Arequipa
Romantic white city charm with canyon vistas and leafy hideouts
Highlights
Stroll the vivid blue and red streets of Santa Catalina Monastery, one of South America’s most atmospheric historic sites.
Sip coffee and watch the sun set over El Misti and Chachani from rooftop terraces and miradores.
Trade the city for a day of epic canyon scenery and condor spotting without an intense trek.
Relax in leafy, stone-walled patios that echo a jungle vibe right in the colonial center.
Walk hand-in-hand under the illuminated arches and cathedral towers of Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Los Tambos Boutique Hotel
Small, friendly hotel with simple but stylish rooms, some greenery in inner patios, and a rooftop terrace with volcano views just a short walk from the main square.
Casona Plaza Hotel AQP
Restored colonial casona with stone architecture, plant-filled courtyards, and comfortable mid-range rooms within easy walking distance of Santa Catalina and the Plaza de Armas.
Where to Eat
5 picks
La Benita de los Claustros
Traditional Arequipeño spot in beautiful stone cloisters with plants; for halal, choose vegetarian dishes like chupe de queso (cheese soup), soltero de queso (bean and cheese salad), quinoa-based plates, and sides—politely confirm no pork or alcohol in the dish (“sin cerdo, sin alcohol”).
El Buda Profano
Vegan sushi and Japanese-style dishes in a leafy, slightly hidden courtyard; completely plant-based, so everything is halal-friendly with no meat or alcohol in the food—good picks include veggie sushi rolls, ramen, and gyoza.
Omphalos Restaurant Vegetariano
Casual vegetarian restaurant with hearty Peruvian-style plates and juices; as a fully vegetarian spot it’s broadly halal-friendly—choose veggie lasagna, quinoa bowls, soups, and salads, and ask to avoid any cooking with wine (“sin vino”).
Palacios Coffee
Specialty coffee shop with plants and wood decor; order pastries, simple vegetarian sandwiches, and fresh juices—confirm no ham or bacon and choose bread with cheese, avocado, or eggs only.
Zig Zag (Vegetarian-Focused Ordering)
Known for meats but also offers good vegetarian options like salads, grilled vegetables, pasta, and sometimes trout; to stay halal, avoid all meat and alcohol-containing sauces, ask clearly for vegetarian mains, and confirm “sin carne, sin pollo, sin cerdo, sin alcohol en la salsa.”
What to Do
8 picks
Plaza de Armas de Arequipa
Start your trip with a gentle walk around the main square, admiring the cathedral, arches, palm trees, and distant volcano views; sit on a bench, people-watch, and take photos together.
Santa Catalina Monastery
Explore the vast, colorful cloister-city with its blue and red walls, quiet courtyards, and rooftop views of El Misti; wander slowly, stopping for photos in the narrow lanes.
Claustros de la Compañía & Jesuit Church
Step into the carved stone cloisters with small shops and cafés, then peek into the richly decorated Jesuit church with its baroque façade.
Yanahuara Viewpoint (Mirador de Yanahuara)
Walk or take a short taxi up to this stone-arched balcony overlooking the city with postcard views of El Misti and other volcanoes; explore the small plaza and nearby streets.
Barrio de San Lázaro
Wander through one of Arequipa’s oldest neighborhoods, with narrow cobbled lanes, white sillar houses, and occasional bursts of greenery in courtyards and balconies.
Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Mummy Museum)
Join a guided visit (usually included) to learn about Inca rituals and see the famous mummy Juanita and well-preserved artifacts from the high Andes.
Evening Rooftop Terrace Time (Centro Histórico)
Pick a non-party rooftop café or juice bar around the Plaza de Armas, order fresh juice or coffee (avoiding alcoholic venues if you prefer), and enjoy nighttime views of the lit-up cathedral and volcano silhouettes.
Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour (Non-Trekking, From Arequipa)
Join a standard 1-day or 2-day bus tour that includes early pickup, scenic stops, Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to see condors, and small villages; choose a less-trekking-focused option and rest on the bus between viewpoints.
Good to Know
5 picks
Keeping Food Halal in Arequipa
There are few fully halal-certified restaurants, so the easiest approach is to rely on vegetarian and fish dishes, and very clearly say “sin cerdo, sin carne, sin pollo, sin alcohol” when ordering; double-check soups and sauces, as some use meat broths or wine.
Choosing the Right Colca Tour
When booking Colca Canyon, look specifically for “tour” or “bus tour” rather than “trek” in the title if you want minimal hiking; confirm pickup and drop-off at your hotel, and mention you prefer easy walks and will need a vegetarian or fish-based meal option or plan to self-cater.
Cash, ATMs, and Tipping
ATMs are clustered around the historic center, and it’s wise to withdraw enough soles for a day or two at a time; small tips (5–10 soles) are appreciated for guides, hotel staff, and helpful drivers, usually handed directly in cash.
Sun, Altitude, and Hydration
Even though Arequipa feels cooler, the high-altitude sun can dehydrate you quickly; carry a reusable bottle, drink regularly, and take breaks in shaded courtyards or cafés during midday.
Staying Connected Without Relying on Data
Download offline maps for Arequipa and Colca before you arrive, and save key locations (hotel, main square, viewpoints); most cafés and hotels have Wi‑Fi you can use to check things when needed without buying a local SIM.
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