Arequipa, the «White City,» wins over every traveler, but its main attraction, Colca Canyon, takes some planning.
Many travelers have only two full days. Is it better to see the city (the city tour) or head straight to the canyon? Here’s the 48-hour dilemma and the solution so you don’t miss a thing.
1. Colca Canyon: nature and trekking
The Colca is a must for anyone who loves nature and trekking.
- What it is. One of the deepest canyons in the world and the home of the Andean condor.
- Logistics. The ideal option is the 2-day, 1-night tour. The one-day trip (Full Day) is very tiring: you leave at 3 a.m. and spend almost the whole day on the bus. The best experience is to spend the night in the valley, in Chivay.
- Best for. Travelers who want to watch wildlife, go trekking and see Andean landscapes.
2. The White City: history and culture
The historic center of Arequipa is a World Heritage Site and an architectural treasure.
- What it is. The colonial, mystical heart of the city, built with sillar, a white volcanic stone.
- Logistics. You can see it well with two half-day tours: in the morning, the classic city tour (Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Santa Catalina Monastery); in the afternoon, the Sillar Route or the countryside tour through the Campiña (viewpoints and the place where sillar stone comes from).
- Best for. Travelers who love history, colonial architecture and local food.
The solution: a 2-day strategy
If you have exactly 2 days, the best plan is to combine both, with comfort as the priority:
| Day | Main activity | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | City tour + Sillar Route | Acclimatization and exploring the city and its culture |
| Day 2 | Colca Canyon (Full Day) | The express route to see the condor and the canyon |
Recommended alternative: if you have 3 days, do the Colca Canyon in 2 days and 1 night on days 2 and 3. The trip goes from exhausting to relaxed: you’ll have time for the hot springs and a better night’s rest.
Don’t sacrifice the experience
At Tari Tours, we plan your route so you can see the Colca without the logistics stress.
Adding Arequipa to your itinerary?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We organize the Arequipa city tour and Colca Canyon; ask about our “Arequipa Esencial” package.