Arequipa Peru Travel Guide – Discover the Magic of the White City

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Nestled between majestic volcanoes and bathed in golden sunshine almost all year, Arequipa is one of Peru’s most captivating destinations. Known as the “White City” for its dazzling colonial buildings carved from volcanic sillar stone, Arequipa blends rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Travelers are drawn here for the lively Plaza de Armas, the impressive architecture of the historical centre of Arequipa, and the unforgettable flavors of its renowned gastronomy.

Whether you are strolling through cobblestone streets, sipping coffee in a peaceful patio café, or gazing at snow‑capped peaks from a rooftop terrace, the city invites you to slow down and embrace its rhythm. Its altitude of 2,335 meters makes it an ideal stop to acclimatize before visiting high‑altitude destinations like Cusco or Puno, while still enjoying a mild and sunny climate.

From exploring ancient monasteries and fascinating museums to venturing into the vast landscapes of Colca Canyon or the Salinas Lagoon, Arequipa offers experiences for every type of traveler. This guide will take you through the best things to do in Arequipa, where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your trip to this remarkable corner of southern Peru.

small street inside the covento Santa Catalina in Arequipa, Peru. there is the mountains with snow in the background.

Column of Cloisters of The Company in Arequipa, Peru

Patio of the Santa Catalina covento in Arequipa, Peru

street with restaurant in arequipa. this is the small street called 'passaje de la cathedral'

door and blue wall inside the Couvent Santa Catalina

General Info

Arequipa, known as the White City, is a vibrant gem nestled between volcanoes in southern Peru. With a rich colonial past and stunning architecture built from volcanic sillar stone, Arequipa stands out among destinations in South America. It is one of the most sought-after places in Peru for travelers looking for culture, history, and adventure. The city is famous for its relaxed energy, warm days, and lively atmosphere, providing something unique compared to bigger cities like Lima and Cusco.

Why Is Arequipa Famous?

Arequipa is renowned for its beautiful colonial architecture, especially its historical center and Plaza de Armas. The city’s nickname, “White City,” comes from the abundant sillar stone used in its buildings, creating a dazzling white effect under the clear sky. Cusco is nice for its charming center and activity to do, but it's nothing like Arequipa.

The city has a fascinating mix of Spanish and indigenous influences, vibrant street life, and a reputation for delicious food. Arequipa is also the gateway to natural wonders like Colca Canyon and offers unique traditions you can’t find elsewhere.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina

Where Is Arequipa?

Arequipa is situated in southern Peru, surrounded by the imposing Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. It is about 1,000km southeast of Lima and easily accessible by plane or bus. The city sits in a dramatic valley and makes an ideal base for exploring both the city and the Andean landscapes beyond.

Best Time to Visit — The Weather

The best time to visit Arequipa is during the dry season, from April to November. Days are usually sunny with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C, and nights are cool. Rainfall is rare, making this period ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying rooftop sunsets. Compared to Cusco and Puno, Arequipa has milder nights and more sunny days, giving visitors a comfortable climate for outdoor adventures.

Patio at the couvent Santa Catalina in Arequipa. the colors are vivid and beautiful.

Patio Couvent Santa Catalina

picture of the volcano Misti from arequipa, with a street light on the left and a bougainvillier on the right.

Mist Volcano

Arequipa Altitude

Arequipa sits at an altitude of about 2,335m, lower than Cusco (3,400m) and Puno (3,800m). The altitude here is high enough to feel the crisp Andean air but not so high that most visitors experience severe altitude sickness. If you’re traveling to Cusco or Lake Titicaca later, Arequipa is a smart stop for acclimatizing.

The Hotels

Arequipa has a wide selection of cozy hotels and hostels, perfect for every traveler.

Casa Andina: A comfortable hotel with modern amenities and excellent service. You’ll feel at home and wake up to a delicious breakfast.
Viajero Hostel: Ideal for backpackers, this lively spot makes it easy to meet other travelers. The shared spaces foster new friendships and exchange of travel tips.
Le Foyer Arequipa: Another popular social hostel, offering a chill vibe and a rooftop that’s the perfect spot for sunset views over the city.
Hostal Los Balcones de Moral y Santa Catalina: This hostel is close to Plaza de Armas, so you can walk everywhere. Its location makes exploring Arequipa effortless.
Tambo del Solar: Stay in a historic area and experience authentic Arequipa life. This place allows you to feel like a local for a few days.

Casona Tristan del Pozo

Lienzo Cafe

Coffee Shops Worth Visiting

Arequipa’s café scene is flourishing, so whether you are a remote worker or just need a good cup, these spots will impress.

