Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Arequipa Peru. Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru, and it is well worth visiting when you are in Peru. We felt that there are a few things you should know before you visit Arequipa, that will make your trip much more enjoyable!
Arequipa Altitude
Arequipa sits at an elevation of 2,300 meters, or 7,600 feet. In Arequipa, altitude sickness is a real problem at those altitudes, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness levels. Some people can get really sick and end up in the hospital with altitude sickness. Thankfully, most hotels are equipped to help you out, either with coca leaf tea or oxygen masks you can use. There are also several pharmacies around and they are well-equipped to deal with tourists with elevation sickness. Don’t plan any activities for your first day in Arequipa; give your body time to adjust to the altitude first. Take it easy and stay hydrated.
How to Deal with Altitude Sickness
Beware of the UV Rays
At this elevation, the sun is super strong. Even when it’s cloudy, it’s super easy to get a sunburn in Arequipa, so make sure you are lathering on the sunscreen and reapplying it. A good sunhat is also a great idea to keep your head and face out of the sun. Make sure you also have a lip balm with SPF as sunburned lips are not fun to have!
Best Things to Do in Arequipa
There are a lot of fun things to do in Arequipa. There are several cathedrals, and the Plaza de Armas is the hub of activity in Arequipa. You’ll quickly see why this is called the White City of Peru. There are white stone arches incorporated into the architecture all over the old part of the city. Besides churches, there are also some great museums in Arequipa. If you like history, architecture, or Latin culture, you’ll love Arequipa. And did we mention that they have the Juanita Mummy. Yes, they have a mummy from up on in the mountains surrounding Arequipa. Well worth a visit to see.
Take Day Trips from Arequipa
While the cultural attractions of Arequipa are really great, there are also some cool opportunities to explore outside of the city. Once you are acclimated to the altitude, find a local tour agency to hook you up with some excursions. You can check out Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. You can hike a volcano, go rafting, or horseback riding.
Peruvian Cuisine in Arequipa
You will love the food in Arequipa. It’s one of the “foodie capitals” of Peru. As you sample some of the local cuisines, you’ll start to realize why Peruvian restaurants are popping up all over the world. Peruvian food is really good, and it’s done really well in Arequipa. Don’t be nervous to try a new cuisine; our kids love some of the local dishes here, like alpaca steaks.
Don’t Flush Your Toilet Paper
This is pretty common throughout Peru and South America. The old plumbing systems can’t handle toilet paper, so you should throw it in the wastebasket next to the toilet. It may seem gross at first, but you’ll get used to it. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will empty the bin frequently so it won’t smell.
Don’t Drink the Tap Water
With the high altitude, it’s important to stay hydrated and drink a LOT of water, both before and during your trip. However, you cannot drink tap water in Peru. Buy bottled water or use a water bottle with a filter. Even brushing your teeth with tap water can result in some tummy troubles.
Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea
English Isn’t Widely Spoken
You won’t find a lot of people who speak English in Arequipa. You will likely have English speakers working at your hotel, and at some of the restaurants, but it will help you a lot if you know a little bit of Spanish.
Traffic in Arequipa
Traffic in Arequipa is crazy. Actually, traffic anywhere in Peru is crazy. I absolutely do not recommend driving in Peru. Even as a pedestrian, you have to be really careful when walking near traffic. Accidents and near-misses are frequent in Arequipa. Be sure you follow the traffic lights, but also look in both directions before crossing any street, even if you have the light. Taxis are plentiful and your hotel can help you arrange to have a driver take you around.
We really enjoyed our time in Arequipa and hope that these travel tips help you enjoy your Arequipa trip as well. Peru is so much more than Lima and Machu Picchu! If you want more tips on traveling in Peru, check out some of our other blog posts: