Arequipa: The White City of Peru

Arequipa, known as the “White City,” is the second most important city in Peru. Located in the south of the country at 2,335 meters (7,661 ft) above sea level, it is surrounded by three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Its historic center, built with sillar (white volcanic stone), was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000.

Location and Geography

Arequipa is located in southern Peru at an altitude of 2,335 meters (7,661 ft) above sea level. The city is built in a valley surrounded by three volcanoes and crossed by the Chili River.

Why Is It Called the “White City”?

Arequipa is called the “White City” because of sillar, a white or cream-colored volcanic stone used to build most of its colonial architecture. This material comes from quarries near the volcanoes and gives the city its distinctive bright appearance.

World Heritage Site

The historic center of Arequipa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. This recognition is due to its unique colonial architectural ensemble built with sillar, representing a fusion of European construction techniques and local characteristics.

The protected area covers 332 hectares and includes religious buildings, colonial houses, plazas, and streets that have preserved their original layout since the 16th century.

The Three Volcanoes of Arequipa

Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes that form part of its identity:

• Misti Volcano: 5,822 meters (19,101 ft) high. The most iconic and visible from the city. An active volcano whose last recorded eruption was in 1784.
• Chachani Volcano: 6,057 meters (19,872 ft) high. The tallest of the three. Its quarries provide the sillar used in construction.
• Pichu Pichu Volcano: 5,664 meters (18,583 ft) high. An extinct volcano that completes the trio of giants surrounding the city.

Main Attractions of Arequipa

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Arequipa. It is surrounded by sillar arcades on three sides and by the Cathedral on the fourth side. It features a 17th-century bronze fountain crowned by the figure of a soldier known as “El Tuturutu.”

Arequipa Cathedral

The Basilica Cathedral occupies the entire northern side of the Plaza de Armas. Built in a neoclassical style with neo-Gothic influences, it houses the largest organ in South America with more than 1,200 pipes. It has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes, the most destructive occurring in 1868 and 2001.

Santa Catalina Monastery

Founded in 1579, the Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the most important colonial religious complexes in the Americas. It covers 20,426 square meters with streets, plazas, and more than 100 cells. It functioned as a cloistered convent for nearly 400 years until it partially opened to the public in 1970.

Andean Sanctuaries Museum

It houses the mummy Juanita, also known as the “Lady of Ampato” or the “Ice Maiden.” She was discovered in 1995 at the summit of Mount Ampato at 6,288 meters (20,630 ft). Juanita was between 13 and 15 years old when she was sacrificed around the year 1450 as part of the Inca Capacocha ritual. She is one of the best-preserved mummies in the world.

Yanahuara Viewpoint

Located in the Yanahuara district, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city and the three volcanoes. It is built with carved sillar arches engraved with phrases from notable Arequipeños.

San Lázaro Neighborhood

This is the oldest neighborhood in Arequipa. It preserves narrow cobblestone streets, sillar archways, and colonial houses. Notable spots include Solar Alley and Jerusalem Alley.

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon, located about 3–4 hours from Arequipa, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching more than 3,400 meters (11,155 ft) deep. It is the best place to observe the Andean condor in its natural habitat from the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint. The valley is home to traditional villages with pre-Inca agricultural terraces still in use and natural hot springs.

Arequipa Cuisine

Arequipa’s cuisine is recognized as one of the richest and most diverse in Peru, featuring unique dishes not found in other regions:

Typical Dishes

• Rocoto Relleno: spicy rocoto pepper stuffed with ground meat, raisins, peanuts, and cheese, baked and served with potato gratin.
• Arequipeño Adobo: pork marinated in chicha de jora and spices, slowly cooked. Traditionally eaten on Sunday mornings.
• Shrimp Chupe: a creamy soup made with river shrimp from the Colca Valley, potatoes, eggs, milk, and spices.
• Ocopa Arequipeña: boiled potatoes topped with a sauce made from huacatay, yellow chili pepper, peanuts, and fresh cheese.

Traditional Desserts

• Queso Helado: a traditional dessert made with milk, cinnamon, cloves, and shredded coconut.
• Buñuelos: fried dough served with chancaca syrup.
• Uchuva Pudding: a sweet dessert made from golden berries, sugar, and spices.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Arequipa has a dry and mild climate year-round, with more than 300 sunny days per year. Average temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F).

Dry season (April to November): the best time to visit, with sunny days, cool nights, and little chance of rain.

Rainy season (December to March): occasional afternoon showers, while mornings are usually clear.

How to Get to Arequipa

By Plane

Rodríguez Ballón International Airport connects Arequipa with Lima, Cusco, and other major cities. The flight from Lima takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Airlines operating this route include LATAM, Sky Airline, and Viva Air.

By Bus

Arequipa is connected by road to the rest of the country. Bus services operate from Lima (14–16 hours), Cusco (10–12 hours), Puno (5–6 hours), and other cities. Recommended companies include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Civa.

Neighborhoods of Arequipa

• Historic Center: the heart of the city with the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and colonial buildings.
• Yanahuara: traditional neighborhood with the famous viewpoint, cobblestone streets, and views of Misti Volcano.
• San Lázaro: the oldest neighborhood with colonial alleys and sillar houses.
• Vallecito: a quiet residential area with green spaces.
• Cayma: a district that blends tradition and modernity with volcano views.
• Characato: a rural district known for its traditional picanterías.

Practical Information

Altitude

Arequipa is located at 2,335 meters (7,661 ft) above sea level. Although lower than Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft), some travelers may experience mild altitude symptoms. It is recommended to take the first day easy, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy meals.

Currency

The official currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Currency exchange offices and ATMs are available in the historic center and tourist areas. Many establishments accept credit cards.

Transportation

The city has taxis, urban buses, and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Beat. The historic center can be easily explored on foot.

Safety

Arequipa is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions are recommended: avoid displaying valuables, use authorized taxis or ride-hailing apps, and remain attentive in markets and crowded areas.