On this bike tour through Arequipa, you’ll explore the countryside as well as the historic center, and pedal your way to the stunning Yanahuara viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy views of the Chilina Valley and the Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes.
Tour Details
We’ll start the tour by meeting at 125 La Merced Street. Once there, we’ll distribute bikes, helmets, and gloves. Then it’s time to start pedaling and discover the White City from a whole new perspective, let’s go!
Our route begins in the historic center, surrounded by colonial mansions built with the white volcanic stone known as sillar, which gives Arequipa its characteristic color. Did you know this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? It’s easy to see why!
Next, we’ll head to the modern residential areas, where the mix of architectural styles reveals how Arequipa has evolved over time. We’ll cross one of the bridges over the Chili River and make a stop at the Yanahuara viewpoint, one of the city’s most iconic spots.
The volcanic stone arches here frame one of the most stunning views of Misti Volcano, the city’s guardian. Take a look at the inscriptions on the arches, featuring phrases by local Arequipean poets, a reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Afterward, we’ll descend into the Chilina Valley, a peaceful oasis that contrasts with the urban landscape. Here, farmland, pre-Inca terraces, and farm animals give a glimpse of authentic rural life. We’ll ride along the Chili River, whose waters sustain the entire region, while the impressive Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes dominate the horizon.
Then, we’ll explore the San Lázaro neighborhood, navigating its cobblestone alleys and sillar mansions, forming a real historical maze.
Our final stop will be to admire the façade of the Church of the Society of Jesus, a 17th-century gem of mestizo Baroque. Its intricate volcanic stone carvings tell stories of both indigenous and Christian traditions, symbolizing the meeting of two worlds.
Finally, we’ll return to our starting point, concluding the tour after approximately three hours.
