01Neighborhoods · DAY 1 IDEA
Arequipa
Plaza de Armas
The main square of Arequipa, surrounded by buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
South America / Peru
Arequipa.
Places to go. A little room to wander.
THE SHORTLIST
A few places worth your time.
02Culture · DAY 1 IDEA
on the Plaza de Armas
Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa
The first cathedral was built in 1544. This reconstruction dates from 1848, with a substantial repair after the 2001 earthquake caused the towers to collapse through the roof. The tour takes you into the Basilica, and to see the cathedral's collection of liturgical items in precious metals & gemstones, and sacremental garments. You are also taken up to the roof to see the bell tower and for views of the Plaza de Armas and the city.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
03Culture · DAY 1 IDEA
General Móran 114
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús de Arequipa
An Andean Baroque style church, finished in 1698. Like many major colonial-era buildings in Arequipa it's built out of sillar (volcanic rock) with carved façades, though the carvings on this church are some of the most impressive depicting animals, plants, and even elements of Pre-Columbian mythology. Also the side cloisters featuring stone carvings, and the decorated interior of the church are worth a view.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
04Culture · DAY 2 IDEA
Santa Catalina 301
Monasterio de Santa Catalina
The most visited building from the Spanish era of the city. Described as a city within a city, this beautiful place with its colors, flowers and little streets will make you feel like you are back in time. Quite close to the Plaza de Armas. The guides speak many different languages; ask at the desk to the left after the entrance. The guide will tell you about the history of the convent and the life of the nuns in the convent.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
05Food · DAY 2 IDEA
Arequipa
San Camilo Market
The oldest market in the center of the city. It's three blocks away from the main square.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
A note before you go. Start with Plaza de Armas, then decide whether Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa deserves a separate visit rather than rushing both. The suggested days are an editable grouping, not a timed tour. Visit allowances exclude transfers, meals and queues; confirm the exact entrance and current visiting arrangements for San Camilo Market before setting off.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
BEFORE YOU SET OFF
A more practical kind of plan.
Getting your bearings
Rules to recognize them: they have signs on the roof. The more common the sign, the bigger the company and the safer the taxi. Another tip is to take one that has just set down a passenger. Avoid taking taxis that are stationary and obviously waiting for passengers. A ride from the main square to any place in the central district will be S/4-7. A taxi from the bus station to any hotel, S/8. Allow for a minor extra charge for luggage (usually half a sol per large piece).
Build a route that makes sense
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa are about 0.1 km apart in a straight line. Use the route link to compare the actual streets or transport connections before putting both in the same morning; the measurement is not a walking distance or a transfer estimate.
A LITTLE STRUCTURE. ROOM FOR DISCOVERY.
Your Arequipa plan.
Add a few stops, choose your days, and leave space between them.
Day 1
Time estimates cover visits only. Add time for meals, travel, queues, and breaks. Map links open Google Maps with your selected stops.
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Location, map & reference details
Visitor information & sources
Reference credits & reuse
This city guide includes selected, abridged material by Wikivoyage contributors, adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. The adapted guide text is available under the same license; photographs and website design retain their separate terms. Selected and abridged reference descriptions; operational prices and timetables omitted. Elsewhere added the shortlist, geographic grouping and planning notes.
- Arequipa: reference version 5393782 · contributor history
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. It is community-edited background, not firsthand reporting or a live opening-hours service.
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