
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Arequipa, Peru
1. Colca Canyon
Deepest canyon in the world, home to Andean condors and traditional villages.
- Community-based Tourism: Promotes local economy by involving communities in tourism activities
- Responsible Wildlife Watching: Educates tourists on how to observe condors without disturbing them.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Develops eco-friendly accommodations and infrastructure in the canyon.
2. Monasterio de Santa Catalina
A living museum showcasing a self-sufficient convent dating back to 1579.
- Preservation of Heritage: Conserves the unique architecture and artifacts within the convent.
- Sustainable Tourism Practices: Limits visitor numbers to prevent overcrowding and impact on the site.
- Educational Tours: Provides insights into the daily life of the nuns who lived here.
3. Chauchilla Cemetery
An ancient burial ground with well-preserved mummies due to the arid desert climate.
- Archaeological Site Protection: Protects and preserves the cultural heritage of the Moche civilization.
- Respectful Visitor Experience: Educates visitors on proper etiquette when viewing the mummies.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Develops visitor center with eco-friendly architecture and practices.
4. Salinas Agüada Blanca y Salineras Marasmata
Two salt mines featuring stunning landscapes and unique flora & fauna.
- Conservation of Biodiversity: Protects the Andean flamingo, vicuña, and other endangered species.
- Sustainable Salt Production: Uses traditional methods to produce salt while minimizing environmental impact.
- Community Development: Supports local communities through employment and fair trade.
5. Mystic Ravine (El Nevado Misti)
Active volcano offering hiking trails and stunning views of Arequipa.
- Volcano Safety Education: Informs tourists about safety precautions when visiting the volcano.
- Sustainable Hiking Trails: Develops and maintains eco-friendly hiking trails for tourists.
- Support for Local Guides: Employs local guides to lead visitors through the area safely.
6. White Sands of Yura (Huacachina)
Oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes perfect for sandboarding and ATV tours.
- Desert Conservation: Promotes the protection of this unique desert ecosystem.
- Responsible Adventure Activities: Offers sustainable adventure activities like sandboarding and ATV tours.
- Community Engagement: Encourages responsible interaction with the local community.
7. Valley of Volcanoes
Chain of dormant volcanoes offering hiking, trekking and scenic views.
- Volcanic Ecosystem Protection: Protects the unique habitats found within these volcanic landscapes.
- Sustainable Hiking Trails: Develops and maintains eco-friendly hiking trails for tourists.
- Cultural Education: Educates visitors about the indigenous cultures associated with each volcano.
8. Yanahuara District
Charming district with picturesque white houses and a panoramic view of Arequipa.
- Cultural Preservation: Maintains the traditional architecture and cultural heritage of Yanahuara.
- Community-based Tourism: Promotes local economy by involving communities in tourism activities.
- Eco-friendly Accommodation: Develops eco-friendly accommodations to reduce environmental impact.
9. Pikillacta Inca Ruins
Well-preserved Incan city with unique circular structures and agricultural terraces.
- Archaeological Site Protection: Protects the cultural heritage of the Inca civilization.
- Responsible Visitor Experience: Educates visitors on proper etiquette when viewing the ruins.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Develops visitor center with eco-friendly architecture and practices.
10. La Rinconada de Acllas Huascar
Traditional Andean weaving center promoting cultural preservation.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves traditional Andean weaving techniques and patterns.
- Community-based Tourism: Promotes local economy by involving communities in tourism activities.
- Eco-friendly Workshops: Uses natural dyes and sustainable materials for the weaving process.
11. Casa de la Moneda Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of Arequipa's mint and colonial life.
- Historical Education: Educates visitors about the importance of Arequipa as a mining city.
- Sustainable Museum Practices: Limits energy consumption and promotes eco-friendly practices.
- Community Engagement: Engages the local community in museum activities and events.
12. Chuccho Lagoon
Pristine high-altitude lake offering trout fishing and stunning views.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protects the unique flora and fauna found in the area.
- Responsible Fishing Practices: Promotes catch-and-release fishing to preserve trout populations.
- Community Development: Supports local communities through employment and fair trade.
13. Arequipa Zoo
Modern zoo promoting conservation and education.
- Wildlife Conservation: Promotes the conservation of Peruvian wildlife species.
- Responsible Zoo Practices: Provides proper care for animals and focuses on education.
- Community Engagement: Engages the local community in zoo activities and events.
14. Socosani Salt Mines
Traditional salt mines featuring stunning landscapes and unique flora & fauna.
- Conservation of Biodiversity: Protects the Andean flamingo, vicuña, and other endangered species.
- Sustainable Salt Production: Uses traditional methods to produce salt while minimizing environmental impact.
- Community Development: Supports local communities through employment and fair trade.
15. Pampas Cañahuas National Reserve
Nature reserve housing one of the largest vicuña populations in Peru.
- Wildlife Conservation: Protects and supports the conservation of the vicuña.
- Responsible Wildlife Watching: Educates tourists on how to observe wildlife without disturbing them.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Develops visitor center with eco-friendly architecture and practices.