By Equipo PAT
Things to do in Arequipa in 3 days: spend the first on the city, the second on the Colca Canyon and the third on the Sillar Route and the local food. That way you mix heritage, nature and good meals without rushing. Arequipa sits at 2,335 m, a moderate altitude, and it is a good place to start acclimatizing.
What are the best things to do in Arequipa in 3 days, day by day?
This table sums up the plan. The prices are those of our tours and the durations are the ones published on our website.
| Day | Plan | Tour | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Historic center, Yanahuara and Santa Catalina | Arequipa City Tour (Full Day) | $45 |
| 2 | Highlands, Chivay and condors | Colca Canyon (Full Day) | $75 |
| 3 | Sillar quarries and Arequipa cuisine | Sillar Route (Half Day) | $45 |
If you have one more day, you can swap day two for the two-day Colca route, from $149. So this plan suits trips of three to five days.
What should I see on day one in the White City?
Start with the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city was built from sillar, a white volcanic stone, which is why it is called the White City. First you visit the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which offers views of the three volcanoes around Arequipa: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
Next you head to the Yanahuara arches, a sillar viewpoint facing Misti. After that comes the Santa Catalina Monastery, a small city within the city, with colorful streets and quiet courtyards. Finally, you pass the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Our Arequipa City Tour, from $45, covers all of this.
How do I organize day two in the Colca Canyon?
Colca means an early start. The Colca Canyon Full Day leaves before sunrise, crosses the Patapampa pass at 4,710 m and reaches the Cruz del Condor. That is why it works best on the second day, when you have already adjusted a little in the city.
However, the day is long. Bring layers, water and sunscreen. To choose between the full day and the two-day route, read our guide Colca: full day or 2 days? And if you love birds, check the best time to see condors at the Cruz del Condor.
What is the Sillar Route and why do it?
It is a morning among the quarries where the stone that built the city is cut. The Sillar Route visits the Añashuayco quarry, where workers still shape the stone by hand, and the Culebrillas ravine, with petroglyphs from the Wari culture. It costs from $45.
It is also a gentle activity for after Colca. On the other hand, it lasts half a day, so you keep the afternoon free to stroll, shop for crafts or eat without hurry.
What should I eat in Arequipa?
Arequipa cuisine has a reputation of its own. For example, try the rocoto relleno, the adobo, the shrimp chowder and queso helado, a typical dessert. Many of these dishes are served in picanterías, the traditional restaurants of the city.
- Order the set lunch at a picantería for a good, cheap meal.
- Ask about the spice level: rocoto can be fiery.
- Have dinner early if you have an early start the next day.
What can I do in the afternoons and evenings?
Free afternoons are perfect for exploring the city on foot. For example, visit the San Camilo market, where vendors sell cheese, fruit and juices. The San Lázaro neighborhood also keeps narrow sillar lanes that are best enjoyed slowly.
The Santuarios Andinos Museum, meanwhile, shows Juanita the mummy, found on the nearby peaks. At night the Plaza de Armas lights up and the arcades fill with people. So have dinner there or at a nearby picantería and head back to the hotel early if you start early.
How do I get around Arequipa and how much should I budget?
The center is compact and walkable. Taxis are common for viewpoints such as Yanahuara. For that reason many travelers only book tours for the excursion days.
On cost, our three tours in the plan add up to from $165: $45, $75 and $45. Add lodging, meals and any tickets that are not included. However, always ask what each rate covers so you can compare fairly.
What if I have a fourth day?
There are two very good options. The first is Salinas Lagoon, a day across the highlands with flamingos and vicuñas, from $59. The second is the Colca, Titicaca and Machu Picchu package, which continues to Puno and Cusco.
So you do not need to lock in the plan before you arrive. However, book ahead in high season, from May to September, because departures can sell out.
When should I go to Arequipa and what should I pack?
Arequipa has a dry, sunny climate almost all year. The sun burns more than it seems. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and add a jacket for the cold nights. The Colca and Salinas highlands also sit above 4,000 m, so you need warm clothes for those days.
To plan better, check the destination information on the official PromPerú portal. And if you are heading on to Cusco, read how to acclimatize to altitude first.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Arequipa?
Three days let you see the city, the Colca Canyon and the Sillar Route without rushing. With two days, skip the sillar.
How high is Arequipa?
The city sits at 2,335 m. That is a moderate altitude, good for starting to acclimatize before Colca, which tops 4,000 m.
How much is the Arequipa City Tour?
Our Arequipa City Tour Full Day starts from $45. Always ask which tickets and transfers it includes before you book.
Which volcanoes can you see from Arequipa?
You can see Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. The Carmen Alto viewpoint and the Yanahuara arches are good places to see them.
Which typical dish should I try?
Rocoto relleno is the most famous. You can also try adobo, shrimp chowder and queso helado for dessert.
