3 Must-Visit Districts in Arequipa, Peru
The white city of Arequipa, Peru, is full of lively districts to explore. Of course, most tourists head towards the Historical Center, but there are two other districts which are worth a visit. The Yanhuara District is full of cobblestone streets that seem to transport those who walk on them to the iconic white villages in Spain. A favorite district of locals is the Cayma District, with its low-key vibe and peaceful plaza dotted with local food joints.
With its enchanting streets, bustling markets, splendid architecture, and friendly people, it’s easy to slow down and really appreciate Arequipa and the surrounding districts. I’ve provided a brief overview of three districts not to miss when visiting Arequipa, Peru.
Table of Contents
- Historical Center District of Arequipa
- Yanahuara District
- Cayma District
- 3 Must-Visit Districts of Arequipa
Historical Center District of Arequipa
First off, no visit to Arequipa is complete without visiting the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Historical Center District. The white city is built from the rocks of the nearby volcanoes and their mighty presence can be seen looming in the background.
The city is a blend of Spanish influence; yet it was built by the Indigenous people. Look closely at the churches to see this fusion. There are corn, plants, animals, all sculpted into the churches, a reminder of their worship of Mother Earth or Pachamama. It is a small protest to the forcefulness of Christianity that was brought by the Spanish Conquistadors.
What to See
The Plaza De Armas, Arequipa’s main square, boasts a stunning Cathedral surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings with inviting terraces. Nearby, take a stroll in one of the many little Tambo or small residences in a neighborhood. The Tambos offer tranquillity, as they seem to be almost protected from the hum of the city. My favorite was Tambo del Solar.
The shinning star of Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Monastery. This covenant of nuns has been in existence since 1579, but finally opened for visitors in 1970. With perfectly manicured courtyards and brightly colored streets, strolling through this monastery is like visiting a mini-city.
Mercado San Camilo is an engaging market with juice stands, a small fish market, unique meat stalls, medicine women, and produce stands that are piled high with vittles. The market is always buzzing, so it’s a great place to people watch. Sample some typical dishes of the Arequipa Region at one of the many food stands.
The Historical Center of Arequipa offers museums and trendy restaurants. Get lost on winding streets with stellar volcanic views. Wander into quiet Tambos for peae and solitude. Explore and eat at the impressive local market. It is the most popular district in the city, but also offers the most things to see.
Barrio de San Lázaro
Secondly, don’t miss the chance to visit the Barrio de San Lázaro. Find it tucked away peacefully only a few blocks away from Plaza De Armas. This little neighborhood is the bohemian jewel of the city. The main plaza has plenty of cafes lining a cute little square. On a clear day gawk at smashing views of the mountains in the backdrop. San Lázaro has its own hipster microbrewery (the owner is from Oregon), contemporary coffee shops (try Huayruro Peruvian Coffee Shop), and an ample supply of trendy restaurants.
Yanahuara District
Yanahuara District is just a short walk across the river, and is another lovely district of Arequpia. There aren’t as many “big” sites to visit here, but rather, excellent places to wander and explore. Walking through this district feels like traveling through a porthole directly to Andalusia, Spain. There are delightful streets of cobblestones and potted plants plastered to the walls. The red flowers accent the white volcanic stones of the city. The charming, yet small street of Callejon de la Casa Encantada, located just off the Plaza de Yanahuara has to be my favorite.
What to See
The Mirador de Yanahuara is the main attraction in the Yanahuara District. This vista boasts incredible views of the distant volcanoes. It’s conveniently located right off the Plaza de Yanahuara, so take the opportunity to sit with locals on the park benches. In typical Arequipa style, there is a church right off the plaza. The baroque architecture frames the viewpoint of the volcanoes.
Besides gallivanting on the picture-perfect streets and soaking in views from the mirador, there’s a chance to sample local Peruvian wine. Right below the mirador sits a little wine museum where you can sip on local wine and see some of the history of wine-making. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and even typical Picantería’s to sample the gastronomy of the region.
Cayma District
The Cayma District was my absolute favorite district in Arequipa. This district not only has my favorite plaza, but my favorite places to eat!
What to See
The Plaza de Cayma is relatively quiet, but is the main attraction. The church is incredible. I spotted lots of corn and plants sculpted into this church, a reminder that these Catholic churches were built by the Incas. On the right side of the church, the quiet courtyard is often occupied with artists painting on canvases. I sat and watched them for a bit, and then I climbed the nearby stairs to get another perspective of the district. There are quaint little patios to explore off of the main courtyard.
All of the little local food joints alone the plaza are serving up Adobo, or a delicious pork stew. Adobo is a typical dish of Arequipa, and it originates from the Cayma District! Yes, visit the actual birthplace of this local favorite dish. Try this spicy pork stew that is served up at almost every restaurant lining the plaza.
LOCAL TIP
Want to get super local? Arequipans use Adobo as the ultimate hang-over remedy. The Plaza de Cayma is hopping on Sunday mornings from 5 a.m. until 7 a.m. Here, locals are soaking up Saturday nights booze with the stew and dipping bread before they head to bed. Adobo is usually a Sunday dish, so visit the plaza in the early morning to see this local tradition. At dawn, the restaurants are bustling and overflowing with people in the square.
Local Food District
I was initially drawn to this district because of the food. Arequipa has its own typical dishes. I seriously fell in love with the cuisine. In addition to Adobo, eat a traditional lunch at Picanterías. Authentic Picanterías are only open during lunch time and serve up the local gastronomy. I made so many excuses in order to shovel down as much food as possible, as it has been my favorite in all of Peru.
My favorite local joint to eat at in Arequpia is Picantería La Capitana. Located on the outskirts of the Cayma district, the food here is a must.
3 Must-Visit Districts of Arequipa
In conclusion, Arequipa is an incredible city to visit in Peru with similar, but distinct districts. Each of the above districts offer inviting streets, sweeping volcanic views, and bustling plazas. All of the districts boast iconic white stones which give the city its fitting nickname. The white city is truly a magical place. Every district also offers something a little unique, so take time and really explore the city.
Want to dig deeper into this wonderful city?
Check out my recommendations of 10 epic things to do in Arequipa here.
Have you been to Arequipa? Did you get a chance to visit these three districts in the city of Arequpia? What did you think of them? Am I missing a district that you loved? Let me know in the comments below!
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