Arequipa Peru Travel Magnet

Arequipa, often called the “White City” for its colonial buildings made from white volcanic stone (sillar), is Peru’s second-largest city and one of its most beautiful. Surrounded by three dramatic volcanoes—El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu—the city sits at over 7,600 feet (2,300 meters) above sea level, giving it a stunning natural backdrop. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing elegant Spanish colonial architecture, baroque churches, and leafy plazas. The heart of Arequipa is the Plaza de Armas, dominated by the impressive Basilica Cathedral and framed by arcaded buildings that come alive with cafes and shops. Culturally, Arequipa is rich in history and tradition. One of its most famous attractions is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast 16th-century convent that feels like a “city within a city” with colorful cloisters, alleys, and plazas. Museums such as the Museo Santuarios Andinos display treasures from the Inca era, including the famous mummy Juanita, the Ice Maiden discovered on Mount Ampato. Arequipa is also the gateway to the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons and a prime spot to see Andean condors. Combined with its thriving food scene, where dishes like rocoto relleno and chupe de camarones are local specialties, Arequipa offers both urban elegance and proximity to Peru’s breathtaking landscapes.