Things to do in Arequipa: Places of Interest

Arequipa is one of the famous cities in Peru that is a preferred destination for tourists. If you choose it for your trip or holiday, you will be totally amazed by the variety of things that you can do and also by the attractions you can visit. Enjoying the atmosphere there it is better to prepare a precise plan of your trip. For your convenience I try to summarize the best places worth visiting. Undoubtedly you have to include them in your must-see list.

1.     Monastery of Saint Catalina

If you are into architecture, the Monastery of Saint Catalina, located in the Historic Center district on Zela Street, is a great example of early 16th century colonial architecture. You can tour the monastery for around $10 and see the many alleys and rooms such as a restored period kitchen.

2.     Monastery of La Recoleta

The Monastery of La Recoleta, adjacent the Ministry of Education, is another monastery open for public viewing. Along with the Monastery of Santa Catalina, La Recoleta offers you a glimpse into the missionary activities of nuns and monks during colonial times. You can walk inside the rooms and explore the items there. In particular, the famed La Recoleta library is an attraction of its own as it features thousands of old books.

3.     Arequipa Cathedral & Plaza De Armas

Visits to both Arequipa Cathedral & Plaza De Armas are two of the most popular things to do in Arequipa. Plaza De Armas (Main Square) is actually surrounded by the cathedral of Arequipa and three beautiful granite portals. The Main Square feature lovely tropical trees as well as a beautiful bronze fountain crowned by the statue of a soldier. The Cathedral is free to explore, and once inside you can see an amazingly imposing altar with a beautifully carved pulpit as well as a Belgian organ.

4.     Complex of San Francisco

The Complex of San Francisco, located nearby the Santa Catalina Monastery, features a small park, a 16th century church, a convent and the Cimientos de Fierro building, which houses a museum and a small market.

5.     Andinos Sanctuary Museum

The Andinos Sanctuary Museum (Museo Santuarios Andinos), adjacent the Plaza De Armas (Main Square), is another popular cultural attraction in the city. The museum features Inca mummified human remains found in Peru’s volcanoes such as the ones found in El Misti volcano.

Planning a trip to Arequipa you have to think about a place where to stay. There is a great variety of hotels in Arequipa. It is important to mention that there are either discounted or luxurious hotels in Arequipa. To guarantee your stay in a preferred hotel in Arequipa, it is better to make an online reservation in advance.