Things to Do in Arequipa with Kids
Things to do in Arequipa with kids include exploring Santa Catalina Monastery, meeting alpacas at a visitor center, walking to the Yanahuara viewpoint with views of El Misti volcano, and taking a half-day trip to Sabandia. Arequipa is about 2,300 meters high, so keep the first day light.
In this guide
- What are the best things to do in Arequipa with kids?
- Is Arequipa good for kids?
- What can kids do at Santa Catalina Monastery and in the old town?
- Where can kids see alpacas and enjoy the outdoors?
- Is the Colca Canyon trip suitable for children?
- What is a good family itinerary for 2 to 3 days?
- What should Israeli families know before visiting Arequipa?
What are the best things to do in Arequipa with kids?
The best things to do in Arequipa with kids are exploring the colorful Santa Catalina Monastery, visiting an alpaca center, climbing to the arches of Yanahuara for views of El Misti volcano, and taking a half-day countryside trip to the Sabandia mill.
| Activity | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Catalina Monastery | All ages, who like exploring a walled maze of streets | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Plaza de Armas and cathedral | Pigeon feeding, ice cream, a relaxed evening | 1 hour |
| Yanahuara viewpoint | Volcano views, cheap sweets, easy walk | 1 to 2 hours |
| Alpaca and textile visitor center | Feeding and meeting alpacas and llamas | 1 to 2 hours |
| Sabandia mill and countryside | Open air, farm animals, a short trip out of town | Half day |
| Chocolate workshop | Older kids who like hands-on activities | 1 to 2 hours |
Arequipa is Peru's second-largest city, known as the White City because many of its historic buildings are built from white volcanic stone called sillar. The center is compact and mostly flat, so even with small kids you can see a lot in two or three days without long transfers.
Is Arequipa good for kids?
Yes, Arequipa is a good city for kids because it is smaller and calmer than Lima, has a safe-feeling historic center with plenty of parks and plazas, and offers hands-on activities with animals, food and history.
The main challenge is altitude. Arequipa sits at about 2,300 meters above sea level, which is lower than Cusco, but still high enough for some people to feel headaches, tiredness or breathlessness. The sun is also strong at this altitude, so bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses even when it is cool.
- Take it easy on day one: keep the first day light, drink water, and avoid heavy meals.
- Talk to your doctor: ask your pediatrician or a travel clinic in Israel about altitude and kids before the trip.
- Mind the sun: bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat and light layers.
- Strollers: the sillar pavements in the center are often uneven, so a baby carrier may be easier than a stroller.
What can kids do at Santa Catalina Monastery and in the old town?
Kids can explore Santa Catalina Monastery, a walled city within the city with narrow blue and orange streets, courtyards, old kitchens and cloisters, which feels like a maze to wander through.
Santa Catalina is a large 16th-century convent and one of Arequipa's top sights. Allow time to walk slowly, since many areas are open air and the colors make great photo spots. The guided tour usually gives context, but with young children you may prefer to explore on your own and keep it short. Check opening hours, as the site may stay open into the evening on some days.
- Plaza de Armas: the main square, surrounded by arcades and the cathedral. Kids can play on the plaza, and the balconies of the surrounding restaurants offer views over the square.
- Museo Santuarios Andinos: displays Inca mummies found on nearby volcanoes, including the famous Juanita. This is interesting for older kids, but may be frightening for young ones, so preview it first.
- Chocolate workshop: a chocolate museum in the center runs hands-on workshops. Check availability and book ahead.
Where can kids see alpacas and enjoy the outdoors?
Kids can see alpacas, llamas and vicunas at a visitor center in Arequipa or at nearby highland reserves, and play outdoors in the city's parks and on the Yanahuara viewpoint.
- Mundo Alpaca: a visitor center where you can meet alpacas and llamas, see how wool is processed and look at textile demonstrations. It is a good rainy-day or low-energy option.
- Yanahuara viewpoint: a quiet district with a small plaza and arches framing the view of El Misti volcano. Try the local sweets and ice cream nearby.
- Selva Alegre park: a large green park in the city, popular with local families for a picnic and play time.
- Countryside (campiña): the green farmland around Arequipa, with traditional lunch restaurants known as picanterias, is a relaxing day out.
