Places / South America / Peru
Arequipa
Visited in November 2015
At a glance
- Country
- Peru
- Region
- Arequipa Province
- Population
- 1 million
- Best time to go
- April to November
- Main airport
- Arequipa Rodríguez Ballón International (AQP)
- Coordinates
- 16.40°S, 71.54°W
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Overview
Arequipa is known as the White City for its buildings of pale volcanic stone, called sillar, which glow in the sunshine. Three snow-capped volcanoes, including the perfect cone of El Misti, rise above the rooftops.
It is Peru's second city, proud and prosperous, with a UNESCO-listed centre and a hearty food culture. At around 2,300 metres, it is also a good place to adjust to altitude before heading higher.
Things to see
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Photo: Hans Brian Brandsberg Berg, CC BY 2.0 Santa Catalina Monastery
A walled city within the city, with lanes of brightly painted cloisters and cells to explore.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: DocSlyper, CC BY-SA 2.0 Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
One of Peru's finest main squares, with arcades on three sides and the long white cathedral on the fourth.
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Museo Santuarios Andinos
Home to Juanita, an Inca girl sacrificed on a mountain summit and found remarkably well preserved.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: )gab(:, CC BY-SA 4.0 Yanahuara viewpoint
White stone arches framing classic views of El Misti across the city.
Things to do
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Photo: world-wide-gifts.com, CC BY-SA 2.0 Colca Canyon
One of the world's deepest canyons, with terraced villages and Andean condors soaring overhead.
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Photo: Idan Robbins, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat at a picantería
Try rocoto relleno, a stuffed spicy pepper, in the city's traditional lunchtime restaurants.
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Photo: Los viajes del Cangrejo, CC BY 2.0 Climb El Misti
A challenging two-day ascent of the volcano for experienced, acclimatised hikers.
Where to stay
Historic centre
Colonial hotels close to the main square and monastery.
Hotels in Historic centreYanahuara
A quieter, traditional neighbourhood with lovely views of the volcano.
Hotels in YanahuaraSan Lázaro
The city's oldest quarter, with narrow lanes and characterful guesthouses.
Hotels in San Lázaro
Getting around
The compact centre is easy to walk, and taxis are cheap for longer trips. Tours to Colca Canyon usually include hotel pick-up.
The airport is about 8 km northwest of the centre, around 20 to 30 minutes by taxi.
When to go
April to November brings dry, sunny weather and clear volcano views. The rainy season runs from December to March, with afternoon showers.
Plan your trip to Arequipa
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.