Our adventure travel family had an unforgettable visit to Arequipa, Peru in June! Nestled beneath towering volcanoes and full of colonial charm, Arequipa offers so many fun and educational activities for families. This beautiful white city is packed with rich history, unique museums, vibrant plazas, and kid-friendly experiences that made it easy to fall in love with! Whether we were exploring quiet courtyards or learning about ancient civilizations, Arequipa had something for each of us. Here’s everything you need to know about this gorgeous city and the best things to do in Arequipa with kids!
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru and is often called the White City. This nickname comes from the stunning white volcanic stone, called sillar, used in many of its buildings. The city has a strong Spanish colonial history and is full of beautiful churches, mansions, and narrow streets.
Arequipa’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely worth exploring. You’ll find that it feels much calmer and less hectic than Lima, which made it easy for our family to enjoy. The layout of the city is very walkable, with the Plaza de Armas at the heart of it all. Side streets are lined with cozy cafes, artisan shops, and charming courtyards.
June is the dry season, so we had perfect sunny weather with cool evenings. Arequipa is considered very safe, and we always felt comfortable walking around with the girls. The people here were welcoming and kind, often stopping to smile or chat with the girls as we explored. It was such a friendly place!
Altitude
Arequipa sits at about 7,660 feet above sea level, which is lower than Cusco and the Sacred Valley but still high enough to notice. We flew in from Lima and definitely felt the change in altitude for the first day or two. Staying here before heading to Cusco was a great way to help our bodies acclimate slowly.
The girls felt a little tired on the first afternoon, but after a good night’s sleep, they were running around the plazas like normal. We made sure to stay hydrated and took it slow when walking uphill or climbing stairs.
Arequipa is the perfect in-between stop if you’re concerned about adjusting to Peru’s higher altitudes. The city’s gentle elevation and slower pace made it a comfortable place to begin our highland adventures. By the time we moved on to Cusco, we all felt much more prepared for the higher elevation. It was a smart and beautiful stop on our journey!
Volcanos
Arequipa is surrounded by incredible natural beauty, and its most iconic features are the three towering volcanoes that dominate the skyline. El Misti is the most famous of the trio, with its classic cone shape and snow-capped peak. Chachani is even taller, and Pichu Pichu has a jagged profile that adds drama to the landscape.
Seeing these volcanoes from around the city was breathtaking! We loved how the white buildings glowed against the volcanic backdrop. The area around Arequipa is part of the Andean volcanic belt, and the sillar used in many buildings actually comes from these volcanoes.
You can also visit viewpoints like Yanahuara to get stunning views of El Misti. The girls were fascinated to learn that El Misti is still considered an active volcano! These majestic mountains made Arequipa feel like a storybook setting for our family’s adventures.
Spanish Architecture
Arequipa’s colonial charm is one of its most beautiful features! The historic Spanish architecture is everywhere, from grand churches to simple homes, and we loved seeing how the city has preserved these buildings.
Many shops, restaurants, and museums are set inside original colonial structures made of white sillar stone. One perfect example is the Casa Tristan del Pozo. This stunning building has an intricately carved Baroque-style facade that made us stop and stare! Inside, you’ll find a quiet courtyard and art gallery run by a local bank.
We explored the inner rooms and loved seeing how the old architecture is still used in everyday life. The girls enjoyed walking through the peaceful courtyards and peeking into little art spaces. Everywhere we turned, we found more arches, columns, and beautifully aged walls. It felt like walking through history! Arequipa does such a great job blending the old with the new, which made our time here feel both educational and fun.
Things to Do in Arequipa - #1:
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is the lively and colorful heart of Arequipa! This beautiful central square is framed by grand colonial buildings, including the impressive white Cathedral. It is the perfect place to sit and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
The girls had a blast chasing pigeons and playing near the central fountain while we relaxed on a shady bench and admired the views of El Misti volcano in the distance.
There are cafes and ice cream shops all around the plaza, which made it a great spot for a snack break. The energy here is amazing!
