Arequipa: The White City & Colca Canyon

Arequipa is Peru's second-largest city and arguably its most beautiful. Known as "La Ciudad Blanca" (The White City), its colonial center is built almost entirely from sillar, white volcanic stone quarried from the surrounding volcanoes. The city sits at 2,335m beneath three towering volcanoes: Misti (5,822m), Chachani (6,057m), and Pichu Pichu (5,664m).

Arequipa's UNESCO-listed historic center, vibrant food scene, and proximity to Colca Canyon make it one of Peru's a highlight of any Peru trip. Our extended tour packages include 2–3 days here with guided sightseeing and a Colca Canyon excursion.

Top Attractions

Santa Catalina Monastery

A 20,000m² walled convent founded in 1579, essentially a city within a city. For 400 years, it was completely closed to the outside world. Today you can wander through vivid blue and terracotta-painted streets, cloisters, and cells. It's Arequipa's single best attraction and deserves 2+ hours. Open until 5pm, with stunning light in the late afternoon.

Plaza de Armas

Considered one of Peru's most beautiful main squares. The Arequipa Cathedral stretches across the entire north side. Its interior houses one of only 100 pipe organs in the world made by Belgian craftsman Loret. The square is surrounded by sillar arcades with restaurants and cafés offering volcano views.

Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Museum)

Home to "Juanita," a remarkably preserved frozen Inca mummy discovered in 1995 on Mount Ampato (6,310m). She was sacrificed around 1450 AD as an offering to the mountain gods. The museum explains why the Incas sacrificed children to mountain gods and how freezing temperatures preserved Juanita for over 500 years. Guided tours only.

Yanahuara Viewpoint

A hilltop mirador with iconic sillar arches framing El Misti volcano. The perfect photo opportunity, especially in the morning when Misti is most visible. The surrounding neighborhood has quiet plazas and local restaurants.

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching 3,270 meters at its deepest point, nearly twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. It's home to the majestic Andean condor, pre-Inca agricultural terraces still in use today, and traditional villages where residents wear embroidered clothing specific to each community.

Cruz del Condor

The canyon's most famous viewpoint, where Andean condors (wingspans up to 3.2 meters) ride thermal currents rising from the canyon floor. The birds pass at eye level or below, sometimes just meters away. Best viewing: 7:00–10:00 AM, most reliable June–September. Arrive early to secure a good position at the railing.

Colca Canyon Trek

The classic 2-day/1-night trek descends from the canyon rim (3,300m) to the Sangalle "Oasis" at the bottom (2,150m), a lush green area with natural pools and basic lodges. The descent takes 2–3 hours on a well-marked but steep trail. The ascent back up is the challenge: 3–4 hours of switchbacks starting at 4:00 AM to avoid the midday heat. A 3-day version adds visits to remote villages and Chivay hot springs.

Chivay Hot Springs

Natural thermal pools near the town of Chivay (3,600m), the gateway to Colca Canyon. After a long day at Cruz del Condor, soaking in 38°C mineral water with mountain views is pure reward. La Calera hot springs ($5 entry) have multiple pools at different temperatures.

Arequipeña Cuisine

Arequipa has Peru's most distinct regional cuisine, best experienced at picanterías, traditional restaurants that have served locals for generations.

• Rocoto relleno: Spicy rocoto pepper stuffed with minced meat, topped with melted cheese and baked with potatoes. The signature dish of Arequipa.
• Chupe de camarones: Rich shrimp chowder with potatoes, milk, eggs, and oregano. Made with freshwater river shrimp from the Majes Valley.
• Adobo arequipeño: Pork stew simmered overnight in chicha (corn beer), chili peppers, and onions. Traditionally eaten for Sunday breakfast.
• Queso helado: A frozen dessert made with milk, coconut, and cinnamon, not actually cheese despite the name. Sold by street vendors in the plaza.

Getting There

• By air: Rodríguez Ballón Airport (AQP), 20 minutes from the city center. Daily flights from Lima (1.5 hours). Some flights from Cusco (1 hour).
• By bus from Puno: 5–6 hours through the altiplano. Scenic route passing vicuña herds and volcanic landscapes at 4,000m+.
• By bus from Cusco: 10–12 hours overnight. Most travelers fly to save time.

Arequipa FAQ