Arequipa

Discover Arequipa: The White City of Volcanoes and Colonial Elegance

Welcome to Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city and one of its most beautiful colonial gems. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) for its stunning buildings made from white volcanic stone (sillar), Arequipa offers a captivating mix of elegant Spanish architecture, dramatic natural scenery, and deep-rooted Andean traditions.

Framed by three majestic volcanoes — Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu — Arequipa is a city where culture, history, and nature converge. Its mild climate, vibrant food scene, and proximity to the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon make it a must-visit destination in southern Peru.

Essential Travel Information

Altitude: 2,335 m (7,661 ft) above sea level
Location: Southern Peru, at the foot of the Andes
Best time to visit: April to November (dry season with sunny skies)
Climate: Mild and sunny year-round, with cooler nights
UNESCO Status: Historic Center declared a World Heritage Site in 2000

Highlights of Arequipa

• Santa Catalina Monastery: A vast, colorful 16th-century convent — a city within a city

• Plaza de Armas: One of Peru’s most beautiful main squares, surrounded by elegant colonial buildings and the stunning Arequipa Cathedral

• Volcano Views: Panoramic vistas of Misti and Chachani from every angle of the city

• Colca Canyon: One of the world’s deepest canyons and home to the majestic Andean condor

• Local Cuisine: Arequipa is known for its unique and flavorful dishes like rocoto relleno, adobo arequipeño, and chupe de camarones

Tours You Can Take from Arequipa

Discover our curated selection of tours from Arequipa — including cultural city tours, excursions to the Colca Canyon, and unforgettable experiences in the Andean highlands.

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