Arequipa

Discover Arequipa, Peru — The Enchanting White City

If you're dreaming of trips to Peru filled with charm, history, and natural wonders, Arequipa — known as La Ciudad Blanca or The White City is your next must-see destination. 

This elegant city gets its nickname from its dazzling colonial buildings, made of sillar, a white volcanic stone that glows under the bright Andean sun. Nestled between majestic volcanoes like El Misti, Arequipa is a cultural gem you can’t miss when you travel to Peru.

Legend says the name "Arequipa" comes from the Quechua phrase "Are quiapi", meaning “Yes, stay.” Once you arrive, you’ll understand why — it’s a place that captures your heart. 

What to See and Do in Arequipa on Your Peru Tour

✔️ Wander through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✔️ Marvel at the colorful Santa Catalina Monastery
✔️ Enjoy panoramic views from Yanahuara and Carmen Alto
✔️ Explore the dramatic Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world — and spot the mighty condor
✔️ Savor local cuisine like rocoto relleno and adobo arequipeño

Whether you're combining Arequipa with Machu Picchu tours, exploring the Andean south on a broader Peru tour, or building your own itinerary of Cusco Peru tours and highland escapes, Arequipa is a perfect addition to your route. 

Plan Your Dream Trip to Peru

Add Arequipa to your customized trips to Peru and experience the balance of adventure and serenity, history and nature. From the white-stone streets of the city to the vastness of the canyonlands, visit Peru with depth, purpose, and wonder.

Ready for unforgettable trips to Machu Picchu and beyond? Let your next adventure begin in the magical White City!

Arequipa

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Top tourist attractions

  • The Santa Catalina Monastery: Religious building founded under Santa Catalina de Sena patronage.
  • The Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the City Hall: Built with a beautiful architecture.
  • Church of the Society of Jesus, Nuestra Señora de la Merced and Franciscan La Recoleta Convents.
  • Colonial manor houses: Moral, Tristán del Pozo, Iberry and Goyeneche.
  • Yanahuara: Famous for its Andalusian-style churches. Cayma, known for its picanterías (spicy food restaurants) and a place to appreciate Arequipa in all its splendor.
  • Yura Hot Springs Baths: These waters come out from the heart of Chachani Volcano. 
  • Sabandía: Valley with the most crystalline natural waters of the region. 
  • Colca Canyon: With a depth of 3,400 meters and is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world. 
  • Majes Valley: Here are the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto with 5 thousand enormous stones with geometrical pictures.
  • Volcano Valley: An incredible landscape shaped by about 80 small volcanoes can be enjoyed from here.
  • Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary: A natural landscape with waters of different degrees of salinity, where up to 157 species of birds can be observed.
  • Sumbay Caves: Valuable cave paintings and rock walls depict human shapes.
  • Imata Stone Forest: A rock formation with natural stone columns that resemble an enchanted forest.
  • Chupe de camarones: Shrimp soup with milk, eggs and marjoram.
  • Rocoto relleno: Empty Pepper (without veins, seeds and pith) stuffed with a beef-mix, topped with cheese and served with baked potatoes.
  • Soltero: Salad made with fresh cheese, beans, onion, olives, tomato and rocoto.
  • Adobo arequipeño: Pork meat marinated with chicha and spices, cooked in a pot.
  • Ocopa: Cooked potatoes, covered with a sauce of cheese, beans, onion, olives and rocoto.
  • Escribano: Salad with potatoes, rocoto, vinegar, oil, tomato and parsley.
  • Pebre: Soup with lamb meat, beef, chalona or beef jerky.
  • Sango: Sweet based on wheat, raisins, chancaca honey (sugar cane honey), milk and butter.
  • January 6: Epiphany celebration in Tiabaya and anniversary of Mollendo.
  • February 2: Virgen de la Candelaria festivity  in Chivay district.
  • February 3: Virgen de la Candelaria festivity  in Cayma and Characato districts. Virgen del Buen Paso festivity  in Caravelí.
  • Holly Week: Religious activities with processions and spiritual reflection. 
  • May 1: Pilgrimage to Virgen de Chapi Sanctuary.
  • August 15: Anniversary of the Founding of Arequipa. 
  • August 30: Santa Rosa. Typical festivity with processions, street parties and sports festivals.
  • September 8: Virgen de las Peñas in Castilla. Great folkloric show.
  • November 1: All Saints’ Day. Families gather at cemeteries with music and food.
  • November 9: Camana Jubilee Day. The whole population comes out dancing and singing in the streets
  • December 8: Immaculate Conception festivity in Chivay and Cayma.

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