Ultimate Guide To Arequipa With Kids
This guide comes from two weeks on the ground in Arequipa, real days out, real family wins, and all the lessons we learned while travelling Peru’s sunniest city with kids.
We came to Arequipa with no expectations, just two tired parents, two kids who’d survived far too many buses, and a loose plan to catch our breath before heading deeper into the Andes. What was meant to be a quick reset turned into one of our favourite stops in Peru.
With volcanoes towering over the skyline, gentle altitude, bright sunshine almost every day, and a calmer pace than Lima or or the othersmaller cities we visited before, Arequipa is the exact kind of place families can settle into. We spent two weeks here, part rest, part exploring, part preparing for our Colca Canyon adventure, and it quickly became the city where everything felt easy again.
If you’re wondering whether Arequipa is worth it with kids, how to plan your days, or which areas are best for family stays, this guide covers everything we learned: the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to build an effortless Arequipa itinerary with kids.
Arequipa Family Travel Essentials
Altitude / Arequipa sits at around 2,335 m (7,661 ft) much gentler than Cusco, which makes it a great first stop for families easing into Peru’s highlands. Most kids adjust fine with slow mornings, plenty of water, and light meals. If you’re coming from sea level, avoid long uphill walks on day one. (This naturally answers “Arequipa altitude tips for families.”)
Getting In / The airport is just 20–25 minutes from the city centre, and taxis are reliable. If you’re arriving after dark or with tired kids, pre-booking a private transfer saves the haggling and wandering outside the terminal. Long-distance buses from Lima, Nazca, and Puno arrive at the Terrapuerto, about 10–15 minutes from town.
Entrance Fees / What to Book Ahead / Arequipa doesn’t have a city-wide tourist pass, but a few spots are worth booking in advance, especially Santa Catalina Monastery, which can get busy mid-morning. For families keen on hands-on experiences, chocolate classes and walking tours often fill up on weekends.
Short on Time? / A one-day Arequipa intro is easy with kids:
Santa Catalina Monastery → Plaza de Armas → Yanahuara viewpoint. You can also join a half-day cultural tour that blends history, volcanos, and local neighborhoods without overloading little legs.
Colca Canyon (Family-Friendly) / Many families use Arequipa as a launchpad for Colca Canyon. Instead of the hardcore trekking routes, choose a 2-day small-group tour with stops at viewpoints, hot springs, and condor lookouts, a much more child-friendly pace than the traditional descent-and-climb trek.
Where to Stay / The best family bases are Yanahuara (quiet, safe, residential) and San Lázaro (local charm, short walk to the centre). If you want boutique comfort, modern rooms and courtyards are easy to find. For full recommendations, see our dedicated guide:
Where to Stay in Arequipa With Kids (2 Best Areas + Family Hotels).
Getting Around / The historic centre is mostly walkable, though pavements can be narrow or uneven, so carriers often work better than strollers. Short taxi rides cost S/8–10, and apps like Uber or InDriver are widely used. Always cross streets carefully, traffic can be fast and unpredictable.
Why We Chose to Base in Arequipa
After more than 2,500 km of buses, border crossings, and one hilariously chaotic Workaway that went from “this will be our base for two weeks” to “we’re leaving tomorrow morning,” we needed a place to slow down. Somewhere calmer, warmer, safer, and a bit easier on the kids (and us).
Arequipa turned out to be exactly that.
The city has this gentle rhythm you don’t quite appreciate until you arrive, warm sunlight from breakfast until late afternoon, clean streets, reliable Wi-Fi, actual supermarkets, and cafés where you can drink a coffee while it’s still hot. After weeks of constant movement through Peru, Arequipa felt like the first place where we could properly exhale.
For families, Arequipa sits in that in-between zone: lively enough to feel exciting, busy enough to demand a bit of awareness, and definitely more chaotic than people make it sound. It’s not the gentle, postcard-quiet place some blogs promise, traffic bursts out of nowhere, plazas fill fast, and the energy hums all day.
Even so, it’s still a place where you can settle in, find your bearings, grab a coffee, and let the kids run around without the full sensory overload of Lima. It’s a different kind of reset, not silent or slow, but steady enough to catch your breath before tackling the altitude punch of Cusco or the big climbs of Colca Canyon.
