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Viewpoint · Arequipa, Arequipa
Mirador de Yanahuara
Viewpoint of sillar arches engraved with verses by poets from Arequipa, in the square of the Yanahuara neighborhood, with the volcano Misti in front and the church with a mestizo façade from 1750 beside it.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mirador de Yanahuara
The Mirador de Yanahuara is located in the square of the neighborhood of the same name, across the Chili River, about 2 km from central Arequipa. It consists of a sequence of sillar arches, built in the 19th century, with verses by Arequipeño poets and writers engraved on them. Through the arches you can see the Misti volcano nearly head-on, with Chachani to the left and the city below.
Beside the viewpoint is the church of San Juan Bautista de Yanahuara, from 1750, with a carved sillar façade in the mestizo style, full of flowers, leaves, angels and Andean figures. The interior is simple, and the church houses colonial images much venerated in the neighborhood.
Yanahuara was an indigenous settlement separate from Arequipa and still has narrow streets of sillar houses, some painted, around the square. The neighborhood is known for its picanterías and kiosks serving typical food, and the square is peaceful, with benches and gardens.
Nearby, in the neighboring district of Cayma, there is another viewpoint next to the church of San Miguel Arcángel, with a similar view.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour for the viewpoint, the church and the surrounding streets.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the sky is usually clear and Misti is fully visible, or late in the afternoon, with low light over the volcano. From December to March clouds more frequently cover the summit.
How to get there
It's about 2 km from the Plaza de Armas, crossing the Chili River via the Grau Bridge. By taxi it's 10 minutes; on foot about 25 minutes, with a gentle uphill.
Tip
Go early in the morning to see Misti without clouds and then have lunch at a picantería in the neighborhood. Read the verses engraved on the arches while you wait for the light.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mirador de Yanahuara
What can you see from the Yanahuara viewpoint?
The volcano Misti, almost directly ahead, through the sillar arches, as well as Chachani and the city of Arequipa below.
How do you get from the center to Yanahuara?
By taxi, in about 10 minutes, or on foot, in around 25 minutes, crossing the Chili River via the Grau bridge.
What to see besides the viewpoint?
The church of San Juan Bautista, with its mestizo façade from 1750, and the streets of sillar houses around the square.