Things to Do in Arequipa - #2:
Historic Neighborhoods around Plaza de Armas
Wandering through the historic neighborhoods around Plaza de Armas was such a highlight for our family! These charming streets are lined with colonial buildings, traditional homes, and vibrant courtyards. We found so many hidden treasures just by strolling slowly and peeking into open doorways.
The Santa Marta neighborhood was especially fun to explore with kids. It had a quieter feel, and we saw lots of local life happening around us. We stumbled upon colorful murals, tiny chapels, and sweet little stores selling fresh fruit and handmade crafts. The girls loved the chance to run ahead and find surprises around every corner.
We recommend going out in the morning when the light is soft and the streets are still peaceful. The whole area is perfect for photos, and it felt like we were walking through history. Exploring these neighborhoods gave us a deeper connection to Arequipa and its people.
Things to Do in Arequipa - #3:
Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús
Located right on the corner of Plaza de Armas, Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is one of Arequipa’s most beautiful churches! This 17th-century Jesuit church is known for its detailed facade, which is covered in amazing carvings made from sillar stone.
We stood outside for a while just admiring all the animals, flowers, and faces carved into the white stone. Inside, the church is even more impressive. There are golden altars, religious paintings, and a quiet atmosphere that made the girls whisper without being told!
Behind the church is a lovely cloister courtyard that feels like a hidden oasis. You can sit under the arches and take in the peaceful vibe while the kids have space to move around. The church is free to enter, and it’s a perfect short stop during your day in the city center. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and faith that shaped Arequipa.
Things to Do in Arequipa - #4:
San Francisco Square & Church
San Francisco Square is a peaceful and charming spot located just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It feels like a little hidden gem right in the middle of the city!
The girls loved playing on the wide open space while we admired the beautiful stonework of the San Francisco Church. This church is one of the oldest in Arequipa, and it still holds regular services. Its interior is simple but lovely, with wooden altars and historic paintings.
Around the square, there are small shops and a museum that includes a display of religious art. It’s a great place to take a break and let the kids stretch their legs without the hustle and bustle of larger tourist spots. The relaxed vibe of this square made it one of our favorite places to unwind in the city.
Things to Do in Arequipa - #5:
Mundo Alpaca (Alpaca World)
One of Spider Monkey’s favorite stops in Arequipa was Mundo Alpaca! Located just a short walk from our hotel, Mundo Alpaca is a free and fun way to learn about Peru’s beloved alpacas and the traditional textile process.
This open-air museum and cultural center gives families a chance to meet real alpacas and llamas up close. We also watched a weaving demonstration where women from nearby communities showed how they use natural dyes and handmade looms to create beautiful textiles.
There’s a small museum inside that explains the differences between alpaca fibers and shows the history of weaving in the Andes. The gift shop here is lovely, and it felt good knowing the proceeds support local artisans.
Things to Do in Arequipa - #6:
Santa Catalina Monastery
Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the most iconic places to visit in Arequipa! This massive walled complex is like a small city within the city. It was founded in 1579 and served as a cloistered convent for centuries. Walking through its vibrant corridors felt like stepping back in time.
We spent over an hour wandering the orange, red, and blue alleyways. The girls felt like they were exploring a life-sized labyrinth! They peeked into tiny nun cells, old-fashioned kitchens, chapels, and beautiful courtyards filled with potted flowers. Each section had its own personality and color, making it exciting to turn every corner.
One of our favorite areas was the communal laundry space with huge stone basins. It gave us a glimpse into the daily routines of the women who lived here. We also climbed up to a rooftop viewpoint and were rewarded with sweeping views of the city and the volcanoes.
Inside the museum rooms, we saw historic paintings, religious icons, and artifacts from centuries past. The girls were intrigued to learn that wealthy Spanish families once sent their daughters to live here as nuns.
Even though it’s now mostly a museum, a few nuns still live in a private section of the monastery. The peaceful energy of Santa Catalina made it feel like a sacred space. It’s a must-see for families visiting Arequipa, with history, architecture, and adventure all wrapped into one incredible place!
Things to Do in Arequipa - #7:
Museo Santuarios Andinos & the Juanita Mummy
This small but fascinating museum gave our family a powerful lesson in Incan history. The Museo Santuarios Andinos is home to the famous Juanita Mummy, a young Inca girl who was sacrificed on top of Mount Ampato over 500 years ago.