We based ourselves in Yanahuara and San Lázaro, two areas that instantly felt safe and welcoming. Both are close to the centre (10–15 minutes on foot), but far enough from the traffic and noise to actually sleep well, a luxury when travelling with kids.
Arequipa wasn’t meant to be a highlight of the trip, but it quickly became one of our family’s favourite “pause button” city in Peru. And looking back, stopping here was one of the best decisions we made.
Best Things To Do in Arequipa With Kids
Arequipa might not shout “family destination” on the surface, but once you start exploring, you realise just how easy it is to fill your days here. Sunshine, walkable streets, gentle altitude, museums kids actually enjoy, and views that stop you in your tracks, it’s one of those cities that quietly grows on you. Plus it has 2 massive malls if you want some normality like Starbucks.
Here are the best things to do in Arequipa with kids, based on our own days out, family wins, and a few pleasant surprises.
1. Mundo Alpaca
📍 Calle Alameda San Lázaro 101
🕒 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
💰 Free (donations welcome)
Mundo Alpaca is half alpaca refuge, half weaving centre, and a full win for families. The kids loved feeding the alpacas and watching how the wool is dyed naturally. It’s calm, educational, and a great low-energy morning activity.
Family Tip: Go right when it opens, you’ll have the animals almost to yourselves and better photo chances.
2. Santa Catalina Monastery
📍 Calle Santa Catalina 301
💰 S/40 adults / S/20 kids
🕒 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Walking into Santa Catalina feels like stepping into a brightly painted village. The maze-like alleys, courtyards, and rooftops kept the kids excited the whole way through, and there’s plenty of space to explore without rushing.
Good to Know: If you enjoy having the stories behind the walls, guided visits add a lot of context and help you focus on the best areas without backtracking.
3. Plaza de Armas & Cathedral
📍 Historic Centre
💰 Free / Cathedral S/10
The Plaza is where the city comes alive each evening. Street food, kids playing, music drifting around the square, it has a warm, local feel. You can duck into the cathedral if it’s open, but honestly the magic is outside.
Family Tip: Evenings are lively but still relaxed, a great time to let the kids unwind after a day of sightseeing.
4. Yanahuara Viewpoint
📍 Yanahuara District
💰 Free
This viewpoint delivers the postcard-famous view of El Misti framed by stone arches. It’s close, easy to reach, and the surrounding streets are pleasant to wander.
Good to Know: The light is best late afternoon, just before sunset. A quick taxi gets you there with no fuss.
5. Carmen Alto Viewpoint
📍 Carmen Alto, Cayma
💰 Small entrance fee
If you want a wide-open panoramic of the terraces and volcanoes with fewer crowds, Carmen Alto is worth the short taxi ride. It’s spacious and quiet, making it easier for kids to roam a little.
Family Tip: Bring water, there’s less shade here, especially midday.
6. San Lázaro Neighbourhood
📍 North of the Historic Centre
💰 Free
San Lázaro is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Arequipa, full of narrow cobblestone streets, white stone houses, and tiny cafés. It’s ideal for slow, aimless wandering.
Family Tip: This is a good area to find calmer cafés and safer crossings, especially in the mornings.
7. Mercado San Camilo
📍 San Camilo
💰 Free
One of the most approachable markets in Peru for families. Kids love the fruit stands, colourful juice counters, and watching locals prepare everything from cheese to flowers.
Good to Know: Pick a fresh juice from a busy stand, turnover means fresher fruit and cold drinks.
8. Chocolate Workshop
📍 Chaqchao Chocolates
🕒 1–2 hours
💰 From S/35–40
Roasting beans, grinding chocolate, tasting different varieties, it’s messy, fun, and a guaranteed kid-pleaser. Great for late afternoons when energy is dipping.
Family Tip: Weekend classes fill quickly, so it’s worth reserving a spot the day before.
9. Free Walking Tour
📍 Plaza de Armas
💰 Tip-based
If your kids can handle a gentle hour or two, the walking tour is a brilliant introduction to Arequipa’s history and hidden corners. Many guides are great with families.
