Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa, Peru, Arequipa, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations

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.