Misti Coffee: Located inside the Cloisters of the Company, this café is peaceful, offers great wifi, and is perfect for working or unwinding.
13 Monjas: Famous and cozy, next to Convento de Santa Catalina. Enjoy a coffee outdoors on a pedestrian street before beginning your city tour.
Masamama: Renowned for its breakfast and bakery treats. The center location makes it easily accessible for morning delights.
Lienzo Café: A tranquil place in a small patio, featuring amazing croissants and a memorable matcha latte.

Restaurants

Arequipa offers a surprising amount of Italian cuisine, alongside traditional and Asian-inspired options.

Pasta Canteen: Creative Italian pasta, choose your ingredients and sauce. Don’t miss the “pasta in a rolling cheese,” and enjoy high quality for a budget price.
Servus: While not outstanding, it’s a reliable option if you’re nearby.
Yama Wok: Excellent Asian food prepared fresh in front of you. Seating is limited, so arrive early. Fantastic taste for a great price.
Cafe de la Nonna: Hidden in a patio near Plaza de Armas, this cozy spot serves outstanding Italian pasta and cheesy pizza.
Chira Fusion: Innovative and flavorful dishes worth the wait. Don’t miss trying one of their modern Peruvian plates.
Mumis: Superb thin-crust pizza made with fresh, quality ingredients.
Espacio Lagom: Delicious Asian fusion, known for its gyoza and poke bowls.
Tío Darío: For local Arequipa specialties like rocoto relleno. Enjoy dining in a lush garden atmosphere, escaping city noise.

Lomo Saltado

Tours in Arequipa

Classic Walking or Bike Tour

Exploring Arequipa by foot or bicycle is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the heart of the city. These tours guide you through the historic center, revealing stunning colonial buildings, lively plazas, and intricate sillar stone architecture.

Guides captivate with stories about the city's origins, legends, and the fusion of Spanish and indigenous influences. As you weave through bustling streets and tranquil courtyards, you'll discover hidden corners, vibrant markets, and impressive viewpoints, all while feeling the pulse of Arequipa's daily life. For many travelers, this experience transforms mere sightseeing into genuine connection with the city's energy and people.

Plaza da Armas

Reserva Nacional Salinas

Tour to Salinas Lagoon

Venturing out to the remote Salinas Lagoon is a journey into the wild beauty of Arequipa’s highlands.

Your day starts early with a scenic drive past imposing volcanoes like Misti and Chachani, stopping in Chiguata for breakfast and local color. The route winds through the Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca, where you’ll spot vicuñas, alpacas, and, if you’re lucky, flamingos.

Arriving at the shimmering lagoon, you’ll be awed by its mirror-like surface and the dramatic backdrop of Andean peaks. Some tours offer time in soothing hot springs nearby, allowing for true relaxation amidst breathtaking wilderness. Due to the altitude—up to 4,200m—it's an adventure for those acclimatized and ready to feel the crisp mountain air in their lungs.

Amazing Salinas Lagoon tour from arequipa

Quad Tour in Valle de Chilina

For those craving excitement, the quad tour through Valle de Chilina serves up adrenaline and stunning landscapes. After a safety briefing, you’ll ride sturdy ATVs along specially designed tracks, racing through lush agricultural fields and tracing the path of the Chili River.

The valley delivers remarkable views of volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. You’ll pause at spectacular viewpoints and the Parque Ecológico de las Rocas, a UNESCO site teeming with biodiversity. The sensation of wind, speed, and nature’s grandeur makes this experience unforgettable for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Explore the amazing Valle de Chilina in ATV

ATV on a viewpoint in Chilina, near Arequipa, Peru

Atv in Chilina

Viewpoint at the colca canyon with a view from Llahuar to San Juan de Chuccho

Canyon de Colca

A Day or Two in Colca Canyon

A visit to Colca Canyon is essential for those wanting to witness the raw majesty of Peru's landscape. As one of the world’s deepest canyons, Colca dazzles with dramatic vistas and terraced fields carved by ancient cultures. Day tours whisk you from Arequipa before dawn, traveling through picturesque towns like Chivay and Yanque.

At the Cross of the Condor viewpoint, prepare to be moved as giant Andean condors soar overhead. Stops include hot springs for a soothing break, picturesque colonial churches, and plenty of chances to admire alpacas grazing on windswept plains. For hikers, overnight treks to canyon oases add challenge and serenity. Whether you’re here for the views or the adventure, Colca Canyon promises lasting impressions.

Arequipa combined with the Colca Canyon trek is one of the best affordable adventures you can experience in South America.