Good to Know: Choose a late-morning tour, cooler weather and less city noise for younger kids.
10. Playgrounds & Plazas
Sometimes the best family travel moments come from doing less. Arequipa’s small plazas and playgrounds are perfect to break up the day.
Plaza Mayta Cápac
Parque Selva Alegre
Playgrounds near Yanahuara
Family Tip: Bring snacks and water, shade can be limited in some parks.
Where To Stay in Arequipa With Kids
Choosing the right area makes a huge difference in Arequipa, especially with kids. The city is walkable, safe in the right pockets, and easy to navigate, but some neighbourhoods definitely suit families better than others.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best places to base yourself, plus a few family-friendly stays to get you started.
Best Areas for Families
Yanahuara – Quiet, Scenic & Family-Friendly
If you want calm streets, impressive volcano views, and a more residential vibe, Yanahuara is spot on. It’s quieter than the centre, full of cafés and small parks, and only a 10–15 minute taxi ride to most attractions. Perfect for families who want space and sleep.
San Lázaro – Charming Streets & Close to Everything
San Lázaro was one of our favourite areas in Arequipa. Think narrow cobblestone alleys, white volcanic stone houses, local bakeries, and a slower pace. It feels safe, laid-back, and is only a short walk into the Historic Centre.
Centro Histórico – Walkable & Convenient
If you prefer being right in the action, the Historic Centre puts everything on your doorstep: the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina, cafés, markets. It’s a little noisier at night, but incredibly convenient for families who plan to explore on foot.
Family-Friendly Places to Stay
(Budget → Mid-Range → Splurge)
These are places we’d happily book as a family, good locations, decent room sizes, helpful staff, and reliable reviews.
Budget
Hostal Los Andes – Centro Histórico
Clean, simple, walkable, and great for short stays.
Family rooms available and close to the Plaza.
Approx. S/90–140 per night.
La Posada del Fraile — Near Santa Catalina
Quiet street, friendly staff, spacious rooms for the price.
Short stroll to the monastery and main square.
Approx. S/100–150 per night.
Mid-Range
Mint Hotel – Yanahuara
Bright rooms, rooftop views, and a quieter neighbourhood feel.
Great for families wanting comfort without overspending.
Approx. S/160–240 per night.
Casa de Avila – Near Centro Histórico
Lovely garden space, cooking classes, and a relaxed family atmosphere.
Safe enclosed courtyard for kids to play.
Approx. S/180–260 per night.
Splurge
Cirqa – Relais & Châteaux – Centro Histórico
Arequipa’s most luxurious stay: historical property, heated plunge pool, beautifully designed rooms.
Walkable to everything.
High-end rates, ideal for special trips.
qp Hotels Arequipa – Yanahuara
Boutique-style rooms with more space and modern features.
Close to the viewpoint in a peaceful area.
Approx. S/300–450 per night.
Want more options?
We’ve put together a complete breakdown of the best areas and hotels for families, with detailed pros and cons:
Read the full guide: Where to Stay in Arequipa With Kids (Top 3 Stays)
Arequipa Itinerary With Kids (2–3 Days)
If you’ve only got a couple of days in Arequipa, you can still see a lot without exhausting everyone. This itinerary works well for families with kids aged roughly 4–12, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a relaxed rhythm rather than a packed “checklist” schedule.
Arequipa is easy to explore: most highlights sit close together, the altitude is gentle, and the sunshine helps with energy levels. Here’s a simple way to structure your time.
Day 1 - Old Town, Monastery & Volcano Views
Morning: Santa Catalina Monastery
Arrive at opening time to enjoy it quietly and let the kids explore the colourful passageways at their own pace.
Good to Know: Guided visits help you navigate the best courtyards and rooftops without doubling back.
Lunch: Stop at a family-friendly café like Prana, Huayruro, Eco Brunch or Palacios Coffee.
Afternoon: Slow walk around Plaza de Armas and the cathedral.
Sunset: Head to Yanahuara for easy photos and calmer streets.
Family Tip: Pace the day gently, the sun is strong and kids can get tired quicker in the dry heat
Day 2 - Alpacas, Markets & Chocolate
Morning: Mundo Alpaca for animal time, then a wander through San Lázaro.
