Dedicate day one to the historic center of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by the white-stone colonial architecture. Explore either on foot on a walking tour or visit via a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Must-sees include Plaza de Armas, Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, and the Monastery of St. Catherine (Monasterio de Santa Catalina), all of which are staples on sightseeing tours.

Then, delve deeper into the city’s culture on a food tour—which typically includes multiple tastings and a market visit—or a countryside tour that takes you off the beaten path to more remote landmarks such as Founder’s Mansion (La Mansión del Fundador), Sabandía Mill (Molino de Sabandía), and Moral House (Casa de Moral), which houses a collection of maps, religious art, and Peruvian coins that dates back hundreds of years.

Devote day three to discovering why Arequipa is considered to adventure capital of Peru. The area is world-renowned for its white-water rafting, making a trip to the Chili or Majes rivers a must for thrill seekers; in the wet season, rapids can reach Class IV, and tours are recommended for visitors with some white-water experience. Another adventurous option is to climb or downhill bike at El Misti, which stands at 19,101 feet (5,821 meters) above sea level, or Chachani, the highest of the volcanoes near Arequipa. Neither are too technical, although both require some physical fitness due to challenging terrain and the high altitudes reached.

For something less physically taxing, spend the afternoon browsing Arequipa’s museums, the highlight of which is the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (Museo Santuarios Andinos). Here, you find the preserved mummy of the Ice Maiden, Juanita, a young Inca girl whose remains were discovered in 1995.