This is our 4th day of our Peru tour with our arrival in Arequipa.
Our night bus drops us at 8am (instead of 6:45 am as planned) in the center of the city of Arequipa. We go directly to our hotel because we have an appointment with Thomas. Thomas is a Frenchman who has lived in Peru for several years in the region of Arequipa. We contacted him for advice and organized excursions in his area. He advised us on the organization of this Arequipa city tour and the good restaurants in Arequipa.
Arequipa in 1 day – Arequipa City tour Program of the day
After our installation at the hotel, we decide to go to discover the city center:
- The Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral
- The market of San Camilo
- The monastery of Santa Catalina, the largest convent in the world!
Arequipa in 1 day – The Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral
The plaza de armas is the heart that packs Arequipa. First of all it is MAGNIFICENT and MAJESTIC! Everything happens on this place and everything starts or leaves from there. This place is lively, yet relaxing and friendly.
The neo-classical cathedral proudly sits on this beautiful square. It is the attraction but for me, it is also the place of the armas which puts it in value. One without the other is not possible … They are definitely linked. You will also be able to visit the Church and the cloister of the company of Jesus (located in a corner of the place of arms).
Arequipa in 1 day – The market of San Camilo
Interesting for the variety of products, it is huge. On the other hand the reception is not really top, perhaps because of the mass of tourists who walk there while taking photographs at all costs without respecting the tradesmen or the premises …
I went there to buy a bag of coca leaves to start chewing from time to time. Indeed, we are at 2,400 m but in 2 days we will have doubled altitude! So like the Incas, to better support the altitude, we will chew all the morning of the leaves of coca. Be careful not to take late in the afternoon because it is an exciting and it will prevent you from sleeping at night!
Arequipa in 1 day – Restaurant Hatumpa
Following Thomas’ advice, we go to the HATUMPA restaurant, which serves only potato dishes. Our favorite: we tasted colorful plates with an assortment of potatoes of all colors (black, purple, yellow, red) combined with meat of choice or without meat. I loved !!! The price of the meal was around 5 Euros. So do not hesitate and discover this nice little restaurant. It is located at Calle Ugarte, 208 near our hotel.
Arequipa in 1 day – Monastery of Santa Catalina
The largest convent in the world! My biggest favorite at Arequipa.
It is necessary to go there around 17:30 to visit it during the day and to stay there at night to enjoy a different atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. White alleys with red flowers as in Andalusia or blue with pottery like a little Provence or fountains flowing in the middle of picturesque orange squares … At every corner of the streets, the decor changes and we take full eyes and heart!
Cheap hotel in Arequipa
This hotel was recommended and booked by Thomas:
“Elisa’s patio” Calle Peral, 206 Cercado, Arequipa – T +51 54 241419
Everything was perfect: very well located in the center of Arequipa and in a quiet side street. The rooms are spacious, well equipped, clean and with WIFI. Breakfast is served on the terrace !!! Price of the night with breakfast: 33 Euros. More information on booking
If you want to see a little more in Arequipa:
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