‘The White City’ of Arequipa is built from white volcanic rock, quarried from nearby snow-capped volcanoes. This charming and tranquil city is the second largest in Peru and sits at 2,328 metres above sea level.
At the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage City there is a large leafy plaza, with an impressive Catholic cathedral dating from the 16th century.
Much smaller in size, on an opposite corner of the plaza, is a baroque church known as Iglesia de la Compania. Both of these churches are well worth a visit. A few blocks up from the plaza is the Santa Catalina convent, which is now partly open to the public after over 400 years of secrecy.
Arequipa has played an integral role in the Peruvian gastronomic revolution that continues to receive international acclaim. Modernised traditional dishes such as the Rocoto Relleno - a pepper stuffed with sliced steak, ground peanuts, olives, cheese and local herbs - are widely available, and will give you an introduction to the tasty delights of Arequipa.
Within the city, visit the aesthetically interesting Plaza de Armas, or goggle at the mummies in the Juanita Museum, walk around the colonial mansion Casa Del Moral or take a walk in the most visually pleasing convent in the whole of Peru, Santa Catalina.
The outskirts of the city are an adventure playground for those seeking heart-racing action; consider rafting down some temperamental rapids or cycling along dusty tracks that meander through the agricultural terraces.
We recommend that you opt for a centrally-located hotel that is close to the main plazas, as these become the focus of life in the evening and it is a joyful place to be. One of our current favourites of this sort is Katari.
Arequipa is often overlooked, but this sleepy city is a super place to acclimatise and begin to fall in love with the Andean way of life.
Be adventurous with your menu choices, as Arequipa has lots of local culinary delights!
Much smaller in size, on an opposite corner of the plaza, is a baroque church known as Iglesia de la Compania. Both of these churches are well worth a visit. A few blocks up from the plaza is the Santa Catalina convent, which is now partly open to the public after over 400 years of secrecy.
Arequipa - Things to do
Arequipa has played an integral role in the Peruvian gastronomic revolution that continues to receive international acclaim. Modernised traditional dishes such as the Rocoto Relleno - a pepper stuffed with sliced steak, ground peanuts, olives, cheese and local herbs - are widely available, and will give you an introduction to the tasty delights of Arequipa.
Within the city, visit the aesthetically interesting Plaza de Armas, or goggle at the mummies in the Juanita Museum, walk around the colonial mansion Casa Del Moral or take a walk in the most visually pleasing convent in the whole of Peru, Santa Catalina.
The outskirts of the city are an adventure playground for those seeking heart-racing action; consider rafting down some temperamental rapids or cycling along dusty tracks that meander through the agricultural terraces.
Arequipa - Where to stay
We recommend that you opt for a centrally-located hotel that is close to the main plazas, as these become the focus of life in the evening and it is a joyful place to be. One of our current favourites of this sort is Katari.
Arequipa - Our opinion
Arequipa is often overlooked, but this sleepy city is a super place to acclimatise and begin to fall in love with the Andean way of life.
Arequipa - Top Tip
Be adventurous with your menu choices, as Arequipa has lots of local culinary delights!
