Due to its location in the south of Peru, Arequipa enjoys a dry and sunny weather which allows visitors to come and discover all the gems La Ciudad Blanca or 'The White City' has to offer at any time of the year. The city's sobriquet is derived from the use of white sillar - a porous, volcanic stone - in many of the buildings that are located in what is known as Peru's most delightful city. Friendly Peru Travel, our local team in Arequipa, is excited to be able to share Arequipa's hot spots with you and has put together a selection of Arequipa hotels and Arequipa tours that are sure to cater to your needs.
Whether you want the thrills that the Colca Canyon offers, the fascinating history worthy of being a UNESCO world heritage site or Arequipa luxury hotels , Arequipa is sure to have something for you!
Built in 1540, the second largest city in Peru has several colonial mansions and churches which contribute to making it both an elegant and stylish destination. The superb Plaza de Armas and the ornate Santa Catalina Convent that dates back to the 16th century add grace and character to this town. While the sun shines warmly over the city, in the horizon gleam the icy peaks of Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu, the three impressive summits that offer many exciting activities for the adventurous traveller and picturesque views to be enjoyed from your Arequipa hotels. Within the Museo Santuarios Andinos lies the mummy of the recently discovered Inca maiden, Juanita, who lay buried under the eternal snows for 500 years after being killed in a ritualistic sacrifice.
For the physically fit and adventurous, Arequipa offers a variety of outdoor activities - mountains for climbing, rivers for rafting, and valleys for trekking. If that is not enough, head out into the Colca Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Scan the skies overhead to spot the majestic giant condors that rule the sky. The Cotahuasi Canyon near Arequipa is even deeper than Colca. Arequipa has the perfect weather for outdoor activities. Where else can you be assured of 300 days of endless warm sun, vast open areas and low humidity? Arequipa offers all this and more.
Many of Peru's intellectuals, artists and politicians hail from this culturally rich region of the country. This has led to Arequipeños having a friendly rivalry with the residents of Lima, the country's seat of power. No matter the differences between Peruvians, in the evenings when the restaurants and bars open, there is a relaxed air of bonhomie everywhere.
The city is ringed by the volcano Misti (5822 m) and the mountains of Pichu Pichu (5664 m) and Chachani (6075 m). Arequipa is the provincial capital and contributes much to southern Peru. The city's distinguished look is accentuated by the white buildings made of sillar, which is brought from the Chachani volcano. Convents, residences, churches and palaces are all built with this volcanic stone. The finely carved façades of the buildings make them strikingly attractive. Throw in a verdant countryside, the cloudless blue skies, and the snow-capped peaks that seem to float in the horizon, and Arequipa is complete.
Those who have adventure in their blood will be drawn to Arequipa, and its many things to see and do. Here you get the rare opportunity of going down some of the deepest canyons in the world. You can also go trekking, hiking, canoeing, abseiling and mountain biking. Take a look at our range of Arequipa tours and activities that incorporate these adrenaline pumping options.
If you want to get a taste of South America's strong drinks and its vigorous music, visit the bars and clubs. There are numerous bars and restaurants in Arequipa and the Plaza de Armas and the city's nightlife throbs around the two areas. Some of Arequipa's most popular restaurants, bars, cafés and casinos can be found on Calle Mercaeres, one of the main streets of the city.
It is difficult to think of many other places that offer a tourist more than Arequipa does. The restaurants serve great food, the green countryside beckons you and you have regal, lofty volcanoes for company. National parks and nature reserves are open to visitors and there are camping facilities and too. Arequipa hotels are plentiful and offer guests every comfort.
Arequipa has many hotels, both high-end and budget. Getting to the city is hardly a problem because it is so well connected to the rest of Peru both by air and railway.
