Things to Do in Arequipa

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 the stone glows gold.

🕐 24 hours (public square)

💡 Avoid midday sun—there’s little shade. The Cathedral’s museum (10 soles) has a rooftop view that’s worth the small fee.

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)

💡 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.

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 ritual.

🕐 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.

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), but is cheap for the scale and atmosphere. Allow 2–3 hours to wander.

🕐 Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00, Sun 9:00–16:00

💡 Go early (just after 9am opening) to avoid crowds and get quiet photos. The café inside is overpriced—bring water.