Explore the Beautiful City Center of Arequipa

Explore the Beautiful City Center of Arequipa

Pirwa_Arequipa_Breakfast_25Pirwa Park Hostel Arequipa is fortunate to be located in Arequipa’s striking historical center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s distinguished by its mestizo-baroque buildings constructed of pearly volcanic sillar stone, whose façades are marked by intricate carvings mixing European and pre-Columbian symbols. Although merely walking around the center is a nice way to pass the day, there’s plenty to see and do in Arequipa’s historical center:

Sightseeing

You can walk from the hostel to any of these sights, and 8598473538_c23658efca_hcan even visit them all in a single day if you choose!

  • Step back in time at Santa Catalina Monastery, a complex so large it’s often referred to as a “city within a city”. Bright blue and orange mudejar architecture combines with tranquil cobblestone paths lined with flowers. You’ll be surprised at the lifestyle of the high-class nuns.
  • Visit the Juanita Ice Mummy (the famously well-preserved remains of a young girl sacrificed by the Incas, also known as the Lady of Ampato) at the small but fascinating Andean Sanctuary Museum.
  • One whole side of Arequipa’s main square is occupied juanita-mummy-ice-maiden-arequipa-peruby the huge and impressive Basilica Cathedral, which has survived a onslaught of earthquakes and fires since its construction from pearly volcanic sillar in the 1500s. It’s one of Peru’s most unique and famous colonial cathedrals.
  • La Compañía Church & Cloister boasts a beautiful façade and the most beautiful interior of Arequipa’scompania_02 churches, with detailed carvings, statues, and paintings.
  • The familial estate known as the Casa de Moral is one of the best-preserved examples of mestizo-baroque civil architecture in Peru, and houses a colonial art collection and library.

Dining Options

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIf you’re looking for an affordable meal (S/7-11), Hatunpa on Calle Ugarte is a fun option. Basically, they serve different varieties of Peruvian potatoes, sliced into rounds, and topped with the sauces, meats, or cheeses of your choice. Some are traditional and Peruvian, like lomo saltado, while others are innovative creations or international fare, like ratatouille. Our favorite is the creamy, cheese-based cauche, which is traditional to Arequipa. If you’re looking to go out for a special meal and are alright with spending more (S/20-40 for just the entree), try Zig Zag on Calle Zela. Their best-known offer is the Trilogy, an alpaca sampler served on hot lava rocks. Another fun way to splash out is by eating in La Terraza in the main square. Their terrace places you at eye level with the Cathedral towers. Entrees range from S/25-60 and include a free pisco sour and a poncho to combat windy conditions.

Nightlife

Arty Ad Libitum on San Francisco is a local hangout serving up cheap cocktails. If you’re looking for more variety, however, the Casona Forum at San Francisco 317 building houses 4 different bars: the 70’s/80’s style Retro dance club, which hosts live music, Zero Pub, the tropical-themed Forum restaurant and dance club, and Terrase Karaoke bar. If you’re interested in visiting a traditional peña, La Troica on Calle Jerusalén hosts live Afro-Peruvian music every night and a folkloric dance show on Saturdays.

For more recommendations for the city of Arequipa, its historical center, and its surroundings, check out our tips page here.

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