Known for its vibrant cultural scene, Arequipa is a fascinating city in southern Peru. While Arequipa offers amazing food and plenty of stunning hiking opportunities in the surrounding volcanic region, it’s also a fantastic place to learn more about Peruvian culture and history.
Take a Candlelit Tour of Santa Catalina Monastery
Considered to be a masterpiece of volcanic sillar stone colonial architecture, Santa Catalina Monastery is a beautiful, tranquil monastery. Home to nuns from the 16th-18th century, it still houses a small religious community today. Tour the plazas, passageways and cobbled streets in the day time to drink in the warm vibrancy of the painted stone, and in the evening by candlelight for a truly atmospheric experience.
Pay a Visit to Juanita, the Incan Ice Maiden
Housed in the Museo Santuarios Andinos, Juanita is the perfectly preserved ice mummy of an Incan child sacrifice. A tour of this informative and poignant museum will teach you about Incan culture and customs, before giving you a chance to view Juanita herself.
Learn about Llamas at Mundo Alpaca
Peru is celebrated for its incredible textile culture, and Mundo Alpaca is the perfect place to learn more about this unique tradition. Meet alpacas and llamas, learn about the traditional production process and browse beautiful contemporary Andean textiles.