Family Tip: Let the kids choose a café en route, it keeps enthusiasm up for the walk.
Lunch: Light café lunch or a quick menú.
Afternoon: Mercado San Camilo for fruit juices, colours, and a bit of local bustle.
Late Afternoon: Chocolate workshop, a perfect hands-on activity after a busy day.
Good to Know: Late afternoon sessions tend to be quieter, especially on weekdays.
Optional Day 3 – Slow Day or Prep for Colca
Morning: Free walking tour if everyone’s energised, or playground time if they’re not.
Afternoon: Relax in cafés, buy snacks, check cash, and prep for the Colca Canyon trip.
Family Tip: If doing Colca Canyon the next day, aim for an early night, some pickups start as early as 3 a.m.
Short on Time?
One day in Arequipa still works:
Santa Catalina → Plaza de Armas → Lunch → San Lázaro → Yanahuara
You’ll cover colour, culture, food, and volcano views without pushing the kids too hard.
Eating in Arequipa With Kids
Arequipa surprised us in the best way, food was easy, portions were generous, and even the pickiest small humans could find something on a plate that didn’t trigger a negotiation. If you lean plant-based, great. If your kids live on bread, even better. And if you’re a parent who runs on coffee? This city will look after you.
Below are the spots we found ourselves returning to. Not because they were trendy or Instagram-perfect, but because the boys actually ate the food without turning it into a Greek tragedy.
Kid-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants in Arequipa
Prana Vegan Club – Calle Jerusalén (near the centre) S/25–35
Bright, easygoing spot with smoothies, pancakes, fruit bowls, and fast service. The kids actually ate here without a debate.
Eco Brunch Café – Calle San Francisco – S/15–25
Strong coffee for parents, fruit plates and sandwiches for kids. Quiet in the mornings, which helped everyone ease into the day.
Palacios Coffee – Calle Ugarte – S/12–18
Early-opening café with good pastries. Perfect for pre-adventure caffeine and kid-friendly snacks.
La Despensa – Near Plaza de Armas – S/18–30
European-style bakery with reliable breakfasts. If your kids lean on “safe foods,” this spot is gold.
Mercado San Camilo (Food Stands) – San Camilo – Very cheap
Fresh juices, fruit bowls, empanadas, set meals. Loud, colourful, slightly chaotic — our kids loved the energy more than the food.
La Ibérica (Ice Cream & Chocolate)
The easiest win in Arequipa. Ice cream that disappears instantly, chocolate that somehow keeps ending up in your bag, and a guaranteed mood-lifter after walking tours or plaza wandering.
What Our Kids Actually Ate Most Days
Because kids don’t care about culinary prestige, they care about food that appears fast and tastes familiar.
Here’s the honest list:
Fruit smoothies
Pancakes (Prana’s were the favourites)
Fresh bakery bread and pastries
Veggie sandwiches
Simple rice and chicken plates
Empanadas from corner bakeries
Plain pasta (Aurie was fussy)
Some days it was balanced. Some days it was carbs and vibes.
It evened out.
Getting Around Arequipa (With Kids)
Arequipa is one of those cities that feels big on a map but small under your feet. You don’t need a complicated transport plan here, just a couple of tricks, a sense of humour, and the ability to dodge the occasional enthusiastic taxi driver who really wants your fare.
On Foot
Most families end up walking more than expected, expect 10k= a day. The centre is compact, sunlit, and easy enough to follow with landmarks (volcano that way, monastery this way, Plaza straight ahead). But the pavements? A bit chaotic. Think uneven stones, surprise holes, high curbs, and the occasional wandering dog claiming its spot in the sun.
Stroller or no stroller?
Honestly, a lightweight travel stroller can work, but you’ll hit enough cobbles to consider carrying it half the time. A carrier is easier, especially in the historic centre. If your kids are 4+, walking is fine, just prepare for “my legs are tired” the second you turn a corner.
Taxis & Ride Apps
Taxis are everywhere. Short rides inside the city — S/6 to S/10. Longer hops — S/12–S/20.
Tips that saved us:
Negotiate the price before you get in.
