After sending more than 300 travelers to Arequipa and Colca, I can tell you with certainty: this is one of Peru’s best-kept luxury secrets. While crowds pack into Cusco and Machu Picchu, Arequipa remains relatively calm, elegant, and absolutely spectacular.

Arequipa is Peru’s second-largest city, but it feels like a world apart. Built almost entirely from sillar (white volcanic stone), surrounded by three perfectly snowcapped volcanoes (Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu), with a colonial historic center that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and almost impeccably preserved.

And 3 hours away lies the Colca Canyon—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon—where you can see condors fly just meters away, stay in luxury lodges literally perched over the canyon, and experience one of South America’s most impressive natural wonders without tourist hordes.

Why Arequipa and Colca Deserve a Place in Your Itinerary

The altitude is more manageable. Arequipa sits at 2,335 meters—significantly lower than Cusco (3,400 m) or Puno (3,812 m). You can use Arequipa for gradual acclimatization before going higher, or as a breather after the extreme altitude of Cusco/Puno.

The best-preserved colonial architecture in Peru. Arequipa’s historic center is postcard-perfect. Cobbled streets, white sillar mansions, baroque churches, immaculate plazas. No ugly overhead power lines, no modern constructions breaking the aesthetic. It’s like traveling 300 years into the past.

Arequipa’s cuisine is unique. The city has its own culinary school completely different from Lima or Cusco. The picanterías (traditional eateries) serve dishes you won’t find anywhere else: rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones, adobo arequipeño, escribano. And there are spectacular fine-dining restaurants, too.

Colca Canyon is an epic nature experience. Seeing Andean condors with 3-meter wingspans flying at your level (not below—at your level) is a moment you never forget. And staying in a luxury lodge with a direct canyon view, with a hot tub on the edge of the precipice, is the perfect combination of adventure and comfort.

There are fewer tourists. Compared to Cusco or Machu Picchu, Arequipa and Colca are tranquil. You can explore the historic center without feeling overwhelmed by group tours. In Colca, even in high season, the luxury lodges remain serene.

The volcanoes are a cinematic backdrop. Waking up in Arequipa with perfectly conical, snowcapped Misti floating above the white city is visually stunning. It’s one of the most photogenic cityscapes in South America.

When to Visit Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

Dry Season (April–November)

Weather:
• Perfect sunny days (18–22°C in Arequipa, 15–20°C in Colca)
• Cool but not cold nights (10–15°C in Arequipa, 5–10°C in Colca)
• Clear blue skies
• Almost no rain

Advantages:
• Best weather for exploring the city on foot
• Volcanoes visible consistently (during rainy season they hide in clouds)
• Better for condor sightings (they fly more frequently)
• Perfect for photography (clear light, blue skies)
• Best conditions for trekking in Colca

Disadvantages:
• More tourists (though it never feels crowded like Cusco)
• Prices 15–20% higher
• Drier air (hydrate well)

Best month: May or September—excellent weather without the peak of tourists.

Rainy Season (December–March)

Weather:
• Rains mainly in the afternoons (mornings usually clear)
• Similar temperatures
• Cloudier
• The countryside is incredibly green

Advantages:
• Fewer tourists
• Prices 15–25% lower
• Lush, green landscapes
• Rains create temporary waterfalls in Colca (spectacular)
• More authentic feel (you see local life without the tourist filter)

Disadvantages:
• Volcanoes often hidden by clouds
• It may rain during city explorations
• Some Colca trails can be muddy
• Condors fly less frequently

My Recommendation:
First visit to Arequipa/Colca: Dry season (April–November)
Photographers: May–September (perfect light, volcanoes visible)
Best value: April, October, November (excellent weather, reasonable prices)
Flexible adventurers: January–February (super green countryside, fewer people, more authentic)

The Best Luxury Hotels in Arequipa

Belmond Casa de Avila

Casa de Avila is a hidden gem—literally. There’s no external signage; it sits on a discreet street in the historic center and has only 11 suites. It’s the most exclusive hotel in Arequipa.

