How Many Days Are Recommended to Stay in Arequipa After Visiting Cusco?

After exploring the history and highlands of Cusco, many travelers continue their adventure to Arequipa, the White City of southern Peru. But a key question arises: how many days are worth staying in Arequipa to enjoy it fully?

Here’s a guide with a flexible itinerary and recommendations to make your stay in Arequipa complete and stress-free. Plus, if you book with us, your trip can be fully organized from start to finish.

Minimum 2 Days: The Essentials of Arequipa

If your time is limited, 2 days are enough to see the main highlights:

Day 1:

• Plaza de Armas

• Arequipa Cathedral

• Santa Catalina Monastery

• Yanahuara Viewpoint

Day 2:

• Local gastronomy tour

• San Lázaro neighborhood or museum visits

• Panoramic city tour

This is a compact itinerary but very manageable if you organize your transfers and tours in advance.

Recommended: 3 to 4 Days for a Relaxed Experience

If you have a bit more time, staying 3 to 4 days allows you to:

• Explore the historic center at a relaxed pace

• Take a full-day excursion to Colca Canyon

• Savor traditional cuisine in local picanterías

• Visit lesser-known museums, churches, and viewpoints

With our service, you can coordinate full tours and transfers that match your travel pace.

More Time? Combine Adventure and Relaxation

For a stay of 5 days or more, you can:

• Include a 2-day Colca Canyon tour with overnight in Chivay

• Relax in thermal springs in the valley

• Hike natural trails with volcano views

• Connect with traditional Arequipa villages

We can help you build a personalized itinerary with cultural, nature, or leisure activities.

How Long to Stay Based on Your Travel Style

• Express travelers: 2 well-planned days

• Classic tourists: 3–4 days to see the essentials and enjoy comfortably

• Explorers or photographers: 5 days or more to discover unique and less-touristy spots

The key is to have a clear route, secure transfers, and advance reservations to make the most of every hour.

Organize Your Cusco-to-Arequipa Trip with Us

Avoid complications with tickets, schedules, or last-minute bookings. We provide:

• Comfortable and safe transportation between Cusco and Arequipa

• Guided tours of the city and Colca Canyon

• Flexible itineraries based on your available time

• Personalized support before, during, and after your trip

Traveling with planning not only saves time but enhances your entire experience. Arequipa awaits with history, flavor, and stunning landscapes. Stay as long as you need to enjoy it fully, and we’ll take care of the rest.