Complete Guide to Visiting Arequipa: History, Volcanoes & Culture

Hola amigos! Welcome to Arequipa, Peru’s elegant second-largest city, known as “La Ciudad Blanca” or “The White City.” With its striking colonial buildings made from white volcanic stone, vibrant plazas, and stunning backdrop of three towering volcanoes, Arequipa is a destination that blends history, beauty, and adventure.
 

Set at 2,335 meters (7,660 ft) above sea level, Arequipa offers mild weather, rich gastronomy, and a deep cultural heritage that sets it apart from other Peruvian cities. It’s also your launching pad to explore Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons and home to the majestic Andean condor.

📍 Where is Arequipa?

Arequipa lies in southern Peru, about:

✈️ 1 hour by flight from Lima or Cusco

🚌 10–12 hours by bus from Lima

🚐 6–10 hours by road from Puno or Nazca

It’s located in a highland valley surrounded by three iconic volcanoes:

El Misti (5,822 m) – the classic cone-shaped volcano

Chachani (6,075 m) – a snow-capped challenge for climbers

Pichu Pichu (5,664 m) – sacred in Inca mythology

🌟 Why Visit Arequipa?

✅ UNESCO-listed historic city center

✅ Rich blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous culture

✅ Base for trekking adventures in Colca Canyon

✅ Culinary capital of southern Peru

✅ Fewer tourists than Cusco—more authentic experiences

Whether you’re into history, nature, food, or photography, Arequipa delivers.

🏛️ Top Things to Do in Arequipa

1. Explore the Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Arequipa’s center is a living museum of baroque and neoclassical architecture, built from sillar, a white volcanic stone.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru

Admire the Arequipa Cathedral and its twin towers

Wander the cobbled streets surrounded by colonial-era houses and churches

2. Santa Catalina Monastery

A city within a city! This vast, colorful monastery complex dates back to 1579.

Stroll through its bright blue and orange courtyards

Discover ancient kitchens, prayer rooms, and secret corridors

Learn about the lives of cloistered nuns

🎟️ Entry: ~$12 USD
🕰️ Allow 1.5–2 hours

3. Yanahuara Viewpoint & District

Located just 15 minutes from the city center, Yanahuara offers panoramic views of the city and volcanoes.

Walk through the arched mirador

Enjoy ice cream or coffee while admiring El Misti

Visit Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, a lovely baroque church

4. Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita the Ice Maiden)

One of Arequipa’s most moving attractions, this museum houses Mummy Juanita, an Inca child sacrificed to the gods and preserved in ice.

Learn about Inca beliefs and rituals

See Juanita and other frozen mummies found on mountaintops

🎟️ Entry: ~$7 USD
📸 No photography allowed inside

5. Try Arequipa’s Famous Food

Arequipa is Peru’s gastronomic heartland. Don’t leave without tasting:

Rocoto Relleno – spicy stuffed pepper with meat and cheese

Adobo Arequipeño – marinated pork stew

Chupe de Camarones – creamy shrimp soup

Queso Helado – shaved frozen dessert, not actual cheese!

📍 Best places to eat:

Zig Zag Restaurant

La Nueva Palomino

Chicha Arequipa (by Gastón Acurio)

🧗 Day Trips and Excursions from Arequipa

🏞️ 1. Colca Canyon

One of the world’s deepest canyons—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon!

See Andean condors soar over the canyon

Visit traditional villages like Chivay, Yanque, and Cabanaconde

Hike along terraced valleys, hot springs, and high passes

🚌 Options:

1-day tour from Arequipa

2-day trek for adventure lovers

Multi-day hike for serious trekkers

🌋 2. Climb a Volcano

Feeling adventurous? Trek to the summit of El Misti or Chachani.

Requires good acclimatization

Overnight guided tours available

Stunning sunrise views over the Andes

🛕 3. Sabandía & Sillar Route

Discover the Sillar Quarries where white stone for Arequipa's buildings is carved.

Visit Sabandía Mill, a scenic 17th-century watermill

Learn about local architecture and geology

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Arequipa

🌞 Daytime highs: 20–25°C (68–77°F)

🌙 Nights: Cooler, around 10°C (50°F)

🌄 Year-round sunshine makes Arequipa pleasant anytime!

🧳 What to Pack for Arequipa

🧥 Light jacket or sweater for chilly nights

👟 Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets!)

🕶️ Sunglasses and sunblock – high UV at altitude

🎒 Small daypack for excursions

📷 Camera or phone for stunning landscapes

🛏️ Where to Stay in Arequipa

Budget

Le Foyer Hostel – Rooftop views and great location

Flying Dog Hostel – Friendly vibe and social spaces

Mid-Range

Casa Andina Standard – Reliable chain, good amenities

Katari Hotel – Historic building with volcano views

Luxury

Cirqa Relais & Châteaux – Restored monastery with modern elegance

Casa Andina Premium – Top-tier service and Peruvian charm

🚐 How to Get to Arequipa

✈️ By Air

Flights from Lima, Cusco, and Juliaca to Arequipa (AQP)

Airport is 15–20 minutes from city center

🚌 By Bus

From Lima: 16 hours (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa)

From Cusco: 10 hours

From Puno: 6 hours

🚐 Peru Hop also connects Arequipa with major destinations

🧭 Sample 3-Day Arequipa Itinerary

🕐 Day 1: City Discovery

Arrive and settle in

Explore Plaza de Armas and Cathedral

Visit Santa Catalina Monastery

Dinner at La Trattoria or Zig Zag

🕐 Day 2: Culture and Views

Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita)

Lunch at La Nueva Palomino

Yanahuara viewpoint in the afternoon

Sunset drinks at rooftop bar

🕐 Day 3: Day Trip

Full-day Colca Canyon excursion

Return in evening or continue to Puno or Cusco

🎭 Cultural Events in Arequipa

Anniversary of Arequipa (August 15) – Parades, fireworks, music

Mistura Arequipa Food Festival – Celebration of Peruvian cuisine

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Religious processions and traditional dishes

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arequipa safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s one of the safest cities in Peru. Exercise normal precautions.

Do I need to acclimate to the altitude?
It’s lower than Cusco, so most travelers adjust easily.

Is Arequipa worth visiting if I’m short on time?
Absolutely! Even a 2-day stop adds depth to your Peru itinerary.

Can I skip Cusco and just visit Arequipa?
They’re very different. Cusco is more Inca, Arequipa is more colonial and volcanic. Both are amazing!

🧡 Final Thoughts: Why Arequipa Belongs on Your Peru Itinerary

With its dazzling architecture, rich heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, Arequipa is more than just a stop—it’s a destination in itself. It combines the best of Peru: vibrant culture, natural beauty, delicious food, and fewer crowds.

Whether you're wandering ancient monasteries, watching condors soar, or sipping pisco with volcano views, Arequipa will steal your heart.