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Peru Peru

Arequipa

Arequipa is a city in southern Peru where historic buildings such as its cathedral and the Santa Catalina Monastery are well preserved. Touring its palaces and churches offers a slow, immersive look at the city's history.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Arequipa
Gateway airport
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP)
Best season
Jul–Dec
Time zone
America/Lima
Sights covered
7 places

Sights worth seeing

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Temples & religious sites

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

A cathedral standing on Arequipa's central Plaza de Armas. Its distinctive colonial architecture, among Peru's finest, continues to draw travelers.

Santa Catalina Monastery

Temples & religious sites

Santa Catalina Monastery

A large monastery in Arequipa, consecrated in 1579. It forms part of the historic center of Arequipa, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Harvard Observatory, Arequipa

Attraction

Harvard Observatory, Arequipa

This former observatory on the outskirts of Arequipa was once operated by Harvard University to observe stars in the southern hemisphere. It's worth a visit if you're interested in the history of astronomy.

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

Temples & religious sites

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

This basilica and convent stands in the heart of Arequipa's old town and is one of the city's historic religious landmarks. It's a lovely place to explore for its antique architecture and atmosphere.

Arequipa Peru Temple

Temples & religious sites

Arequipa Peru Temple

A Latter-day Saint temple in the Cayma district of Arequipa, southern Peru. It was built for worshippers in the southern region, sparing them the long journey to Lima they once had to make.

Museo Santuarios Andinos

Museums & galleries

Museo Santuarios Andinos

An archaeological museum in downtown Arequipa, Peru, displaying artifacts from the Andean region. It makes for an easy stop while sightseeing in the city center.

Goyeneche Palace, Arequipa

Castles & palaces

Goyeneche Palace, Arequipa

This 17th-century mansion stands on La Merced street in Arequipa. Its spacious courtyard, arched ceilings, and balconies showcase colonial-era Baroque architecture throughout.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

16° Jan
16° Feb
15° Mar
17° Apr
17° May
16° Jun
16° Jul
16° Aug
18° Sep
18° Oct
17° Nov
17° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Arequipa Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

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