Arequipa, with its beautiful white colonial architecture and mountain scenery, is one of the best places to visit in southern Peru. But beyond exploring the city, there are numerous adventures around Arequipa waiting for you to discover. Whether you’re seeking ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, or thrilling adventure activities, these day trips from Arequipa offer something for every Peru bucket list. During my 4 weeks in Peru, I’ve been on some of the listed day trips from Arequipa myself, and for some others, I asked a few of my travel blogger friends for their recommendations.
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Map of the Best Day Trips from Arequipa
7 Best Day Trips from Arequipa
Day Trip 1: Colca Canyon
Recommended by Liza from Atlas Rambler Travel Guides.
Colca Canyon is one of the most popular day trips from Arequipa, and for good reason. Located 3.5 hours from Arequipa, Colca Canyon is a must-see and one of the highlights of any trip to Peru. The canyon itself is the second deepest in the world, about twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. There are incredible hiking opportunities in and around Colca Canyon that suit all fitness levels. If you are a serious hiker, stay in one of the nearby towns and spend a few days exploring Colca Canyon.
One of the biggest drawcards of a visit to Colca Canyon for wildlife lovers is the chance to see the Andean Condor up close. This incredible bird is known as the world’s largest bird of prey. They can have a wingspan of up to 3.3m (10 feet) and are often seen majestically gliding through Colca Canyon.
When I visited Colca Canyon, I opted to take a full-day tour from Arequipa. The tours include a great mix of all the area has to offer. We stopped in small towns, and canyon viewpoints, and saw lots of grazing llamas and vicuña and most spectacularly, the Andean Condor. Be prepared for a long day and an early start. Most tours leave Arequipa before sunrise to ensure you are at the canyon for the best time of day to view the condors. Remember to bring medication or drink plenty of coca tea to protect yourself from altitude sickness.
If you have more time: 2-Day Colca Canyon Trek
Recommended by Alex from Career Gappers.
The Colca Canyon near Arequipa is one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural phenomena, being the second-deepest canyon in the world. It’s a rugged landscape of jaw-dropping rocky faces and volcanoes on the horizon. While it is possible to capture a glimpse of the canyon and witness views from its upper rim on a day trip, you can experience it much more immersively by taking an overnight hike into its depths.
A two-day trek in the Colca Canyon includes all the highlights that you can experience on a day trip, such as a sight of Andean condors at the Cruz Del Condor viewing point, a stop at the 5,000-metre-high Patapampa pass for volcano views, and relaxation in the hot springs at Chivay.
But a trekking adventure will give you a much fuller experience of the canyon itself, taking you up close to its inner landscapes. The classic trek is hard work, as it involves a steep ascent with more than a kilometer elevation gain on the morning of the second day, typically beginning at 4 am! You don’t need climbing experience for this, as it’s a well-marked trail of uphill switchbacks. Just bring plenty of energy, snacks, and ideally some walking poles.
During the ascent, you can witness a unique perspective of the sun rising over the canyon, and then enjoy a spectacular view at the top, Cabanaconde, with the canyon drenched in the orange glow of the morning.
Day Trip 2: Chili River Rafting
If you’re looking for a fun and thrilling experience, rafting on the Chili River might be the ideal day trip from Arequipa for you. The unforgettable adventure waits for you just 20 minutes outside the city. This recommended rafting tour is perfect for both beginners and experienced people. The activity runs from April to December, tackling class II, III, and IV rapids. Your journey begins with a pickup at your hotel and a ride to the starting point of the Gruta de la Virgen de Chapi.
After a detailed safety briefing and gear check, you and your group will embark on a 6-km descent in a 6-person raft, led by an experienced rafting guide. For approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, you will navigate the rapids surrounded by breathtaking views of the canyon’s volcanic rock, pre-Inca terraces, and majestic volcanoes. The trip concludes in the Chilina district, with a return transfer to your hotel, leaving you with the best memories of Arequipa’s natural scenery.
Day Trip 3: Ruta del Sillar
Another interesting day trip from Arequipa (actually more of a half-day trip) is a tour to the Ruta del Sillar, a quarry near Arequipa. This is where the white volcanic stone blocks are extracted, which were used to build the city’s colonial structures. On the way there, the first stop is at a viewpoint offering a perfect view of the 5,800-meter-high Misti Volcano.
