La Apacheta Cemetery - Image 1
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La Apacheta Cemetery

4.3
·65 reviews·Arequipa, Peru

A vast historical cemetery in Arequipa, Peru, known for its impressive mausoleums, local legends, and stunning views of Misti Volcano.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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La Apacheta Cemetery - Image 1

La Apacheta Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast historical cemetery in Arequipa, Peru, known for its impressive mausoleums, local legends, and stunning views of Misti Volcano.

4.3
(65 reviews)

"It's almost a museum that should be much more promoted, offering impressive photos with Misti Volcano in the background."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is vast; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many sections. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized during your visit. Purchase flowers outside as options inside are limited. :water_wave: :apple:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Lira Family Mausoleum

The Lira Family Mausoleum

Monumental Area

Explore the legendary mausoleum of the Lira family, steeped in tales of witchcraft and dark magic. A must-see for those interested in local folklore.

TikTok+2
Victor Apaza Quispe's Tomb

Victor Apaza Quispe's Tomb

Monumental Area

Discover the tomb of Victor Apaza Quispe, a criminal who became a revered folk saint. His story is a fascinating blend of crime and popular devotion.

TikTok+1
Misti Volcano Views

Misti Volcano Views

Various vantage points

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Misti Volcano as a stunning backdrop to the cemetery's solemn landscape.

Reddit
The Pavilion for Unborn Children

The Pavilion for Unborn Children

Specific section

A poignant and unique area dedicated to unborn children and babies, offering a different perspective on the cemetery's diverse sections.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Plan your visit to La Apacheta Cemetery to avoid crowds and make the most of your exploration. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more serene experience and better photo opportunities. Check for special events like the 'Festival Paranormal' for a unique, albeit busier, perspective. TikTok

Navigating the Vast Grounds

La Apacheta Cemetery is extensive and can be easy to get lost in. Grab a map if available, or consider a guided tour to understand the historical significance of different sections and notable tombs. Be prepared for a lot of walking and wear comfortable shoes. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
October (Halloween events)
Why
Unique paranormal festivals
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La leyenda de la familia Lira 🧙‍♀️👻 #leyenda #mito #creencia #familialira #terror #paranormal #miedo #fantasma #bruja #historia #tumba #mausoleo #cementerio #apacheta #fyp #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #viral_video #arequipa #perú #susurrosdelmisti #aironko
@susurros.del.misti
56.9K likes • 1.3M views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is vast; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many sections. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Bring Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized during your visit. Purchase flowers outside as options inside are limited. :water_wave: :apple: Reddit

Mas historias que esconde el Cementerio de la Apacheta. #EnvasadoraMajes #Kiwifresh #cementeriolaapacheta #apacheta #Arequipa
@kiwifresh_peru
12.4K likes • 391.5K views
De asesino a Santo ¿Conocian la historia de Victor Apaza Q.? #arequipa #arequipacementerio #cementerioapacheta #victorapazaquispe #tumba #santopopular #santo #aqp #parati #fouryou #terror #tumbas #cementerios #santo #arequipa_peru🇵🇪 #peru #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #viral #fyp #arequipaterror
@gonzalorubiob
11.3K likes • 310.2K views

Last Entry at 4 PM

Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you enter before the last admission time. :clock1: Reddit

Look for Guided Tours

Enhance your understanding of the history and legends with a knowledgeable local guide. :walking: :scroll:

¿Alguna vez te cruzaste con este mausoleo? #aqp #arequipa #tumba #cementerioapacheta #victorapazaquispe #lahijadeloslira #brujeria #bruja #viral #fyp #parati #fouryou #terror #tumbas #cementerios #arequipa_peru🇵🇪 #arequipaterror #historias #leyendasdeterror #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #loslira #mausoleos
@gonzalorubiob
9.6K likes • 245.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is vast; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many sections. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Bring Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized during your visit. Purchase flowers outside as options inside are limited. :water_wave: :apple: Reddit

Last Entry at 4 PM

Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you enter before the last admission time. :clock1: Reddit

Look for Guided Tours

Enhance your understanding of the history and legends with a knowledgeable local guide. :walking: :scroll:

Capture Stunning Photos

The cemetery offers unique photographic opportunities, especially with Misti Volcano in the background. :camerawithflash:

Check for Special Events

Experience the cemetery during events like the 'Festival Paranormal' for a spooky, immersive visit. :ghost: :fireworks: TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.3
(65 reviews)

Reviews Summary

La Apacheta Cemetery is a vast historical site with impressive mausoleums and beautiful views of Misti Volcano. While rich in history and local legends, some areas can be neglected, and visitors should be mindful of the cemetery's size to avoid getting lost. Special events offer a unique, albeit busier, experience.

