Peru · 2026 itinerary
Arequipa 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Arequipa: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Arequipa's main square, ringed by white volcanic-stone colonnades and the towering Cathedral. Free to enter and sit on benches or grab a coffee from a nearby café. Best light is late afternoon, when t
🕐 24 hours (public square)
Free entry💡 Avoid midday sun—there’s little shade. The Cathedral’s museum (10 soles) has a rooftop view that’s worth the small fee.
Hotels near Plaza de Armas →A viewpoint in the Yanahuara district, with a small park and arches made of volcanic stone that frame the three volcanoes—Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Free to visit, popular at sunset.
🕐 24 hours (public space)
Free entry💡 Walk from the centre in 20 minutes through the San Lázaro neighbourhood for a pleasant route. Bring a jacket—it’s windy and cool up here.
Hotels near Mirador de Yanahuara →El Fuego de San Antonio · ££
La Cafeteria del Monasterio · ££
Deeper Into Arequipa
A small museum inside the cathedral that shares its history, religious art, and offers rooftop access with great views. Entry is 10 soles (about £2). Guides are included and speak decent English.
🕐 Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00, Sun 10:00–16:00
💡 The rooftop is the main draw—head straight up if you just want the view. The museum takes 20 minutes max.
Small but excellent museum housing the frozen Inca mummy 'Juanita', discovered on Mount Ampato. Entry is 20 soles (about £4), and the guided tour is well worth it for the story of the sacrificial ritu
🕐 Mon–Sat 9:00–18:00, Sun 9:00–15:00
💡 Tours run every 30 minutes in Spanish and English; check the English schedule when you arrive. No photography inside the mummy room.
Restaurante Curitiba
Zingaro
Final Favourites & Departure
A vast 16th-century convent complex turned museum, with narrow streets, cloisters, and vivid blue and terracotta walls. Entry costs about 40 soles (around £8),
💡 Go early (just after 9am opening) to avoid crowds and get quiet photos. The café inside is overpriced—bring water.
La Italiana
El Colorado - Pollos a la Brasa
Getting Around Arequipa
Flag the blue-and-white minibus with 'Ciudad' on the windscreen. It runs along Avenida Ejército then down to the plaza. Ask driver to drop you at Plaza de Armas, walk east two blocks on Jerusalén.
Shared minibuses marked 'Sabandía' depart from the corner of Jerusalén and Independencia. They're cramped but cheap. Exact change required; pay as you board.
Use the official taxi stand just outside arrivals. Unofficial drivers outside the fence often overcharge by triple. Pay in soles, not dollars.
Don't hail moving taxis. Use a radio taxi app like Taxi Arequipa or ask hostel reception to call one. Negotiate fare before getting in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Arequipa?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza de Armas and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Arequipa?
See our full best time to visit Arequipa guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include La Casa de Melgar, Hotel Cazorla, Arequipa Inn. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.