- Sabandia mill: a restored stone mill in the countryside, with a pond and farm setting.
Be careful with animals: do not let kids chase or grab alpacas and llamas, as they may spit or kick.
Is the Colca Canyon trip suitable for children?
Colca Canyon is possible with older, healthy kids, but it is a demanding trip with high altitude and long drives, so it is usually not recommended for babies and young children.
The canyon is several hours by road from Arequipa and normally done as a one- or two-night trip. The road crosses a high pass at around 4,800 meters, and the village of Chivay is at over 3,600 meters. The main attraction is watching Andean condors rise on the morning thermals from the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. With kids, consider a private driver for flexibility and extra stops.
- Age: most families wait until children are older and able to tell you how they feel.
- Altitude: spend a couple of days in Arequipa first to acclimatize.
- Alternative: if you do not want to go that high, stay in Arequipa and do countryside half-day trips instead.
What is a good family itinerary for 2 to 3 days?
A good family itinerary for 2 to 3 days spends day one in the old center, day two on viewpoints and animals, and day three on a countryside trip or a relaxing morning before your flight.
- Day 1: easy arrival. Plaza de Armas, lunch, Santa Catalina Monastery late in the day.
- Day 2: morning at an alpaca visitor center, lunch in Yanahuara, sunset at the viewpoint.
- Day 3: half-day trip to Sabandia and the countryside, or a chocolate workshop, then a quiet evening.
Food tip: Arequipa is famous for its cuisine, including rocoto relleno (a stuffed spicy pepper) and queso helado (a local frozen dessert). Kids can usually find milder options such as rice, chicken, soups and potatoes. Ask for dishes without spicy chili, as rocoto and aji peppers can be very hot. Drink bottled or filtered water.
What should Israeli families know before visiting Arequipa?
Israeli families should check Peru's entry rules, read the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) and Foreign Ministry advisories, and plan for a long journey with connections, since there is no direct flight from Israel to Arequipa.
- Flights: routes normally connect through Europe or another hub to Lima, then a domestic flight to Arequipa. Check current schedules and layover times with kids.
- Entry: Israeli passport holders have generally been able to enter Peru without a visa for short tourist stays, but confirm current rules with official Peruvian sources before booking.
- Safety advisories: southern Peru has seen strikes and road blockades in some periods. Read the latest advice from the Israeli NSC and Foreign Ministry, and check the situation before booking.
- Seasons: the dry season is roughly April to November, with sunny days and cool nights. The rainy season from January to March has more afternoon showers.
- Kosher and Shabbat: for kosher food or Shabbat arrangements, contact the local Jewish community or Chabad house in Peru, which is based mostly in Lima, in advance.
FAQ
Is Arequipa suitable for young children?
Yes, as long as you plan for the altitude of about 2,300 meters. Arequipa is compact, with parks, plazas and gentle activities such as an alpaca center and countryside trips. Keep the first day light, drink plenty of fluids and ask your doctor before the trip.
What is the best activity for kids in Arequipa?
Most families enjoy Santa Catalina Monastery, a colorful walled city of narrow streets, followed by an alpaca visitor center. The Yanahuara viewpoint and the countryside around Sabandia are good for fresh air, and a chocolate workshop suits slightly older children.
Can you take kids to Colca Canyon from Arequipa?
It is possible with older, healthy children, but the trip involves long drives, a high pass at around 4,800 meters and nights above 3,600 meters. Most families with babies or young children skip it, and choose half-day trips around Arequipa instead.
How many days do you need in Arequipa with kids?
Two to three days is enough for the main sights at a relaxed pace, including Santa Catalina Monastery, Yanahuara, an alpaca center and a countryside trip. Add more days if you want to include the Colca Canyon or build in rest time for altitude.
Do Israelis need a visa for Peru?
Israeli passport holders have generally been able to enter Peru visa-free for short tourist stays, but rules can change. Check the official Peruvian immigration website before booking, and read the Israeli NSC and Foreign Ministry advisories, as southern Peru has seen strikes and blockades.
What food can kids eat in Arequipa?
Arequipa food can be spicy, but most restaurants offer milder dishes such as grilled chicken, rice, potatoes and soups. Ask for food without chili, avoid raw salads and tap water, and try queso helado, a local frozen dessert, as a treat.