Arequipa Travel Guide: Exploring Peru’s Iconic White City

Framed by dramatic volcanoes and built from glowing white volcanic stone, Arequipa is one of Peru’s most beautiful and underrated cities. Often called La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), it blends elegant colonial architecture, deep Incan history, bold Andean flavors, and easy access to jaw-dropping landscapes—all within a compact, walkable center.

Whether you’re stopping for a couple of days or using it as a base before deeper adventures, Arequipa delivers culture, cuisine, and scenery without the crowds of Peru’s bigger tourist hubs.

Why Arequipa Is One of Peru’s Most Unique Cities

Unlike coastal Lima or high-altitude Cusco, Arequipa sits at a comfortable elevation and enjoys year-round sunshine. Its historic center is built almost entirely from sillar, a white volcanic stone quarried from nearby eruptions—giving the city its distinctive glow.

???? Amazing Fact: Arequipa’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it’s one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish colonial architecture adapted to seismic zones.

Historic Heart of Arequipa: Architecture & Atmosphere

Santa Catalina Monastery

This vast convent feels like a city within a city. Narrow lanes painted deep blue and red lead to peaceful courtyards, chapels, and living quarters once home to cloistered nuns. Walking here feels like stepping into another world.

Plaza de Armas

The city’s social heart, surrounded by palm trees and arcades, with a grand cathedral set against volcano backdrops. Evenings are perfect for people-watching from café balconies.

Iglesia de La Compañía

A masterpiece of baroque design, this church showcases intricate carvings in volcanic stone that blend Spanish and Indigenous symbolism.

Yanahuara Mirador

A short walk from the center, this viewpoint frames snow-capped volcanoes through stone arches—one of the most photographed spots in Arequipa.

San Lázaro Quarter

The oldest neighborhood in the city, full of narrow alleys, quiet courtyards, and authentic local life far from tour buses.

Read also: Varanasi Travel Guide: Ghats, Sarnath and Evening Boat Rides

Museums & Incan Mysteries in Arequipa

Arequipa is home to one of South America’s most haunting archaeological discoveries.

Museo Santuarios Andinos

This museum houses the famous Incan mummy known as “Juanita,” preserved by ice for centuries after a high-altitude ritual sacrifice. The exhibit explains Incan beliefs, rituals, and mountain worship in powerful detail.

???? Amazing Fact: Juanita is one of the best-preserved Incan mummies ever found, with intact hair, skin, and clothing.

Other cultural stops include:

• Cathedral museums with colonial art and relics

• Monasteries with ancient libraries and peaceful gardens

Taste of Arequipa: Food, Markets & Local Flavor

Arequipa is considered Peru’s culinary capital by many locals, famous for hearty dishes and bold spices.

San Camilo Market

A lively maze of fruit stalls, juice bars, and traditional food counters. Try rocoto relleno, adobo, and fresh tropical juices.

Traditional Picanterías

These rustic taverns serve recipes passed down for generations, often cooked over wood fires and paired with local drinks.

Modern Dining

Upscale restaurants reinterpret Andean ingredients with contemporary flair, offering alpaca, quinoa, and native herbs in elegant settings.

???? Amazing Fact: Many classic Arequipa dishes were traditionally served only on specific days of the week.

Epic Day Trips from Arequipa

One of the biggest advantages of Arequipa is how close it is to extraordinary landscapes.

Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons on Earth, famous for soaring Andean condors, terraced villages, and dramatic viewpoints.

Sillar Quarries

Visit the source of the white stone that built the city and see massive carved canyon walls shaped by volcanic history.

Salinas Lagoon

High-altitude wetlands where flamingos, vicuñas, and mirror-like reflections create unforgettable scenery.

Volcano Adventures

For experienced trekkers, guided climbs on nearby volcanoes offer unmatched views and true high-Andes adventure.

Hidden Corners & Relaxing Experiences

• Natural thermal baths outside the city

• Rooftop cafés with volcano views

• Free walking tours that explain local legends

• Artisan workshops showcasing alpaca weaving

These quieter moments often become travelers’ favorite memories of Arequipa.

Practical Tips for Visiting Arequipa

Getting Around:
The historic center is flat and walkable. Taxis are affordable for longer distances.

Altitude Advice:
Take it slow on your first day, hydrate well, and try coca tea.

Where to Stay:
Central guesthouses and boutique hotels near the Plaza de Armas offer the best value and convenience.

How Long to Stay:
Two to three days is ideal, with extra time if you plan canyon trips.

Sample 3-Day Arequipa Itinerary

Day 1: Historic center, monastery, sunset viewpoint
Day 2: Museums, market food crawl, neighborhood walks
Day 3: Colca Canyon or scenic day trip

Amazing Facts About Arequipa

• Built almost entirely from volcanic stone

• Surrounded by three major volcanoes

• One of Peru’s sunniest cities

• A major center of colonial art and architecture