Arequipa is certainly another dream travel destination in Peru, with authentic architecture, natural wonders and a distinctive cultural expression that overflows through the entire city. There is so much to know and to experience that some itineraries may fall short while visiting this region.
For that reason, we’ve come up with this section where you’ll get to know three unmissable cultural attractions here. This city is one of the main tourist spots in our country and if you’ve been following our Arequipa Travel Guide, then you must be intrigued to know more!
The so-called White City holds a unique gastronomic experience - as the rest of the country to be entirely fair - though Arequipa’s culinary art is praised for its exotic flavors. Likewise, the region is known for being one of the largest producers of alpaca wool in the country, here you’ll get to know all about it.
We are so proud of our historical and cultural heritage that we want you to get fully immersed in it. So, in case you’re eager to experience it at its fullest, we highly recommend you to add any of these attractions to your travel itinerary.
Right at the heart of the buzzing city center of Arequipa, in the San Lazaro neighborhood, one of the oldest colonial barrios of the city, lies an important museum, recognized for its interactive and educative approach.
Mundo Alpaca was born out of the initiative of promoting the ancient Peruvian textile art, by showing the entire process from the alpacas through the final product. The textile center was inaugurated in 2006 and has contributed to raise awareness to the preservation of this ancient heritage.
The Mundo Alpaca team offer guided tours through the installations, allowing travelers to meet alpacas, vicuñas and llamas. They’ll also get to know about the wool extraction and the different natural shades and textures of it.
If llamas and alpacas are a must during your trip to Peru, this is the way to start! You can feed these famous animals and even take selfies with them. The Mundo Alpaca experience goes beyond selling a product but to show a millenary tradition that’s carried out through generations.
As you may know, Peru is recognized as the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America, thanks to its authentic flavors and for comprehending over 2,500 typical dishes. Arequipa is one of those cities with such a culinary expression that will make you wish to know how to prepare at least one dish of this region.
The Arequipeñan cuisine is praised among Peruvians for its splendid creativity and how they managed to implement Andean and Spanish techniques in their preparations. Arequipa itself holds about 194 typical dishes, which is why many tourists come here to experience the best of our gastronomic expression.
If you’re eager to know how to prepare a 3-meal course, then you must join one of the many cooking classes in Arequipa. Here you’ll get to learn the basic techniques to prepare an authentic Peruvian dish at home, an unforgettable experience that you surely won’t like to miss.
Among the different typical dishes to cook in these lessons are: Ocopa, Rocoto Relleno, Cauchi and Chupe de Camarones. However, there are many options to choose from according to the program you’re in. For more information, please contact our travel specialists.
The San Camilo Market was founded in 1938 at the same place that was occupied by the San Camilo Church, a catholic building that was destroyed in 1869 after an earthquake. It is one of the largest markets in Peru and holds a variety of sections, ranging from food stalls to artisan shops.
Visiting this authentic market will give you a glimpse at the local life of Arequipa, offering a much deeper cultural understanding of the region. Here you’ll be able to interact and get involved in a place full of traditions in spite of being in the heart of the historical center.
Would you like to have a guided tour through any of these places? Our travel specialists are here to help, contact us and we’ll make it happen! Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need so you can experience Peru at its fullest. Check our travel packages and start planning the trip of your life!
