San Lázaro Neighborhood – (Picanterías), Arequipa – Peru

San Lázaro is the oldest neighborhood in Arequipa, where you will find the most traditional architecture and where most of the famous picanterías that distinguish the city as a good gastronomic destination are located.

Originally, this neighborhood was inhabited by about 40 families, who built the small temple that is located there. Those first Spaniards to settle there did so on the site that had been populated by the Yarabayas and other cultures of the region.

On the sides of its narrow cobblestone streets you can see white buildings built in ashlar, generally decorated on their doors and balconies with colorful flowers. It is a neighborhood full of passages, corners and charming little streets.

It has been declared a World Cultural Heritage Site and is also known for being one of the areas of the city where the best picanterías are located. Here you can taste the most exquisite dishes of Arequipa’s gastronomy.

What to do in Barrio San Lázaro – (Picanterías)?

Visit the Church of San Lazaro. It was originally a small chapel, built by the first Spaniards with the help of the local inhabitants. Later it was enlarged until it became a beautiful temple built in white ashlar. It is said that the devotees who attend this church most often pray to the Lord of Patience, praying for good relations in their marriages.

Taste typical dishes in its picanterias. Arequipa is synonymous with good gastronomy and San Lazaro is the destination where you can find the best of its dishes. Chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder), rocoto relleno (stuffed red pepper) and cheese ice cream for dessert, are a great option to get to know the good taste of this land.

To know the local architecture. Arequipa is one of the few cities in the world that has its own architectural style, and in San Lazaro you will see many samples of this type of construction, where blocks of volcanic sillar stone predominate, giving the city the nickname of “White City”.

See the ashlar bridge. In addition to buildings, there is also a bridge built in ashlar, which passes over a stream and connects the square with the neighborhood church.

How to get to Barrio San Lázaro – (Picanterías)?

From the Plaza de Armas in downtown Arequipa to Barrio San Lazaro is only one kilometer away, so it can be reached on foot without major difficulties. It is delimited between the streets Jerusalén, Puente Grau and Juan de la Torre Avenue.

If you do not want to walk and want to take a cab, the ride is less than 5 minutes and you will be charged around 3 Peruvian soles.

Recommendations:

What to bring? To make your walk comfortable, it is advisable to wear sneakers and sun protection, especially in summer. Although most picanterias accept credit cards, it is recommended that you also carry cash.

When to visit? It is a good plan to take advantage of the morning to tour San Lázaro and finish the tour with lunch at a picantería. This leaves the afternoon free to explore other sites in the city such as the historic center or the Monastery of Santa Catalina, which are very close.

Recommended Picanterias. There are many, but two of the most recognized by locals and tourists are “La Mundial” and “La Nueva Palomino”.

Recommended dishes. Chupe de camarones, rocoto relleno, adobo arequipeño, soltero or solterito and ocopa are some of the classic dishes of Arequipa’s culinary culture. Among the desserts, Arequipa cheese ice cream stands out.

Shrimp closure. If you want to try the famous chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder), you should know that between the months of January and March fishing is prohibited, so you will not find any dish with this ingredient.

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