"This place is big, has a beautiful modest church at the Main Street of the cemetery, some people did nice mausoleums, is easy to get lost. You need to buy flowers outside, inside only people for some tip helps with the ladder and water. Last entrance is 4pm. Views of Misti the volcano are beautiful."

Ljubica Banic

"The cemetery has a lot of history, many famous people are there, and just by looking at the art on display, carved in the mausoleums, etc. However, it's not pleasant for me to see how they burned the trees at the entrance with the excuse of placing benches, only to end up with only four, and only two of them have polycarbonate roofs. They damaged the environment and in the process, they saved the money that was intended for that purpose."

Ariana A

"The La Apacheta General Cemetery is a cemetery located in the city of Arequipa, Peru. It is the oldest and largest cemetery in the city, with more than 200,000 graves. It is located a few meters from the oval of the same name. The cemetery began construction in 1826. Its construction was promoted in 1828 by Prefect Antonio Gutiérrez de la Fuente, and it was inaugurated in 1833. On that occasion, the first remains to be buried were those of Arequipa's national hero, Mariano Melgar, with a ceremony and speech by Dean Juan Gualberto Valdivia y Cornejo. The cemetery's name comes from the site where it was built (Apacheta or Apachita), a Quechua name that refers to the stone mounds that indigenous people formed on the summit of the Andes to thank God for their ability to reach the summit with strength. Its location was assigned by Simón Bolívar, considering that the Battle of Apacheta was fought here in 1814, where rebel troops under the command of Mateo Pumacahua defeated the royalist army. From its opening until 1873, it was administered by the Provincial Municipality of Arequipa, and from that year on, by the Arequipa Public Welfare Society.

The cemetery is divided into two parts. The first corresponds to the European migration. The second is the monumental area, where mausoleums dating from the 19th century are located. The cemetery also had an area for atheists and another for condemned prisoners. The cemetery is one of the most notable in the country, containing the tombs of national heroes, presidents of Peru, members of parliament, and mayors of Arequipa."

RAFAEL GARCÍA GODOS SALAZAR

What People Like

Historical significance
Impressive mausoleums
Misti Volcano views

What People Dislike

Can be neglected
Easy to get lost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Apacheta Cemetery is located a few meters from the oval of the same name in Arequipa. You can reach it by taxi or local bus from the city center. The journey is relatively short, making it an accessible destination for day-trippers. Reddit

While specific parking details can vary, it's generally advisable to check with local transport providers or consider public transport options as parking might be limited or challenging near the entrance. Reddit

Depending on your starting point in Arequipa, walking might be an option, but it's a considerable distance from the main city center. Taxis or buses are more practical for most visitors. Reddit

For special events like the 'Festival Paranormal,' it's best to arrange transport in advance or follow the specific instructions provided by the event organizers, as access might be managed differently. TikTok+1

The cemetery is located near the 'Apacheta oval,' a significant landmark in Arequipa. This can serve as a good reference point when navigating to the cemetery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The last entrance to La Apacheta Cemetery is typically around 4 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm the exact closing times before your visit, especially if you plan to explore extensively. Reddit

General entry to the cemetery might be free or require a small fee. However, for special events like the 'Festival Paranormal,' separate tickets are usually required and can be purchased in advance. TikTok

While general access might be minimal, special tours or events like the 'Festival Paranormal' have associated costs, often around 25 soles, as mentioned for Halloween events. TikTok

Tickets for special events like the 'Festival Paranormal' can often be purchased at the Arequipa Public Welfare Society or potentially on-site, but booking in advance is recommended due to limited availability. TikTok

Yes, the last entrance to La Apacheta Cemetery is at 4 PM, so plan your visit to allow ample time for exploration before closing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the legendary Lira Family Mausoleum, the tomb of folk saint Victor Apaza Quispe, and the poignant pavilion for unborn children. The views of Misti Volcano are also spectacular. TikTokReddit+2

Absolutely! The cemetery offers unique photographic opportunities with its historical mausoleums, intricate art, and the stunning backdrop of Misti Volcano. The 'golden hour' in the late afternoon is particularly good for photos. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended to understand the rich history, legends, and notable figures buried here. They can also help you navigate the vast grounds. Reddit