Rafting on the Chili River

Just a short ride from downtown Arequipa, rafting the Chili River is a pulse-pounding way to discover the natural side of the city. Instructors offer a thorough safety briefing before you launch into a 6km adventure through Chilina Valley’s rapids. The intermediate-level waves guarantee excitement as you maneuver past boulders, experience exhilarating drops, and feel the splash of cool mountain water. Surrounded by volcanic cliffs and vibrant greenery, you’ll see Arequipa from a refreshing new perspective. At the end, relax with snacks and camaraderie as you recount the day’s thrills. This activity is perfect for energetic travelers and families seeking fun with a touch of adventure.

Unforgettable rafting experience on the chili river

People on a inflated boat doing rafting on the chili river, near Arequipa, Peru

Rafting on Chili River

Sillar Route

Trek the Sillar Route

Unearth Arequipa’s heritage by trekking the Sillar Route, a captivating half-day tour to the stone quarries and canyons on the city’s edge. Guides introduce you to the story of sillar—volcanic stone that gives Arequipa its signature white glow.

Walking through dry riverbeds and past sculpted rock faces, you’ll learn about centuries of volcanic activity and the labor of quarry workers. Along the way, panoramic viewpoints reveal the city framed by three famous volcanoes. This route showcases the interplay between nature’s force and human craftsmanship, offering you a deeper appreciation for Arequipa’s unique architecture and resilient spirit.

Discover the Sillar Route

Sightseeing in Arequipa: Culture and Knowledge for Key Monuments

Architecture Throughout Arequipa

Arequipa’s historical center is an open-air gallery of colonial architecture, distinguished by structures made from sillar, a white volcanic stone unique to the region. Walking among these buildings reveals a blend of Spanish baroque, mestizo influences, and indigenous motifs. The city’s UNESCO World Heritage status ensures preservation of its architectural treasures, making every stroll a journey through centuries of craftsmanship and cultural evolution.

Viewpoint at Arequipa with the Misti Volcano in the background.

Yanahuara city sight & Misti volcano

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Plaza de Armas and the Church

Serving as the vibrant heart of Arequipa, Plaza de Armas draws visitors with elegant arcades and a monumental cathedral that dominates the square. Built primarily with sillar stone, the cathedral showcases classic neo-Renaissance design and serves as a focal point for public life and city celebrations. The surrounding plazas and fountains provide ideal spots for relaxation, while the church itself holds centuries’ worth of religious art and historical relics.

Convento Santa Catalina

Founded in 1579, the Monastery of Santa Catalina functions as a “city within a city.” This sprawling complex was home to cloistered Dominican nuns from wealthy and diverse backgrounds who lived in strict isolation for centuries. Its maze of vivid red and blue walls, ornate chapels, and tranquil courtyards were hidden from public view until 1970, when parts of the convent opened to visitors. Inside, you’ll discover lavishly decorated cells, colonial kitchens, and beautiful gardens—all bearing witness to the daily life, devotion, and resilience of its inhabitants. The monastery continues as an active religious community and stands as a testament to Arequipa’s spiritual and social history.

Doorstep of a house in the covento Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru. we can see the vivid Orange in the foreground and the electric blue in the bacground, two colors typical from the covento.

Orange & Blue of Santa Catalina

Columns of the cloister of the compnay. the columns have specific drawings with symbols about arequipa.

Patio's Column

Cloisters of The Company

The Cloisters of The Company, part of the Jesuit complex near the Plaza de Armas, were constructed in the 17th century and showcase exquisite Baroque architecture. Featuring detailed carvings in sillar stone, these cloisters reflect both Spanish baroque and indigenous iconography. The site played a significant role as a Jesuit religious and educational center, shaping local architecture and traditions. Today, these calm courtyards invite visitors to pause away from city bustle, enjoy a coffee, and appreciate the cultural fusion that defines Arequipa. The lively marketplace and traditional music nearby highlight local artisan crafts and add contemporary vibrancy to this historical gem.

Monasterio y Museo de la Recoleta

Founded by Franciscan monks in 1648, the Monasterio y Museo de la Recoleta stands out for its vast library, holding over 20,000 rare works dating back to the sixteenth century. The museum within the monastery houses rich collections of pre-Columbian and Amazonian artifacts, religious art, and archaeological pieces, offering a comprehensive look at Peru’s indigenous and colonial histories. Visitors can explore its neogothic and romantic architecture, tranquil gardens, and learn about the missionary and educational role this institution played in Arequipa and beyond.

Wide view of the patio de la recolecta in Arequipa, Peru. the patio is green with grass, small trees and big ones.

