Eating Out

As with Cuzco, the majority of Arequipa's eating establishments are centred around the Plaza de Armas, but unlike the former, these are not, by and large, the better of the city's eateries. Rather, the scenic square is mostly bordered by tacky theme restaurants on the eastern side, cheap cafes on the west.

Instead, the best of the bunch can be found running along Jerusalen, from the junction with Puente Grau to the north-east corner of the main square. A number of outstanding places, mostly on the western side of the street offer varied styles for fair prices - especially the neighbouring restaurants set back from the street between the junctions with Santa Maria and San Jose. Seafood and Italian respectively, they are seperated by a glass screen, allowing the nightly musician to play for both crowds.

Alternatively, Santa Catalina hosts a superb Creperie, with an extensive menu of varied and unusual toppings for only slightly above-average prices.

For cheaper, DIY eating, one can choose between a busy, lively (albeit slightly fragrant) market, three blocks south and three blocks east of the Plaza de Armas, or a small but useful Supermarket opposite the monastery on Santa Catalina.