Location: Arequipa
Top Things to do in Arequipa
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Arequipa, Arequipa Region
In Peru's second-most populous city, aka "The White City," stunning colonial buildings made of pearly sillar stone vie for attention with the surrounding volcanoes and snow-capped peaks of the western Andes. Founded in 1540, it's a smorgasbord of mansions and museums. The top attraction, 215,000-square-foot Santa Catalina Monastery, is like its own city within a city, complete with fountains and cobblestone streets. Arequipa is the favorite base for visiting Colca Canyon and its massive condors.
Restaurants in Arequipa
1. Nevado De Mismi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 831jacopog
Toda mi vida voy a estar agradecido con Esteban de Nativa Express por ayudarme a realizar mi sueno de subirme al Mismi, la montana de 5597 m. a cuyas faldas se encuentra la naciente mas remota del Rio Amazonas! Mas alla del fascino y del simbolismo del lugar, se trata de un lugar increible y que sin un guia local experto seria practicamente imposible que visitar! Es increible la capacidad de orientacion de Esteban en el medio de la nada. El tuvo mucha pacienca y nos ayudo mucho (mi pareja tenia bastante soroche). Cuando el tiempo empezo a cambiar, Esteban se dio cuenta antes que nosotros de que un temporal estaba llegando y su conocimiento de la montana probablemente nos salvo la vida!!! Ha sido un dia inolvidable, tal vez el mas feliz de toda mi vida!!! Incluso el transporte en carro para llegar al empiezo del camino no ha sido nada aburrido: el paisaje es increible, casi de otro planeta... y Esteban ademas de conocer todo de la flora, fauna e historia local, es un hombre muy simpatico con miles de anectodas para contar! Si quieren visitar cualquier parte (remota o no) de la zona del Colca, olvidense de las agencia super caras y super turisticas que operan en Arequipa y ponganse en contacto con Nativa Express, preguntando por Esteban de una: van a ahorrar mas del 90% de lo que gastarian con un tour desde Arequipe y tendrian la ocasion de hacerlo de la forma mas autentica!!! ----- All my life I'm gonna be thankfull to Esteban from Nativa Express for helping me in realize my dream to climb Mismi, the 5597 m. mountain where you can find the furthest Amazon River spring! This is not only a fascinating and symbolic place but also an incredible natural area which would be impossible to visit without an expert local guide! Esteban's orientation skills in the middle of nowhere are unbelivable! He had much pacience with us and he helped us a lot (mi girl had pretty much altitude sickness). When the weather began to change, Esteban quicly understand that a storm was coming and I would definetly say that his knowledge of the mountain literaly saved our lifes!!! It's been an unforgettable day, maybe the happiest of my life!!! Even the car transportation to the beginning of the walk was not boring at all: the landscape is incredible, othe planet like... and Esteban moreover than knowing everything about local plants, animals and history, he is a very nice person with thousands of stories to tell! If you wanna visit part (remote or not) of Colca area, forget about super exprensive and touristy agencies in Arequipa and put contact directly Nativa Express, asking for Esteban: you will save more than 90% of the price you would spend for a tour from Arequipa and you would have the occasion to do that in the most authentic way!!!
2. Playa los Arcos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
3. Sabancaya
4. Fundo Sabandia
5. Plaza de Yanahuara
6. Chachani
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
This large extinct volcano, 6,057 meters in height, rises above Arequipa in southern Peru and is a popular site for climbers.
Reviewed By udai113 - New Delhi, India
Would highly recommend this mountain over El Misti - it is easier to climb and has much better views. It takes 2 days and is an experience for a lifetime - comparable and probably better than Machu Picchu!! You need to have basic fitness and the ability to walk non-stop for 9 hours. It doesn't ask for more athletic abilities or mountaineering experience!! The Volcano in the background makes this definitely the most rewarding climb
7. Volcan Misti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Reviewed By Dutchstang05 - Jundiai, Brazil
a must to see. misty is situated between 2 other large vulcanos. from the otherside of the city going up in the mountains you can see the 3 vulcanos clearly which also shows a nice city view.
8. Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By sethorch96 - Greater Sydney, Australia
Do not leave Arequipa without visiting this park. It has hot springs, salt flats, wildlife and beautiful Andean views. Too bad most tourists miss it. A day is enough but stay longer if you can.
