Tour Arequipa | 3Days 2Nights

Experience Arequipa in 3 Days: A Practical and Authentic Tour

If you’re short on time but eager to soak in the highlights of Arequipa, this 3-day, 2-night tour offers a thoughtfully curated snapshot of one of Peru’s most charming cities and its surrounding natural wonders. For $166 per person, you’ll explore the white city’s most iconic sites, venture into the breathtaking Colca Canyon to spot condors and visit traditional villages, and walk the Sillar route to see the volcanic stone that shapes many of Arequipa’s buildings.

We particularly appreciate how this tour balances structured sightseeing with authentic local experiences. The small group size—limited to 15—means you’re likely to enjoy personal attention and a more intimate feel. The guides are bilingual, making the experience accessible whether you speak English or Spanish. Two standout aspects are the stunning vistas along the Cruz del Condor and the chance to see the artisan process of volcanic stone carving firsthand on the Sillar route.

One potential challenge is the early start on the second day—at 3 am—especially if you’re not an early riser. Also, some of the entrance fees are optional and add to the overall cost, so budget accordingly.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a focused, efficient overview of Arequipa’s highlights within a limited timeframe, and who enjoy natural scenery, local culture, and striking architecture.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3-day itinerary covering Arequipa city, Colca Canyon, and the Sillar route
• Small group size (max 15) for a more personalized experience
• Highlights include Yanahuara Mirador, Cruz del Condor, and volcanic stone quarries
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later
• Cultural and natural mix, from city sights to breathtaking canyon vistas
• Cost-effective considering entrance fees and optional extras are manageable

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Arequipa in Just 3 Days

Arequipa, often called the “White City,” is famed for its beautiful colonial architecture crafted from volcanic sillar stone. This tour provides a solid introduction, perfect for travelers with limited time but wanting the essentials. For around $166, you’ll get a blend of city sights, natural wonders, and regional crafts, all with the benefit of professional bilingual guides and small group intimacy.

Day 1: The City Tour

Your adventure begins with a city tour of Arequipa. Departing from the main square, the tour typically starts around 9:15 am, with options at 11 am or 2 pm. We loved the way the itinerary hits the highlights without rushing—visiting Mirador de Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, both offering sweeping views of the city and volcanoes. Yanahuara’s famous arches are a favorite photo spot, while Carmen Alto provides a panoramic look over the city and surrounding volcanoes.

We also enjoyed the visit to Incalpaca’s camelid factory and mini-zoo, which offers an authentic glimpse into local textile materials and the region’s famous alpacas and llamas. The Founder’s Mansion and Sabandía Mill round out the cultural experience, showcasing colonial architecture and traditional milling techniques.

The guided stops are brief but meaningful, allowing time for photos and questions—an important consideration when exploring a city rich in visual and cultural details. We found the panoramic view from the top of the Mirabus especially delightful, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of areas like Goyeneche Palace and Cayma Square.

Day 2: The Magnificent Colca Canyon

The highlight for many is the full-day trip to Colca Canyon, where early morning pick-up at 3 am might seem daunting but is well worth it. The drive covers about three hours, giving ample time to enjoy the changing scenery and prepare for the day ahead.

The Cruz del Condor is arguably the tour’s star attraction. We loved watching the condors glide effortlessly on the thermal currents—an awe-inspiring sight that makes the early wake-up more bearable. The canyon’s depths and the surrounding Colca Valley offer stunning views, and the small villages like Maca give a taste of local life.

Other stops include natural viewpoints like Wayrapunko and Antahuillque, where the landscape’s rugged beauty is hard to beat. A relaxing moment comes with a soak in the thermal baths, perfect after a morning of sightseeing. Lunch in Chivay is included, providing local flavors, and the return trip offers views of Volcanoes and Misti from Patapampa.

The overall experience combines natural grandeur and culture—a full day that captures the essence of southern Peru’s rugged beauty. The return to Arequipa around 5 pm makes it a long but rewarding day.

