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Slow Travel in Arequipa: Discover the City at Your Own Pace

If you’re craving a journey that favors depth over speed, slow travel in Arequipa offers the perfect escape. Nestled beneath majestic volcanoes and steeped in colonial charm, Arequipa invites you to linger—whether you’re savoring local dishes, wandering through centuries-old monasteries, or embarking on a mindful Colca Canyon trek. This guide offers a relaxed Arequipa itinerary designed to help you connect with Peruvian culture, nature, and the quiet magic of the White City.

5-Day Slow Travel Itinerary for Arequipa

Day 1: Settle In & Explore the Historic Core

Morning: Arrive and stroll through the Plaza de Armas(the heart of Arequipa’s historic center) and admire the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa (the most important Catholic church of the city and also of the larger Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Arequipa). The cathedral won a Travelers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor in 2025.
Midday: Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a peaceful city-within-a-city. Santa Catalina Monastery is a hidden citadel that remained cloistered from the outside world for nearly 400 years. Founded in 1579, this 16th-century convent is a maze of narrow streets, vivid courtyards, and beautiful gardens carved from volcanic sillar stone. Walking through the monastery feels like you’ve been dropped into colonial Peru, minus the powdered wigs and corsets. It’s quiet, quirky, and full of stories.
Evening: Enjoy rooftop views of Misti Volcano with a pisco sour at a local bar.

Day 2: Savor Local Flavors

Morning: Wander the San Camilo Market and try fresh juice or Rocoto Relleno. Rocoto Relleno is a culinary icon in Arequipa. It features rocoto peppers, which look deceptively like red bell peppers but are much hotter—often spicier than jalapeños and even rivaling habaneros. Despite its heat, it’s a must-try for adventurous eaters and fans of Latin American cuisine.
Midday: Join a Peruvian cooking class to learn Arequipeñan dishes.
Evening: Attend a traditional dance show or music performance.

Day 3: Art, Culture & Hidden Gems

Morning: Visit Museo Santuarios Andinos to see the Ice Maiden “Juanita”, one of the World’s Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 🛒 Arequipa: Walking City Tour and Juanita Mummy
Midday: Explore the San Lázaro historic neighborhood. It’s the oldest part of the city, with narrow cobbled streets, white volcanic stone buildings, and a peaceful, local vibe.
Evening: Meander through Yanahuara’s colonial streets, ending with golden-hour photos at the Yanahuara Viewpoint.

Day 4: Colca Canyon Day Trip

There are two ways to visit Colca Canyon. One option is the DIY approach of going on a road trip (as per our itinerary). The alternative is to sit back and relax while someone else does the driving: join a guided tour with meals included.

🛒 From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour with Meals

Early Morning: Drive to Colca Canyon. The journey from Arequipa to Colca Canyon takes about 3–4 hours by car. Spot condors at the famous viewpoint, Cruz del Condor, soaring over the canyon.
Midday: Visit local villages like Yanque or Chivay for hot springs and crafts.
Evening: After a full day of scenic driving and exploration, return to Arequipa for a quiet dinner.

Day 5: Nature & Reflection

Morning: Hike in Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
Afternoon: Enjoy the beautiful green valleys of Arequipa’s countryside. Visit architectural marvels such as the Sabandía Mill and the Founder’s Mansion.
Evening: Reflect with a journal session or sketch at a quiet café.

Summary of Slow Travel Experiences in Arequipa

🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes: Learn to make “lomo saltado”, ceviche or pastel de patata.
🎨 Artisan Workshops: Discover alpaca wool weaving or pottery.
🕊️ Mindful Walks: Explore quiet streets in Yanahuara or Cayma.
📖 Cultural Deep Dives: Take guided tours with locals who share personal stories.
🧘 Wellness Moments: Try yoga with volcano views or soak in thermal baths in Colca.

Is It Worth It To Go To Arequipa?

If you’re into rooftop sunsets, slow sips of pisco sours, and meaningful connections with locals, Arequipa is a gem that rewards lingering.

🎒 Travel Tip(s)

Spanish is the language most commonly spoken as a first language in Arequipa, Peru.

Curious about South American Vacations?

Set in southern Peru, Arequipa sits snug between the Pacific coast and the towering Andes—your perfect launchpad for exploring South America’s dramatic landscapes.