Best Times to Visit in Arequipa, Peru

1. Monasterio de Santa Catalina

Explore this 20,000 sq. meter cloistered city from the 16th century. It's a unique snapshot of colonial life.

Lesser Crowds: Visit outside peak tourist season for a less crowded experience.
Comfortable Weather: Avoid extreme heat by visiting in spring or autumn.
Better Photos: Photograph the monastery with soft, natural light during early morning or late afternoon.

Witness the breathtaking view of Arequipa city from this volcanic crater. Enjoy local street food at the lookout.

Clear Skies: Visit during dry season (May to October) for clearer views of the city and Misti Volcano.
Sunset Viewing: Experience a stunning sunset over the city at dusk.
Local Cuisine: Sample regional snacks and drinks while taking in the view.

Learn about Arequipa's pre-Hispanic past at this museum, showcasing mummies and artifacts from local excavations.

Temperature Control: Visit during the day to enjoy comfortable temperatures within the museum.
Informative Guides: Take a guided tour for a better understanding of the exhibits.
Peak Exhibitions: Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and plan your visit accordingly.

Discover Arequipa's heartbeat in this historic square, surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture.

Festival Atmosphere: Visit during local festivals like Carnival (early March) or Corpus Christi (June) for a vibrant celebration.
Comfortable Weather: Avoid extreme heat by visiting in spring or autumn.
Cultural Interaction: Engage with locals and learn about Arequipeño culture while strolling around the plaza.

View the well-preserved mummy of a Inca priestess discovered on Mount Ampato in 1995.

Temperature Control: Visit during the day to enjoy comfortable temperatures within the museum.
Informative Guides: Take a guided tour for a better understanding of Juanita's story and significance.
Peak Exhibitions: Check the museum's website for temporary exhibits and plan your visit accordingly.

Step inside this impressive Baroque-style cathedral, featuring beautiful artwork and a stunning main altar.

Spiritual Experience: Visit during religious services for a spiritual experience.
Comfortable Weather: Avoid extreme heat by visiting in spring or autumn.
Architectural Marvel: Appreciate the intricate architecture and artwork within the cathedral.

Marvel at this beautiful church with a unique facade made of volcanic rock.

Historical Significance: Learn about the Jesuit Order's role in Arequipa's history.
Baroque Architecture: Appreciate the intricate Baroque-style architecture.
Comfortable Weather: Avoid extreme heat by visiting in spring or autumn.

Visit this peaceful monastery with stunning views of the city and Misti Volcano.

Lesser Crowds: Visit outside peak tourist season for a less crowded experience.
Comfortable Weather: Avoid extreme heat by visiting in spring or autumn.
Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking photos of the monastery and surrounding cityscape.

Learn about Incan mummies discovered in the highlands of Peru.

Temperature Control: Visit during the day to enjoy comfortable temperatures within the museum.
Informative Guides: Take a guided tour for a better understanding of the exhibits.
Peak Exhibitions: Check the museum's website for temporary exhibits and plan your visit accordingly.

Discover this beautiful church with an impressive library and historic artifacts.

Historical Significance: Learn about the role of the Franciscan Order in Arequipa's history.
Intricate Artwork: Appreciate the beautiful artwork and historic artifacts within the church.
Comfortable Weather: Avoid extreme heat by visiting in spring or autumn.

Visit this historic convent with beautiful courtyards and a chapel adorned with gold.

Historical Significance: Learn about the role of the Carmelite Order in Arequipa's history.
Beautiful Architecture: Appreciate the beautiful architecture and courtyards within the convent.
Comfortable Weather: Avoid extreme heat by visiting in spring or autumn.

Explore contemporary Peruvian art at this modern museum.

Temporary Exhibitions: Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and plan your visit accordingly.
Modern Architecture: Appreciate the modern architecture of the museum building.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in contemporary Peruvian culture and artistic movements.

Experience local life by shopping for handicrafts, textiles, and traditional food at these bustling markets.

Authentic Experiences: Shop for authentic Peruvian goods directly from local vendors.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Arequipeño culture by interacting with locals.
Fresh Foods: Sample fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods from the markets.

Embark on a multi-day tour to explore one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Scenic Beauty: Marvel at stunning landscapes, including the Condor Cross and Patapampa Lookout.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon.
Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities and learn about their traditions.

Experience the unique landscape of white sand dunes and volcanic lagoons.

Scenic Beauty: Marvel at stunning landscapes, including the striking salt flats.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot vicuñas, alpacas, and flamingos in their natural habitat.
Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking photos of the salt flats and surrounding landscapes.