Location: Historic center, 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

The Concept:
An 18th-century manor house completely restored. Owned by Belmond (the same company behind Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu).

The Architecture:
Everything is white sillar (volcanic stone). Soaring vaulted ceilings. Colonial courtyards with fountains. Perfect arches. Corridors lined with colonial art. It feels like a living museum.
The contrast is spectacular: outside it’s the 18th century; inside, the suites have every modern comfort while showing absolute respect for the original architecture.

The Suites:
Only 11 suites (hence the exclusive feel):

Junior Suites (35 m²):
• King bed
• Small sitting area
• Marble bathroom with tub and separate shower
• 4+ meter vaulted ceilings
• Decor with colonial antiques and Cusco-school art
• Minibar, Nespresso coffee maker
• Air conditioning and heating
• Excellent Wi-Fi

Master Suites (45–55 m²):
• All of the above, with more space
• Separate living room
• Some with garden views
• Fireplace (in some)

Presidential Suite (90 m²):
• The hotel’s jewel
• Large living room
• Private dining room
• Garden views
• Private terrace
• Private jacuzzi
• Perfect for special occasions

Common Areas:
Main Courtyard: With colonial fountain, gardens, arcades. Breakfast is served here (weather permitting) and you can have cocktails at sunset.
Library: Cozy lounge with fireplace, books on Arequipa and Peru, leather armchairs. Perfect for afternoon reading.
Bar: Small but elegant. Perfect pisco sours, Peruvian and South American wines, premium whiskeys.
Dining Room: Intimate (it can seat all guests at once). Contemporary Peruvian cuisine with Arequipa touches.
Pool: Small heated garden pool. Not for laps, but ideal to relax after walking the city.
Spa: Small but excellent. 2 treatment rooms, hot volcanic-stone massages from Misti.

Service:
This is what elevates Casa de Avila. The staff-to-guest ratio is almost 1:1. They know your name immediately. Service is personalized and attentive but never intrusive.
The concierge can organize anything: private tours, restaurant reservations, special ceremonies, access to places that are normally closed.

The Experience:
Casa de Avila doesn’t feel like a hotel. It feels like staying at the colonial home of a very sophisticated, very wealthy friend.

Price: $450–650 per night (includes gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea with pastries, Wi-Fi, use of all facilities).

Best for: Couples seeking romance and exclusivity, honeymoons, special anniversaries, travelers who value privacy over large infrastructure, those who appreciate authentic colonial architecture.

Cirqa Hotel Relais & Châteaux

Cirqa is Arequipa’s design-forward boutique hotel. Modern, minimalist, sophisticated.

Location: Historic center, 2 blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

The Concept:
A restored republican-era house (19th century) converted into a boutique hotel with 28 rooms. Member of Relais & Châteaux (luxury hotel association).

The Design:
Where Casa de Avila stays fully colonial, Cirqa blends colonial and contemporary:
• Original white sillar walls preserved
• But interiors are modern minimalist
• Contemporary furniture with clean lines
• Contemporary Peruvian art on the walls
• Gallery-style lighting
The result is elegant, not overdone.

Rooms:
28 rooms across several categories:

Superior Rooms (25 m²):
• King bed or two twins
• Modern bathroom with rain shower
• Minimalist decor
• Street or interior-patio view

Deluxe Rooms (30 m²):
• More spacious
• Better views
• Some with small balcony

Junior Suites (40 m²):
• Integrated sitting area
• Freestanding tub + separate shower
• Volcano views (in some)

Master Suite (70 m²):
• The hotel’s best
• Private terrace with jacuzzi
• Direct view of Misti volcano
• Separate living room
• Perfect for a honeymoon

Facilities:
Alma Restaurant: Contemporary Arequipa cuisine. The executive chef elevates traditional picantería recipes. Excellent.
Roof Bar: The hotel’s highlight. Rooftop terrace with 360° views of the white city and the three volcanoes. Sunset drinks here are a must.
Pool: On the rooftop, heated, small but with the best view of any pool in Arequipa.
Spa: Massages, facials, body treatments. Good but not extensive.

