a nice kitchen you have access to. Secure your stay at Los Andes Bed & Breakfast here!

Mandala Rooms and Services – $

If you are looking for a cheap hostel that fits within your tight budget, you can opt for a place like Mandala Rooms and Services, located 5 minutes away from the Main Square. The rooms look pretty fancy for the price (around $24 USD), and you also get a fresh breakfast for just an additional $3 USD! Rooms here fill up fast—book your stay here so you don’t miss out!

Want more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Arequipa here!

Thanks for reading!

There you have it, three unforgettable days in Arequipa! From tasting your way through local markets and wandering the beautiful White City to spotting condors over Colca Canyon, meeting alpacas, and admiring the views of Misti Volcano, there’s so much to experience here. We hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip and that you have an amazing time exploring one of Peru’s most beautiful destinations!

If you’re continuing your travels through or looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out all of our South America blogs here. We’ve also linked some of our favorite guides below to help you plan the rest of your adventure.

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