Day 3: The Sillar Route

Your final day offers a chance to explore the volcanic stone craftsmanship that defines Arequipa’s architecture. The Sillar route begins either at 8:30 am or 2 pm, allowing flexibility. We loved walking through the Añashuayco ravine, where massive volcanic blocks are cut and shaped. The stonemasons here show how the volcanic sillar is carved by hand—a skill passed down through generations.

Driving along the Culebrillas road, you’ll see a small canyon formed by sedimentary layers of volcanic stone, giving stunning landscape views. The route also features geoglyphs in the shape of “culebrillas” (little snakes), which add an intriguing touch of regional symbolism.

This part of the tour reveals a living tradition, pairing natural beauty with artisanal craftsmanship. Returning to the city, you’ll be only a block from the main square—making it easy to explore further on your own.

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Practical Details and Value

The price of $166 covers most of the key experiences—city tour, Colca Canyon visit, and Sillar route—plus transportation and guides. Entrance fees to sites like Mirador de Carmen Alto, Founder’s Mansion, and Sabandía Mill are optional but fairly affordable, ranging from S/.3 to S/.12. Entrance to the Colca Canyon itself costs about S/.20 for locals, with discounts for children and seniors. This means the actual out-of-pocket expenses are manageable, especially considering the comprehensiveness of the experience.

Transportation is comfortable and well-organized, with panoramic buses for city sightseeing and smaller vehicles for the canyon and Sillar route. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience and easier interaction with guides—helpful for getting insider tips and asking questions.

The tour is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. This adds a layer of reassurance for travelers wary of changing plans.

What We Love

• The stunning views from Mirador de Yanahuara and Cruz del Condor are genuinely breathtaking.
• The artisan process at the Sillar quarries shows how local craft traditions continue in a modern world.
• The small group size fosters a friendly, engaging atmosphere.
• The mix of natural scenery and cultural sites provides a well-rounded quick look at Arequipa and its surroundings.

Considerations

• The early start for Colca Canyon can be challenging, especially for those not used to early mornings.
• Entrance fees are optional and add to the cost, so budget accordingly.
• The tour moves at a brisk pace, so travelers seeking a very leisurely experience might find it a bit intensive.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re a traveler who wants a compact, well-organized introduction to Arequipa’s sights and natural wonders, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for those who enjoy hiking, scenic vistas, and cultural insights but don’t have several days to spare. The small group setting and bilingual guides make it accessible for a broad range of visitors.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Peru or someone with limited time, you’ll come away with memorable images—like the soaring condors or the intricate carvings in volcanic stone—and a genuine sense of Arequipa’s local charm.

FAQ

How long is the city tour?
The city tour lasts approximately four hours, starting around 9:15 am or at the other scheduled times, and includes several stops with photo opportunities and brief visits.

What are the main sites visited on the city tour?
You’ll visit Mirador de Yanahuara, Mirador de Carmen Alto, Incalpaca camelid factory, Founder’s Mansion, and Sabandía Mill, with brief stops at Goyeneche Palace and Cayma Square.

When does the Colca Canyon tour start?
The early departure begins at 3 am, with hotel pickup, to maximize your time at the canyon and condor viewing. The day lasts until about 5 pm.

What is the focus of the Sillar route?
It showcases how volcanic sillar stone is extracted and carved by artisans, plus scenic views and regional geoglyphs—highlighting local craftsmanship.

Are entrance fees included?
Not all are included; some sites, like Mirador de Carmen Alto and Sabandía Mill, charge small fees. Entrance to Colca Canyon itself costs around S/.20, but these are optional.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included in the tour price, but breakfast and lunch stops are arranged along the way.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

In essence, this 3-day Arequipa tour offers a well-balanced mix of culture, natural beauty, and local craftsmanship. It’s a practical way to get a taste of the White City and its surroundings without feeling rushed. Whether you’re after iconic views, authentic artisan skills, or rugged canyon scenery, you’ll find this experience both rewarding and insightful.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby