Arequipa tours & holidays

Volcanoes, Inca mummies and alpacas – only in Arequipa

Casually sitting at the foot of three volcanoes and surrounded by a ring of Andean peaks, Arequipa rivals Cusco as Peru's prettiest city. Wander the UNESCO-listed historic centre, catch a glimpse of the famous Inca Ice Maiden or meet super-cute camelids at Mundo Alpaca. As the sun sets, watch the city's white sillar stone buildings turn pink from a rooftop bar – ideally with a cold glass of chicha de jora (corn beer). And whatever you do, come hungry: Arequipa is home to some of Peru's favourite dishes. Who's up for some frozen cheese dessert?

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Arequipa highlights

A red-painted builing at Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, Peru

Uncover Arequipa's history

Join a local expert and step back in time in Arequipa's UNESCO-recognised historic centre. Mingle with the locals in Plaza de Armas, see the illusionistic frescoes of the San Ignacio Chapel and wander the vast grounds and buildings of Santa Catalina convent – a 16th-century city-within-a-city that was closed to the public for almost 400 years.

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The rugged terrain surrounding Mt Ampato against a blue sky in southern Peru

See the Ice Maiden

Discover the chilling story of Juanita, the young Inca girl who became the Ice Maiden. Found frozen on Mt Ampato in 1995, her remains were remarkably well preserved – including her internal organs, skin and hair – and have provided archeologists with major insights into ancient Inca rituals.

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Rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers), a traditional dish from Peru

Feast on regional delicacies

Lima might be Peru's foodie capital, but Arequipa is a close second. Must-tries include rocoto relleno (spicy meat-stuffed peppers), chupe de camarones (shrimp stew) and queso helado ('frozen cheese' dessert made from condensed milk). For the most authentic meal, ask your leader where to find the best picanterías (family-run lunch restaurants) and eat elbow-to-elbow with the locals.

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South America Highlights

The rugged terrain of Colca Canyon in Peru

Explore Colca Canyon

Arequipa is the gateway to adventures in Colca Canyon. At over 3300 m deep, it's one of the world's deepest canyons – and roughly twice as deep as Arizona's Grand Canyon! Sip coca tea in traditional Andean villages, hike past ancient terraces farmed since Inca times or unwind with a soothing soak in a volcanic hot spring.

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