Arequipa Food Tour Experience

From$115

4 hours

Arequipa, Peru

About this activity

Discover Arequipa's rich culinary heritage on this guided food tour, sampling traditional dishes and visiting local markets.

Highlights

Explore Arequipa's vibrant culinary scene
Taste authentic Peruvian dishes
Visit bustling local markets
Learn about traditional cooking methods
Experience the city's rich food culture

Full description

Dive into the heart of Arequipa's gastronomic delights with this immersive food tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore the city's vibrant culinary scene, tasting authentic Peruvian dishes and learning about traditional cooking methods. Visit bustling local markets to see where locals shop for fresh ingredients, and enjoy a variety of street foods and delicacies that showcase the rich flavors of the region. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Arequipa's food culture firsthand, making it a must-do for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Included / Excluded

Guided tour of Arequipa's culinary hotspots
Sampling of traditional Peruvian dishes
Visit to local markets and eateries

Transportation to and from the tour starting point

Itinerary

After meeting at the starting point located in San Camilo Market, you will begin a walking tour of this emblematic place. The infrastructure of this traditional market underwent several renovations following the earthquakes that struck the city of Arequipa. Discover the fascinating history that surrounds the construction of the market, a hidden treasure full of transformations. In 1817, the Red Cross Order erected this magnificent church, but its history extends beyond its religious function. After the devastating earthquake of 1868, this emblematic building reinvented itself, becoming a military hospital that provided assistance to those in need during times of crisis. Years later, it changed into a school, educating and leaving an indelible mark on the community. In addition to admiring a wide variety of products such as fruits, vegetables, groceries, meats, cheeses, and many more things, here you can taste delicious local fruits.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

We will continue the tour through the historic center of Arequipa, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. You will visit the Cloisters Compañía de Jesus, located in the Plaza de Armas. This beautiful building founded by the Jesuits dates back to the 17th century and features a lovely inner courtyard with small cafes and craft shops. The next stop will be to savor three typical dishes of Arequipa: guinea pig, alpaca, and sango arequipeño. Dare to try these traditional dishes that are part of Peru`s culinary culture. Guinea pig and alpaca are very flavorful meats. Sango arequipeño is a sweet accompaniment made from wheat with raisins, peanuts, and chancaca.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

You will admire the beautiful Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, which features a fountain in the center and historic buildings surrounding it. The imposing Cathedral of Arequipa is one of them, and we will be able to see it panoramically from the square. We will continue the food tour in Arequipa to learn how to prepare, and taste, an exquisite traditional sauce known as ocopa. This sauce is made from huacatay, peanuts, and chili, and it is usually served over boiled potatoes. We will enjoy tastings of chichas, drinks made from corn.

Duration: 50 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

The next visit will be to the traditional neighborhood of San Lazaro, one of the oldest in the city. We will explore its beautiful narrow streets while admiring its incredible architecture, including mansions, temples, and plazas. In this area, you will find excellent picanterías with traditional Arequipa cuisine. You will taste delicious traditional dishes such as rocoto relleno and a creamy potato cake. You will also try chicha morada, a sweet drink made from purple corn. The gastronomic tour in Arequipa will take you to taste a traditional dessert called queso helado. Arequipa`s queso helado is an exquisite creation made from a base of carefully selected fresh and creamy milk. This delightful dessert combines the richness of milk with natural ingredients such as vanilla, cinnamon, and, of course, the distinctive Arequipa cheese.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

You will end this gastronomic walk at the beautiful Yanahuara viewpoint, located in the district of the same name. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the Arequipa countryside, as well as the imposing Misti volcano. The tour concludes at this point.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

The tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
Check the availability of the tour on your preferred date before booking.
Confirm the meeting point and time with the tour operator after booking.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking through markets and city streets.
Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Be prepared to try a variety of local foods; inform the guide of any dietary restrictions in advance.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

Easy Public Transport
Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

The visited restaurants could vary
Children 4 and younger are complimentary as long as they do not occupy seats or request food.
Restrictions or food allergies must be informed at the time of booking.
You must arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the start of the tour. The waiting tolerance time is a maximum of 5 minutes.

Additional information

The visited restaurants could vary Children 4 and younger are complimentary as long as they do not occupy seats or request food. Restrictions or food allergies must be informed at the time of booking. You must arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the start of the tour. The waiting tolerance time is a maximum of 5 minutes.