If you have just a day in Arequipa, Peru 🇵🇪

Time is limited so I don't blame you! If you have just a day or two to visit each city you go to, there are always a few top things that are worth doing than others. That's why I sum up this list where you can enjoy Arequipa, a beautiful white city of Peru to the fullest and you literally need just a day!

8AM - Peruvian Breakfast at Mercado San Camilo!

There is no better way to enjoy the real local experience than going to local markets. All the fresh fruits, fresh cheese, homemade local food, and maybe a simple Peruvian sandwich with palta (avocado) or cheese with some hot quinoa drink.

Afterward, wander around the market and shop for some fruits or souvenir. Grab a freshly squeezed juice from the next aisle or orange juice outside the market. They are all crazy refreshingly good!

Arequipa is well known for 'Alfajores'. It’s everywhere here in Arequipa. Corn-starch cookies that melt in your mouth with a caramel filling mmm like, seriously! We found good stuff here at Mercado San Camilo. A locally owned and homemade! A small shop in the market specializes in just Alfajores. You bet ya! they’re dang smooth and yum! Grab a box of that when you need some sweetness during the day :)

10 AM - Enjoy the view of volcano at Yanahuara Scenic Overlook

Most of the buildings in Arequipa built with white volcanic stones (they survive an earthquake really well) because there are a few volcanoes around the city.

This is one of the great spots to enjoy the view of Misti Volcano especially when you have just a day and not going to have time to climb/hike ones.

There are a few shops, churches, museums, and parks where Yanahuara Scenic Overlook is located. A big plus and good timing to come to visit the overlook just a bit before lunchtime..

12 PM - Epic lunch at La Nueva Palomino Picanteria

You never visit Arequipa until you try at least of these picanterías, traditional lunchtime restaurants in Peru, around the cities of Arequipa and Cusco. … Picanteria refers to a place serving Picante (“spicy”), a one-plate dish of various stews.

La Nueva Palomino Picanteria is one of the most traditional ones in the city and the locals love it! How do I know? There are long lines even before the restaurant open at 12 PM. Told you! Good timing as it's literally just 5 mins walk away from Yanahuara Scenic Overlook

What to try at picantería? Of course, Picante! Though other dishes also sound pretty interesting and delicious. Whole guinea pig? Pig feet? One thing you just can't miss is this drink called 'Chicha de Jora' or Peruvian corn beer served just in Arequipa.

Another awesome Picantería in Arequipa, Victoria Picantería

Just in case you're in love with Picantería suddenly, Victoria – Picantería in Arequipa city center is lovely. Great service, beautiful decoration and very good food! We tried a deep-fried whole cuy or guinea pig and of course, corn beer!

This one open till a little late in the evening so you could even come enjoy the second lunch or dinner here if you feel like.

2 PM - Wander around the white city of Arequipa

Arequipa is so pretty!

This is a city where I feel like I could be there for a few months and don't feel bored. It's a city with a hint of history. A mixture of fancy picantería and affordable huarique (a wall hole restaurant). A lot of churches and museums both paid and free.

It's always good to start from the main square or Plaza de Armas where there are a few churches surrounding and a few shops to look out for some souvenir if needed.

It's hot out! Grab a cup of Queso Helado!

Anytime during the day, this is the best treat in Arequipa for some refreshment. Queso Helado or Cheese ice-cream old cheese though there’s no cheese as one of the ingredients but Milk, Unsweetened evaporated milk, Sweetened condensed milk, Grated Coconut, Cinnamon, Sugar.

An artisanal ice-cream originated in Arequipa. There are small little stalls with the ladies saying things repeatedly, almost sound like ‘Queselado, queselado, queselado…’everywhere, in the city. Grab one and get addicted. Then, get another one on the next street #lol

$1.5 Peruvian food at huariques hidden in Arequipa

If you don't know a type of eating place called 'Huarique' already.. It's a hidden local Peruvian food spot for good food, a great price that only locals know about! Mostly, they offer a menu of the day that comes with an appetizer, main dish, and drink for S/ 5-20.

Believe it or not, the beautiful city that’s full with tourists like Arequipa, this kind of place exist. I was surprised when I found one or two! Though, I believe there are a lot more places like this. You just need to keep an eye open :)

We had dinner at Huarique Cena Pollo – Local dinner by auntie S/ 5 ($1.5) where only one local auntie works all alone by herself in this huarique running back and force kitchen and front of the house.

Well spent day but not too tiring. Mostly Peruvian food, Peruvian sweets and more food. I hope you foodies enjoy the Arequipa journey. Hope this helps at least a little on your next trip to this beautiful volcanic city! Oh wait, don't forget to try a bottle or two of Arequipeña beer since you're already there where it's originated :)

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