The name 'Apacheta' comes from Quechua, referring to stone mounds indigenous people built on mountain summits. The cemetery's location is significant as the site of the 1814 Battle of Apacheta. Reddit

The monumental area features mausoleums dating from the 19th century, showcasing impressive artistry and architectural styles. Many are quite ornate and historically significant. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for vantage points that capture the grand mausoleums with Misti Volcano in the background. The intricate details on older tombs also make for compelling shots. Reddit

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to check with cemetery management or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions. Reddit

Late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' offer beautiful lighting for photography, casting a warm glow on the monuments and landscape. Reddit

Consider capturing the architectural details of the mausoleums, the historical inscriptions, and the unique atmosphere of the cemetery, especially during twilight or special events. TikTok+1

While general photography is usually permitted, it's respectful to be mindful of ongoing ceremonies or private family plots. Always be discreet and respectful. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While La Apacheta Cemetery is a place of history and reflection, families can find it an educational experience. Focus on the historical aspects and the impressive mausoleum architecture rather than the more macabre legends. The views of Misti Volcano can be a great natural attraction for children. Consider a guided tour that can tailor the information to be engaging for younger audiences. Ensure children are supervised and reminded to be respectful of the solemn environment. Reddit

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

For those drawn to the supernatural, La Apacheta Cemetery is a must-visit, especially during events like the 'Festival Paranormal.' TikTok+1 The legends of the Lira family and the stories of folk saints like Victor Apaza Quispe offer plenty of material for ghost hunters and folklore enthusiasts. TikTok+2 Participating in a nighttime tour can amplify the eerie atmosphere and provide a more immersive experience into the cemetery's mysterious side. TikTok

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find La Apacheta Cemetery to be a visually rich location. The architectural grandeur of the mausoleums, combined with the iconic Misti Volcano backdrop, offers endless composition possibilities. Reddit Aim for the late afternoon 'golden hour' for the most dramatic lighting. Look for intricate details on older tombs and unique perspectives that capture the cemetery's solemn beauty. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Legends and Folklore of La Apacheta

La Apacheta Cemetery is a treasure trove of local legends and folklore, with many stories circulating about its inhabitants and their eternal resting places. One of the most famous tales revolves around the Lira family mausoleum. Legend has it that a daughter in the family practiced black magic and was condemned to torment her relatives in their dreams, appearing in various animal forms. TikTok+2 This story adds a layer of mystique and intrigue for visitors interested in the paranormal and local myths.

Another compelling narrative is that of Victor Apaza Quispe, a delinquent who, after his death, became a folk saint. His story highlights the complex relationship between crime, justice, and popular devotion in Arequipa. TikTok+1 The cemetery also holds unique sections, such as a pavilion for those who took their own lives, reflecting historical beliefs about the afterlife and societal attitudes. TikTok These stories are often shared during special events like the 'Festival Paranormal,' offering an immersive experience into the cemetery's darker side. TikTok+1

Historical Significance and Notable Burials

La Apacheta Cemetery is not just a place of legends but also a site of immense historical importance for Arequipa and Peru. Established in 1826 and inaugurated in 1833, it is the oldest and largest cemetery in the city, housing over 200,000 graves. Reddit It was the final resting place for national heroes, including Mariano Melgar, whose remains were among the first to be buried there. Reddit The cemetery also contains the tombs of presidents, members of parliament, and mayors of Arequipa, making it a veritable open-air museum of Peruvian history.

The cemetery's layout is divided into sections, including a monumental area featuring mausoleums from the 19th century, showcasing impressive artistry and architectural styles. Reddit There are also specific areas for European migration, atheists, and even condemned prisoners, reflecting the diverse social fabric of Arequipa throughout history. Reddit The cemetery's name itself is rooted in history, derived from the Quechua word for stone mounds built by indigenous people on mountain summits, and its location is significant as the site of the 1814 Battle of Apacheta. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

For photography enthusiasts, La Apacheta Cemetery offers a unique and atmospheric setting. The imposing mausoleums, many dating back to the 19th century, provide incredible architectural details and artistic expressions to capture. Reddit The intricate carvings and grand structures create a sense of history and solemn beauty.

A significant photographic advantage is the stunning backdrop of the Misti Volcano, which often looms majestically over the cemetery grounds. Reddit This combination of historical monuments and natural grandeur makes for truly memorable shots. The late afternoon, or 'golden hour,' is particularly recommended for its soft, warm light that enhances the textures and colors of the monuments. Reddit Visitors looking for unique and evocative imagery will find La Apacheta Cemetery to be a rewarding location. Reddit

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