Arequipa Peru
Arequipa, the White City
A colonial capital carved in volcanic stone — where three volcanoes, world-class cuisine and UNESCO-listed streets meet in southern Peru.
Colonial charm beneath three volcanoes.
Arequipa is one of Peru's most fascinating destinations and an essential stop for anyone seeking history, architecture, gastronomy and spectacular landscapes. Located in southern Peru at more than 2,300 meters above sea level, this city blends colonial charm with striking natural scenery dominated by the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.
Known as the White City, Arequipa owes its name to the buildings made of sillar — a light-colored volcanic stone that gives its streets, churches and historic mansions a unique personality. Thanks to its extraordinary architectural heritage, its Historic Center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond its cultural richness, Arequipa is known for having one of the finest gastronomies in Peru, with traditional picanterías that serve iconic dishes such as rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones and adobo arequipeño. Its pleasant climate — with more than 300 days of sun a year — makes it an ideal destination in any season.
A city built in volcanic stone
Arequipa owes its identity to sillar, a light-colored volcanic stone that has shaped the city's streets, churches and historic mansions for centuries. This distinctive material is the reason Arequipa is known as the White City, and it gives the historic center a character unlike anywhere else in Peru.
Its architectural heritage represents a perfect blend of European style and Andean tradition, creating one of the most beautiful historic centers in South America. Thanks to this legacy, the Historic Center of Arequipa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The colonial-era buildings, cloisters and religious complexes preserved throughout the city continue to draw travelers, historians and photographers from around the world.
Surrounded by three volcanoes
Arequipa lies in the southern Peruvian Andes at more than 2,300 meters above sea level. The city is framed by three iconic volcanoes — Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu — which define its skyline and shape the landscape of the entire region. Its dry, sunny climate and its position as the gateway to the Colca Canyon make Arequipa a natural base for exploring southern Peru.
300+ days of sun
Thanks to its dry, sunny climate, Arequipa can be visited any time of the year. With more than 300 sunny days annually, the White City is one of the most weather-friendly destinations in Peru.
Clear skies and excellent conditions for exploring the city and taking excursions to the Colca Canyon. The best time for photography, hiking and outdoor activities.
Even outside the peak months, Arequipa remains accessible thanks to its consistently dry climate, making it a reliable destination in any season.
What awaits in the White City
From cloistered convents to volcanic summits — Arequipa's essential highlights.
Historic Center of Arequipa
The heart of the city is made up of elegant colonial streets, plazas and monuments built in white sillar. Here you'll find the perfect blend of European architecture and Andean tradition, creating one of the most beautiful historic centers in South America.
Monastery of Santa Catalina
Considered one of Peru's most important attractions, this vast religious complex feels like a small city within Arequipa. Its colorful streets, courtyards, chapels and ancient cells offer a rare glimpse into the daily life of the nuns during the colonial era.
Plaza de Armas & Cathedral
The Plaza de Armas stands out for its elegant arcades and for hosting the imposing Cathedral of Arequipa — one of the most important religious buildings in the country. From here you'll find some of the finest views of the city.
Yanahuara Viewpoint
One of the most emblematic spots to take in panoramic views of Arequipa. Through its traditional sillar arches you get a spectacular image of the city framed by the Misti volcano in the background.
Misti Volcano
The symbol of Arequipa and one of the most recognizable volcanoes in South America. More adventurous travelers can join organized treks and ascents to take in breathtaking views of the region from its slopes.
Further essentials
Baroque architecture, colonial art and one of the world's best-preserved Inca mummies.
Church of La Compañía
Located next to the Plaza de Armas, this architectural jewel is considered one of the finest examples of Peruvian mestizo Baroque. Its sillar-carved façade is one of the most photographed in Arequipa.
Museum of Andean Sanctuaries
This museum houses the famous Mummy Juanita — one of the best-preserved Inca mummies in the world. A visit here offers insight into the rituals and beliefs of the Inca civilization.
Monastery of Santa Teresa
An important religious complex that preserves valuable collections of viceregal art, paintings, sculptures and historical objects from the colonial era.
Gateway to the Colca Canyon
A few hours from the city lies one of the deepest canyons in the world. The Colca Valley and Canyon is famous for its Andean landscapes, pre-Inca agricultural terraces and the chance to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor.
Arequipa is the natural base for this journey — most travelers spend a few days exploring the White City before continuing on to the Colca.
Is Arequipa worth visiting?
Arequipa brings together some of Peru's greatest attractions in a single destination: colonial architecture, history, culture, world-class gastronomy, striking volcanoes and unique experiences in the Andes.
Whether as a cultural escape or as part of a journey toward the Colca Canyon, the White City offers an unforgettable experience for travelers from all over the world.
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