This Peruvian city, known as the "White City" for its volcanic stone buildings, sits beneath three volcanoes. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arequipa, Peru's second-largest city, sits at the foot of three volcanoes in the Andes Mountains. Its historic center contains white volcanic stone buildings, earning it the nickname "White City". You can explore the Santa Catalina Monastery, taste local dishes like chupe de camarones, and take a trip to the nearby Colca Canyon to spot Andean condors.
Exploring the White City
Arequipa's historic center spans 332 hectares and contains over 500 colonial-era buildings constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. As you walk through the streets, you'll see ornate Baroque-style facades and large courtyards. The Plaza de Armas forms the center of the old town, with the Basilica Cathedral occupying one side of the square. Inside, you can observe the cathedral's Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.
Santa Catalina Monastery
The Santa Catalina Monastery, built in the 16th century, covers an entire city block and once housed up to 450 nuns and servants. You can walk the narrow cobblestone streets within its walls, see buildings painted in bright colors, and visit gardens and cloisters. The monastery provides insight into the secluded lives of the nuns who lived here for centuries.
Arequipa's Local Cuisine
Arequipa has developed its own regional cuisine that differs from other parts of Peru. At a picanterÃa, you can sample local dishes like chupe de camarones (river shrimp chowder), rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), and ocopa (potatoes in a creamy sauce). You can also try chicha, a fermented corn beer produced here since pre-Columbian times. For an authentic picanterÃa experience, visit on a Sunday when families gather for long, relaxed lunches.
Colca Canyon Adventures
About a 4-hour drive from Arequipa is the Colca Canyon, which reaches depths of over 13,000 feet in some areas. Many travelers come here to watch Andean condors riding thermal currents. You can take day trips from Arequipa or spend a few days hiking in the canyon and staying in small villages. The canyon also contains pre-Inca agricultural terraces that local farmers still use today.
When to Visit Arequipa
Arequipa has a mild climate throughout the year, with daytime temperatures usually between 20-25°C (68-77°F). From April to November, you can expect sunny days and cool nights. December to March sees some rain, typically brief afternoon showers. Remember that Arequipa is at 2,335 meters (7,661 feet) above sea level, so allow time to adjust if you're coming from lower elevations.
Getting to Arequipa
You can reach Arequipa by air or bus. The RodrÃguez Ballón International Airport has regular flights from Lima and other major Peruvian cities. The flight from Lima takes about 1.5 hours. If you prefer land travel, overnight buses connect Arequipa with Lima (16-18 hours), Cusco (10 hours), and Puno (6 hours). Once in the city, you can explore the compact historic center on foot or take short taxi rides.
