My 8 TOP Things to Do in Arequipa, Peru: Why I Think Arequipa is Underrated

One of my favorite colonial cities in Peru is Arequipa, but I’ve always felt like it gets way less attention than Cusco. Fair enough—Arequipa doesn’t have massive tourist hotspots like Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, the Sacred Valley, or Rainbow Mountain.

But after spending over a week there, I can confidently say that Arequipa is super underrated. If you have extra time in Peru—whether you’re backpacking or on a longer trip—I highly recommend stopping by. The town itself is incredibly charming, and there are tons of epic hikes in the surrounding region.

I just got back from my second trip to Peru, and once again, I made my way to Arequipa. No regrets. So now, it’s time for my personal breakdown of the things to do in Arequipa that I enjoyed the most.

Fun Things to Do in Arequipa & What is Arequipa known for

Arequipa is one of the most underrated cities in Peru. It doesn’t have Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain, so it flies under the radar—but that’s exactly why I love it. The historic center is stunning, with its white volcanic stone buildings, the Basilica Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas is one of the prettiest I’ve seen in Peru.

But what really surprised me was how much there is to do here. The hiking is incredible, with towering volcanoes and the famous Colca Canyon. I also didn’t expect Arequipa to have such a great coffee scene—there are so many cool cafés where you can sit and take in the relaxed vibe of the city.

I’ve visited twice now, and both times I left thinking the same thing: Arequipa deserves way more attention. If you have extra time in Peru, don’t skip it.

💡Check out my Peru section for more travel tips and guides. Start with my 10-day Peru itinerary—it’s a great breakdown of what to do!

1. Misti Volcano

One of the best hikes I did in Arequipa was El Misti Volcano. It wasn’t the hardest, but it was definitely a challenge. It’s a two-day, one-night trek that I did on my second trip to Peru.

The first day was a 6–8 hour hike up to base camp, and on day two, we reached the summit after another 5–7 hours of climbing to 5,800 meters. Luckily, I was already acclimatized after spending time in Cusco, but this is definitely not an easy hike and isn’t for everyone. It costs around $70 USD, and they provide most of the equipment. If you’re up for the challenge, it’s absolutely worth it.

2. Colca Canyon (Book here)

Colca Canyon is by far the most popular hike in Arequipa, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something less intense but still want incredible views. It’s the second deepest canyon in the world, and the landscapes here are unreal. On top of that, the Colca Valley  is where you can spot Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the world.

You can visit on a day tour from Arequipa, where a guide picks you up from town, or you can do it independently by public transport (which is what I did). If you go on your own, you can turn it into a 2–3 day trek, staying overnight at the bottom of the canyon. After hiking El Misti, this honestly felt like a walk in the park.

3. Chachani Volcano (Book here)

Chachani is, to this day, the highest peak I’ve ever climbed at just over 6,000 meters, and it was hands down the hardest hike I’ve ever done. It’s another two-day trek where you hike to base camp on day one, then wake up at 3 AM to summit in time for sunrise.

The first time I did this in Peru, I was completely unprepared—not acclimatized, got altitude sickness, threw up multiple times on the way up, and almost gave up. Altitude sickness is no joke, but somehow, I pushed through and made it to the top. It was one of the most brutal but rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. If you’re in good shape and love hiking, I highly recommend it.

4. Free Walking Tour

I love a good free walking tour—even though, let’s be real, they’re never actually free (but I’m always happy to tip). I’ve used GuruWalk a few times now, and Arequipa has plenty of solid options.

I did one with Joan on my very first day, and it was the perfect intro to the city. You’ll get to learn a bit of history, see the main sights, and even meet other travelers along the way. Definitely worth doing, especially if it’s your first time in Arequipa.

5. Santa Catalina Monastery

I only visited Santa Catalina Monastery on my most recent trip to Arequipa—somehow, I completely missed it the first time. I’m glad I finally went. It’s not one of those must-do attractions, but for 45 soles, you can wander freely through the colorful, colonial-era monastery. The colourful walls make for great photos, and if you go in the evening, the candle-lit rooms add to the atmosphere. It’s a peaceful, beautiful spot that’s worth checking out.

