Not Cusco. Not Machu Picchu. Not Lima.
And that’s exactly the point.
Because saying you “went to Peru” after only visiting one place feels a little like saying you went to Cancún and experienced all of Mexico… you didn’t.
A country is so much more than a single city, and Arequipa completely changed the way we experienced Peru.
They call it La Ciudad Blanca (the White City) because so much of it is built from this beautiful white volcanic stone called sillar. And when the sun hits it, the whole city just glows.
And then there’s Misti.
The volcano is always there in the background. You see it from almost everywhere, and it’s not just a view, it’s part of the identity of the city. Quiet, powerful, always watching.
THE VIBE (YOU FEEL IT RIGHT AWAY)
There’s something different about Arequipa.
Arequipeños are incredibly proud, you’ll often hear they feel Arequipeño first and Peruvian second. And once you’re there, you understand it.
It has its own identity. Its own rhythm.
GETTING THERE + THAT FIRST NIGHT
It’s a quick flight from Lima, under an hour, which makes it very manageable with kids.
We landed in the evening and took that first night slow, which I would absolutely recommend.
Altitude is real. Hydrate, eat something light, and don’t plan too much.
I drank mate de coca (maybe not right before bed next time), and one of the kids in our group didn’t feel great that night. But by the next morning, he was completely fine.
Taking it easy that first night really helps.
WHERE WE STAYED (AND LOVED)
Casa Andina Select Arequipa Plaza right on the Plaza de Armas.
Waking up to the cathedral, being able to walk everywhere, and having enough space for all five of us made everything easier.
Breakfast was really good, and sitting outside, eating while looking out onto the plaza, was one of those simple moments we all loved.
The kids could run around, which always makes travel feel easier.
We were there at the end of June into July, and overnight the entire city filled with Peruvian flags for Independence Month. It was such a fun surprise… waking up and everything just felt different.
WALKING THE CITY (WITH KIDS)
Arequipa is incredibly walkable, and we spent a lot of time just wandering.
Walking through the streets, going into little shops, letting the kids pick out souvenirs, it never felt rushed.
There were women walking around with llamas and even little lambs, and of course the kids wanted pictures with all of them.
It felt very local and very alive.
The sidewalks are narrow (very colonial), so I wouldn’t bring a stroller. Sneakers are key.
WHAT TO WEAR / WHAT TO KNOW
We went at the end of June and beginning of July (winter).
Cool mornings and nights, warm sunny days…so layers are everything.
What we wore / recommend:
• Light jacket or puffer for evenings
• T-shirts during the day
• Good sneakers
• Sun hat + sunscreen
No mosquito issues at all.
It’s also a very modern city (pharmacies, hospitals, shops, etc), you’ll find everything you need.
THE FOOD (THIS IS A FOOD CITY)
We didn’t have a single bad meal.
Zig Zag was such a fun experience, cooking alpaca and meats on hot volcanic stones right at the table. The kids loved it.
Chicha by Gastón Acurio was beautiful and elevated but still very rooted in local flavors.
Sol de Mayo was one of our favorites—classic picantería, very traditional, and such a good introduction to Arequipeño cuisine.
And one night, we kept it simple at Las Gringas (pizza and drinks) which was perfect for the kids.
But what really stood out was the local food.
Rocoto relleno, chupe, torta de papa, seafood, langostinos, picante de mariscos… everything was rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
When Peruvians talk about great food, they always include Arequipa.
THE DAY THAT MADE THE TRIP
This was one of our favorite days.
Horseback riding with Misti in the background, open fields, terraces, llamas and alpacas everywhere, the kids were completely in their element.
We also learned how alpaca wool is processed and turned into textiles, which made it feel like more than just a fun activity.
It felt local, relaxed, and real.
We also stopped by Molino Viejo, which was such a nice addition, seeing the old mill and understanding a bit more about how life worked there historically.
SANTA CATALINA (DON’T SKIP THIS)
The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is one of the most important places in Arequipa, and honestly, one of the most interesting.
The colors alone: deep reds, blues, and whites, make it feel almost like a city within a city.
But the history is what stayed with us.
Young girls, often from wealthy families, would enter the monastery and live there for the rest of their lives.
When families came to visit, they couldn’t even see them face-to-face—they spoke through wooden walls with small openings.
My kids were fascinated by that. It’s one of those moments where history suddenly feels very real.
And parts of the monastery were damaged by earthquakes over time, which adds another layer to its story.
LA MOMIA JUANITA
Seeing La Momia Juanita at Museo Santuarios Andinos was something I didn’t expect to feel so strongly about.
She’s often called the “Frozen Maiden” in English.
She was found high in the Andes, incredibly well preserved, and is now kept in a temperature-controlled case.
You can’t take photos, but it’s one of those experiences that stays with you.
It’s quiet, powerful, and a reminder of how deep the history here goes.
THE VIEWS + THE LITTLE THINGS
Mirador de Carmen Alto: terraces, volcano, open sky. One of those places where you just stop and take it all in.
And queso helado, we actually liked it. Especially on a warm day walking through the city.
TOURS (WHAT WE DID)
We didn’t plan tours ahead of time.
Once we got there, we found local tour offices easily (there are plenty around the city) and arranged what we needed from there.
We even found someone locally to take us to viewpoints like the mirador.
It was very easy to organize things once we were there.
HOW LONG TO STAY + NEXT TIME
We stayed three days and two nights.
Next time, I would stay longer…especially to add Cañón del Colca, which we skipped this time because we were traveling with a younger child.
Also on my list:
Reserva Nacional de Salinas and restaurant Aguada Blanca
La Nueva Palomino
WHY AREQUIPA
Because it felt real.
It gave us experiences our kids will remember: horses, animals, food, history, and moments that felt meaningful.
And for us, Peru is a place we keep coming back to.
It’s diverse, rich in culture, full of incredible food….and there’s always more to explore.
And Arequipa is a perfect example of that.
Thank you for reading!
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