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Tourist in the colourful streets of Arequipa, Peru

Culture and Cookery in Arequipa

Bite-sized trip

  • Itinerary:
    Arequipa
  • Duration:
    3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
  • Price:
    From £ 240.- pp (excluding flights)
Arequipa is an understated highlight of Peru - an attractive city with a distinct personality and a striking volcanic backdrop. Wander along cobbled streets to the local market and enter an explosion of colour, sounds and smells. Step inside a local home and learn the secrets of how to cook perfect quinoa, chicha or caldo verde. In the evening you can visit Basilica Cathedral and watch local life unfold.
Tourist leaning on a monastery wall in Arequipa, Peru
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Day 1 – Arrival in Arequipa

As you arrive in Arequipa you’ll notice the volcanic peaks soaring up around the city. With such a majestic backdrop, it’s hard not to fall in love with the place. You’ll stay in a colonial-style hotel within walking distance of the central plaza, and you’ll find a whole host of restaurants and bars nearby. This evening you can take it easy, and grab a Pisco as the cathedral lights come on and reflect in the fountain below.

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Day 2 – Arequipeño cookery and free time to explore

After breakfast, a local guide will come to meet you so that you can experience a different side of the city. You’ll head to the central market first, to pick up all the seasonal vegetables, grains and herbs you’ll need for today’s lunch. Next, you’ll visit a local cook in her home, where you’ll prepare a traditional Peruvian meal together – you’ll mainly be on chopping duty, and with your guide as translator she’ll explain the process and answer any questions. Finally, lunch is served!

Your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the city at your own pace. Before you part ways, your guide can give you some insider tips on what to do and where to eat, and we’d recommend making time to visit the colourful, expansive complex at Monasterio de Santa Catalina, where nuns have served for centuries. For something a little off the usual tourist map, take a trip out to the tranquil Yanahuara district.

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Day 3 Departure from Arequipa

Depending on your departure time today you might be able to take one last wander through the cobbled streets, and perhaps have one last coffee in the Plaza de Armas.

When it’s time to go you’ll pack up your things and get ready for your next adventure.

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Accommodation

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Culture and Cookery in Arequipa

For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options

Arequipa accommodation bedroom
Arequipa accommodation dining room
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Option
1

Upgrade to our In Style accommodation

  • Travel sum:
    From £ 264.- pp (excluding flights)
  • Included:
    In Style accommodation, excursions, transport and meals as described above

For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In-Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-size trip select our In Style option below.

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This bite-sized trip can be combined well with

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