Where to stay and How to get around in Arequipa
Overview
We were in Arequipa 3 days. The first day we walked around the center of the city, near Plaza De Armas, and toured a monastery, a church and a colonial house. We did some shopping, and ate dinner with the Mission President and his wife. The second day was Sunday, and we rode a minibus to the town of Pedregal, where we attended church, then visited with several members our son had worked with. The third day we visited one of our son’s pensionistas, and rode a combi bus to a big market, where we did a lot of shopping.
Transportation
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Arequipa. I prebooked a taxi with Taximundo, but they didn’t show up. This was actually fortunate, because our son arranged a taxi outside the airport for less than I had planned to pay. We paid S/.25 from the airport to the hotel, and between S/.6 - 15 for shorter taxi rides around town. Returning to the airport, we needed 2 taxis, because we had so much luggage. We had our hotel call them for us, and we paid S/.25 for each one.
Minibus
On Sunday, we took a taxi to the bus station, and then rode a minibus 2 hours out to the area of Pedregal, where we went to church. The minibus was basically a 15-passenger van. The ride was S/.8 per person, and it was quite an adventure, because the driver drove on the wrong side of the street almost as much as he drove on the right side of the street.
Combi
Combis are mini-busses that travel the same route over and over in a city. Often these combis are large vans with the seats removed, and replaced with benches around the perimeter. Combis are very cheap, but also somewhat dangerous. They race through the streets. They have people that stand on corners throughout the city, timing how fast they are making their circuit. If they fall behind while stopping to pick up passengers, they have to speed up to make up lost time. They only stop for a few seconds to pick up or drop off passengers, so you have to be quick.
Combis are often involved in accidents, and they cram many more people into them than is safe. Combis are also a favorite spot for pickpockets, so use them with caution. If your missionary is familiar with riding Combis, they may want to take you on a ride just for the experience. The one we rode on was very similar to a regular city bus in the US, but smaller. My son said we were on one of the nicest ones. We stood in the aisle, and held onto a bar that ran above our heads.
Hotel
See the Hotels page to see recommendations for Arequipa Hotels.
Hotel Recommendations.Weather
Arequipa is in a high desert, so it is hot during the day, and cooler at night. You might be glad for a lightweight jacket in the evening. Average temperatures are around 70 degrees F, but when we were there in August, if felt warmer than that. The rainy season is from November to March. When it rains in Arequipa, the streets will often flood since there is no drainage system. If you go during this time, consider taking rain gear.
Things to do in and around Arequipa
Colca Canyon
Colca canyon is reportedly the deepest canyon in the world. It is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. If you go early enough in the morning, you may see condor's flying. It is located about 4 hours outside of Arequipa. You can buy a tour online or while you are in Arequipa. The trip usually starts at 3 a.m. Bring a jacket for the morning hours.
Plaza De Armas
Plaza De Armas is a city plaza with a fountain, and historic buildings all around. It was the center of the city of Arequipa when it was founded in 1540 a.d. While we were there, it was the setting of a patriotic parade, and a favorite spot for people to sit and enjoy the sunshine. We sat on park benches in the Plaza for a couple hours and watched people and birds. There are hundreds of pigeons that would take off all at once, and circle overhead.
Cathedral of Arequipa
The Cathedral of Arequipa is one of the buildings that border Plaza De Armas. It is a beautiful building. A guided tour will take you through the ornate interior, and onto the roof where you can get an unobstructed view of the 3 volcanos that shadow Arequipa,El Misti, Chanchani, and Picchu Picchu.
Cathedral of ArequipaMonastery of Santa Catalina
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is a place where nuns still live. It is a major tourist destination. It was beautiful inside, but basically it was a beautiful prison for unwanted daughters. Touring it made me feel sad. We asked our guide if the nuns made money from the tours, and we were told that they get a little money, but the majority of the profit goes to the private company that they have contracted with to run the tours. If you go, I would suggest that you not take the S/.20 guided tour, but wander around on your own.
Monastery of Santa CatalinaCasa Del Moral
Casa Del Moral is an old house from colonial times that has a really cool exhibit on the history of money from Peru. Other than that, it showed how rich people lived during colonial times. It was interesting, but not anything amazing.
Casa Del Moral