Arequipa is one of those places that honestly takes your breath away. I’m not exaggerating when I say that its landscapes look like they’re from another planet. If you’ve ever felt the need to connect with nature and be amazed by unique scenery, then Arequipa is waiting for you with open arms. In my experience, exploring its routes is like opening a window to the history, geography, and pure Peruvian culture.
In this journey, I’m going to show you the 5 most stunning landscapes in Arequipa that, according to many travelers and experts—and of course, according to my own astonishment—you absolutely must know. There’s something for everyone: from majestic volcanoes to dizzying canyons and natural reserves where wildlife displays itself without shame. What strikes me the most is how each site has its own personality and energy, as if the land itself wanted to tell you a different story at every stop.
So, if you’re planning your next adventure or just want to dream about incredible destinations, join me in discovering these Arequipeña landscapes that will likely leave a lasting impression on you.
Misti Volcano: the guardian of the white city
The Misti Volcano is not only the great symbol of Arequipa; it’s also one of those giants that commands respect. It rises over 5,800 meters above sea level and watches over the city with an almost paternal presence. From any point in Arequipa, its conical silhouette stands out on the horizon, reminding us how small we are in the face of nature.
On my last visit, I was surprised to see how the locals consider it part of their identity. Many say that “Misti watches over Arequipa,” and there are even legends about its protective spirit. The truth is that climbing it is quite an experience: there are accessible routes for experienced mountaineers, but even from the city, the views are spectacular, especially at sunrise or sunset.
If you’re one for adventure, you can join a guided tour. But be warned, the ascent requires good physical preparation and acclimatization. From the top, the reward is priceless: you see all of Arequipa stretching out beneath you and in the distance, other volcanoes like Chachani and Pichu Pichu. I remember once, after several hours of climbing, feeling that mix of exhaustion and happiness that only comes from conquering great challenges.
- Altitude: 5,822 meters
- Ideal for: Hiking, landscape photography
- Best time to visit: April to November (dry season)
Colca Canyon: home of the Andean condor
Talking about Colca Canyon is talking about one of South America’s great natural treasures. This canyon is famous for two things: its impressive depth (over 3,400 meters at some points) and being the favorite stage for the majestic Andean condor. The truth is that seeing a condor fly here is one of those magical moments that stay etched in your memory forever.
I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I get excited watching animals in the wild, and Colca does not disappoint. At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, early in the morning, you can see them soaring, taking advantage of the thermal currents. It’s impossible not to feel a chill when they pass so close that you can hear the wind beneath their wings.
Moreover, Colca is home to traditional villages where living culture continues to thrive. Chivay, Yanque, or Cabanaconde are must-stop places to try typical dishes or relax in hot springs after a hike along the canyon trails.
| Point of interest | Distance from Arequipa |
|---|---|
| Cruz del Cóndor | ~160 km |
| Chivay | ~150 km |
- Maximum depth: Over 3,400 meters
- Iconic wildlife: Andean condor
- Activities: Trekking, hot springs, cultural visits
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
If you love open landscapes and wildlife, this place will fascinate you. The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve spans over 360,000 hectares between Arequipa and Moquegua. Here, high-altitude landscapes filled with salt lagoons, wetlands, and snow-capped volcanoes reflecting in tranquil waters prevail.
You’ll be amazed by the number of vicuñas and alpacas grazing freely. You might also spot birds like Andean flamingos and even Andean foxes if you’re lucky. Salinas Lagoon is often the main visual attraction: when it’s dry, it looks like a white desert, and when it has water, it reflects the sky like a mirror.
Exploring this reserve by car or bike is a liberating experience. There are probably not many places where you can feel so far from noise and so close to the essentials. Plus, the landscapes change radically depending on the season: sometimes everything is white, and other times the intense blue of the water prevails.
- Area: Over 360,000 hectares
- Wildlife: Vicuñas, alpacas, Andean flamingos
- Main attractions: Salinas Lagoon, wetlands, snow-capped volcanoes
Choqolaqa Stone Forest
Few places have surprised me as much as the Choqolaqa Stone Forest. This site is located in the province of Caylloma, over 4,000 meters above sea level. And while getting there can be quite a challenge (the road access is not the easiest), the visual reward is impressive: hundreds of rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and rain create a surreal landscape.
Walking among those gigantic rocks, I felt like I was in a science fiction movie. Locals call some formations “the enchanted city” because several resemble human or animal shapes. It’s even said that it was a site for ancestral pre-Incan rituals.
Choqolaqa is ideal for those seeking less-visited and authentic places. I recommend going with a local guide because the conditions can be demanding, and this way, you can learn about the legends and geology of the site.
- Approximate height: Over 4,000 meters above sea level
- Main attraction: Unique rock formations
- Recommended for: Photographic trekking and alternative tourism
Cotahuasi Canyon: the deepest in the world
Last but definitely not least is Cotahuasi Canyon. I confess: I used to think Colca was unbeatable until I visited Cotahuasi. With over 3,500 meters of depth in some sections, this canyon rivals the most famous in the world and even surpasses the Grand Canyon itself.
The best part is that everything here feels wilder and more remote. Fewer tourists mean more tranquility to enjoy the untouched landscape. You can explore waterfalls like Sipia (with a drop of over 150 meters), pre-Incan agricultural terraces, and even natural hot springs hidden among the mountains.
Once, I met French travelers who had been exploring on foot for days, and we agreed on one thing: Cotahuasi has that special magnetism for those seeking authentic experiences away from mass tourism. Getting there takes time (over ten hours by road from Arequipa), but believe me, it’s worth every minute of the journey.
| Main attraction | Access difficulty |
|---|---|
| Sipia Waterfall | Moderate/High (due to winding roads) |
| Natural hot springs | Low/Moderate (depending on the point) |
- Maximum depth: Over 3,500 meters
- Highlights: Sipia Waterfall, ancient terraces
- Environment: Wild and minimally impacted by humans
Frequently asked questions about the stunning landscapes of Arequipa
What is the best time to visit these landscapes?
The dry season (from April to November) is usually ideal because there’s less rain and the roads are more passable. That said, bring warm clothing because nights can be cold at high altitudes.
Do I need a guide to visit these places?
It’s not mandatory in all cases, but for sites like Choqolaqa or Cotahuasi, I highly recommend it for safety and to make the most of your experience by learning unique details.
Is it safe to travel to these destinations?
Yes, but as with any rural travel in Peru, it’s wise to gather information beforehand about updated routes and basic precautions (drinking water, sun protection). In my personal opinion, the local people are usually very welcoming and happy to help if you have questions.
Can I combine several landscapes in one trip?
It depends on the time available. Colca and Salinas are usually easy to combine from Arequipa city; Cotahuasi requires more days due to the distance. It’s worth planning carefully to fully enjoy each site.
Dive into discovering Arequipa: your next unforgettable adventure awaits
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with company; exploring the most stunning landscapes of Arequipa guarantees you unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for a true disconnection or pure inspiration, this corner of southern Peru has it all. I’m excited to think that many still don’t know about these natural treasures—perhaps this is the perfect push to encourage you to explore them.
Are you ready to plan your route? Research safe paths, always support local tourism, and let yourself be amazed by unique scenery that only Arequipa can offer. Because there are journeys that leave a mark… and this will be one of them.