The best months to visit Arequipa are May – Nov. Dry season; clear views of volcanoes.
Quick facts
When to go
The White City, a colonial masterpiece of sillar volcanic stone set in a high-altitude valley between three volcanoes, gateway to the world's deepest canyon.
May – Nov is the busiest window in Arequipa, so accommodation and flights go first. Book ahead. The shoulder weeks either side are usually quieter for the same reason.
Getting Around in Arequipa
- The Historic Centre is compact and walkable, and plaza to Santa Catalina is a 5-minute walk
- Taxis to Yanahuara cost 7-10 soles; colectivos to the bus terminal cost 2-3 soles
- Colca Canyon is 3.5-4 hours by road, so go with an organised tour or rent a car
For month-by-month detail, itineraries and costs, see the full Arequipa travel guide.
Timezone: PET (UTC-5) (No DST)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Arequipa?
The best months to visit Arequipa are May – Nov (Dry season; clear views of volcanoes), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Arequipa budget breakdown.
