PE
Arequipa
Peru’s “White City” of volcanic stone, beneath El Misti and the gateway to Colca Canyon
Peru’s “White City” of volcanic stone, beneath El Misti and the gateway to Colca Canyon
Arcaded sillar buildings and the long façade of the cathedral frame the main square, with El Misti behind on clear days.
Photo: Pavel Špindler, CC BY 3.0
Founded in the late 16th century, this vast convent is almost a town within the city, with painted streets, cloisters and cells. Nuns still live in part of it.
Evening visits are possible on some days.
Photo: Josep M. Gracia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The twin-towered cathedral fills one side of the plaza. Nearby, the Museo Santuarios Andinos displays “Juanita”, the frozen Inca girl found on Mount Ampato in 1995, and other finds from high-altitude Inca sacrifices.
The mummy on display may vary by season.
Photo: Pierre André Leclercq, CC BY-SA 4.0
In this district just across the river, a viewpoint of sillar arches frames El Misti.
Photo: Karney Hatch, CC BY-SA 2.0
About three to four hours away, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Condors are often seen soaring at Cruz del Cóndor in the morning.
Tours cross passes above 4,800m; acclimatise first.
Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
Arequipa’s picanterías serve hearty traditional dishes: rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), chupe de camarones (river shrimp soup), adobo on Sundays, and queso helado, a local ice-cream dessert.
Mercado San Camilo is good for fruit juices and snacks.
Arequipa’s airport has flights to Lima, Cusco and Juliaca. Long-distance buses run to Lima, Puno and Cusco.
The centre is walkable; taxis are inexpensive. At 2,300m, take it easy on arrival.
Peru uses the sol (PEN). Arequipa is good value.
Three days for the city and Colca.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, cathedral, Santa Catalina Monastery and the Juanita museum.
Eat at a picantería, then visit Yanahuara for views of El Misti.
Take an early tour to Colca Canyon (overnight is better).
Rest before Colca.
Strong sun; use sunscreen.
Go at lunch.
Use reputable companies.
Quick answers for planning time in Arequipa.
Its centre is built of sillar, a pale volcanic stone.
Yes, its historic centre was inscribed in 2000.
A frozen Inca girl found on Mount Ampato in 1995, displayed at Museo Santuarios Andinos.
About three to four hours by road.
April to November, in the dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Peru travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.