As it isn’t part of the Historic Center of Arequipa, travelers can visit Yanahuara as part of a wider Arequipa tour. Some tours combine a walking tour of Yanahuara colonial treasures with a stop at the Monastery of St. Catherine (Monasterio de Santa Catalina), while others cover Yanahuara in conjunction with the districts of Carmen and Sachaca. Private tours provide a personalized experience of Arequipa that can include Yanahuara.
Yanahuara provides a less-crowded alternative to the Historic Center of Arequipa.
Wear comfortable shoes and take plenty of water if you’re walking.
Yanahuara has uneven, cobbled streets that make exploring in a wheelchair difficult.
Yanahuara is within walking distance of the Historic Center of Arequipa or just a 10-minute taxi ride, making it a popular addition to the itineraries of travelers on a time budget. From Plaza de Armas, it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the Yanahuara lookout point on foot. Along the way, you’ll pass a plethora of colonial treasures mades from sillar (white volcanic rock).
The most atmospheric time to visit the El Mirador e Iglesia de Yanahuara in undoubtedly sunset, when the evening light bathes the white buildings of Arequipa in a golden light. Sunset times differ depending on the season.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the crowds of Arequipa Old Town, Yanahuara is a good place to escape. Perfect for people watching, the residential district provides insight into the daily lives of locals and offers intrepid visitors a range of cheap and delicious Peruvian restaurants.