Have 3 days in the White City and want to make the most of them? We are an Arequipa-based agency, and this is the itinerary we recommend to our own friends when they visit: no rushing, meals at the right time, and the Colca Canyon included.
Day 1: Historic centre and viewpoints (at your own pace)
Arequipa sits at 2,335 m above sea level, a gentle altitude. Even so, spend your first day in the city to acclimatise before heading up to the higher routes.
- Morning: the Plaza de Armas and the white sillar Cathedral, one of the widest in South America. Two blocks away is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a colonial citadel of almost 20,000 m² — give it 2 hours, it is the city's jewel.
- Midday: lunch at a traditional picantería. Order stuffed rocoto pepper with potato cake or a shrimp chowder. At the San Camilo Market try the fresh fruit juices.
- Afternoon: cross to the Yanahuara district: a viewpoint with sillar arches and the best postcard of the Misti volcano. Nearby are Cayma and its colonial churches.
- Evening: the illuminated Plaza and the Santa Catalina and San Francisco streets are full of cafés and restaurants.
Day 2: Sillar Route and the Arequipa countryside
On the second day, discover what makes Arequipa unique: the white volcanic stone the city was built from.
- Morning — Sillar Route: the Añashuayco quarries are a white canyon where the stonemasons still work by hand. You will see carved figures over 15 metres tall. A half-day that surprises everyone.
- Afternoon — countryside: the Sabandía Mill (17th century, surrounded by green terraces with the Misti behind it), the Founder's Mansion and the Carmen Alto viewpoints.
If you prefer adrenaline, swap the afternoon for rafting on the Chili River, just 20 minutes from the centre.
Day 3: The Colca Canyon, the grand finale
The Colca Canyon Full Day is the most requested excursion in Arequipa, and for good reason: one of the deepest canyons in the world and the flight of the condors just metres away at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.
- An early-morning departure from your hotel, passing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve (vicuñas) and the Patapampa viewpoint (4,910 m).
- Cruz del Cóndor in mid-morning: the condors ride the thermal currents, so this is the best time to see them soar.
- Buffet lunch in Chivay and the return to Arequipa at sunset. From S/ 105 per person with buffet included.
Have an extra night? The Arequipa + Colca 3-day, 2-night package (from S/ 219) includes the 2-day version of the canyon, with an overnight stay in Chivay and the La Calera hot springs — far more relaxed.
Practical tips
- Altitude: Arequipa is easy going, but on the Colca day you cross a pass at 4,910 m. Stay hydrated, eat a light breakfast and read our Colca guide.
- Weather: intense sun all year (Arequipa has around 300 days of sunshine). Sunscreen, a cap and a jacket for the cold mornings at altitude.
- Cash: carry soles in cash for markets, tips and restrooms on the road. Site entrance fees are paid separately.
- Bookings: tours run with confirmed spots; in high season (June–August) book 2–3 days ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Are 3 days enough for Arequipa?
Yes, for the essentials: city + sillar/countryside + Colca full day. With 4–5 days you can do the 2-day Colca with hot springs or add Salinas or Pillones.
Do I need to acclimatise before Colca?
We recommend at least 1 day in Arequipa before the tour, because of the Patapampa pass (4,910 m). That is why this itinerary leaves Colca for day 3.
Do the tours run every day?
Yes, our departures to Colca, the Sillar Route and the countryside are daily, with pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa. Write to us or ask for a quote on WhatsApp and we'll confirm within minutes.
