Located in southern Peru, it lies in an oasis at 2335 meters above sea level, surrounded by desert and tall mountains. Due to its proximity and intermediate location between the sea and the cities of Puno and Cusco, Arequipa played an important role in the viceregal life of the region. During the republic, it strengthened its economy through the export of sheep wool and alpaca, vicuña and llama fiber, supplying the English industry. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the city built its economic leadership in the southern Andes, and today it is the second largest city in the country.
The presence of the Misti volcano, symbol of the city, is an unavoidable landmark in its historical process, since Arequipa has not only suffered successive earthquakes, but has also been built with volcanic stone itself, the same stone that gives rise to its popular nickname “the white city.”
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this city of beautiful convents, temples and colonial mansions also preserves a great culinary heritage; a mix of native products with foods of European origin.
Tourist Attractions
Historic Center
Called in Inca times Huacaypata or “warrior’s square,” the main square of the White City of Arequipa is an urban space full of historical resonance, around which, as in the past, the life of the city is organized. There you will find the Cathedral, one of the most impressive buildings in the city, built with large blocks of red granite extracted from the Sacsayhuaman fortress; and the Church of La Compañía, considered one of the best examples of colonial Baroque in the Americas.
Santa Catalina Monastery
Built of sillar stone, it is the most important example of Arequipa colonial architecture. It is located in the historic center of Arequipa and, after the earthquakes that devastated this land in 1958 and 1960, it was restored and opened to the public. This led to changes in its structure, forming a citadel of unique characteristics.
In its cloisters the monastery holds a prized art collection, where you can see one of the most important examples of religious art on the continent, as well as a large private collection from the so-called Cusco School, the ultimate expression of the fusion of two cultures: the Inca and the Spanish.
Sabandía
A beautiful district notable for its countryside with crops on remarkable pre-Inca terraces. Some of its houses still retain characteristics of the 19th-century republican style. The Sabandía Mill is located there.
Colca Valley and Canyon
4 hours north of Arequipa lies the impressive Colca Valley, from where you can closely admire the majestic flight of the condor. The ascending road crosses plains and ravines where alpacas and vizcachas roam. The highest point is at 4350 meters above sea level, then descending into a valley of beautiful landscapes surrounded by terraces and snow-capped peaks. Below, at a depth of 3400 m, the Colca River winds, making the canyon one of the deepest in the world.
The valley contains archaeological remains of the Collagua, ancient inhabitants of the area, such as mysterious petroglyphs and caves. Along both banks of the river are scattered picturesque towns founded in the 16th century, which still preserve their original layouts and traditional festivals. Their inhabitants still work the pre-Hispanic terraces and keep their colorful traditional clothing.
Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca
Impresionante paisaje de volcanes, ríos salinas y formaciones rocosas. Protege un alterado ecosistema de puna seca que ha sido clave para la conservación de la cuenca del río Chili y la vicuña, además de otras especies propias de ese hábitat.
Tiene un aérea de 340.000 hectáreas y alberga a los volcanes Misti (5840 m.s.n.m.), Chachani (6075 m.s.n.m.) y Ubinas (5676 m.s.n.m.), el más activo del Perú.