Service:
Professional, efficient, modern. It doesn’t have Casa de Avila’s ultra-personalized service (because it’s larger), but it’s very good.

Price: $350–550 per night (includes gourmet breakfast).

Best for: Travelers who prefer modern design over traditional colonial, those who want an outstanding roof bar (it truly is spectacular), mid-high luxury budgets, perfect central location.

Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas

Katari has Arequipa’s most privileged location: directly on the Plaza de Armas.

Location: Plaza de Armas (literally on the main square).

The Concept:
A 22-room boutique hotel in a colonial mansion. It isn’t ultra-luxury like Casa de Avila, but it offers excellent comfort with the best possible location.

Rooms:
• 25–40 m² rooms
• Colonial design with modern touches
• Modern bathrooms
• Some with balcony onto the Plaza de Armas (these are the best)
• Heating, Wi-Fi, minibar

Advantages:
The location: Being ON the main square is a luxury. Open your balcony and you’re looking at the illuminated cathedral, the lively square, the life of Arequipa.
For travelers who want maximum convenience and to be at the absolute heart of the city, Katari is unbeatable.

Restaurant on the Square: The hotel’s restaurant sits under the arcade by the square. You have breakfast facing the cathedral.

Price: $250–400 per night (includes breakfast).

Best for: Those who prioritize location above all, first-timers in Arequipa (being on the square orients you perfectly), travelers who want to walk everywhere, mid-luxury budgets.

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa

Casa Andina Premium is the reliable, accessible luxury chain option.

Location: Historic center, a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.

What It Offers:
• 90 rooms (larger than the boutiques)
• Restored colonial mansion
• Colonial-contemporary decor
• Heated pool
• Restaurant serving Arequipa and international cuisine
• Cozy bar
• Small spa
• Meeting rooms (for business travel)

Price: $180–280 per night (includes buffet breakfast).

Best for: Families (they have triple/quad rooms), travelers seeking dependable comfort without paying boutique premiums, groups, short stays (1–2 nights).

Libertador Arequipa

Libertador is Arequipa’s largest luxury hotel.

Location: Selva Alegre (residential neighborhood 10 minutes from the center).

The Concept:
Resort-style hotel with 88 rooms on a 5-hectare property with extensive gardens.

What’s Special:
• Huge gardens (perfect for strolling)
• Large pool (the biggest among luxury hotels in Arequipa)
• Spectacular views of Misti
• More space, quieter than downtown hotels
• Tennis courts, full spa

Price: $200–350 per night.

Best for: Families with children (space to run), travelers who prefer resort style over an urban boutique, those seeking maximum tranquility (you’re away from downtown bustle).

The Best Luxury Lodges in the Colca Canyon

Colca Lodge

Colca Lodge is the definitive luxury lodge of the Colca Canyon. It’s a unique experience that doesn’t exist anywhere else in Peru.

Location: The town of Yanque, 3 hours from Arequipa, inside the Colca Canyon.

The Concept:
An eco-lodge with 45 rooms built from local volcanic stone and traditional thatch roofs, by the Colca River, with natural hot springs on the property.

The Setting:
The lodge is literally inside the canyon, surrounded by mountains rising vertically. The Colca River runs beside the property. Pre-Inca agricultural terraces cover the hillsides. Condors soar above.
It’s a dramatic, remote, spectacular setting.

