Anne-Charlotte PasseraFrom admiring the grand colonial buildings scattered around the city built from off-white volcanic rock that dazzles in the sun, even if you only spend one day in Arequipa, you’ll feel the pulse of this historical city, the second largest in Peru.
It’s because of this volcanic rock that Arequipa gets its nickname the White City. But its name is believed to come from the Aymara people and means “the place lying behind the peak”.
Nestled in a valley under the shade of the volcano El Misti, the town of Arequipa is the perfect place for a one day layover whether you are on your way back to Lima or off for some exploring along Peru’s shores.
Our one day stop in Arequipa was part of a family backpacking vacation we took in Peru over the course of 2 weeks during the Christmas Holidays (2013).
Getting there
To get to Arequipa, we took a comfortable bus from Puno. Imagine, large simili leather seats for $20 per person.
It’s a 6 1/2 hours journey but a relatively inexpensive way to travel.
To leave, however, we flew out from Arequipa to head back to Lima. It was about a 1hr flight and the one way ticket cost us $100 for one adult and two kids. Not a bad price considering we booked our flight through Orbitz only a day before flying out on December 30th.
That’s the beauty of traveling in Peru. You can always find a ride, even during the Christmas Holidays at a fair price.
Where to sleep
As we are budget travellers and also since we were traveling as a family, we looked for a place centrally located at an affordable price to spend 2 nights and one day in Arequipa.
We opted for the Bothy Hostel where a bed in a dorm costs $10CAD per night, per person. Small 4 persons dorms are available which is perfect for a family of 4. Think $40CAD for a room which came with breakfast! Not a bad deal.
Granted it’s not the most pristine hostel ever. However, the beds were comfortable and the rooms were clean.
The rooms are located around an open central courtyard, which makes it airy and peaceful. There are no elevators.
But what makes this hostel worth the stay is its rooftop terrace where you’ll enjoy your morning breakfast with the snow top covered mountains as a backdrop. After, you can lounge in one of the hammocks while you decide on your itinerary for the day.
Other amenities include free wifi that actually works and a bar where you can shoot pool or play a game of giant Jenga.
This hostel is walking distance to the historical center and located on a quiet street.
Places to eat
Arequipa is well-known for its food scene in Peru. Since we only spent a day there and we were traveling with 5 kids, we didn’t explore that scene.
Nonetheless, we did try the Ocopa in a communal picanteria restaurant located near our hostel (on the same street). Essentially, it’s a boiled potato in a creamy spicy sauce.
It was savoury and cheap.
If you’d like to splurge a little, grab a drink on one of the colonnaded balconies that overlook the Plaza de Armas. We ended up having lunch there which was fine.
This is actually the place where I got hit on by aPeruvian man (at least 45-50). The kids found that to be hysterical, except my godson who gave him the evil eye.
One day in Arequipa – must see places
In 2000, the city’s historical core earned a Unesco World Heritage listing. The sight of the gigantic cathedral, who takes up a whole side of the Plaza de Armas, and El Misti rising behind it, is worth a visit alone.
As with any place that attracts tourists, be aware of petty theft. Hide your valuables, don’t flaunt them.
The Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, just like everywhere else in Latin America, was and still is used as a meeting spot or a place to relax. It’s the equivalent to what we call the Main Square. This is where you’ll feel the pulse of the city. You should try to go there during the day and then come back when it’s all lit up at night for a different experience.
As you wonder around the historical core of Arequipa, you’ll notice that the buildings are low. They were built that way for stability as the city is prone to earthquakes. The last one to hit the city dates back to 2001.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina
If there is something you shouldn’t skip on if you only have one day to spend in Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Monastery. This old woman’s convent absolutely needs to be on your to do list.
With it’s imposing high walls that take up a whole block, its cobbled stones alleys lined by colourful building; you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another city without the noise or pollution. This monastery is its own little city within a city.
If you visit it with children they will love it. Be prepared for an impromptu game of hide and seek or catch yourself saying: honey, where’s our kid? It’s easy to get lost in this 20,000 square-meter complex and twisting passageways; don’t worry, there is only one main entrance.
To this day, I still remember this place which I found to be absolutely fascinating and captivating.
Brief history
Founded in 1579, it served as a convent where women from diverse social backgrounds would become cloistered nuns; never again to return to their homes and families.
It opened to the public on August 15th, 1970, the 430th anniversary of the city’s founding in 1540.
Nuns still live there on the premises but in a secluded part of the complex, away from the preying eyes of the tourists.
It’s considered to be the most important and impressive colonial structure in the city.
The visit
Plan a good 3 hours to visit this monastery. This includes getting lost, visiting and taking an outrageous amount of pictures. A 1hr guided visit is also available.
Wear comfortable shoes and avoid bringing a stroller if you are traveling with young children or babies because of the cobbled stones. Bring a carrying scarf instead.
You’ll get to admire different types of cloisters, one with a rubber tree at its center, one with orange trees representing renewal and eternal life.
The living quarters will vary in size and decor as they were based on the nun’s wealth as some of them came from wealthy families.
It’s the communal washing area that our kids found the most exciting place to visit aside from running around the cloisters or up and down the alleys. Yes, a parents worst nightmare coming true. The kids won’t be able to tell nor understand that they are in a middle of a religious complex and not a village. Try explaining to them the difference.
What’s interesting about the outdoor washing area is that the water came from the mountain run off which was then channeled into huge earthward jars that you still get to see.
Cost: $13CAD adult – $6CAD child (7-21)
Santuarios Andinos UCSM Museum
Go and say hello to the mummy of Juanita at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, only a block away from the Plaza de Armas.
The kids will seem to be somewhat interested in it and best not to go after lunch with them. Digestion and crankiness don’t mix well together.
Juanita the “Ice Princess” is believed to be an Inca Maiden who was sacrificed on top of a snow covered volcano Northwest of Arequipa more than 500 years ago.
Although this is the highlight of the visit, be sure to take the time to stop to watch the informative video and admire the displays of Inca offerings made in the highest mountains of the Andes and artefacts belonging to the Inca period.
Cost: $6CAD adults, $3CAD children
Selva Alegre Park
When you are traveling and visiting with kids, it’s important to find time during the day for them to just be kids, play and run around.
Near the historical center of Arequipa and not far from the hostel we were staying at, you will find Selva Alegre Park, a park with a view.
There is an artificial lake which you can go boating and a small zoo. But, if you’re in luck, you just might find a lama or two just grazing away, minding its business on the parks grounds.
We opted to play a family friendly game of football amongst ourselves. As usual, the game ended in tears and with someone storming off. Wasn’t me! Luckily we saw the lamas chilling in the park so that lightened the mood.
Where would you like to go from here after spending one day in Arequipa?
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