About Arequipa
Arequipa, often called the “White City” for its gleaming volcanic stone buildings, is Peru’s second-largest city and a place that blends history, culture, and natural beauty with remarkable ease. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the towering El Misti volcano, the city enjoys a reputation for its striking colonial architecture, much of which was built from sillar, a pale volcanic rock. Its historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with elegant churches, cloisters, and grand mansions, all testifying to its importance during the Spanish colonial era.
Life in Arequipa unfolds at a gentle yet vibrant pace. The Plaza de Armas, a handsome square lined with palm trees and graceful arcades, acts as the city’s social hub, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the atmosphere. Cafés, restaurants, and craft shops spill out into cobbled streets, while the Santa Catalina Monastery offers an extraordinary glimpse into centuries of cloistered life, its painted walls and quiet courtyards forming a colourful city within a city. Arequipa is also known for its gastronomy, with hearty dishes such as rocoto relleno and adobo being local favourites.
Beyond the city, the surrounding landscapes are as compelling as its architecture. The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, lies only a few hours’ drive away and provides a spectacular stage for spotting the majestic Andean condor in flight. Hiking trails, hot springs, and villages steeped in tradition make it a popular excursion from Arequipa. Whether for its heritage, food, or natural wonders, the city offers a well-rounded experience that captures both Peru’s history and its enduring vitality.
Things to do
🏛️ Explore the Santa Catalina Monastery
If you only do one thing in Arequipa, make it this. The Santa Catalina Monastery is a city within a city, a maze of vivid red and blue cloisters, cobbled courtyards, and chapels where the silence feels thicker than the walls. Built in the 16th century, it’s still home to nuns, though thankfully visitors are permitted to wander about at leisure. You’ll find yourself losing track of time here, which is ironic considering it was once a place designed for endless contemplation. Bring a camera—the colours are frankly ridiculous—and prepare to emerge blinking into the modern world, wondering if you’ve accidentally joined the order.
🏔️ Marvel at El Misti Volcano
Standing watch over Arequipa like a giant in repose, El Misti is the city’s most iconic feature. At nearly 6,000 metres, it looks impossibly symmetrical—rather as if a child had drawn a volcano and the gods had decided to make it life-size. You don’t need to climb it (unless you’re alarmingly fit and fancy two days of slog at high altitude), but it’s worth simply sitting in the Plaza de Armas and letting your eyes drift upward. It’s a reminder that life here exists under the gaze of something both beautiful and faintly menacing. A bit like sharing a house with a large cat.
⛪ Admire the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
The Plaza de Armas is undoubtedly one of the loveliest squares in Peru, and its crown jewel is the Basilica Cathedral, stretching across the entire north side in elegant volcanic stone. Step inside and you’ll find a blend of grandeur and solemnity, with Belgian organs, Carrara marble, and chandeliers that sparkle with a slightly theatrical flair. It’s the kind of place where you suddenly lower your voice without knowing why. Even if churches aren’t your thing, it’s hard not to be impressed. And if they are your thing, you may never leave.
🖼️ Visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos
You’ve probably heard of Juanita, the Ice Maiden. She’s Arequipa’s most famous resident, though she’s been here for about 500 years. This museum tells her story: discovered frozen on Mount Ampato in 1995, she was an Inca girl sacrificed to the gods and preserved in startling condition. The museum explains the rituals, the culture, and the sheer drama of life in the Andes. It’s fascinating, a little unsettling, and utterly unique. You’ll never look at an ice cube quite the same way again.
🌆 Stroll Through Yanahuara
For a quieter slice of Arequipa, wander over to Yanahuara, a charming neighbourhood with white volcanic stone archways, cobbled lanes, and a mirador that gives you a cracking view of El Misti and the city below. The arches are inscribed with poetic phrases, though my Spanish is not always up to scratch—so I settled for nodding knowingly as though I understood. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, and the kind of spot where you feel smugly away from the tourist throngs while still firmly in tourist territory.
🛍️ Browse the San Camilo Market
Markets are always a good way to test your stamina, and San Camilo doesn’t disappoint. It’s noisy, colourful, and smells alternately of fresh fruit, cheese, and things you probably don’t want to identify. You can buy anything here: clothes, spices, local sweets, guinea pigs (alive, I’m afraid), and towering glasses of fresh juice that seem like incredible bargains until you realise they contain three days’ worth of fruit in one go. It’s authentic Arequipa life, in all its glorious chaos.
🍲 Visit the Mundo Alpaca
Mundo Alpaca in Arequipa is one of those rare attractions that manages to be both educational and genuinely enjoyable, even if you are not normally the sort who gets excited about textiles. Tucked away not far from the historic centre, it is part museum, part workshop, and part living showcase for the animals themselves. Visitors are greeted by a small herd of alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and guanacos, all happily chewing and occasionally posing for photographs as if they know they are the stars of the show. The site explains in simple, engaging ways the centuries-old Andean tradition of weaving, showing how natural fibres are spun, dyed, and transformed into intricate fabrics. Inside the exhibition areas you can see traditional looms in action, while in the more modern sections you gain an appreciation for how fine alpaca wool has become a prized material across the world. There is, naturally, a shop at the end where you can browse everything from scarves to luxury coats, but unlike many tourist traps, this one feels more like a gallery of craftsmanship than a hard sell. Best of all, entry is free, so even if you are not planning to spend a penny, it is worth dropping by to stroke an alpaca, admire the handiwork of local artisans, and come away with a much better understanding of why these soft and slightly smug-looking creatures are so important to Peru’s cultural heritage.
🏞️ Take a Day Trip to Colca Canyon
A day trip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon is one of those experiences that feels both exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure, but entirely worth the early start. The journey begins in the small hours of the morning, with tour buses whisking you away from the city while it still slumbers. As you climb into the highlands, the landscape shifts dramatically – dusty plains give way to sweeping valleys, volcanic peaks loom in the distance, and herds of llamas and alpacas graze on the sparse grasslands. The altitude becomes noticeable as you reach the Patapampa Pass, often dusted with snow and marked by colourful cairns left by travellers. Eventually, you arrive at the canyon itself, one of the deepest in the world, where the sheer scale of the scenery is almost overwhelming. Terraced hillsides carved centuries ago still cling to the slopes, tiny villages dot the ridges, and the highlight for most visitors is spotting the magnificent Andean condors as they glide effortlessly on the morning thermals, their wingspans casting vast shadows across the cliffs. After wandering viewpoints and perhaps stopping in Chivay for a hearty Andean lunch or a dip in thermal baths, you make the long drive back to Arequipa, weary but satisfied, with the memory of the canyon’s vast beauty firmly etched in your mind.
🎭 Enjoy Arequipa’s Festivals
If you happen to be in town in August, congratulations—you’ve timed it with the city’s anniversary, which is celebrated with days of parades, fireworks, music, and an atmosphere that could politely be described as “lively.” There are other festivals throughout the year too, many with roots in Catholic or Inca traditions. They’re noisy, colourful affairs where half the fun is trying to work out what on earth is going on. If you enjoy brass bands, costumes, and the general joy of people celebrating because they can, you’ll be very much at home.
🏠 Visiting the Museum Home of Mario Vargas Llosa in Arequipa
One of the more unusual yet fascinating places to visit in Arequipa is the museum dedicated to Mario Vargas Llosa, Peru’s Nobel Prize–winning author, housed in the very home where he was born. Rather than being a traditional display of dusty manuscripts, this museum uses modern technology to bring his life and works to vivid life. Visitors are guided through a series of rooms that chart his journey from childhood in Arequipa to international literary acclaim, with clever use of film projections, recordings, and even holograms to tell the story. Each room feels like stepping into a chapter of his life, whether it be his student days, his political involvement, or the novels that made him world famous. The house itself is charming, with a mix of historical character and contemporary exhibition design, and the whole experience is surprisingly engaging even for those who may not have read his books. It offers not only an insight into Vargas Llosa’s extraordinary career but also a window into Peru’s political and cultural history.
Planning your visit to Arequipa
📍 Location
Arequipa, known as the “White City”, is located in southern Peru, at the foot of the majestic Misti Volcano. The city sits at an altitude of around 2,335 metres, making it a gateway to both high Andean adventures and the deep Colca Canyon.
✈️ How to Get There
By Air: Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) connects Arequipa with Lima, Cusco, and other major Peruvian cities. Flights from Lima take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
By Bus: Long-distance buses run from Lima (approx. 15–17 hours), Cusco (10–12 hours), and Puno (6–7 hours). Buses are comfortable and often overnight.
By Train: There is no direct train service to Arequipa, but luxury trains link Cusco and Puno, from where buses can connect onwards.
🚌 Getting Around
On Foot: The historic centre is compact and best explored by walking.
Taxis & Ride Apps: Affordable and convenient, though always agree on a fare before setting off.
Tours: Many travellers use organised tours for trips to Colca Canyon, the surrounding volcanoes, and the countryside.
💡 Tips for Travellers
Altitude: Although not as high as Cusco, some may still feel the effects. Take it easy on your first day.
Sun Protection: The high altitude means stronger sun – carry sun cream, a hat, and sunglasses.
Local Food: Don’t miss sampling rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones, and a glass of pisco sour.
The best time to visit Arequipa
1. Mid Range: Hotel Los Tambos Boutique
Hotel Los Tambos Boutique in Arequipa is a charming and stylish property that perfectly balances modern comfort with a touch of local character, making it an excellent choice for travellers seeking both convenience and atmosphere. Situated just a short stroll from the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, the hotel offers an enviable location that allows guests to explore the historic centre with ease, including its grand colonial architecture, lively restaurants, and the famous Santa Catalina Monastery. The interiors are tastefully decorated, combining clean, contemporary design with subtle Andean influences, creating an inviting and warm environment. Rooms are thoughtfully appointed with comfortable beds, quality linens, and modern amenities, while some even offer views of the surrounding volcanoes, reminding visitors of the dramatic natural setting in which Arequipa sits. Guests particularly appreciate the rooftop terrace, where breakfast is often served against the backdrop of the city’s white volcanic stone buildings and the towering El Misti.
2. Luxury: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa is one of the city’s most elegant and historically rich hotels, set within a beautifully preserved colonial-era mansion built from the region’s iconic white volcanic stone, sillar. Located just a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas, it offers guests both convenience and charm, with its courtyards, arches, and cloisters creating an atmosphere that blends heritage with comfort. The hotel is known for its tasteful interiors, where traditional details are paired with modern amenities, ensuring that visitors enjoy both authenticity and luxury during their stay. Many of the rooms feature high vaulted ceilings and original architectural elements, while others open onto peaceful courtyards that provide a serene retreat from the bustle of Arequipa’s streets. Guests can indulge in regional specialities and Peruvian classics at the hotel’s restaurant, which often highlights local produce, and then relax in the cosy bar or tranquil garden. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the setting, framed by views of the nearby Misti Volcano, makes it an ideal choice for those who want to immerse themselves in the cultural fabric of Arequipa while enjoying a refined base from which to explore the city.
3. Budget: Le Foyer Arequipa
Le Foyer Arequipa is a popular and well-situated hostel in the historic heart of Arequipa, offering travellers a friendly base with plenty of character. Housed in a charming colonial-style building, it features spacious rooms, both private and shared, many with balconies that overlook the bustling streets or the distant volcanic peaks. The hostel is best known for its rooftop terrace, which boasts superb views of El Misti and the cathedral towers, making it an ideal spot to enjoy breakfast, a sundowner, or a quiet evening after a day of exploring. Its location is hard to beat, just a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas, cafés, restaurants, and key attractions, yet tucked away enough to feel relaxed. With helpful staff, a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, and good value for money, Le Foyer is often recommended by backpackers and budget-conscious travellers looking for comfort without fuss.