Rooms:
45 cabin-style rooms (called “cabins”) spread throughout the property:

Standard Cabins:
• 30 m² with king bed or two twins
• Volcanic-stone walls, thatched roof
• Wood-burning fireplace (the staff lights it before you arrive)
• Private bathroom with hot shower
• Private terrace facing garden or river
• Rustic-elegant decor with local textiles
• Electric heating + fireplace (nights are cold)

Superior Cabins:
• 35 m², a bit more spacious
• Better views (river or mountains)
• Bathtub in addition to shower

Suites:
• 50 m² with separate living room
• Direct river view
• Large bathtub
• Larger terrace with hammock

The Hot Springs (The Most Special Part):
This is what makes Colca Lodge unique: they have 8 natural thermal pools at different temperatures (35–39°C) fed by volcanic springs.
The pools sit on different levels descending toward the river, with views of the mountains and canyon. Imagine: after a day exploring the canyon, you sink into hot spring water under the stars with mountains all around you.
It’s an almost spiritual experience.

Access to Hot Springs:
• Included for guests (unlimited)
• Open 6 AM–10 PM
• There’s a VIP area with private pools (optional upgrade)

Facilities:
Main Restaurant: Andean-international cuisine. Local ingredients (quinoa, alpaca, river trout, vegetables from local terraces). Breakfast buffet; à la carte lunch/dinner.
Bar: With a huge fireplace. Perfect for pisco sours after the hot springs.
Spa: Hot volcanic-stone massages. Colca-clay treatments.
Trails: Network of paths across the property to walk to the river, birdwatch, explore.

Activities (Included or Arranged):
Condor Cross Viewpoint Tour:
• Departure 5:30–6 AM
• Transfer to the viewpoint (30 min)
• Condor watching (7–9 AM is best)
• The main reason you come to Colca
• Seeing 3-meter-wingspan condors flying at your level is unforgettable

Visits to Traditional Villages:
• Chivay, Yanque, Coporaque
• Colonial churches
• Local markets
• Pre-Inca terraces

Trekking in the Canyon:
• Routes of 2–6 hours
• From gentle walks to challenging trekking
• Optional guides

Birdwatching:
• 200+ species in the area
• Hummingbirds, eagles, hawks, and of course condors

Community Visits:
• Meetings with local families
• Traditional weaving
• Terrace farming

Mountain Biking:
• Routes through the canyon
• Various difficulty levels

Service:
Staff are mostly locals from Colca. Many have worked here for years. Service is warm, genuine, less formal than in urban hotels (but very attentive).

Price: $280–450 per night (includes breakfast, unlimited access to hot springs, use of facilities). Activities like condor tours and trekking are arranged/booked separately.

Best for: Couples seeking a nature experience with comfort, those who value natural hot springs, landscape and wildlife photographers, travelers wanting to disconnect in a remote yet luxurious setting, alternative honeymoons.

Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca

Aranwa Pueblito is a different concept: an entire “village” built as a hotel.

Location: 15 minutes from the town of Coporaque, also inside the canyon.

The Concept:
An “enchanted village” of 77 cabin-style rooms organized like a small Andean town. Each cabin is individual, with stone streets connecting them, a central square, and a chapel.
It’s like creating an idealized Andean village purpose-built for luxury tourism.

Rooms:
77 cabins across the “village”:

Standard Cabins:
• 35 m² with traditional thatch roof
• Adobe and stone walls
• Wood-burning fireplace
• Modern bathroom with shower and tub
• Central heating + fireplace
• Private terrace

Suites:
• 50–70 m²
• Separate living room
• Private terrace jacuzzi (in some)
• Canyon views

Facilities:
Kuntur Restaurant: Ample buffet with Arequipa and international cuisine.
Kori Bar: Bar with fireplace, pisco sours, cocktails.
Wayra Spa: Full spa with 4 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, jacuzzis.
Chapel: Yes—there’s a functioning chapel. Weddings and ceremonies are popular here.
Central Plaza: With nighttime bonfire, occasional live music.
Observatory: Telescope for stargazing (Colca’s skies are spectacular).

What’s Special:
They keep their own alpaca and llama collection on the property. You can feed them and take photos. Kids love this.

Price: $250–400 per night (includes breakfast, spa access, basic activities).

Best for: Families (lots of space, alpacas, activities), large groups (the hotel is big), weddings/events (they have the infrastructure), travelers who want more amenities than a remote lodge.

