2 or 3 Days in Arequipa: Itinerary + My best Tips

How to visit Arequipa in 2 or 3 Days: Best Itinerary & Places to Visit

Arequipa, often called “The White City,” is the second largest city in Peru after Lima—and without a doubt, one of the most beautiful.

Located at 7,760 ft above sea level and surrounded by the stunning volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, Arequipa may not be as well-known as Cusco, but it has a charm that’s hard to resist. It’s also the perfect base for visiting the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve created itineraries from 1 to 4 days in Arequipa and the surrounding region, including all the top things to do and places you won’t want to miss.

You’ll also find my favorite spots for coffee, drinks, and food in Arequipa, along with hotel recommendations for every budget.

Want to go even further? Don’t miss my full guide to Arequipa with even more tips and ideas.

So, what are the best things to do in Arequipa in 2 or 3 days?

Let’s find out!

Arequipa 2 or 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arequipa

In the morning

Main Square and Cathedral

Start your visit to Arequipa in the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city. It’s often considered the most beautiful square in Peru, with its palm trees, central fountain, white colonial buildings, and locals relaxing on benches or chatting with friends.

If you’re spending 2 days in Arequipa, make sure to visit the city’s most iconic building: the Cathedral of Arequipa, built in a neo-Renaissance style.

Constructed from sillar—a white volcanic stone typical of the historic center—it also houses a small museum with religious art, sculptures, garments, and silver pieces.

I recommend taking the guided tour of the cathedral and museum (40 minutes, 10 soles), which ends at the bell tower. From up there, you’ll get a fantastic view of the city and the three volcanoes—Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. It’s a great spot for photos!

Tristan del Pozo House and Church of the Society of Jesus

When leaving the cathedral, I recommend that you first visit the Casa Tristán del Pozo (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm, 4 pm to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 1 pm).

This magnificent Andean baroque-style mansion (18th century) now belongs to the BBVA bank, which has installed an art gallery there. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it, if only to discover the interior of the building… and it’s free!

Then take Álvarez Thomas street, pass the arches of the Plaza de Armas and you will arrive at the Templo de la Compañía de Jesús.

You will be able to see its Andean baroque façade, its golden altarpieces, the Chapel of San Ignacio (5 soles), whose walls contain amazing details (birds, flowers and exotic fruits) and its two cloisters.

You can take a break inside the cloister´s cafe. If it is already lunchtime, you can also go to La Benita de los Claustros (opens at noon), a nice little restaurant serving typical Arequipa dishes.

In the afternoon

San Camilo Market

After the calm of the cloisters, walk through the busy streets of San Juan de Dios and then San Camilo street to visit the San Camilo market.

This is the largest market in Arequipa and the most famous in the city, as it is located in the historic center.

It is a colorful place where you can find all kinds of products (fruits, fresh juices, vegetables, typical desserts, cereals, cheeses, a lot of different potatoes, etc.) and it is above all an opportunity to really know the local life.

Museum of Andean Sanctuaries

Next, head to the Museo Santuarios Andinos, which showcases Inca artifacts like ceramics, textiles, metal objects, figurines, and more—discovered during expeditions led by anthropologist Johan Reinhard and archaeologist José Antonio Chávez.

The highlight of the museum is Juanita, also known as “the Ice Maiden” or “the daughter of the glaciers.”

Juanita is the remarkably well-preserved body of a young girl, around 13 years old, who was taken to the summit of Mount Ampato as an offering to the Apus, the sacred mountain deities of the Incas.

Thanks to the ice and snow at over 20,600 ft of altitude, her body remained frozen and intact for more than 500 years—offering one of the most extraordinary insights into Inca rituals.

The visit is fascinating, and the short documentaries shown at the museum really help you understand Juanita’s story and her historical significance.

• Address: Calle La Merced 110, Arequipa – Entry: 25 soles for foreigners, or 15 soles for students (includes a guide; tipping is appreciated)

At night

Stroll the streets at night before returning to rest from this great first day of exploration. The Plaza de Armas, with its cathedral and other illuminated monuments, is not to be missed!

Day 2: Arequipa

In the morning

Start the day at the convent of Santa Catalina, one of the most beautiful places in Arequipa!

With its 5 acres, it is the largest convent in the world and the largest religious building in Peru, a real small city within the city!

Built in 1579, it has housed up to 450 cloistered nuns. Today, the 40 nuns who live there are free to leave if they wish.

It is a place where calm reigns, and the colors of the walls, electric blue and sienna red, create a unique and intriguing atmosphere.

I advise you to hire a guide at the entrance to understand the importance of this place. After the visit, you can stroll freely through its narrow streets, enter the various rooms and climb stairs that do not always have an exit.

• Santa Catalina website
• Entrance fee 45 soles (guide not included)
• It is also possible to visit the convent at night, when the place is illuminated by candlelight and offers a truly unique atmosphere. Thursdays (17h30-19h30) except in January, February and March.

San Francisco Square

After Santa Catalina, discover Plaza San Francisco. It is a typical colonial square bounded by the municipal history museum and the church of San Francisco, which hides a beautiful cloister.

Cross the square and pass under the stone arch to reach Puente Grau street. This is the path you should take to get to the next must-see two-day visit in Arequipa: the Yanahuara neighborhood.

In the afternoon

The neighborhood of Yanahuara

In the afternoon, leave the historic center and stroll through the Yanahuara neighborhood, known for its slim streets, ashlar buildings and traditional picanterias where you can taste the typical Arequipa cuisine.

As it will probably already be lunchtime, I suggest you  stop at La Nueva Palomino (opens at 12 noon).

It is a very nice picanteria with friendly service where you will find both locals and travelers. Don’t forget to ask if the dishes are for sharing, as some portions are very generous!

