Arequipa Travel Guide

Arequipa has a wide variety of interesting activities and destinations, from its architecture, art and indigenous and colonial culture, to its exciting nightlife.

Arequipa by day

Arequipa's attractions include the Basílica Catedral, Compañía de Jesús Church, Santa Catalina Convent, Dama de Ampato (Juanita Mummy) Museum and the Yanahuara viewpoint.

Not far from the city are also Casa Goyeneche, la Mansión del Fundador, Sabandía Mill, and the thermal waters of Yura.

Arequipa has a great diversity of recreations centers and sites, such as Juli Hill, where racing carts are available for rent, there is a giant drive-in screen and a restaurant bar, in addition to billiard tables and games for children.

The International club located in Yanahuara offers visitors the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports such as tennis, basketball, bowling and more. It has at its disposal two beautiful swimming pools, a gymnasium, restaurants and fields for picnicking.

Leaving the city northbound, we find the district of Tingo, where there is a complex, housing swimming pools, a lagoon for kayaking and pedaling boats, and barbecue fields. It also has a beautiful and extensive terrace where typical meals are served.

Located in the south side of the city is the El Lago (The Lake) recreational complex, where the visitors can go horseback riding, swim in a beautiful pool, tour diverse manor houses, camp and eat typical dishes in a luxurious restaurant with a beautiful view of the Arequipean countryside.

Finally, one must visit Yura, just a few kilometers from the city, famous for its thermal swimming pools and athletic fields.

Arequipa by Night

The large student population of the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa has forged a varied and exciting Arequipeño nightlife. Arequipa's bars and clubs incorporate the powerful cultural and colonial tradition of the city with South America's potent rhythms and drinks.

Nightlife centers around Arequipa's downtown area and its Plaza de Armas. Calle Mercaderes, one of the city's main avenues, features a variety of restaurants such as the immensely popular Presto Pizza, bars, coffee shops and casinos.

It is time to trek to the busiest places of the city, San Francisco Street has entertainment on nearly every block, such as bohemian bars, taverns and coffee bars like the recognized Soleil, where good music abounds, and the best national and imported drinks. If dancing is your game, there is Forum Rock Coffee, where the best bands of the city and the country perform every weekend. On Santa Catalina Street, we find the best bohemian bars and several discos.

But for those who enjoy more remote locations, there is the famous Dolores Avenue, which is full of discos like the Q'eros and the Fragola, and diverse restaurants of all types of meals, from barbecues to sandwiches, and mainly the best bars and taverns of Arequipa.

Another place to spend a night partying is the Avenida del Ejército, located in one of the most luxurious districts of the city and that offers the visitor bars, coffee bars, restaurants, pubs and discos.

Passion for Adventure

Arequipa attracts thrill-seekers from all over the world because of its proximity to Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons. Visitors can engage in diverse adventure sports such as hiking, trekking, canoeing, rock climbing, motor-crossing, and mountain biking and skiing. There are several travel agencies in the city's downtown (Jerusalén Street) that will guide you to the region's adventures.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 352