6. Mundo Alpaca

This was another place I skipped on my first trip but visited recently—and it turned out to be way more interesting than I expected. Mundo Alpaca is a small museum where you can see how alpaca wool is processed into textiles. It doesn’t feel touristy at all, and the staff explains everything really well. They also have alpacas outside (which are adorable), a shop with high-quality alpaca products, and even a small café. Best part? It’s free—they just ask for a small donation at the end.

7. Coffee Shops

One thing I didn’t expect was Arequipa’s coffee scene is incredible. There are so many cool little cafés, and if you love coffee, you need to try a few.

My favorite was Kaffeehaus, a cozy spot owned by a Peruvian-German couple. They make fantastic coffee and breakfast, and I found myself going back regularly. Definitely worth stopping by.

My second pick is Ristretto. I stumbled upon it by chance—it’s right next to my favorite tattoo studio in Arequipa. During a break, I popped in for a coffee, and wow, it was amazing. Definitely a spot I’d return to!

8. Arequipa Salinas (Salt Flats) – Not a Must-See

If you’ve been to Bolivia’s salt flats, skip this.

The Salinas near Arequipa are nice but nothing mind-blowing. I visited on my first trip as part of a tour, and while I enjoyed seeing the landscapes and spotting some wild alpacas, it didn’t feel essential. It’s a decent day trip, but there are better things to do in Arequipa.

Best Arequipa Restaurants

Arequipa has some seriously good food, and it’s one of the reasons I think this city is underrated. Sure, Lima and Cusco get all the hype for their fine dining, but in my experience, Arequipa holds its own.

Kaffeehaus

My go-to coffee spot in Arequipa. I’ve been here countless times, and their flat white is the best in town. They also serve great breakfast—sandwiches, pastries, and solid brunch options—in a charming outdoor courtyard that turns into a beer garden in the afternoon. Perfect for a cold beer after a long day.

Chicha por Gastón Acurio

Hands down, my favorite dinner spot in Arequipa. It’s a little fancy but still way more affordable than something equivalent in the U.S. I had a fantastic red wine, the beef tenderloin melted in my mouth, and both the prawn curry and ceviche were on point. The atmosphere is just as good as the food—absolutely worth a visit.

Viajero Hostel Rooftop

For the best sunset drinks in Arequipa, head to the Viajero Hostel rooftop. It’s always lively without being too rowdy, and the view over the rooftops is amazing. Since I was in Peru, I obviously had to order a Pisco Sour (or ten), and the ones here did not disappoint.

Where to Stay in Arequipa

I have a full guide on where to stay in Arequipa (check it out here), but these are the places I stayed recently and highly recommend.

La Hostería Boutique Hotel

One of the perks of not backpacking on a shoestring budget anymore? Staying in nicer places. And this boutique hotel was stunning. The architecture, decor, and atmosphere were next level, and on top of that, the staff was great, breakfast was fantastic, and the location was perfect. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.

Socialtel Arequipa

One of the best hotel experiences I’ve had. It’s social, beautifully designed, and has a great outdoor pool and pool bar. If you like the vibe of Selina but don’t want to get ripped off, this is so much better. Highly recommend for backpackers who want a cool, social place without feeling like they’re slumming it.

FAQs About Things to Do Arequipa Peru

What are unique things to do in Arequipa?

For me, the hiking around Arequipa is the most unique thing to do, mainly because it’s way less touristy than other parts of Peru. Climbing a 6,000m volcano is a huge achievement—something most people will never do. If you’re up for the challenge, go for it.

What are the best free things to do in Arequipa?

Arequipa itself is stunning, so just walking around—either on a free walking tour or by yourself—is already a great experience, especially on a sunny day. Grab a coffee, wander through the streets, and end the day at a rooftop bar with a view.

What are the best things to do in Arequipa with kids?

I’ve seen families doing the Colca Canyon trek with kids as young as 10 years old, so it’s definitely doable. But if hiking isn’t an option, the Arequipa Salt Flats (Salinas de Arequipa) are a great alternative. You still get to see beautiful landscapes (and alpacas!) without the long trek.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Arequipa

If it isn’t obvious by now—I think Arequipa is seriously underrated. Would I pick it over Cusco? Probably not. But if you have time to explore more of Peru, want incredible (and cheaper) off-the-beaten-path hiking, and amazing food for way less than Cusco or Lima, then Arequipa is a perfect stop.

Hope this guide with my experiences and travel tips helps—and if you weren’t planning on visiting Arequipa, I hope it makes you change your mind. Happy travels!

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