Located in the southern part of the country, Arequipa is known as the “White City” due to its stunning colonial buildings made of white volcanic stone. The city’s historic heart, Arequipa Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers breathtaking views of the nearby volcanoes. With its cobblestone streets, churches, and monasteries, Arequipa is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Peru’s rich colonial past.

Why Visit Arequipa

Arequipa earned its “White City” nickname from the sillar, a white volcanic stone quarried from nearby volcanoes and used to build much of its colonial-era architecture. Framed by three volcanoes — Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu — the city sits at roughly 2,335 meters (7,661 feet) above sea level, giving it a distinctive high-altitude climate of warm days and cold nights year-round.

Things to Do and Key Attractions

Santa Catalina Monastery

Founded in the 1500s by a wealthy widow, this is the largest convent in South America — a self-contained citadel of narrow streets and courtyards painted in vivid blue and burnt-orange, well worth setting aside a couple of hours to explore.

Colca Canyon

About three hours from the city, Colca Canyon plunges to 10,725 feet — more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon — and is one of the best places in the world to see Andean condors soaring on wingspans over 10 feet.

Volcán Misti

This near-perfect volcanic cone rises just over 10 miles outside the city and can be climbed on a guided trek, though many visitors are just as happy admiring it from one of Arequipa’s rooftop terraces.

Plaza de Armas

The colonial main square is the city’s social heart, ringed by sillar-stone arcades and the cathedral, and is especially beautiful at sunset when the surrounding volcanoes catch the last light.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from April to October, is the most reliable time to visit, with clear skies and daytime temperatures around 20-22°C — ideal for exploring Colca Canyon and the city on foot. May, June, and July bring the clearest weather, while April, September, and October offer similar conditions with fewer crowds. The rainy season (November-March) still sees mostly clear mornings with afternoon showers, and the surrounding countryside turns notably greener.

How to Get There

Arequipa’s airport has more than 15 flights a day from Lima, with the flight taking about an hour and a half — by far the fastest option. Overland, Cruz del Sur buses connect Lima to Arequipa in 16-18 hours, Puno to Arequipa in about six hours via 4M Express, and Cusco to Arequipa in 10-12 hours by bus or three scenic days aboard the luxury Belmond Andean Explorer train.

Travel Tips

Because of the altitude, plan to spend at least one day acclimating before any strenuous activity like a Colca Canyon trek or the Misti climb. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF, as UV exposure is intensified at this elevation, and bring layers for the sharp temperature drop after sunset.

Looking to explore more of the country? Check out our Peru travel guide. Many travelers combine Arequipa with a visit to Lima, Peru’s bustling capital.