Show the driver the address on your phone, spelling helps no one here.
Keep small change (drivers rarely have any).
Seatbelts are… hit or miss. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, stick to apps.
Ride apps:
Uber works well, and drivers are usually calmer and less… persuasive than street taxis. We used them early mornings and evenings, especially with the kids, 98% of the time they’re cheaper than local taxis too.
Colectivos
Colectivos (shared minibuses) are cheap and fast but not usually family-friendly unless your kids are used to busy, tight, slightly wild rides. They’re great if you’re heading somewhere specific, like from Yanahuara to the centre, but probably not your everyday option as city versions are a lot busier comared to say Huanchacho colectivos.
We used them twice. The boys loved the chaos. We left with ringing ears.
To/From Other Cities
Arequipa is a major transport hub, so getting in and out is easy, buses, planes, whatever works for your route. We took a 14 hour night bus from Nazca to Arequipa.
Buses:
You’ll see these routes everywhere:
Arequipa → Nazca / Paracas / Lima
Arequipa → Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Arequipa → Cusco
Arequipa → Chivay / Cabanaconde (Colca Canyon)
We’ll have detailed transport guides for each route, especially Arequipa → Colca with kids, since that one needs some planning…Aka a tour guide.
Airport:
Rodríguez Ballón Airport sits about 20–25 minutes from the city. Taxis charge around S/25–S/30 depending on the hour. No car seats, as usual.
If you prefer pre-booking long-distance buses, Busbud and PeruHop are reliable, and less chaotic than winging it at the terminal. We have used both, we used Peru hop 9More expensive but more organised) from Arequipa to puni and then to Cusco. From North of Peru all the way down to Areuipa we used Busbud and redbus to organise long distance night buses.
Arequipa Altitude Tips For Families
What’s Normal vs. Not Normal
Arequipa sits at around 2,335m, which is high enough for your body to notice but not high enough to knock you sideways the way Cusco (3,400m+) can. Think of Arequipa as the “warm-up city” the place where you realise altitude is a thing, but you’re not fighting it all day long.
Kids usually bounce back faster than adults, but they also hit tired walls suddenly and dramatically. One minute they’re sprinting across a plaza, the next they’re lying on a stone bench claiming they “can’t move again ever.”
Travelling Peru you can’t help but experience Altitude and its effects at some point, whther thats in Cusco, Arequipa, Matchup pitchu or Rainbow Mountain, you will feel it and will have to cope with it, Coca leaves do help.
Normal:
Light headache, tired legs, short breaths on hills, wanting to nap at 4 p.m.
Not normal:
– Persistent vomiting
– Struggling to breathe at rest
– Blue lips
– Severe headache that doesn’t ease with rest/hydration
If anything feels “off-off,” not just “new place tired,” go slow or get checked. Clinics in Arequipa are used to altitude-related visitors.
How To Help Kids Adjust (The Stuff That Actually Works)
Start slow the first day.
No giant walking tours. No “let’s just pop up to that viewpoint,” which always becomes a 90-minute march in the sun. Stick to playgrounds, cafés, and short wanders.
Hydrate early, not late.
Your kids won’t think they’re thirsty, but they are. Small sips during the day beat big gulps at dinner. Its a pain already trying to remind Atty and Aurie to drink, so expect a effort to do so.
Light meals at night.
Heavy food at altitude sits like a brick. Fruit, rice, veggies, soups, easier on everyone. Almuerzos are good for this.
Use the sun to your advantage.
Arequipa has almost-ridiculous levels of sunshine. Morning light helps regulate the kids’ clocks and reduces that weird altitude fatigue.
Avoid sugar bombs on day one.
Altitude + tired kids + sugar = chaos. Learned this the hard way.
Layer up, layer off.
Arequipa flips from chilly shade to warm sun in seconds. Kids who get cold/hot/cold melt faster.
Ideal Itinerary for Your First 24 Hours in Arequipa
Slow breakfast in a café
Gentle wander through San Lázaro
Playtime in a plaza (Benches for adults. Shadow games for kids.)
Light lunch
Afternoon rest or a short museum visit
Early dinner
Early bedtime
It looks simple because it should be simple. adaptation.
