DAY 4: Arequipa, Peru, July 3, 2025
On our last day in Arequipa, we walked back toward the historical center to finish exploring the exhibitions we’d started earlier in the week. Just before reaching the plaza, we spotted Librería Fabla Salvaje, a small independent bookstore on Calle Jerusalén. Knox talked with the staff and picked up several rare Spanish-language books they recommended. The shop is focused on promoting literature from southern Peru and supports independent publishing through events, workshops, and local partnerships.
We continued to Galería de Arte – Centro Cultural UNSA, the gallery we had visited briefly at night. This time, seeing it in daylight gave us a chance to appreciate the work more fully. The museum features regional and contemporary pieces, all thoughtfully arranged in a stunningly beautiful, quiet space.
From there, we walked to Fundo El Fierro, a historic artisan market housed in a former colonial estate. Run by the Asociación de Artesanos Productores Fundo El Fierro, the market supports over 60 artisans from across Peru. Their mission is to preserve traditional crafts, handwoven textiles, alpaca wool garments, silver jewelry, and a few ceramics while providing economic opportunities for local makers. We didn’t find anything to take home, but it was worth the visit to see the craftsmanship and chat with the vendors.
Dinner was at Zig Zag, located in a restored colonial building with high sillar stone ceilings and a metal spiral staircase attributed to Eiffel. My trout arrived seared on hot volcanic stone, and although Knox went for a different dish, we both were handed the restaurant’s signature bibs, apparently the tradition and rather silly, but practical in the end. We lucked into the only upstairs window seat, where we watched the evening foot traffic below. By the end of the meal, the rush of folks heading home had slowed to just a few quiet stragglers. The restaurant is top-notch—excellent service, standout food and wine, and a well-balanced menu blending European and Peruvian flavors.
Arequipa isn’t just a great city to visit. There’s a lot to explore beyond the center, and we’re already thinking about coming back for a longer stay. The coast is just 90 minutes away, with beaches like Playa Catarindo near Mollendo offering a change of pace. Inland, there’s Colca Canyon for trekking and condor spotting, the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve for wildlife and salt flats, and the Sillar Route with its active quarries and canyon walls carved from volcanic stone. Plenty of reasons to return.
Day 4 photos HERE.