Arequipa is one of the most pleasant cities in Peru, the perfect place to spend a few days on your trip to Peru, with a great climate all year and near to no rainfall. The city has a different feel to most other cities, it is modern and the people are also a little different, Arequipa has a vibe of today where some other places in Peru live a little in the past. Having said that the city has its colonial past where you can visit attractions like the Santa Catalina Monastery and take a tour with the Nuns that still live and work the convent today. The convent is a labyrinth of laneways with an interesting history.
The main plaza in Arequipa is one of the prettiest in Peru. Well-tendered gardens and plenty of flowers make the plaza a special spot to spend some time. The Arequipa Cathedral is located on the plaza and is made, as is most of the city from white volcanic stone. Surrounding the plaza are many Spanish Colonial houses, which today are restaurants where you can enjoy a tasty lunch. You should take the time to visit some of the museums in Arequipa, especially where Juanita is housed. Juanita is a mummy found in the Andean peaks with a fascinating story so take the time to visit and learn her story.
Arequipa is also becoming a food destination. In the white city, the typical Arequipa Restaurants are known as Picanterias. Here you will find all the local specialties to try but be warned the plate sizes are large so go with a big appetite. Considered the signature dish in Arequipa is Rocoto Relleno. Made with Red Peppers that are cleaned and the seeds removed, then the pepper is stuffed with chopped meat, peanuts, boiled eggs, olives, cream cheese, and milk, and baked in the oven when is ready served with potatoes.
Arequipa is dominated by its volcanoes. This is apparent in the walls of its streets, buildings and churches; in the wonderful geography that has created a fertile valley and one of the world’s deepest canyons. Imagine yourself enjoying the warm waters of a thermal pool as you look out towards green mountains crowned with perpetual snows.
Arequipa is a place you won’t want to leave, thanks to its unique cuisine, its history, and its marvelous cordiality.
Arequipa, the legendary White City, where its noble history can be felt in the air, beneath the eternal watchful gaze of its volcanoes.
The colonial white city Arequipa is well-known for its architecture, built with white volcanic stone sourced from the four surrounding volcanoes. Arequipa is one of the most pleasant cities in Peru, it is the perfect place to spend a few days and experience everything there is to do. It has an excellent climate all year round and almost no rain. The city has a different feel than most other cities, it is modern, and the people are a bit different too. Arequipa has a slightly more modern vibe, while some other places in Peru live a bit in the past.
This stunning, volcano-ringed city is the second-largest city of Peru and a perfect stop to get used to the altitude at 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). You will regret skipping this beautiful and charming city, so here are all the things to do in Arequipa.