Casa Andina Standard Colca

Casa Andina also has a more accessible Colca option.

Location: Chivay (the canyon’s main town), 3.5 hours from Arequipa.

What It Offers:
• 52 lodge-style rooms
• Stone cottages with thatched roofs
• Basic but good comfort
• Restaurant, bar
• Planetarium (talks on Andean astronomy)
• Good value

Price: $120–180 per night (includes breakfast).

Best for: Mid-range budgets, short stays (1 night), travelers prioritizing value over extreme luxury.

Unique Experiences in Arequipa and Colca

Private Tour of the Monastery of Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is a 20,000 m² city-within-a-city monastery in the heart of Arequipa. It’s one of South America’s most spectacular colonial complexes.

History:
Founded in 1580, it was a cloistered convent where wealthy nuns lived in “cells” that were full houses—kitchen, living room, bedroom, private patio, servants. It was like a city within the city.
It was completely closed to the world for 400 years and only opened to the public in 1970.

What’s Special:
Walls painted in vibrant blues, reds, and ochers. Streets with names. Plazas, fountains, cloisters. A gorgeous labyrinth of color and perfect colonial architecture.

Standard Experience:
Self-guided visit or audio guide. Interesting, but you miss many details.

Luxury Experience:
Private after-hours tour (after public closing):
• Entry at 6 PM when it closes to the general public
• 2 hours with a private expert historian guide
• An empty monastery (just you and your guide)
• Perfect sunset light for photography
• Access to sections normally closed
• Deep stories about cloistered life
• A glass of Peruvian wine at the monastery café afterward

Price: $200–300 per couple (special coordination required).
Why it’s worth it: Santa Catalina full of tourists is beautiful but chaotic. Empty at sunset is an almost spiritual experience.

Dinner in a Historic Picantería

Picanterías are Arequipa institutions—traditional restaurants (often family homes converted) serving authentic Arequipa food in an informal setting.

What’s Special:
Arequipa’s food is completely different from Lima’s or Cusco’s. It’s spicier (rocoto, ají panca), heartier, with strong Spanish influence.

Typical Picantería Dishes:
Rocoto Relleno: A VERY spicy pepper the size of an apple stuffed with ground meat, raisins, olives, topped with gratinéed cheese. It’s truly spicy.
Adobo Arequipeño: Pork marinated in chicha de jora and spices, slow-cooked. Traditionally eaten for Sunday breakfast after mass.
Chupe de Camarones: Creamy soup with river shrimp, potatoes, corn, egg, milk. Comforting and delicious.
Escribano: Salad of potatoes, onion, rocoto, fresh cheese. Simple but addictive.
Ocopa: Potatoes covered with a creamy sauce of cheese, milk, ají amarillo, and crackers.

Best Picanterías:
La Nueva Palomino: The most famous. Huge, always full of locals, authentic.
Sol de Mayo: In Yanahuara (a beautiful district), more touristy but excellent.
La Cau Cau: Small, family-run, very local.

Luxury Experience:
Private lunch at a picantería with a chef/gastro guide:
• Hotel pick-up at 11 AM
• San Camilo market tour with your guide (ingredients, history)
• Arrival at a specially reserved picantería
• Private table (in a separate area if the picantería is large)
• 5–6 course tasting menu of Arequipa dishes
• Chef comes out to explain each dish, history, techniques
• Pairing with Arequipa craft beers or chicha de jora
• 3 hours total

Price: $150–200 per person (all included: transport, guide, food, drinks).
Why it’s worth it: Picanterías are Arequipa’s soul food. With an expert guide, you understand not just the food but the culture.

Private Trek in the Colca Canyon

Colca is one of Peru’s best trekking destinations, yet less known than the Inca Trail.

