Arequipa food tour
AREQUIPA FOOD TOUR - Thereโs something magical about Arequipa after sunset. The white volcanic stone of the historic centre glows beneath the streetlights, the surrounding volcanoes fade into the evening mist and the scent of charcoal grills, roasted meats and bubbling stews drifts through the cool mountain air.
Our Arequipa evening food tour is a four-hour deep dive into the bold flavours of southern Peru, tracing an insiderโs route through bustling markets, picanterรญas and humble street food spots hidden throughout the White City. Along the way, youโll wander past the grand Plaza de Armas, the towering walls of Santa Catalina Monastery and into the lively chaos of Mercado San Camilo where locals gather.
There are golden papa rellenas fresh from the fryer, smoky anticuchos grilled over open flames and rich bowls of Arequipaโs famous adobo slowly simmered with spices and chicha. Youโll bite into juicy lechรณn sandwiches packed with roast pork, cool off with creamy queso helado scented with cinnamon and coconut and discover why rocoto relleno remains one of Peruโs most iconic regional dishes.
Along the way, youโll sip local drinks like chicha de guiรฑapo and the cult favourite Kola Escocesa while exploring the ingredients and traditions that make Arequipeรฑo cuisine so fiercely distinct from the rest of the country.
Itโs the real flavour of Arequipa after dark - smoky grills, bustling markets and generations-old recipes served in the kitchens and street stalls only locals know.
Why this tour is awesome
Arequipaโs food culture is one of the richest and most distinctive in Peru. Shaped by volcanic landscapes, indigenous traditions and centuries-old picanterรญa cooking, the cityโs cuisine is bold, hearty and fiercely defended by locals proud of their culinary identity.
This tour explores the side of Arequipa most visitors miss after sunset; the smoky street grills, bustling evening markets and traditional eateries where the city really comes alive at night. Along the way, youโll experience everything from charcoal-grilled anticuchos and slow-simmered adobo to local drinks and fiery rocoto dishes, while discovering the stories, traditions and flavours that make the White City one of Peruโs great food destinations.
Your guide
Born and raised in Arequipa, Paola is passionate about reconnecting with the regionโs Quechua roots through food, rituals and local beliefs. She enjoys showing guests how these traditions still shape everyday life and the way people eat across the city today.
Your guide
Coming from the Altiplano, Dario has a strong connection to Andean culture and traditions. He enjoys sharing the foods, customs and everyday practices that continue to shape life across the region today.
Explore the flavours of Arequipa after sunset with 15+ authentic tastings.
Visit places you're unlikely to discover on your own.
Freshly made buรฑuelos, a light and airy Peruvian fritter with a hint of anise.
Golden Peruvian buรฑuelos flavoured with fragrant aniseed.
Step inside the historic Mercado San Camilo.
Experience everyday life inside Mercado San Camilo.
Meet the food heroes of Arequipa.
Cool off with queso helado, a creamy cinnamon and coconut speciality from Arequipa.
A refreshing scoop of queso helado, flavoured with cinnamon and coconut.
Feast on 15+ tastings over four delicious hours.
Discover the rich flavours of Peruvian chocolate.
A colourful display of Peru's finest seasonal fruits.
From familiar favourites to rare discoveries, explore Peru's seasonal fruits.
House-made chicha de guiรฑapo, Arequipa's traditional purple corn drink.
Freshly brewed chicha de guiรฑapo.
Meet the food heroes of Arequipa.
Freshly fried papa rellena, crisp on the outside and fluffy within.
A traditional lechรณn sandwich served with Arequipa's beloved Cola Escocesa.
Succulent fried pork with crisp crackling, served the Peruvian way.
Crispy chicharrรณn finished with a squeeze of fresh lima.
Golden hour over Arequipa's magnificent Plaza de Armas.
Lomo saltado, the iconic fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cooking.
Tender grilled chicken heart anticuchos with traditional uchucuta chilli sauce.
Warm emoliente, Peru's traditional herbal drink.
The food heroes of Arequipa.
Round off the tour with Arequipa's signature duo, rocoto relleno and pastel de papa.
Includes
- Price US $59 per person
- Language English
- Small group Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Tastings 15+ tastings
- Drinks Bottled water and local drinks
- Duration 4pm - 8pm
- Guide Led by one of our superb Arequipa food hosts
- Cancellation Cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund
- Family friendly Families welcome on all our tours. Children 50% discount.
- Transport Walking tour
- Instant confirmation Book now to secure your space (before we sell out!)
- Pick up / drop off Our guests come from all over the city, so to save time we have a meeting point. Your guide can help you find transport back at the end of the tour
Dietary information
- General advice Many local eateries specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Unsuitable as meat is used in 5-6 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat and dairy are used in 11-12 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Pescatarian Unsuitable as meat is used in 5-6 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Pork Possible, though pork is used in 1-2 tasting (out of 15 total)
- Halal Unsuitable for a halal diet as no vendors are certified
- Gluten intolerance / Celiac Unsuitable for celiac as gluten is present in 4-5 tastings (out of 15 total). Suitable for those who can consume small quantities of wheat and soy sauce
- Lactose intolerance Possible, though milk is used in 3-4 tastings (out of 15 total). Note further tastings have butter and cheese
- Tree nut / peanut allergy Suitable for mild allergies. Peanuts are used in just 1 tasting (out of 15 total)
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Suitable for no seafood or seafood allergies
- Severe allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join the Arequipa food tour, use the calendar to select your date and secure your tour with your card. For special requests, private bookings, or dietary requirements, pleaseย contact us. Safety of our customers is our first priority, so if you have any allergies, pleaseย contact usย before booking.
What to expect
Our Arequipa food tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food that locals eat. Itโs an easy-paced walking tour, the terrain is mostly flat and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way.
Meeting point
This Arequipa food tour departs from outside the Iglesia Santo Domingoย in the historical centre. It's easy to reach by taxi from most of the hotels in the city. There will be more details on your booking confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps