Arequipa: The White City beneath the volcano

Arequipa is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. Its colonial center, built using sillar (a white volcanic stone), earned it the name of “The White City”. Its constant sunshine all year round, incredible gastronomy and medium altitude make it an ideal stop before or after the Andean heights.

What is there to do in Arequipa?

A half-day guided tour is recommended to discover the most beautiful parts of the city. This includes visiting the Yanahuara district, with its main square, its church and its volcanic stone houses, a stop at its viewpoint in order to enjoy a panoramic view over the city and the 3 volcanoes which overlook it, and of course the colonial center: the highlight of which is the Santa Catalina monastery.

The Santa Catalina monastery is the biggest in Peru, and one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in Arequipa. Built in the 16^th century, it has been home to a nun community for over 4 centuries. Its lanes and patios have reminded many a visitor of the Spanish charms of Andalusia. Visiting the monastery takes around an hour and a half.

Following the visit you will have a half-day free in order to enjoy Arequipa’s charm at your own pace. One activity idea could be visiting the museum where the Juanita mummy is exhibited: a young girl who was sacrificed back in the Inca era, whose body was found in the glacier of the Sabancaya volcano.

Other museums and religious monuments worth visiting include: the Santa Teresa and Recoleta monasteries, the latter boasting a library with books dating back to the 17^th century, the San Augustin church, the Company of Jesus Church (whose cloisters are open to the public) and the Casa del Moral colonial museum.

The San Camilo market (a few streets away from the Plaza de Armas) is equally worth visiting, for a truly Peruvian shopping experience: wander along the colorful and never-ending fruit, vegetable, local produce and fish aisles.

If cooking interests you, we also offer Peruvian cooking classes: learn how to make “ceviche” and “Lomo saltado”, two of Peru’s most symbolic dishes.

Other activities around Arequipa:

A 3-hour excursion will take you around Arequipa’s immediate surroundings, where you will visit typical colonial constructions such as the Sabandía mill, and the city founder’s manor. This excursion can be done either by private vehicle, or by panoramic bus which leaves from the Plaza de Armas.

If adventure is more your thing, we would recommend the half-day rafting excursion down the Chili river: which is always safe, great fun and well organized. We also have an “off the beaten path option”: a 1 or 2-day excursion into the Majes Valley will allow you to discover the Peruvian coastal desert, with its famous petroglyphs (engravings) archeological site at Toro Muerto.

If you are in good physical shape, you could also try hiking up the Misti volcano, which overlooks Arequipa at an altitude of 5800 meters. The hiking expedition last two days, and your efforts will be rewarded when you get to the top: you’ll be able to enjoy some stunning views of the volcano’s crater, which is semi-active.

Finally, Arequipa is the starting point for 2/3/4-day excursions to the Colca Canyon. For more information on this destination, please click on the link.