The museum tour starts with a short video that explains Juanita’s discovery and the Incan rituals behind her sacrifice. Then you walk through a series of displays with artifacts found on the volcano. At the end, you get to see Juanita herself, preserved in a special glass case.
It’s located just a block from the Plaza de Armas. The museum is small and easy to explore in under an hour, which made it perfect for families.
Things to Do in Arequipa - #8:
Yanahuara
Just a short ride or a 20-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas is the charming district of Yanahuara. This neighborhood sits slightly above the city, giving visitors breathtaking views of El Misti volcano and the rooftops of Arequipa.
The viewpoint, or mirador, is made from beautiful white arches with inscriptions, and it felt like such a peaceful and special spot.
The girls ran around in the open plaza while we sat and soaked in the view. Nearby, there’s the small Yanahuara Church made of sillar stone and quiet cobbled streets that were perfect for wandering. There are also local shops where you can grab a treat or souvenir.
Things to Do Near Arequipa:
Canteras de Sillar
The Canteras de Sillar, or Sillar Quarries, are a short drive from Arequipa and totally worth the visit! This is where the white volcanic rock that built the city is still carved today.
We were amazed by the size of the quarry and the artistry of the stone workers. Huge walls of carved white stone surrounded us, and the sunlight made everything sparkle. The girls loved climbing on the rocks (in the safe areas!) and watching the stonecutters use traditional tools.
There’s a huge mural carved into the quarry face that tells the story of Arequipa’s history. It was impressive and made a great spot for photos.
This was one of the more unique outdoor adventures we had in Arequipa, and the girls had a blast!
Things to Do Near Arequipa:
Quebrada de Culebrillas
Quebrada de Culebrillas is a hidden gem in the countryside about 45 minutes outside Arequipa! This narrow canyon is carved into the sillar rock and is known for its winding path, ancient petroglyphs, and peaceful beauty.
We took a short hike through the gorge, and it felt like walking through a secret passage. The rock walls twist and turn in serpent-like shapes, which is where the canyon gets its name. The girls were fascinated by the shapes and loved exploring the narrow paths.
Along the way, we saw carvings in the rock left by ancient peoples. Our guide explained some of the symbols and shared stories about the area’s history. The mix of nature, culture, and adventure made this hike one of our favorite side trips.
Things to Do Near Arequipa:
Colca Canyon
If you have time for a longer day trip or overnight, Colca Canyon is absolutely worth it! This incredible natural wonder is one of the deepest canyons in the world and is located about three to four hours from Arequipa.
When you arrive at the canyon, you are greeted with vast cliffs and sweeping valleys below. One of the best parts is watching the majestic Andean condors soar above the canyon! These giant birds were amazing to see in flight. There are also small towns along the route where you can learn about local life and traditions.
The Family Verdict
Arequipa absolutely charmed our adventure travel family! From its white stone buildings and cobblestone streets to its majestic volcano views and fascinating museums, this city had something for each of us. The girls had space to run and explore. We found a mix of calm and excitement everywhere we went. We loved the friendly vibe and felt completely safe and welcome. There was so much more to see than we expected! Honestly, we wish we had stayed longer. One or two more days would have allowed us to explore even more neighborhoods and try a few extra adventures. Arequipa is not just a stopover on the way to Cusco. It’s a destination all its own.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. Also, follow along on our full 10 day family adventure through Peru!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
For the Hotel:
Basics:
- Phone / Purse Combo
- Waist Pouch
- Waterproof Wet Bags
- Extra Duffle Bag / Personal Item
- Cross Body Bag
- Individually Wrapped Wipes
- Water Bottle Carriers
- Hand Soap Sheets
- Medicated Ointment for Bug Bites
- Insect Repellent
- Insect Repellent for Clothing & Gear
- Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Medicine
- Portable Restroom Kits
- Toilet Covers
- Travel Wipes
- Laundry Sheets
- Jacket / Luggage Straps
Outdoors:
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Shirt
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Shirt
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
