Food tours in Arequipa cut straight to the heart of Peru’s culinary capital. These compact 3-4 hour walks combine must-try dishes with cultural insights in the historic center. Small-group tours, led by passionate local guides, bring you to family-run picanterías (traditional restaurants) where you’ll sample regional classics like rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and traditional corn dishes. I especially love the morning market tours that showcase fresh ingredients and let you taste alpaca steaks and spicy ocopa sauce. The Historical Center Food Tour stands out for combining UNESCO architecture with food stops, while the Evening Culinary Walk offers the best authentic dinner spots. Let’s explore Arequipa’s finest food tours that deliver the most bang for your buck.
Key Points
- Arequipa Food Tours offer a 3-hour guided experience featuring 4 iconic restaurants, with a 96% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence.
- Ancestral Cuisine & Cultural Exploration is a 4-hour tour that includes a visit to San Camilo Market, local restaurant tastings, and a hands-on ocopa preparation experience.
- City Tour and Culinary Delights is a highly-rated tour with 60 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, exploring Arequipa’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique volcanic architecture.
- Immersive Food Tour Experience is a 5-hour tour highlighting Arequipa’s culinary heritage, with tasting of local specialties and an opportunity to learn the preparation of traditional ocopa sauce.
- Tour highlights include knowledgeable guides, small group sizes, and positive reviews emphasizing guide expertise and engaging historical insights.
A 3-Hour Guided Food Tour With 4 Iconic Restaurants of Arequipa
On this 3-hour guided food tour, travelers will get to explore four of Arequipa’s most iconic restaurants. With a 96% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers a comprehensive sampling of the city’s renowned cuisine.
Guests will start with starters like Papas Nativas, Lomo Saltado de Alpaca, and Quinoa with Aji de Gallina. For the main course, they’ll indulge in Rocoto Relleno, Ocopa, Cuy Chactado, and sushi rolls.
To finish, they’ll savor Sanjo or Helado de Queso for dessert, along with 3 regional drinks. The tour’s knowledgeable guides will share insights into the local food history and culture, as well as recommendations for hidden gems in Arequipa.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per tour and wheelchair/stroller accessibility, this experience caters to a wide range of guests. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about Peruvian cuisine, this 3-hour tour is an excellent way to learn about the flavors of Arequipa.
Read our full review: A 3-Hour Guided Food Tour With 4 Iconic Restaurants of Arequipa Review
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Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour
This comprehensive Arequipa Food Tour provides travelers with a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s ancestral cuisine and explore its vibrant cultural landmarks. Priced at Kč 1,888 per person, the 4-hour tour offers a well-curated itinerary, including a visit to the San Camilo Market, food tastings at local restaurants, and photo stops at iconic sites like Plaza de Armas and Malecón Bolognesi.
Participants can expect to savor traditional Peruvian dishes, such as guinea pig, alpaca, and rocoto relleno, while also sampling various types of chichas and pisco. The tour also includes a hands-on experience in preparing ocopa, a regional specialty, using a traditional batán.
Scenic views of the Misti volcano and a visit to the Yanahuara Scenic Overlook round out the experience.
With a small group size, an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour is designed to cater to a range of travelers, except for those with specific dietary or mobility restrictions.
The tour’s positive reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and the opportunity to explore Arequipa’s culinary heritage in a personalized setting.
Read our full review: Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour Review
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Arequipa City Tour and Food and Drinks Experience
Travelers looking to enjoy Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and culinary delights can embark on the Arequipa City Tour and Food and Drinks Experience. This highly-rated tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city, including visits to historic streets and neighborhoods like San Lazaro.
With 60 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence for its exceptional quality.
During the tour, guests will discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arequipa, marveling at the city’s unique architecture made from volcanic materials. The small group size, with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides.
The experience is further enhanced by the inclusion of coffee, tea, chocolate, and snacks, as well as gratuities. Flexible tour times and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance add to the convenience.
While some past travelers have mentioned communication issues, the majority praise the guides’ expertise and the engaging historical insights provided throughout the tour.
Read our full review: Arequipa City Tour and Food and Drinks Experience Review
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Arequipa: Food Tour Experience
Arequipa’s vibrant food scene comes alive through the immersive Arequipa Food Tour. This 5-hour experience offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s culinary heritage, from the bustling San Camilo Market to historic sites like the Plaza de Armas and Cloisters Compañía de Jesus.
Participants can look forward to tasting local specialties like guinea pig, alpaca, and sango arequipeño, as well as learning to prepare the traditional ocopa sauce. The tour also includes sips of chicha, a corn-based beverage, and a sampling of the creamy queso helado dessert.
With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all food and drink, are included in the $115 per-person price.
Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This Arequipa Food Tour offers a delightful way to take in the city’s vibrant culinary culture.
Read our full review: Arequipa: Food Tour Experience Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Book a Last-Minute Food Tour in Arequipa?
To book a last-minute food tour in Arequipa, one can check online booking platforms, contact local tour operators directly, or visit the city’s tourist information center. Many offer same-day or next-day tour options for travelers seeking a spontaneous culinary adventure.
What Should I Do if I Have Dietary Restrictions?
If you have dietary restrictions, you should contact the food tour company ahead of time. They can often accommodate special dietary needs and ensure you have a great experience despite any limitations.
Can I Take the Food Tour in My Native Language?
You can often take food tours in your native language. Many tour companies offer multilingual options to accommodate different language preferences. Be sure to inquire about available languages when booking your tour to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
How Long Do the Food Tours Typically Last?
Food tours in Arequipa typically last 2-4 hours, allowing visitors ample time to sample a variety of local dishes and learn about the city’s rich culinary heritage. Many tours offer the option to be conducted in a traveler’s native language.
Are the Food Tours Suitable for Children?
The food tours are generally suitable for children, though the length and content may vary. Some tours offer kid-friendly options, so it’s best to inquire with the tour operator about their specific offerings and policies.
Recap
Arequipa offers a diverse culinary experience that showcases its rich cultural heritage. From iconic local restaurants to ancestral cuisine, these food tours provide an immersive exploration of the city’s flavors. Visitors can savor the unique tastes and explore the traditions that make Arequipa’s gastronomy so distinctive. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious, these tours promise an unforgettable taste of Arequipa’s vibrant food scene.