Main Attractions

*Go see Juanita Mummy, or ?the Ice Maiden?, a 15th century Incan Mummy of a frozen and nearly perfectly preserved 12-14 year old girl.

*Visit the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the main square of Arequipa, surrounded by buildings made of white volcanic stone and boasting a majestic fountain in its center.

*For some adventure, go whitewater rafting in what are said to be some of the best rivers in the world.

*Looking for a good trek? Climb to the top of El Misti volcano or down the Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

*Explore the markets in the center of town, where you can find delicious local food for cheap as well as handmade crafts and souvenirs.

When to go

Arequipa is dry and sunny year-round, making it an ideal destination regardless of season. Sugust nights can get slightly cold, and the ?rainy? season lasts from Jan-Mar, though rainfall is still moderate.

How to get there

The best way to travel to Arequipa for anyone on a budget is by bus. Backpackers and other travelers can take inexpensive regional buses to Arequipa from Cusco, Puno, Camana, Pisco, Nazca, Lima, and Tacna. If time is an issue or you?re just looking for more comfort, flights are available to the Arequipa airport, 7 km from the city, from Lima, Juliaca, and Cusco. A taxi from the airport to the city center should cost between S/12 and S/20.

Visa information

Travelers from the USA, Europe, and Israel, do not need a visa to enter Peru. Some Asian countries do need visas, so check online before planning your trip.

Tipping

Most restaurants and bars in Peru add a 10% gratuity onto the bill. If the service has been good it is customary to add an additional 10%. Taxis are not tipped, and meters are rare, so make sure to negotiate a fare prior to getting into the cab. Hotel porters expect a tip of $1 per bag.