Trek Options:

Full Day (not too demanding):
• Descent to the canyon floor
• 3–4 hours down, 3–4 hours up
• Lunch at the oasis at the bottom
• Moderate level (going down is easy; coming up is a workout)

2 Days / 1 Night:
• Descent to the oasis
• Night in basic lodging (rustic but clean)
• Oasis exploration
• Ascent the next day
• Moderate level

3–4 Days (Immersion):
• Trek through remote sections of the canyon
• Camping or lodging in small villages
• Visits to isolated communities
• Challenging level

The Luxury Version:
Private 2-day trek with glamping:
• Certified professional mountain guide (for you/your group only)
• Descent with pack mules carrying gear
• Oasis camp with:
o Spacious tents with real beds (not sleeping on the ground)
o Private portable bathroom with hot shower
o Private chef preparing gourmet meals
o Wine with dinner under the stars
• Day 2: Oasis exploration, soak in natural hot springs, ascent
• Post-trek massage back at the lodge

Price: $800–1,200 per person (all included: guide, mules, gear, meals, lodge before/after).
Best for: Adventurers who want a true canyon experience without sacrificing comfort, landscape photographers, active couples.

Textile Experience with Master Weavers

Arequipa and Colca are famous for traditional textiles.

The Experience:
Private visit to a master weaver’s workshop/home:
• Meet a weaver who learned from her mother/grandmother
• See the entire process: from raw alpaca fleece to finished textile
• Hand-spinning
• Natural dyeing with plants (cochineal for red, chilca for green, walnut for brown)
• Weaving on a traditional loom
• The symbolism of patterns (each design tells a story)
• You can try weaving yourself (with the master’s abundant patience)
• Option to buy directly (supporting the artisan)

Duration: 2–3 hours
Price: $80–120 per person (includes transport, translation if needed, tea/coffee with the family).
Why it’s special: It’s not a tourist demo. It’s a real immersion in a tradition that’s disappearing.

Luxury Restaurants in Arequipa

Chicha by Gastón Acurio

Chicha is Gastón Acurio’s (Peru’s most famous chef) restaurant in Arequipa.

Location: Historic center, in a colonial mansion.

The Concept:
Gastón runs different restaurants across Peru, each focused on regional gastronomy. Chicha celebrates Arequipa cuisine.

The Food:
Gastón takes traditional picantería dishes and executes them with impeccable technique and modern presentation.

Standout Dishes:
• Rocoto relleno: A perfect version of the classic, with just-right heat
• Adobo arequipeño: Pork so tender it falls apart
• Chupe de camarones: Rich, creamy soup
• Alpaca ribs: With quinoa and Andean vegetables
• Pork chicharrón: Perfectly crispy
• Desserts: Queso helado (Arequipa’s iconic dessert), mazamorra morada

Ambience:
Casual-elegant. Colonial decor with modern touches. Bustling and energetic (locals love this place).

Price: $35–55 per person (starter, main, dessert, drink).
Reservation: Recommended, especially on weekends.
Best for: First immersion in Arequipa food (accessible yet authentic), lunch or dinner any day, groups (they have large tables).

Zig Zag Restaurant

Zig Zag is Arequipa’s famed steakhouse, known for cooking on hot volcanic stone.

Location: Historic center, in a two-story colonial house.

The Concept:
Grilled meats and alpaca cooked on volcanic stone from Misti heated to 400°C. The meat arrives at your table still sizzling on the stone.

What to Order:
Parrillada Zig Zag: Selection of meats (beef, alpaca, chicken, chorizo) served on volcanic stone. You finish it to your preferred doneness at the table.
Alpaca: If you’ve never tried it, this is the place. Lean, tender meat, flavor between beef and venison.
Colca trout: Fresh from the river, also prepared on stone.
Fondues: Excellent cheese and chocolate fondues (Swiss influence from the chef).

Ambience:
Two floors of a colonial mansion. Eclectic decor with mountaineering artifacts (the owner is a climber). Romantic but not pretentious.

Price: $40–65 per person.
Best for: Carnivores, those wanting to try alpaca, romantic dinners, the unique volcanic-stone cooking experience.

Suggested Itineraries for Arequipa & Colca

Short Itinerary (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Perfect for: Travelers with limited time, first visit, combining with another destination.