Once at the quarry, visitors are first explained the composition of the volcanic rock and can then walk along a path through the quarry to observe various sculptures carved out of the stones, which serve as photo opportunities for tourists. In addition to various animal sculptures and religious replicas, there was even a small depiction of the famous Petra Temple from Jordan. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun blazes in the cloudless sky.
Afterward, the tour continues by bus to the Culebrillas Gorge, a small, disused quarry that has been formed over time by water and wind erosion. Here, you walk for about 20 minutes through the narrow gorge and can take a closer look at the rocks. I was glad to be wearing long pants despite the heat, as I saw the couple in front of me having their legs nearly devoured by small mosquitoes. At the end of the gorge, we were shown some petroglyphs – cultural symbols carved into the rocks many years ago. They were so inconspicuous that we would never have discovered them on our own.
Day Trip 4: Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve
The Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve Tour offers an ideal day trip from Arequipa, allowing you to experience the stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity of Peru’s highlands. Just a couple of hours away, this tour is packed with scenic stops and opportunities to learn about the region’s geology and wildlife. Starting early in the morning, the tour first takes you to Chiguata, a charming highland town where you will enjoy breakfast. At the Mirador de los Volcanes, you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes – a perfect photo opportunity!
At the heart of the tour are the stunning Salinas Lagoon and salt flats with their surreal, mirror-like reflections that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Here, you can observe the traditional salt production process while enjoying the unique beauty of the landscape. Afterward, the tour includes a stop at the High Andean Camelid and Birds Reserve, allowing you to spot local wildlife such as flamingos and alpacas. For those seeking more relaxation, a visit to the mini thermal wells provides a chance to unwind before the return journey to Arequipa.
Day Trip 5: Pillones Waterfalls and Stone Forest
The Pillones Waterfall and Stone Forest Tour is an exciting day trip from Arequipa, combining natural wonders with cultural experiences. Starting the day trip in Pampa de Arrieros, a historic town with a charming old train station, you will learn a lot about the region’s past. Along the way, the tour stops at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe the majestic vicuñas, one of the four camelids in South America. A short break at Patahuasi allows you to drink a cup of coca tea to acclimate before moving on to the stone forest of Imata, a surreal and fascinating landscape.
At Imata’s Stone Forest, you will start a short but scenic hike, discovering towering rock formations. From there, the adventure continues to Pillones Waterfall, where you will descend to the falls, surrounded by rocks shaped by water erosion over centuries. Here you will have enough time for taking photos and relaxation. After taking in the spectacular views, the tour returns to Arequipa to drop everyone off at their hotel.
Day Trip 6: Hiking Volcano El Misti
Hiking El Misti Volcano is an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers visiting Arequipa, offering a rare opportunity to walk on an active volcano that rises 5,825 meters above sea level. Just 23 kilometers northeast of the Arequipa, this trek combines scenic beauty with a physical challenge, taking you through rugged high-altitude landscapes and offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. El Misti, often called the “Guardian of Arequipa,” is a well-known symbol in local culture.
The hike doesn’t require technical skills, but the altitude and terrain make it a demanding experience suited to adventurous and fit travelers. The trek typically begins in the afternoon during the dry season (April to December), allowing you to witness a spectacular sunset over Arequipa from the heights of the volcano. For those taking the hike during the rainy season, I recommended a morning start to avoid the afternoon rains. The way up rewards hikers with breathtaking views and a sense of achievement in the thin Andean air. One of the most spectacular day trips from Arequipa for sure!
If you have more time: 2-day Misti Volcano Trekking
Day Trip 7: Pisco and Wine Tour in the Majes Valley
The Pisco and Wine Tour in the Majes Valley, available only on Saturdays and Sundays, offers a full day of exploring the rich culture, history, and flavors of Peru’s renowned wine region. Departing from Arequipa early in the morning, the tour begins with a stop at the Toro Muerto petroglyphs. Here, you will see ancient rock carvings created by the Inca, Wari, and Collagua cultures. With an expert guide leading the way, you will learn about the meaning and significance of these petroglyphs.
The next stop on this day trip from Arequipa is a Majes Valley winery, where you will dive into the production process of Peru’s iconic pisco and regional wines. The experience includes a tour of the traditional facilities, tasting different pisco varieties and wines, and chatting with locals. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to a second winery, where you will explore the traditional methods of winemaking and distilling, ending with another round of tastings.
What are your favorite day trips from Arequipa? Let me know in the comments below!
And don’t forget to save these day trips from Arequipa for your next Peru travels!
