Arequipa countryside hiking tour: 6–8km farmland hike

Walk farming fields where Spanish settlers first built, then eat where Arequipa's best food lives

A half-day countryside hike from Arequipa through the Characato valley, 45 minutes from the city center, with a local guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French. The trail runs 6–8 kilometers over three hours through gradual terrain and farming fields where you meet local farmers at work. Morning departures end with lunch at a traditional Picanteria, the local restaurant style that defines Arequipa's cuisine. Pickup and drop-off at your meeting point are included, as is round-trip transport.

The experience

The hike starts with a view across the entire Characato valley, then follows a well-preserved trail that winds through farming fields and gradual uphill sections. You'll see farmers working the land much as they have since colonial times: Characato was the first Spanish settlement in the Arequipa region, founded June 24, 1541. The trail itself is mostly gentle, designed for both younger and older hikers with moderate fitness. Distance runs between 6 and 8 kilometers, which takes around three hours at a steady pace through open countryside.

If you book a morning departure at 8am, the hike ends at one of Characato's Picanterias: traditional local restaurants where you taste the genuine regional cuisine Arequipa is known for across Peru. Lunch is included and gives you time to rest after the trail. Morning hikes mean strong sun, so bring a hat, long sleeves and sunscreen. The exposure is real and the shade is sparse on the farming fields. Your guide handles all logistics: pickup from your meeting point, transport to the trailhead, the walk itself, and the return journey.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at your meeting point.
• round-trip transport to the trailhead.
• a local guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• interaction with local farmers during the hike.
• lunch at a traditional Picanteria restaurant on morning departures.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by PERU ADVENTURE TOURS

Is this one for you?The guide speaks your language (English, Spanish, Italian or French), so language is not a barrier to following the commentary and asking questions on the trail. This hike suits anyone with moderate fitness who can walk three hours over gentle terrain. It's not technical climbing, so hiking experience is not required, but you do need to be comfortable on your feet for the full morning.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the hike actually like in terms of difficulty and terrain?

The trail is mostly gradual with some small uphill sections, designed for moderate fitness across all ages. You'll cover 6 to 8 kilometers in around three hours through farming fields and well-preserved paths, with views across the Characato valley. It's not technical climbing. The challenge is the distance and the sun exposure, not steep scrambling.

Do I need my own hiking boots and gear?

Bring your own trekking boots, hat, walking poles if you use them, a day backpack and sun protection. The operator provides the guide and transport. Personal gear is your responsibility. Snacks are not included, so pack water and food for the trail.

Is lunch really included, and what's a Picanteria like?

Lunch at a traditional Picanteria is included on morning departures. These are local family-run restaurants where Arequipa's regional cuisine is made and served. The food Arequipa is famous for across Peru. You eat what the restaurant offers that day, which is authentic regional cooking, not a tourist menu.

How early do I need to be ready for the morning hike?

Morning departures leave at 8am. Pickup happens at your meeting point before that, so confirm your location and be ready 15 minutes early. The hike itself takes three hours, then lunch at the Picanteria, with return transport included.