Day 1: Arequipa
• Arrival in Arequipa (flight from Lima 1.5 hrs)
• Check-in at Casa de Avila or Cirqa
• Afternoon: Private walking tour of the historic center (Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, cloisters)
• Evening: Dinner at Chicha

Day 2: Colca
• Early departure (7–8 AM) to Colca (3.5 hours)
• Check-in at Colca Lodge
• Afternoon: Relax in hot springs
• Night: Dinner at the lodge, stargazing

Day 3: Condors & Return
• Early morning (5:30 AM): Tour to Cruz del Cóndor to see condors
• Return to Arequipa (arrive 2–3 PM)
• Afternoon: Visit Santa Catalina Monastery
• Night: Return flight or connection to next destination

Medium Itinerary (5 Days / 4 Nights)

Perfect for: Deeper immersion, combining city and nature.

Day 1: Arequipa
• Arrival and acclimatization
• Afternoon: Walking tour of the center
• Night: Dinner at Zig Zag

Day 2: Arequipa
• Morning: Extended private visit to Santa Catalina Monastery
• Afternoon: Yanahuara viewpoint, textile shopping
• Night: Sunset drinks on Cirqa’s rooftop, dinner at Sol de Mayo

Day 3: Colca
• Transfer to Colca Lodge
• Afternoon: Visit traditional villages (Yanque, Chivay)
• Night: Hot springs, dinner

Day 4: Colca
• Early morning: Condors at Cruz del Cóndor
• Late morning: Return to lodge, rest
• Afternoon: Gentle trek or visit to a weaving community
• Night: Hot springs under the stars

Day 5: Return
• Morning: Return to Arequipa with stops at viewpoints
• Afternoon: Final special dinner or departure flight

Extended Itinerary (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Perfect for: Travelers who want to go deeper, include trekking, and maximize relaxation.

Days 1–3: Arequipa
• Full city exploration
• Santa Catalina Monastery (includes after-hours tour)
• Deep culinary experience (picantería + market)
• Textile tour with artisans
• Relax day at the hotel (spa, pool)

Days 4–6: Colca
• 3 nights at Colca Lodge
• Day 4: Arrival, acclimatization, terraces, villages
• Day 5: Condors + full-day canyon trek
• Day 6: Community visits, hot springs, pure relaxation

Day 7: Return
• Leisurely return to Arequipa
• Departure flight

Frequently Asked Questions about Arequipa & Colca

How do I get to Arequipa?

From Lima:
• Direct flight: 1.5 hours (several airlines: LATAM, Avianca, Sky)
• Price: $120–250 per leg
• Frequency: Multiple daily flights

From Cusco:
• Flight: 1 hour (less frequent, usually via Lima)
• Bus: 10 hours (not recommended for luxury travel)

From Puno:
• Bus: 5–6 hours (beautiful scenic route)
• Best option if you’re combining Titicaca + Arequipa

Is altitude in Arequipa a problem?
Arequipa is at 2,335 m—significantly LOWER than Cusco (3,400 m) or Puno (3,812 m).

For most people:
• No altitude sickness symptoms in Arequipa
• You can do normal activities from day 1
• It’s an excellent place for gradual acclimatization

Colca is higher:
• Colca towns: 3,600–3,800 m
• The road to Colca briefly crosses Patapampa (4,910 m)
• Some people feel mild altitude sickness in Colca

Recommendation:
• Spend 1–2 days in Arequipa first (acclimatization)
• Then go up to Colca

When is the best time to see condors?

Dry season (May–September): Best time
• Condors fly more frequently
• 80–90% chance of seeing multiple condors

Rainy season (December–March): Less predictable
• Fewer condor flights
• 50–60% chance

Best time of day:
• 7–9 AM (early morning)
• Condors use thermal currents that form with the morning sun
• That’s why all tours leave very early

Is it worth staying in Colca, or can I do a day trip from Arequipa?

