Shopping in Arequipa delivers an authentic slice of Peruvian culture. The guided tour at San Camilo Market, a national historic site, stands out as the best introduction to local life. You’ll find stalls packed with fresh produce, regional cheeses, and traditional dishes – all with expert commentary. We love the combination cooking class tours, where you’ll learn to make Peru’s famous Pisco Sour cocktail while discovering market-fresh ingredients. These hands-on experiences typically include market visits followed by cooking instruction in a local kitchen. For the best shopping experiences Arequipa has to offer, check out these top tours.
Key Points
- The San Camilo Market Tour offers a guided walking experience showcasing local fruits, tubers, cheeses, and meats in Arequipa’s historic center.
- The Peruvian Cooking Experience combines a cooking class, market visit, and Pisco Sour preparation for a comprehensive culinary immersion in Arequipa.
- The Arequipeño Cooking Class Experience blends traditional cooking and a guided San Camilo Market tour for an intimate, personalized exploration of Arequipa’s culinary heritage.
- The Peruvian Cooking Class provides an introduction to Peruvian cuisine and Pisco Sour mixing, featuring traditional dishes and vegetarian options.
- The San Camilo Market Tour is an accessible and flexible option suitable for all ages, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Peruvian Cooking Class + Piscosour Class + Visit the Local Market
This cooking class and Pisco Sour experience in Arequipa offers a delightful introduction to Peruvian cuisine.
With 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this 72-review class covers Peruvian cooking, Pisco Sour mixing, and a visit to the local market.
The menu includes traditional Peruvian dishes like stuffed causa and lomo saltado, as well as vegetarian options.
Guests praise the hosts’ warmth and expertise, and the hands-on, customized experience.
The class starts at 4 PM, lasts a few hours, and includes private transportation.
Priced from £75.90 per person, this class is a great way to learn about Arequipa’s culinary scene.
Read our full review: Peruvian Cooking Class + Piscosour Class + Visit the Local Market Review
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Arequipa: San Camilo Market Tour
Across the bustling Plaza de Armas, a 10-minute van ride takes visitors to the iconic San Camilo Market, a Monumental Historical Heritage site designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel.
This guided walking tour offers a glimpse into Arequipa’s vibrant culinary scene. For $35.33 per person, travelers can explore the market’s stalls, discovering local fruits, tubers, cheeses, and meats.
The tour also includes a visit to the herbalist section and the opportunity to taste traditional dishes like rocoto relleno and adobo.
With the tour available in Spanish and English, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an accessible and flexible option for all ages.
Read our full review: Arequipa: San Camilo Market Tour Review
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Peruvian Cooking Experience, Pisco Sour and Visit Local Market
Nestled in the heart of Arequipa, the Peruvian Cooking Experience, Pisco Sour and Visit Local Market tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the vibrant culinary culture of the city.
With a 100% recommendation from previous guests, this 17-review experience features a visit to a local market, a hands-on cooking class, and the signature Peruvian cocktail, the pisco sour.
The menu includes a starter of stuffed causa or vegetarian causas, a main course of lomo saltado or sautéed mushrooms, and a seasonal dessert.
Priced at €91.48 per person, the tour includes all cooking tools, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and private transportation, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable culinary adventure.
Read our full review: Peruvian Cooking Experience, Pisco Sour and Visit Local Market Review
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Arequipeño Cooking Class and San Camilo Market
Arequipa’s culinary scene is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. The Arequipeño Cooking Class and San Camilo Market experience offers an authentic cultural adventure.
Travelers can look forward to a traditional cooking class and a guided tour of the vibrant San Camilo Market. With a maximum group size of 10, this intimate experience provides personalized attention. Reviewers rave about the market exploration and the enjoyable cooking class.
The 3-hour tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, and all necessary kitchen supplies. Priced at €107.92 per person, this experience can be booked with flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a genuine Peruvian encounter, this tour is a must-consider for your Arequipa adventures.
Read our full review: Arequipeño Cooking Class and San Camilo Market Review
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San Camilo Market Tour
Situated in the heart of Arequipa, the San Camilo Market offers visitors a vibrant immersion into the local culture.
This private tour, priced from $35.33 per person, provides a guided exploration of the market’s lively atmosphere. Travelers can expect to enjoy round-trip transfers, food, and drinks, as well as the expertise of a professional guide.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most visitors can participate. While there are no 5-star reviews yet, the tour maintains an overall rating of 4.0 out of 1 review.
With the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the San Camilo Market Tour is an enticing shopping experience in Arequipa.
Read our full review: San Camilo Market Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Arequipa?
The best time to visit Arequipa is typically during the dry season from April to November. Temperatures are mild, and there’s less precipitation, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s historic sights and enjoy outdoor activities.
How Much Money Should I Budget for a Shopping Tour?
The budget for a shopping tour in Arequipa can vary widely, but a reasonable estimate is $50-$150 per person. This includes transportation, guide fees, and an allowance for purchases. The actual amount spent will depend on individual shopping preferences and bargaining skills.
Are There Any Safety Concerns I Should Be Aware Of?
When going on a shopping tour, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your valuables secure. Be cautious of pickpockets and scams, and consider hiring a reputable tour guide for added safety.
Can I Customize the Tours to Fit My Dietary Needs?
Most shopping tour providers in Arequipa allow customers to customize tours to accommodate dietary needs. They’ll work with you to ensure your preferences are met, making the experience safe and enjoyable.
Do the Tours Include Transportation to and From the Sites?
The tours typically include transportation to and from the sites. Travelers can discuss their dietary needs with the tour operator and request customized accommodations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Recap
Arequipa offers a range of immersive shopping tours that showcase the city’s vibrant markets and culinary traditions. From learning to make iconic Peruvian dishes to sipping on pisco sours, these experiences provide a well-rounded introduction to the local culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the bustling San Camilo Market or participating in a hands-on cooking class, Arequipa’s shopping tours offer an authentic and memorable way to discover the heart of the city.