Cayma District
Cayma, Arequipa, Peru
With its relaxed atmosphere and peaceful plazas, the district of Cayma offers respite from the bustle of Arequipa’s UNESCO-listed city center. According to locals, it's where the hearty and delicious Peruvian adobo stew was created, so it's the perfect place to grab a bowl of that.
The basics
Highlights of the Cayma district include Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel Cayma (Cayma Church), one of the first Catholic temples in Arequipa. It dates back to the early 18th century and features a gloriously gilded altar. It overlooks Plaza de Caymo, a charming stone square equipped with benches and surrounded by traditional restaurants selling the famous Peruvian stew.
Things to know before you go
Cayma’s churches are active places of worship, so dress respectfully and keep noise to a minimum.
Cayma is famous for its food, so don’t leave without sampling Peruvian specialties in one of its restaurants.
The pavements and streets in Cayma are flat and easy to access in wheelchairs and with strollers.
How to get there
From the historic center of Arequipa, Cayma is a 45-minute walk via Avenida Cayma or a 15-minute drive via Avenida La Marina. It’s only a 15-minute drive to Arequipa International Airport, half the time it takes from the historical center.
When to get there
Arequipa is one of Peru’s sunniest spots—it enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine yearly. The best time to visit is between May and November, when the nearby Colca Canyon enjoys perfect conditions for exploring.
What to eat in Arequipa
Once you’ve sampled a dish of adobo stew, there are plenty more dishes to try in Peru’s White City. Top picks include ocopa (boiled potatoes topped with spicy sauce); soltero de queso (olives, tomatoes, and onion mixed with cheese and herbs); and chupe de camarones (corn and garlic soup flavored with Pacific Ocean prawns).
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