Arequipa: Exploring Peru’s White City

Posted on by Marta

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Even though Arequipa may be a much less well-known city than, let’s say, Cusco, it is the second biggest city and the views and wildlife that surround it absolutely amazing. Speaking for myself, I had never heard of this city before going there and it quickly turned up to be one of my favourite places in the country.

This beautiful city is nested right by 3 majestic volcanos and is filled with colonial architectures carved from white volcanic stone, giving it its name of “white city”.

In this post, part of my Peru series, I’ll take you through the highlights of Arequipa and its surroundings — from history and culture to breathtaking natural wonders.

Overview

How to get to Arequipa

Arequipa is located in the south part of Peru. And is the second biggest city in the country. There are several alternatives to get to the city.

Bus:

  • PeruHop: If you are coming from Lima, Huacacina, Nasca or -cusco and Puno, you can take a Peruhop overnight bus to Arequipa. Other night (and day) buses exist also from other cities such as Puno in particular this one that stops in certain viewpoints and interesting stops. I tried a Peru Hop bus from Lima to Huacacina and it was pretty confortable but I don’t know how it compares to a night bus.
  • Transzela: For intercity buses I used Transzela and it was really warm during the day, but was shared with locals.
  • Costa del Sur: On the other hand, Costa del Sur was used mainly by tourist but at some point, also got too hot specially by the window, where I was – but opening the window covering helped.
  • Other companies: There are plenty other companies that go from several peruvian cities to Arequipa such as this night bus from Puno.

Plane: If you want to avoid the long road trips, the most comfortable way to get to Arequipa is definitely using the plane. You can fly to Arequipa mostly from Lima and a couple of flights from Cusco.

Train: You can also get to Arequipa from Puno or Cusco using a luxury train, the Andean Explorer from Peru Rail.

tower of Arequipa cathedral in Plaza de Armas with two palm trees in front of it and then a fountain further in front.

Best time to visit and weather

The altitude of Arequipa, 2335 meters, is milder than around Cusco, making it a good place for acclimatization. The weather tends to be also warmer and sunny during the day, cooling off at evening (or shadow). Another name by which this city is known for is the city of eternal spring (even though the white city is more often used) which means that sun shines most of the year. This being said, the best time to visit is between April and November, the dry season – and when I say dry, I mean dry (20 to 25% humidity). Days are warm, skies are clear, and it’s perfect for both city walks and excursions to Colca.

How many days to stay in Arequipa

I would recommend 3 to 5 days in Arequipa. A couple of days to explore the city and a few more to explore the surrounding areas and its views and fauna. Some of the things that you can explore are the Colca Canyon and the Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca. Further down this blogpost, I’ll suggest several suggestions that you can explore.

Where to stay in Arequipa

The best area to stay is the historic center, within walking distance of Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and most restaurants.

  • Luxury:
    • Katari Hotel – Rooftop views of Plaza de Armas & El Misti.
    • Casa Andina Select Arequipa Plaza – Central, modern, with pool & comfort.
  • Mid-range:
    • Casa Andina Standard Arequipa – Clean, reliable, close to main sights.
    • La Plaza Arequipa Hotel Boutique – Stylish boutique with plaza views.
  • Budget/Backpacker:
    • Way Kap Hostel Arequipa – Social, lively, backpacker favorite.
    • Le Foyer Arequipa – Rooftop bar, central, budget-friendly.
    • Los Andes B&B – Cozy, friendly staff, hearty breakfasts.

Best restaurants in Arequipa

Arequipa is a foodie’s paradise. Some of the highlights of its traditional dishes are for example the Rocoto Relleno (spicy stuffed chili pepper), Adobo Arequipeño (slow-cooked pork stew), and Chupe de Camarones (shrimp chowder). Make sure to also check out the Cuy (yes, guinea pig) and Alpaca (very worth it) meats. To truly experience local cuisine, visit a traditional picantería — rustic restaurants that serve big portions, often at communal tables. Another fun idea to experience the flavours of the city is with this hands-on experience peruvian cooking class.

One of the most well-known picanterías in the city is the Pincantería Victoria. This is not the typical picantería where locals would go but you can try some of the best food organized per historic era, from -2500AC to 2050 according to them.

One of my favourite restaurants I tried was the Recova, cheaper than Picantería Victoria but with such a good Alpaca burger!

Lastly a very nice experience to try the best that the country has to offer is to head to Salamanto and enjoy a 7 (or 10) course meal where you can try all the different regional flavours for around 50$.

10 things to do in Arequipa, Peru – Highlights

Santa Catalina Monastery

Santa Catalina Monastery was founded in 1579 to be home to nuns who lived in strictly seclusion, it functioned as a self-contained world with several kitchen workshops and gardens. Today, it covers several blocks of Arequipa’s historic centre and is probably one of the most famous activities to do in Arequipa due to its beautiful vibrant colourful streets and peaceful cloisters. Photographers will especially love the interplay of light and colour in the alleys, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the centuries-old architecture and artifacts.

Mundo Alpaca

This is a must-see for the alpaca and llama fans. Here you can interact with these adorable animals and sometimes even feed and pet them. Besides that, you can also learn a lot about these animals’ origins and how their wool is harvested, spun, dyed, and woven into high-quality clothing and souvenirs, that you can buy at the local shop.

I would recommend also do a free walking tour that goes through here and explains you what you are watching. Personally, I’d recommend Joan’s tour.

