Peru · 2026 itinerary
La Union 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for La Union: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Colonial-era church with simple whitewashed interior and wooden altar. Free to enter for quiet reflection.
🕐 Mon-Sat 8:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00; Sun 7:00-13:00
Free entry💡 Check for open doors around 6pm when the evening mass may allow a peek inside even if locked earlier.
Hotels near Iglesia Matriz de La Unión →Small local museum displaying pottery, textiles, and tools from pre-Columbian cultures. Donation requested but not enforced.
🕐 Tue-Sun 9:00-17:00
Free entry💡 Ask the caretaker to show you the storage room—often has extra pieces not on display.
Hotels near Museo de Sitio de La Unión →Linda Cotahuasina · ££
Quechualla · ££
Deeper Into La Union
Riverside walking path with basic benches and trees. Popular for evening strolls and picnics.
🕐 Daylight hours
💡 Bring your own snacks; there are no vendors. Watch for the footbridge halfway along—it offers a good photo spot.
Hilltop viewpoint reached by a short dirt path. Offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding valley.
🕐 Daylight hours
💡 Bring water and sturdy shoes; the path gets slippery after rain. Go at sunrise for cooler temps and clear views.
Tipika
Cotahuasi
Final Favourites & Departure
Main square with a historic fountain, shaded benches, and local vendors. Good spot for people-watching and resting.
💡 Visit late afternoon when the light hits the church facade and locals gather for cheap snacks from street carts.
La Chocita
El Picaflor
Getting Around La Union
Flag it down anywhere — they stop curbside. Have coins ready; drivers won't break large bills.
Ask for Jorge — he knows the switchback roads near Cotahuasi Canyon and won't rush the scenic stops.
Sit on the left side for dawn views over the canyon. Bring a jacket — the bus gets cold as it climbs.
They fill up (4 passengers) before leaving. Pay a full fare (280 soles) if you want to leave immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for La Union?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Iglesia Matriz de La Unión 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 La Union?
See our full best time to visit La Union 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 Posada Inti, Hotel Fani Luz Vela, Hospedaje Municipal. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.