Patio del monasterio de la recolecta

Patio del Museo Andino

Museo Santuarios Andinos

Museo Santuarios Andinos is world-renowned as the home of “Juanita the Ice Maiden,” a young Inca girl whose well-preserved remains were discovered atop Mount Ampato after 500 years. Juanita’s sacrificial burial reveals profound insights into Inca rituals and beliefs, especially their worship of mountain deities. The museum displays Juanita alongside other mummies and artifacts found with her, contextualized through expertly guided tours. These exhibits offer rare glimpses into the spiritual and scientific legacies of Inca society, making this museum a highlight of Arequipa’s cultural scene.

Mundo Alpaca

Located in the heart of Arequipa, Mundo Alpaca allows visitors to experience the region’s rich textile tradition firsthand. You can interact with alpacas and see live demonstrations of ancient weaving techniques. The museum boasts a unique collection of textile machinery and pre-Columbian woven pieces, emphasizing the importance of alpaca fiber in Andean culture and global fashion. Serene gardens and galleries make it a peaceful spot to learn about sustainable craftsmanship and the deep ties between local people and their land.

Close up of an Alpace eating in a shelter in Arequipa.

Alpaca eating in Mundo Alpaca

FAQ

What is Arequipa famous for?

Arequipa is known as the White City for its stunning colonial buildings made of white volcanic sillar stone. It is also famous for its nearby volcanoes and access to the Colca Canyon.

Is it worth visiting Arequipa?

Yes, Arequipa is a must-visit city in Peru because of its rich history, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and proximity to natural wonders like Colca Canyon.

How many days should I spend in Arequipa?

Two to three days in Arequipa is ideal to explore the main attractions, with additional days recommended for excursions like Colca Canyon.

What is the altitude of Arequipa?

Arequipa is located at about 2,335 meters (7,661 feet) above sea level, lower than Cusco and Puno, making acclimatization easier.

What are the must-see attractions in Arequipa?

Don’t miss the Santa Catalina Monastery, Plaza de Armas, Basilica Cathedral, Museo Santuarios Andinos, and the Yanahuara viewpoint.

Is Arequipa safe for tourists?

Arequipa is generally considered safe for tourists, but common precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and watching personal belongings are advised.

What local dishes should I try in Arequipa?

Try traditional specialties like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), chupe de camarones (shrimp soup), adobo arequipeño (pork stew), and queso helado (sweet ice cream).

Can I hike the Misti Volcano?

Yes, hiking Misti is possible but challenging, requiring good physical condition and acclimatization. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended.

How do I get to Arequipa?

Arequipa is accessible by plane, with flights connecting to Lima, and by long-distance buses from other Peruvian cities.

What transportation is available within Arequipa?

Public combis (shared minivans), colectivos (shared taxis), taxis, and walking are common ways to get around the city.

Are there good tours from Arequipa?

Yes, popular tours include visits to Colca Canyon, Salinas Lagoon, quad biking in Valle de Chilina, and city walking/biking tours.

What is the weather like in Arequipa?

Arequipa enjoys a mild, sunny climate with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C during the dry season, with cool nights.

Where can I find good coffee in Arequipa?

Misti Coffee, 13 Monjas, Masamama, and Lienzo Café are among the top spots for quality coffee and relaxed atmospheres.

What is unique about Arequipa’s architecture?

Arequipa’s buildings are mainly constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone, combining Spanish baroque style with indigenous motifs, giving the city its nickname and UNESCO World Heritage status.

Final Thoughts: The Magic of Arequipa

Arequipa shines with captivating beauty, rich history, welcoming locals, and unforgettable flavors. Every corner offers a new surprise—from intricate colonial churches to bustling plazas and quiet coffee patios.

If you haven’t had enough of Arequipa and still want to learn more, my friend Caroline wrote an article about discovering Arequipa in one day.

Whether you’re wandering the ancient cloisters, trekking in Colca Canyon, or simply relaxing with a homemade croissant, you’re sure to find something special. The city is a place where old traditions blend with modern pleasures, making travelers feel at home while discovering the essence of southern Peru. Each visit is unique, each sunrise over the volcanoes brings a fresh thrill. Arequipa will leave a lasting mark on your heart, making you want to return again and again.

You might want to head further south and visit the lake titicaca. This is not like Arequipa, but certainly a wonder of Peru.

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Thanks for sticking around until the end — that really means a lot. To show my appreciation, I’ve prepared something special for you: a Travel Guide 101 packed with my favorite tips, useful websites, and practical info to help you plan your next adventure.

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I'm Hugo, a traveler driven by curiosity and a passion for discovering the world's hidden corners. After exploring over 30 countries across Latin America and Southeast Asia, I've learned that every adventure shapes who we become. I'm here to share those lessons and inspire your next great journey.

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