The Taller de Pasos del 9º al 12º Paso comes to Arequipa, Peru, December 4–6, 2026. The official Narcóticos Anónimos Región Perú announcement confirms the three-day workshop in Arequipa, focused on working Steps 9 through 12. The currently published event page does not identify a specific venue, so travelers should use the official event information for the final location before making venue-specific plans. Narcóticos Anónimos Región Perú
Arequipa is one of Peru’s most distinctive cities. Set high in the Andes beneath El Misti volcano, the historic center is known for its white volcanic-stone architecture, plazas, monasteries and colonial buildings. Peru’s official tourism site highlights the city’s historic center, surrounding countryside and viewpoints as central parts of the destination. Peru Travel
Start at the Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the natural place to begin exploring Arequipa.
The square sits at the heart of the historic center, surrounded by white-stone arcades and the Cathedral of Arequipa.
Arequipa’s municipal tourism office describes the plaza as one of the city’s signature spaces, with the cathedral, municipal portals and historic architecture surrounding its central fountain. MUNICIPALIDAD PROVINCIAL DE AREQUIPA
For a recovery weekend, you do not need to spend hours sightseeing.
Walk around the square.
See the cathedral.
Sit for a little while.
Then head back when you are ready.
Walk the Historic Center
Arequipa is often called the White City because so much of its historic architecture was built from sillar, a light-colored volcanic stone.
The municipality notes that the historic center includes hundreds of colonial-era houses and protected buildings, many reconstructed after the major earthquake of 1868. MUNICIPALIDAD PROVINCIAL DE AREQUIPA
That gives even an ordinary walk through central Arequipa a distinctive character.
You do not need a formal tour.
Walk a few streets.
Look at the stonework.
Find somewhere for coffee or food.
Then return to the workshop.
Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is one of Arequipa’s most recognizable historic sites.
The complex dates to the 16th century and feels almost like a small city within the city, with courtyards, narrow streets, painted walls and religious spaces.
Arequipa’s municipal tourism information describes it as one of Peru’s most significant colonial religious monuments. MUNICIPALIDAD PROVINCIAL DE AREQUIPA
If you have a few free hours before or after the workshop, this is one of the strongest places to spend them.
See El Misti From Yanahuara
One of the defining features of Arequipa is El Misti, the volcano rising beyond the city.
The Yanahuara viewpoint is one of the classic places to see it.
From the arches overlooking the city, you can see the urban landscape spread beneath the surrounding mountains.
Peru’s official tourism site specifically recommends the Yanahuara, Sachaca and Carmen Alto viewpoints for taking in Arequipa’s city-and-volcano setting. Peru Travel
You do not need to climb anything.
The view is the experience.
Explore Arequipa’s Food
Arequipa has one of Peru’s strongest regional food traditions.
Local restaurants known as picanterías serve traditional Arequipeño dishes, often built around hearty soups, meat, potatoes, peppers and regional ingredients.
For a workshop weekend, keep meals practical.
Find somewhere comfortable.
Try something local.
Eat with people from the fellowship.
Then get back to the event.
Adjust to the Elevation
Arequipa sits at roughly 2,300 meters above sea level.
That is high enough that some visitors arriving from low elevations may notice the difference, especially during the first day.
Take it easy.
Drink water.
Do not schedule a demanding physical outing immediately after arriving.
A slow walk through the historic center is a much better first-day plan than trying to pack the trip with activity.
Official Peruvian climate guidance lists Arequipa at about 2,304 meters above sea level. senamhi.gob.pe
Getting to Arequipa
For travelers flying in, Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport is the main airport serving the city.
Peru’s Ministry of Transport lists the airport as an international facility in Arequipa operated by Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú. Gob
From the airport, taxis and arranged transportation are the simplest ways to reach central Arequipa.
Because the workshop venue has not yet been published on the official event page, wait until you have the final address before deciding exactly where to stay or how you will handle daily transportation.
Keep December Conditions in Mind
Arequipa generally has a dry, mild high-altitude climate, but December marks the beginning of the wetter summer period in the Andes.
You may still get long stretches of sunshine, but afternoon clouds and rain become more likely.
Bring layers.
Bring a light rain jacket.
Remember that the temperature can drop noticeably after sunset.
The elevation also makes the sun feel stronger during the day, so sun protection is worth carrying even when the air feels cool.
Consider the Countryside
If you have extra time before or after the workshop, the countryside surrounding Arequipa gives you another side of the destination.
The municipality highlights the Campiña Arequipeña, with agricultural land, terraces and views toward the surrounding volcanoes, as one of the region’s characteristic landscapes. MUNICIPALIDAD PROVINCIAL DE AREQUIPA
This is better suited to an extended stay than something you need to squeeze into the middle of the workshop.
If your schedule is already full, stay in the city.
There is plenty there.
Keep the Trip Recovery-Centered
Arequipa can easily become a larger travel destination.
There is historic architecture.
Food.
Volcano views.
Museums.
Monasteries.
Andean countryside.
But the Taller de Pasos del 9º al 12º Paso is the reason for this trip.
Spend time working the Steps.
Listen.
Share.
Participate.
Spend time with the fellowship.
Then, when you have some space in the schedule, walk through the historic center or see El Misti from Yanahuara.
You do not need to see everything.
Find the Event and Plan Your Visit
See the Taller de Pasos del 9º al 12º Paso in the Dans' Custom Gifts NA Event Directory.
Official event information is available from Narcóticos Anónimos Región Perú.
Photo credit: Anyela Málaga / Pexels