Day trip is possible but exhausting:
• Departure 3–4 AM from Arequipa
• 3.5 hours each way
• 2–3 hours in the canyon (see condors, quick lunch)
• 3.5 hours back
• You arrive in Arequipa exhausted at 5–6 PM

Staying in Colca is MUCH better:
• Experience the canyon without rushing
• Enjoy the hot springs
• See the canyon in different light (sunrise, sunset)
• You can trek or visit communities
• You’re not exhausted

Minimum recommended: 1 night (2 days)
Ideal: 2 nights (3 days)

Is the road to Colca safe?
Yes, it’s safe, but it’s a winding mountain road.

Realities:
• 3.5 hours of curves (if you get carsick, take Dramamine)
• Brief crossing at Patapampa (4,910 m)—some feel the altitude
• The road is in good condition
• Serious operators use expert drivers

Tips:
• Sit up front if you’re prone to motion sickness
• Don’t eat heavy meals before the drive
• Bring water and snacks
• Enjoy the views (they’re spectacular)

Is it very cold in Colca?
Daytime: No. 15–20°C (temperate, pleasant)
Night: Yes. 0–5°C (cold)

However:
• Lodges have fireplaces and heating
• They provide extra blankets
• You can soak in hot springs (hot)

What to bring:
• Layers
• Fleece or down jacket for nights
• Wool hat
• Light gloves
• But also shorts for daytime hot springs

Is Arequipa safe?
Yes, Arequipa is one of Peru’s safest cities.

General safety:
• Historic center is very safe day and night
• Visible police presence
• Few reports of theft in tourist areas

Normal precautions:
• Don’t openly display expensive jewelry/electronics
• Use the hotel safe
• Take registered taxis (don’t hail in the street)
• Avoid outlying neighborhoods at night

Do I need a guide to visit Arequipa?

Historic Center: Not necessarily
• Compact and easy to navigate
• You can explore independently
• But a guide adds a lot of historical context

Santa Catalina Monastery: Guide recommended
• It’s labyrinthine
• The history is rich and complex
• A guide transforms the experience

Colca: Guide/tour necessary
• No easy public transport
• You need to know condor timing
• Lodges coordinate everything

Can I combine Arequipa with Cusco/Machu Picchu?
Absolutely. It’s a common pairing.

Route 1: Lima → Arequipa → Cusco → Lima
• Days 1–3: Lima
• Days 4–6: Arequipa/Colca
• Flight Arequipa–Cusco
• Days 7–12: Cusco/Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
• Flight Cusco–Lima

Route 2: Lima → Cusco → Arequipa → Lima
• Days 1–2: Lima
• Days 3–8: Cusco/Valley/Machu Picchu
• Flight Cusco–Arequipa
• Days 9–11: Arequipa/Colca
• Flight Arequipa–Lima

Advantage of Route 1: Gradual acclimatization (Arequipa 2,335 m → Cusco 3,400 m)
Advantage of Route 2: You end in Arequipa (lower altitude) to relax before your international flight

Can I combine Arequipa with Puno/Titicaca?
Yes, it’s an excellent and geographically logical combination.

Route: Lima → Arequipa → Puno → Cusco → Lima
• Bus Arequipa–Puno: 5–6 hours (scenic route)
• Gradual acclimatization: 2,335 m → 3,812 m

Arequipa and the Colca Canyon are the destinations Peru’s most sophisticated travelers seek when they want something beyond the standard tourist circuit.
It’s elegant Peru, the Peru of perfect colonial architecture, unique gastronomy, and dramatic nature without the crowds.
It’s where you can walk streets that feel straight out of the 17th century, eat in picanterías where they’ve cooked the same way for generations, watch majestic condors fly at your height, and sink into hot springs under the stars, surrounded by mountains that touch the sky.

Ready to discover the White City and the deepest canyon in South America?
At Luxe Andes Peru, we design personalized experiences in Arequipa and Colca that combine the best hotels and lodges, authentic gastronomic experiences, access to special places and moments, and flawless logistics so you can simply enjoy.