A jaunt across the Río Chili for lunch at La Nueva Palomino restaurant can easily be combined with a digestive stroll, a few blocks north, to the charming square of the Yanahuara neighborhood. It is graced with stone archways, views of Misti, and the 18th-century Iglesia San Juan Bautista (9 a.m.–noon and 4–8 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–8 p.m. Sat.–Sun, free).

The church’s walls are nearly two meters thick, and the roof’s arch was built with a flat shape to accommodate the relative weakness of sillar (this shape was found to be stronger than the perfect arch). The elaborately carved facade is considered to be one of Peru’s masterpieces of religious art. Look closely to find a cherubim with feathered crowns, which is a pre-Hispanic symbol of power outlawed in Peru during colonial times.

About five minutes away by taxi (US$1.50) is the Mirador de Carmen Alto, which offers views of all the volcanoes, the city of Arequipa, and a sillar quarry used by the Spaniards. There are Collagua terraces nearby, a few resident alpacas and llamas, and a small snack bar.