Arequipa food tour
AREQUIPA FOOD TOUR - Framed by snow-capped volcanoes and built from pale volcanic stone, Arequipa feels unlike anywhere else in Peru. Known as the White City, itโs a place of grand colonial facades, fiery regional pride and one of the countryโs most distinctive food cultures, where rich stews, smoky peppers and generations-old picanterรญas still dominate everyday life.
Our Arequipa food tour is a four-hour movable feast through the historic heart of the city, beginning beneath the arches of Plaza de Armas before diving into bustling markets, humble eateries and local institutions hidden among the white stone streets. Along the way, youโll explore the organised chaos of Mercado San Camilo, snack your way through stalls piled high with local produce and catch glimpses of the misty volcanoes that tower over the city.
There are steaming bowls of adobo served with crusty pan de tres puntas, golden papa rellenas fresh from the fryer and Arequipaโs legendary rocoto relleno stuffed with richly seasoned meat beneath bubbling cheese. Youโll cool down with creamy queso helado scented with cinnamon and coconut, sample local olives and corn varieties from the surrounding valleys and discover why chicha has been part of daily life here for centuries.
For the more adventurous, thereโs even the chance to try traditional fried cuy served with sarza criolla, a dish deeply tied to the Andes long before the arrival of the Spanish.
This is the bold, hearty cooking of southern Peru at it's very best, served in markets, picanterรญas and family-run kitchens that have shaped Arequipaโs identity for generations.
Why this tour is awesome
Arequipa has one of Peruโs most celebrated regional cuisines, yet surprisingly few visitors experience it beyond a handful of tourist restaurants around the Plaza de Armas. This tour dives far deeper into the cityโs real food culture; the smoky picanterรญas, bustling markets and traditional kitchens where arequipeรฑos have been eating for generations.
Along the way, youโll uncover the ingredients, dishes and drinks that make Arequipa so distinct from the rest of Peru, from fiery rocoto peppers and slow-cooked adobo to chicha traditions dating back centuries. Combined with the cityโs dramatic volcanic backdrop, grand colonial streets and fiercely proud local identity, this tour offers a genuine window into one of the countryโs most fascinating food cities.
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.
Taste your way through the White City with 15+ authentic local specialities.
Begin your culinary journey in the heart of Arequipa at the Plaza de Armas.
Step inside Mercado San Camilo, the city's most iconic food market.
Meet the food heroes of Arequipa.
Discover the incredible diversity of Peru's seasonal fruits.
Discover the techniques behind traditional Arequipan cooking.
Cool off with queso helado, Arequipa's beloved cinnamon and coconut cream.
The people behind Arequipa's most beloved flavours.
Explore the flavours of Mercado San Camilo.
Feast on 15+ tastings over four flavour-packed hours.
One of the Andes' oldest traditions: chuรฑos con queso, served with local cheese.
Visit spots you'd struggle to find on your own.
Traditional Peruvian torrejas, crisp vegetable fritters fried until golden.
A hearty bowl of traditional pork adobo paired with freshly baked Arequipan bread.
A crisp, golden papa rellena filled with savoury seasoned meat.
Traditional chicken tamal served alongside crispy Peruvian chicharrones.
Discover the timeless charm of a traditional Arequipan picanterรญa.
Meet the people behind the food.
Layers of potato and rich filling come together in the classic pastel de papa.
Daily-changing soups and hearty dishes are the hallmark of a traditional Arequipan picanterรญa.
Try cuy, one of Peru's most iconic Andean dishes.
End on a sweet note with a rich chocolate truffle flavoured with pisco and almonds.
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 10am - 2pm
- 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 12-13 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 Possible, though gluten is present in 3-4 tastings (out of 15 total). Unsuitable for celiac disease
- 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 Possible for mild allergies, though peanuts are used in 1-2 tasting (out of 15 total) and chestnuts and pecans are used in 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 Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa 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