Personally I really liked the rocoto stuffed with potato pie (my classic when I go to Arequipa??).

• Address: Leoncio Prado, 122, (Yanahuara), Arequipa
• Facebook of La Nueva Palomino

Leaving the Nueva Palomino, you can walk down Pasaje Leoncio Prado to Pasaje Angamos. This narrow pedestrian street typical of Yanahuara is an ideal place to take pictures.

Not far from the picantería is the Yanahuara viewpoint, possibly the best place to admire the city and the volcanoes.

The viewpoint is in the plaza of Yanahuara, with its church and, right next to it, Charito, which offers a good queso helado, a typical Arequipa ice cream with a bit of cinnamon.

Alpacas and the neighborhood of San Lazaro

After visiting the Yanahuara neighborhood, return downtown via the Grau Bridge and visit Mundo Alpaca, a store specializing in alpaca wool.

This is the place to go if you want to buy clothes made with good quality alpaca wool. Don’t feel like shopping? No problem. You can get free access to see their alpacas and llamas, and even feed them!

There is also a small exhibition on wool, its transformation and if you are lucky (depending on the time of day) you can watch a weaver at work.

Mundo Alpaca is located in San Lazaro, the oldest neighborhood in Arequipa.

Once the visit is over (about 30 min), I suggest you stroll through its narrow streets with white buildings and wooden doors (e.g. Bayoneta, Violin, Los Cristales), the Campo Plaza Redondo and the Alameda San Lazaro.

It is a very quiet and picturesque area not usually visited by tourists, yet it is only a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.

At night

You can walk back to the Plaza de Armas or stay in San Lazaro and have a drink at Chelawasi or Nowhere, a bar with a very nice terrace.

Day 3 and 4: Colca Canyon

To plan your stay in the Arequipa region and the Colca Valley, it is important to take into account the distances.

If you want to visit the Colca Canyon, you will have to count 1, 2 or 3 days in your itinerary.

• To know everything about this magnificent region, I invite you to read my Complete Guide to the Colca Canyon!

Visit the Colca Canyon in 1 day

If you don’t have much time during your Peru itinerary, you can visit the Colca Canyon in 1 day from Arequipa. It is not ideal because the road is long (4 hours each way), but it is possible!

The best way to visit the Colca Canyon in 1 day is to do a pick-up tour from your hotel.

You can book the tour here, which includes pick up from your hotel, stop in Chivay for lunch and a short hike to the Cruz del Condor:

Visit the Colca Canyon in 2 days

If you have more time in your itinerary in Peru, the ideal is to visit the Colca Canyon in 2 days.

This is the best option to visit the Colca Canyon, with an overnight stay (in Yanque, Chivay or Cabanaconde).

You will see llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, observe condors, take a short hike and visit the villages of Coporaque and Maca.

Where to stay in Arequipa?

• Arequipay Hostel: Located a few blocks from the Main Square, this hostel offers very clean and bright dormitories. Perfect for budget travelers. Private rooms and shared dorms available. Basic breakfast served daily. From just $8 USD.

• Hotel Tierra Viva: Ideal for mid-range travelers. Just two blocks from the main square, it offers great value with comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, and buffet breakfast included. From $60 USD per night.

• Hotel Los Tambos: A great choice for those seeking superior comfort. Located just 50 meters from the main square. Stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the city. À la carte breakfast with 5 menu options. From $71 USD per night.

• CIRQA – Relais & Châteaux: A stunning luxury hotel in the heart of Arequipa with a restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace. Breakfast and dinner included with all rooms. From $475 USD per night.

1 or 2 days in Arequipa: restaurants, cafes, bars

Here are some suggestions to eat well in Arequipa or just take a break during your visit.

All my suggestions can be found on my Map of Arequipa

• Have a good coffee: Cafeteria Kafi Wasi and Café Lautrec which are close to the Plaza de Armas, or Kaffehaus a few blocks from Plaza San Francisco
• Chaqchao: a beautiful space with balcony and terrace on Santa Catalina street. It is the ideal place to try Peruvian chocolate (cookies, bars, cakes, hot chocolate, etc.).
• Las Gringas: baked pizzas made with Peruvian ingredients (e.g. quinoa flour). Located in the same house as Chaqchao.
• Zig Zag: this restaurant in Arequipa is an institution for meat lovers. I suggest you try their cheese fondue (for 2 persons).
• Breakfasts: La Despensa, Eco Brunch
• Have a drink: to try Peruvian craft beers 7 Vidas Taproom, Chelawasi Public House, Nowhere, or for a good pisco cocktail the Museo del Pisco

For my other recommendations and more details (description and photos) in My Complete Article about Arequipa

I also invite you to read: The Best Itinerary to Visit Arequipa in 1 Day

Tourist map of Arequipa

Here is the map of Arequipa with all the attractions mentioned in the article, I have also mapped out the itineraries to make your visit easier!

Book Your Flight at the Best Price

Planning a trip to Peru? To get the best deal on your flights, I recommend using this flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner.

It’s the easiest way to find the lowest prices for both international flights and domestic flights within Peru—ensuring you pay the best rate with no hassle!

Rent a Car in Peru

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Peru at your own pace and make the most of your trip—especially if you want to visit places off the beaten path.

Personally, I always go with Booking.com Cars, and here’s why I recommend it:

• Compare prices easily from all the major rental companies in one place—it’s the fastest way to find the best deal.
• Free cancellation on most options, so you can book now and adjust later if needed.
• Cheaper insurance with better coverage than what rental desks usually offer—no hidden fees, just savings.

Click the button below to find the best car rental deals in Peru:

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