Free walking tour

Speaking on free walking tour, this is the perfect way to get oriented in Arequipa and uncover its hidden gems. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours usually last 2–3 hours and cover the historic centre, including the Plaza de Armas, colonial streets, and colourful churches. It’s also a great way to meet other travellers and get insider tips on restaurants, viewpoints, and day trips. While the tour is technically free, it’s customary to tip your guide based on how much you enjoyed the experience. Once again, I’d recommend this one in particular the afternoon one due to the special last spot – will show you with the best views of Plaza de Armas.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa dominates the city’s Plaza de Armas with its impressive white sillar stone facade and twin towers. You can check the Cathedral right after the free walking tour and even enjoy both the sunset around it and at night with the beautiful lights. Inside the Cathedral, is more simple, with a yellow hue and pretty white details on the columns and ceiling. Make sure you check the devil on the left side that was “stuck” in the church as a punishment.

Plaza de Armas

This is square is the heart of Arequipa. It is also considered one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, definitely one of the prettiest I saw. Surrounded by colonial arcades, cafes, and shops, it’s the perfect place to soak in the city’s atmosphere. At its center, a fountain adds charm and both locals and tourists walk around in the busy hours, making it ideal for people-watching. This is just outside Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, with the volcanos on the background. You can also check the souveniers stands hidden on one of the sides of the Cathedral, between the arches – there are two of these hidden souveniers stands and is just what you expect from Peru.

Claustros de la Compañía

Tucked away in Arequipa’s historic centre, the Claustros de la Compañía are peaceful cloisters built by the Jesuits in the 18th century. The Claustros have incredible details made by volcanic sillar stone, the white material that is a brand od the city. The quiet courtyards, arched walkways, and elegant stonework offer a serene escape from the bustling city streets, while quaint shops and cafes nearby make it a lovely spot to pause your explorations. Its combination of history, architecture, and calm atmosphere makes it a hidden gem for visitors exploring Arequipa.

Mercado San Camilo

This is the vibrant central market of Arequipa where you can try all the different specialities of Arequipa, fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and local products. It’s the perfect place to taste authentic Peruvian flavours — try freshly squeezed fruit juices, traditional snacks like ocopa or cuadritos, and sample cheeses and local meats.

Yanahuara viewpoint

This is a really pretty viewpoint in particular for the Misti volcano. The terrace is framed by elegant white volcanic stone arches, which make for perfect photo opportunities. Beyond the views, the neighbourhood itself is charming, with cobblestone streets, small cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere. I end up going here with one of the day trips I did, to the Ruta Sillar but you can also walk there from Plaza de Armas in 25 minutes.

Museo Santuarios Andinos

The Museo Santuarios Andinos is home to Juanita, the famous “Ice Maiden” — a young Inca girl who was sacrificed on Mount Ampato over 500 years ago. Preserved in the cold volcanic ice, her discovery offers an incredible window into Inca rituals and beliefs. That being said, a worker at the ticket office mentioned Juanita was a replica of the real one.

Courtyards and Rooftops

Arequipa is full of hidden courtyards and rooftop spots that offer peaceful escapes and amazing views. Don’t miss the rooftop at Santa Catalina 210, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes, by the sunset you’ll get the bet views. Another gem is the courtyard behind La Canastra, a cozy spot to relax and soak up the local atmosphere while sampling traditional cheeses and small bites.

5 Day Trips from Arequipa, Peru

Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons in the world, Colca Canyon offers dramatic cliffs, terraced fields, and traditional Andean villages. The highlight is the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you can watch majestic condors soar overhead. You can also hike to an oasis that exists at the bottom. You can get some more information in the blogpost. You can easily reach the Colca Canyon with a tour that can take multiple days or a single day.

2. Reserva Salinas y Aguada Blanca

This high-altitude nature reserve is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Flamingos, vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas roam the salt flats and grasslands, all framed by snow-capped volcanoes. It’s a serene and photogenic escape from the city, perfect for those who love nature and panoramic landscapes. It was one of my favourite spots around Arequipa. There are also plenty of different tours to the reserve. Some take the entire day and you explore some other parts like the thermal spring of Lojen, others are just half a day which means you can add for example a tour to Sillar.

3. Ruta del Sillar & Cullebrillas

Explore the quarries where Arequipa’s iconic white volcanic stone, known as sillar, is extracted, this is the material that gives the white city name to Arequipa. Besides you can walk through a cute canyon, the Cullebrillas. I would recommend doing an afternoon tour since the colours would be prettier.

4. Stone Forest and the Waterfall Pillones

The Stone Forest is an otherworldly landscape of jagged rock formations shaped by volcanic activity. After exploring the stone labyrinth, head to Pillones Waterfall to enjoy a refreshing dip and admire the lush surroundings. This waterfall can be kind of tricky to go down to, so make sure you actually want to do it and not be disappointed when you get there. This tour is a great day trip for both adventure and relaxation.

5. Volcano Trekking

A special, but really hard, thing to do around Arequipa, is to explore one of the monstrous volcanos that surround the city. Options range from half-day hikes with spectacular views of the city to challenging multi-day climbs. Trekking these volcanoes rewards you with panoramic vistas of Arequipa, the Andes, and even neighbouring valleys. However, be alerted that these are really high mountains that make the route much harder than it would be a sea level due to the availability of oxygen. An option to hike these volcanos quickly is this half day trek to Misti –because it is a quick trek, it’s much more intense than the typical 2-day treks. Volcano Chachani is another great option. This volcano is higher than Misti but is meant to be one of the easiest high altitudes mountaineering trek.

Arequipa is a city full of charm, history, and unforgettable landscapes. From wandering the alleys of Santa Catalina Monastery to tasting local delicacies and exploring Colca Canyon, every corner has something special to offer. Don’t just read about it — plan your trip and discover Arequipa yourself!

If you’re exploring more of my Peru series, don’t miss our other guides:

In case you are wondering, all these pictures were taking with the following equipment:

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