Best things to do in Arequipa

Arequipa's Absolute Essentials

Arequipa, known as the 'White City', is defined by its unique colonial architecture constructed from 'sillar', a white volcanic stone. This collection features the UNESCO-listed Historical Centre and its twin-towered Basilica Cathedral. Explore the expansive, brightly colored Santa Catalina Monastery, the 17th-century Jesuit Church with its ornate churrigueresque facade, and the Yanahuara District's scenic overlooks. The city’s cultural depth is showcased through the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries, home to the ice-mummy Juanita, and the historic San Camilo Market.

Arequipa's Absolute Essentials — Map

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Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa

In December 2000, UNESCO declared the historical center of Arequipa a World Heritage Site, stating the following:

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Santa Catalina Monastery Museum

The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena is a large monastery of the Dominican Second Order, located in Arequipa, Peru.

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Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is located in the "Plaza de Armas" of the city of Arequipa, province of Arequipa, Peru.

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Historic Centre of Arequipa

In December 2000, UNESCO declared the historical center of Arequipa a World Heritage Site, stating the following:

Valentin Ramirez / Public domain

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Yanahuara District

Yanahuara District is a suburb within the city of Arequipa, Peru. Yanahuara is well known for its buildings built from sillar, a pearly…

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Mercado San Camilo

A historic public market designed in the studio of Gustave Eiffel. It serves as a central hub for regional produce, traditional Arequipeño cuisine, and artisanal crafts within its expansive, century-old structure.

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Museo de arqueología

The Archaeological Museum of the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín houses a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and funerary remains from the Nazca, Tiwanaku, Wari, and Inca civilizations.

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Museum of Andean Sanctuaries

The Andean Sanctuaries Museum is an archaeological museum in Arequipa, Peru.

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San Francisco Plaza, Church & Monastery

A major church complex from the 16th century with a library and museum filled with excellent colonial paintings and Catholic ornaments.

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Jesuit Church

This church from the 17th century boasts an outstanding front facade and some of the best pictures and altars in the city.