Read our Guide: What Its Really like Living at High Altitude With Kids
Colca Canyon With Kids
We hadn’t planned on trekking Colca Canyon with kids. It sounded like one of those ideas you throw around casually over dinner “Imagine doing that as a family…” and then immediately laugh off because of reality, schedules, small legs, and general sanity but we have always liek to ush the kids somewhat as we know they’re capable.
But after two weeks in Arequipa, something shifted. Maybe it was the blue-sky confidence, maybe the altitude finally agreeing with us, maybe the way the both of them kept climbing everything in sight. Either way, the idea stopped sounding ridiculous and started sounding… possible.
So we went for it.
What the Trek Is Actually Like
Colca Canyon isn’t a gentle valley stroll. It’s a down-then-up situation, steep in both directions, dusty trails, sun that feels close enough to touch. But it’s also stunning in that “we’re tiny specks in a huge landscape” kind of way. The scale does something to you. Also the largest canyon.
Our kids handled it better than we expected. Not effortlessly, but with enough grit (and enough snacks) that the challenge felt more like an adventure than a mistake.
Who This Trek Isn’t For
Just to be straight:
Very young kids will struggle, the distances and heat aren’t kind to toddlers. Ours were 8 and 6.
Anyone with mobility issues will find the descent and ascent brutal.
Families who want comfort over challenge will be happier staying in the Colca Valley villages or doing a day trip instead of a trek.
This isn’t meant to scare anyone off, just setting realistic expectations. Colca Canyon is incredible, but it’s not a “pushchair-and-ice-cream” kind of outing.
Want the Full Breakdown?
The full guide covers:
What to pack (for adults and kids)
Which route makes sense for families
How long you actually need
How to choose a guide (and whether you need one)
Things no one warns you about until you’re already halfway down the canyon
If Colca Canyon is on your list, read our full guide here:
Colca Canyon With Kids, Packing List, Routes, and What No One Tells You
FAQ: Real Questions People Ask About Travelling Arequipa
Is Arequipa worth visiting with kids?
Yes, massively. It’s sunny, walkable, calm in a way bigger Peruvian cities rarely are, and loaded with plazas, cafés, and kid-friendly stops. It has enough “wow” (volcano views, alpacas, colourful monasteries) without overwhelming little ones.
How many days do you need in Arequipa?
Three full days works for the highlights. Four is better if you want a slower rhythm, cafés, markets, viewpoints, and playgrounds. A week gives you a comfortable base for Colca Canyon and downtime between travel stretches.
Arequipa vs Cusco – which is better with kids?
Arequipa is easier. Lower altitude, gentler pace, sunnier weather, Malls and normality. Cusco has more blockbuster sights, lots of cafe’s and Plazas but If you’re travelling with younger kids or first adjusting to altitude, Arequipa wins.
What’s the cheapest way to get from Arequipa to Puno?
Standard intercity buses are the best value, with comfortable seats, direct routes, usually running S/30–S/60 depending on the company and time. But if you don’t mind paying more then book with Peru hop, especially if your next stop after Puno is Cusco.
Is Arequipa safe at night?
Mostly, yes especially around the centre, Santa Catalina area, and the busy restaurant streets. The usual city sense applies: stick to lit areas, keep phones away from edges of pockets, take a Uber home after dinner. We walked early evenings with the kids and it felt fine.
Can you use Arequipa as a base for Colca Canyon?
Definitely. Most tours and independent treks start and end in Arequipa, and the city is far more comfortable for families than staying in tiny canyon towns. You can prep here, rest here, and return here before heading onwards.
Closing Thoughts
Arequipa ended up being the calm middle chapter in a very wild Peru trip. A pause between long bus rides, altitude jumps, and big adventures, a place where we actually had space to notice the details, let the kids run around plazas, drink coffee in the sunshine without rushing off to the next thing and actually have time to work on this blog, work and side hustles.
If you’re travelling through Peru with kids, give yourself time here to breathe. Slow mornings, warm afternoons, and those volcano silhouettes at dusk, it all builds into the kind of travel rhythm families crave but rarely get but makes the whole journey of family travel worth it.
