If you’re looking to orient yourself in Arequipa — the White City of southern Peru — the Free Walking Tour Arequipa City offers one of the best no-fee ways to do it by foot.

This isn’t a typical paid tour — guides work on a tips-only (“pay what you feel it was worth”) basis at the end, so there’s no set cost up front. Most travellers tend to give something like 20–50 S/. (~7–15 USD) depending on how much they enjoyed it and your budget.

What you’ll see & do
The tour runs about 2 hours and begins in the historic heart of Arequipa, usually around Calle San Francisco near the centre. During the walk you’ll discover a fascinating mix of culture, history and local life — with stops like:

• Plaza de Armas and the Basilica Cathedral, the beating heart of Arequipa’s colonial centre.

• Cloisters and colonial mansions, including the baroque-style Tristan del Pozo house.

• Historic neighbourhoods like San Lazaro and San Francisco.

• City viewpoints with sweeping panoramas over Arequipa and its volcanoes.

• Mundo Alpaca (or similar stops depending on the version), where you can see and learn about alpacas and llamas.

The guides share stories, local legends, architecture insights, and cultural context, often with a touch of humour, and can answer questions about what to eat, where to go next, and how Arequipa’s history shaped the city.

Timing & tips

• Tours typically depart multiple times daily (often around 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:00 PM) in English and Spanish — check the schedule before you go.

• Bring comfy shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat — there’s a fair bit of walking.

• Because they run on voluntary tips, the vibe is relaxed and social — it’s also a great way to meet fellow travellers early in your Arequipa stay.