Arequipa

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.

Arequipa Highlights

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.

	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.
	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.
	Yanahuara Viewpoint Built in the 19th century, the Yanahuara Viewpoint is a famous observation point that offers stunning views of the city and the three volcanoes: Chachani, Misti, and Pichupichu. It is known for its colonial architecture, which consists of ten arches made of sillar, adorned with inscriptions that pay tribute to illustrious Arequipeño figures, highlighting the rich cultural history of the region. A few steps away is the Church of San Juan Bautista, a beautiful example of colonial architecture.
	Plaza de Armas The Plaza de Armas stands out for its impressive architecture, surrounded by the majestic Cathedral of Arequipa and the city's characteristic porticoes. In the center, there is a beautiful fountain with a sculpture known as tuturuto. The cathedral is well-known for its imposing neoclassical façade and use of white stone. Additionally, its museum offers a deep insight into its history and heritage, showcasing liturgical objects, colonial paintings.
	National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca It is an impressive protected area that spans over 3,000 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, including majestic volcanoes, plains, salt flats, and high-altitude lagoons, home to a rich biodiversity with various species of fauna and flora. They highlight the Andean flamenco, the vicuña, and the guanaco, which can be observed in their natural habitat. The lagoons, like Laguna Salinas, are ideal for birdwatching.

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.

The sillar route

"Sillar" is the local term in Arequipa that refers to the rock historically used in the construction of large houses, monuments, temples, and various buildings in the city's historic center. Visitors can observe the process of extracting and shaping this stone on the Route of Sillar, as well as a wide variety of sculptures created by the area's talented artisans. This experience not only emphasizes the significance of sillar in Arequipa's architecture, but also the rich artisanal tradition that accompanies it.

Rafting

Rafting on the Chili River invites you to explore one of the most important rivers in Peru, where adrenaline blends with natural beauty. This river offers rapids of different levels, from gentle currents ideal for beginners to challenging rapids for the more experienced. During this thrilling adventure, you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Chili Valley and the beautiful city of Arequipa, creating an unforgettable experience that blends excitement with spectacular landscapes.

Andean Sanctuaries Museum

This Museum, managed by the Catholic University of Santa María, is a space that houses important archaeological findings. It consists of five rooms that display ceramic objects, organic textiles, and metals from Inca culture. Additionally, it offers interactive exhibitions that allow visitors to learn about the customs, rituals, and beliefs of the Incas. This museum is famous for housing the mummy Juanita, known as girls of the Ampato, discovered in 1995 during an expedition on the snowy Ampato.