Luxury Travel to Arequipa

The white city

Arequipa is a tranquil city that has a temperate climate and year-round sunshine. Its beautiful palm-lined plazas, colonial-era buildings that have won the city the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and regional cuisine are just a few of its many gems.

The cobblestone streets of Arequipa will reveal the meaning of the names “White City” and “Ciudad Blanca” as you explore the historic district. Sillar is the petrified ash from numerous volcanic eruptions over many decades. Arequipa uses sillar as the main construction material for its churches and palaces, giving the city its luminous aspect.

The Monastery of Santa Catalina in Arequipa | Andean Travel Experience

Santa Catalina Monastery

This well-known vantage point in the Yanahuara district offers a bird’s-eye view of the Arequipa historic center. In addition to framing photographs of El Misti, the graceful stone arches bear the words and poetry of numerous renowned writers from Arequipa. It is customary for young lovers in the area to visit Mirador de Yanahuara to make a solemn vow of love and devotion to the Lord of Arequipa (Misti) in the presence of witnesses.

The Monastery of Santa Catalina in Arequipa, Peru, featuring its vibrant colonial architecture and colorful courtyards | Andean Travel Experience
Andean condor soaring above the Colca Canyon in Peru | Andean Travel Experience

Colca Canyon


Hike to Colca, the world’s second-deepest canyon, and forget the hustle and bustle of Arequipa. Near Cotahuasi, you can find the deepest canyon. Part of what makes Colca so appealing are its thermal hot springs, picturesque villages, and plunging valleys framed by towering volcanic peaks. 

Scenic view of Colca Canyon in Peru | Andean Travel Experience

Travel Guide to Arequipa

With its location beneath the towering stare of the Misti Volcano and its proximity to one of the world’s deepest canyons, Colca, which is home to the majestic condor, the city of Colca, which is the second most populated city in Peru, offers a wide variety of exciting activities and attractions that cater to anyone’s preferences. Arequipa is without a doubt the most appealing of the metropolitan centers that are located in the southern Andes, and it is an absolute necessity for any tourist who is traveling to Peru to visit this city.

The city of Arequipa is located in the center of fertile valleys that are irrigated by meltwaters from the mountain peaks that are located in the surrounding area. There are three volcanoes that watch over the city: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. These volcanoes serve as a reminder of the seismic activity that occurs in the region.

 

Tourists viewing the Misti Volcano from the Yanahuara Lookout in Arequipa, Peru | Andean Travel Experience
Main square of Arequipa, Plaza de Armas, featuring historical architecture and vibrant atmosphere | Andean Travel Experience
Colca Canyon | Andean Travel Experience

 

Best Time to Travel to Arequipa

The city of Arequipa enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year. The best time to visit Arequipa is anytime from April to November when the weather is pleasant. Conditions are sunny with blue skies, and daytime temperatures are mild. The region’s high altitude and plenty of sun produce high risk for sunburn, so stroll the streets of Arequipa wearing a hat and high SPF sunscreen.

If you plan to add Colca Canyon to your Arequipa itinerary, the best time to plan your trip is from May to November. These months are the dry season in Colca Canyon, which coincides with beautiful weather in Arequipa too. One of the highlights of visiting Colca is spotting Andean condors, and chances of seeing them outside the dry season is much lower.

 

Unique Experience in Arequipa


“You should have been here fifteen years ago, before everyone found out” remarks a jaded tourist at a renowned tourist bar. Some sites have lost their appeal as more tourists visit, but Arequipa (ar-ay-KEE-pa), Peru’s most picturesque city, has not.

Arequipa is a must-see in Peru for those wanting a distinctive, off-the-beaten-path experience.Peruvians across the country will undoubtedly remark the city’s austere architecture, made with sillar, and its gastronomy, which stands out in a country known for its variety and quality. This and more must put Arequipa on most travelers’ lists. Visitors to the White City typically linger longer than expected for good reason.

Although laid-back, the city and surrounding region have plenty of sights and activities to keep visitors busy for days or weeks. My top Arequipa attractions are below.

 

Tourists rafting on the Chili River in Arequipa, Peru | Andean Travel Experience
Traditional Peruvian rocoto relleno, a stuffed spicy pepper dish | Andean Travel Experience
Hikers ascending Misti Volcano in Arequipa, Peru, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape | Andean Travel Experience

 

Luxury Hotels in Arequipa

 

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