Arequipa, Peru

Celebrity chef Gastón Acurio's beloved Arequipa outpost celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the region with creative flair and seasonal local ingredients. The rocoto relleno here is considered by many food lovers to be the finest version of the dish in all of Peru. The warm exposed-stone dining room and attentive service make every meal feel like a special occasion worth savoring.

Set inside a stunning two-story colonial building with a spiral iron staircase designed by Gustave Eiffel, Zig Zag is as dramatic in atmosphere as it is in flavor. The menu features sizzling volcanic stone platters loaded with alpaca, lamb, and Andean beef accompanied by rich sauces and local quinoa sides. A carefully curated selection of Peruvian wines and craft cocktails rounds out what is truly an unforgettable dining experience.

A beloved local institution just off the main plaza, El Turko serves hearty shawarmas and Mediterranean-inspired bites that have fueled travelers and locals alike for decades. The casual, colorful space buzzes with energy at all hours and the portions are wonderfully generous for the price. It is the perfect spot to grab a quick, satisfying meal before heading out to explore Arequipa's vibrant streets.

This legendary picantera is widely regarded as the keeper of authentic Arequipeño home cooking, drawing faithful crowds of locals every single weekend without fail. Signature dishes like adobo de chancho and caldo blanco are served in generous clay pots that arrive steaming and fragrant at your rustic wooden table. The festive atmosphere, complete with live traditional music on weekends, makes dining here a genuine cultural experience you will long remember.

Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century sillar mansion, this hotel blends colonial grandeur with modern comfort in the heart of the city. Rooms feature hand-carved wooden furniture and views of the iconic El Misti volcano. The rooftop terrace is perfect for sipping pisco sours as the Andean sun sets over the white stone skyline.

This legendary five-star property sits within a former 16th-century convent, offering cloistered courtyards draped in bougainvillea and impeccable Peruvian hospitality. Each suite is uniquely decorated with local artisan textiles and antique furnishings. Guests rave about the attentive staff and the stunning pool area framed by volcanic stone walls.

A charming boutique guesthouse tucked into a quiet Arequipa neighborhood, La Maison d'Elise feels like staying in a welcoming family home. The rooms are cozy yet elegant, decorated with colorful Andean fabrics and fresh flowers from local markets. Breakfasts here are generous affairs featuring fresh queso fresco, local breads, and aromatic Peruvian coffee.

Built entirely from the region's signature white volcanic sillar stone, this intimate posada radiates authentic Arequipeño character at every turn. The inner courtyard garden is a tranquil oasis where guests gather in the evenings beneath a star-filled Andean sky. Its location just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas makes exploring the historic center effortlessly convenient.

This extraordinary 16th-century convent is essentially a walled city within a city, covering over two hectares of vivid blue and terracotta streets, sun-drenched courtyards, and flower-filled gardens. For nearly four centuries it was closed to the outside world, and wandering its labyrinthine corridors today feels genuinely otherworldly and deeply moving. Night visits are offered on select evenings, when candlelight transforms the ancient sillar walls into something truly magical and unforgettable.

Consistently ranked among the most beautiful main squares in all of South America, Arequipa's Plaza de Armas is anchored by its magnificent twin-towered baroque cathedral carved entirely from glowing white sillar stone. The surrounding arcaded buildings house cafés where you can linger over coffee and watch the vivid Andean light shift across the facades throughout the day. In the evenings, the square fills with locals strolling, musicians playing, and the entire city seeming to breathe and come alive together.

Home to the remarkably preserved remains of a young Inca girl discovered atop the Ampato volcano in 1995, this small but profoundly moving museum offers an intimate window into Inca ceremonial life and cosmology. Expert guides walk visitors through the extraordinary story of her discovery and the archaeological detective work that followed with great care and respect. The museum's collection of Inca artifacts, textiles, and offerings recovered alongside her is equally fascinating and beautifully presented.

One of the deepest canyons on Earth, the magnificent Colca Canyon plunges over 3,000 meters and rewards visitors with breathtaking terraced landscapes that have been farmed by Andean communities for thousands of years. The Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint offers near-guaranteed sightings of giant Andean condors riding thermal currents just meters from where you stand, which is an experience of pure, heart-stopping wonder. The two-day trek from Arequipa through traditional villages and natural hot springs is one of the most rewarding adventures in all of Peru.