Arequipa
Soft white city charm meets wild green canyon tranquility
Highlights
Soak in riverside thermal pools surrounded by greenery and canyon walls near Chivay.
Drift through flower-filled cloisters, arches, and hidden patios in Arequipa’s historic center.
Gaze into the vast Colca Canyon and watch condors glide over dramatic cliffs.
Sip a drink with a view as the Misti volcano glows at golden hour.
Relax in leafy gardens, courtyards, and riverside promenades just outside the city bustle.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Los Tambos Boutique Hotel
Small, calm hotel with rooftop views of the volcanoes and inner courtyards that bring in greenery and natural light, just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.
Casa de Avila Hotel
Traditional house set around a large, leafy garden courtyard where you can relax in hammocks and under trees, away from the busiest streets.
Where to Eat
6 picks
Prana Vegan Club
Plant-based café with a leafy, boho feel off a quiet colonial street. Order the smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and quinoa-based dishes; all food is vegan, so no meat or alcohol, and ingredients are suitable for halal diners from a content perspective (though not certified).
La Bóveda Vegetarian
Vegetarian restaurant set in an old vaulted space with lots of plants. Choose from veggie pastas, soups, salads, and quinoa dishes—stick to fully vegetarian options and confirm sauces/broths are alcohol- and meat-free.
Hatunpa Arequipa (Vegetarian Options)
Cozy potato-focused spot with rustic wood decor and some greenery. Build your own plate with local potatoes and top with vegetarian sauces (e.g., cheese, veggies); ask specifically for vegetarian toppings and to avoid any meat broths or alcohol-based sauces.
El Buda Profano
Vegan sushi bar in a quiet, plant-filled courtyard. Go for veggie maki rolls, miso soup, and tempura vegetables; the fully vegan menu means no meat or fish, which keeps ingredients halal-friendly from a content standpoint (no alcohol in dishes—confirm the day’s specials).
Sana Vegan Café
Bright café with plants and natural wood, offering smoothie bowls, vegan pancakes, and grain bowls. Everything is vegan, so choose any dish knowing there’s no meat; confirm if any desserts use alcohol-based flavorings and avoid those.
Local Vegetarian Buffet in Chivay (e.g., Hotel/Restaurant Buffet with Veg Section)
Most Colca Canyon tours stop at a buffet restaurant just outside Chivay with a clearly marked vegetarian section. Load up on rice, potatoes, salads, cooked vegetables, and quinoa; avoid meat dishes and ask staff to confirm which items are fully vegetarian with no meat broth or lard.
What to Do
9 picks
Plaza de Armas & Cathedral Viewpoints
Start your trip with a gentle loop around the main square, admiring white sillar stone arcades, palm trees, and the Cathedral. If you like, go inside or climb to a rooftop café (just order juice/coffee) for a green-and-volcano skyline view.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina
Wander this vast 16th-century monastery-city full of bright courtyards, flower-lined streets, and quiet cells; parts feel like a secret garden with climbing plants and high walls.
Free-Explore: Historic Center Backstreets & River Overlook
Stroll the narrow, stone streets of Barrio San Lázaro with its bougainvillea and small plazas, then walk toward Puente Bolognesi and the Chili River for greener, more rugged views.
Mirador de Yanahuara at Sunset
Walk or take a short taxi to this viewpoint with arches and a small plaza lined with trees, then watch the sun set behind the volcanoes as the city lights up below.
Yanahuara & Cayma Riverside Walk
After breakfast, head towards the Chili River area and follow local paths and small parks where you can see trees, water, and farmland against the volcanic backdrop.
Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Mummy Museum)
Visit this small museum to learn about Inca high-altitude rituals and see the famous ‘Juanita’ mummy (display rotates with similar exhibits at times).
Free-Explore: Rooftop & Courtyard Hopping
Spend the late afternoon wandering between courtyards and rooftops—many cafés and small shops have internal patios with plants and upper terraces overlooking the city and volcanoes; just order a non-alcoholic drink to linger.
Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour with Hot Springs
Join a simple group tour (book via GetYourGuide or a local agency in Arequipa) that includes early pick-up, viewpoints, a stop at Cruz del Cóndor to see condors soaring, a break in small green villages, an optional soak in Chivay’s riverside hot springs, and a buffet lunch stop with vegetarian options.
Evening Wind-Down in Arequipa (Post-Canyon)
After returning from Colca, take a gentle stroll around the Plaza de Armas and nearby leafy side streets, then rest in your hotel courtyard or rooftop with a tea or juice.
Good to Know
5 picks
Keeping Meals Halal in Arequipa
There are few, if any, certified halal restaurants in Arequipa, so the safest strategy is to focus on vegetarian or vegan places and vegetarian sections of buffets. Always confirm that soups and sauces don’t use meat broth or lard and that dishes don’t contain alcohol.
How to Book Colca Canyon Easily
For a no-stress canyon day, book a full-day Colca Canyon tour (with hot springs stop) through a reputable platform like GetYourGuide or via your hotel the day before. Check that hotel pickup, entrance fees, and an English/Spanish guide are included; buffet lunch and hot springs are usually extra but straightforward to pay on-site.
Altitude, Sun, and Hydration
Even if you feel fine, walk a bit slower than usual in the first 24 hours, especially upstairs and on canyon viewpoints. Drink water regularly, avoid heavy meals before hiking, and carry a small bottle and hat for sun protection.
Cash, Cards, and Small Change
Most mid-range hotels and many restaurants in the Historic Center accept cards, but small shops, taxis, and rural stops prefer cash. Withdraw soles from bank ATMs in the center, and keep some small bills for tips, toilets, and snacks on the Colca route.
Moving Around the City Smoothly
Within the Historic Center and nearby Yanahuara you can walk almost everywhere within 15–20 minutes. For anything further (like the bus terminal or airport), use official taxis or ride apps arranged by your hotel; agree the price before starting if paying cash.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.