Sightseeing in Arequipa
Although most people rush off to the nearby canyons and volcanoes, there’s lots to see in the White City of Arequipa, most of which costs little or nothing. For those of you looking for local culture, great photo ops, and a look into the city’s past, here are our favorite sugestions on how to spend some free time in the city:
For a free and interesting look at the real heart of Arequipa, make sure to stop by San Camilo, the largest and the oldest market in Arequipa, selling local produce and traditional, economic meals as well as household goods and clothing. You’re likely to see products that you’ve never seen before, and can sample some local dishes like ceviche and chicharron in the most economical way. The market itself is huge: it takes up several blocks of Calle San Camilo, 5 blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
Another free site is the Yanahuara plaza, located in the eclectic neighborhood of the same name. It features a colonial church but is most known for the iconic views of Arequipa that it offers, framed by sillar stone arches with quotes by famous authors from the city such as Nobel prize-winning Mario Vargas Llosa. Most photographs of the city and its surrounding volcanoes are taken from this very lookout, and there’s even a popular song written about that spot.
If you’re willing to part with some money during your sightseeing mission, the city has a lot to offer. The first stop should be Arequipa’s massive 17th century cathedral, which takes up the entire eastern side of the Plaza de Armas. Its impressive museum, a tour of which is included in the S/10 entry price, houses a rich array of relics. Tours end on the cathedral’s rooftop, from where you can touch the bells in the spires and take amazing shots of them and the Plaza de Armas.
Although it’s relatively expensive at S/35, the most popular sightseeing stop within Arequipa is colorful Santa Catalina Monastery, which takes up 5 acres of the city center and is often referred to as a city within a city due to its size. Its plazas and flower-lined streets with Moorish arches overhead are scenically tranquil, and the nuns’ quarters offer insight into the life of a wealthy 16th century nun. Some of the nuns lived quite lavishly, and even had servants, who in turn lived in very spartan conditions. Some parts, such as the hearts saved in jars and the paintings of dead nuns, are downright macabre. It’s a fascinating place with a lot of potential for beautiful photos.
The small but intriguing museum Andean 
Sanctuaries Museum (Museo Santuarios Andinos) is famous for only one thing: the Ice Maiden Juanita, one of 4 girl mummies which the museum displays. They were all sacrificed by the Inca more than 500 years ago and Juanita in particular was remarkably preserved by ice through the centuries. Information is available in various languages, and the displays are fascinating even though the museum is not that large. Entry is S/15.