Peru’s White City, built from pale volcanic sillar beneath El Misti. Arequipa pairs a grand Plaza de Armas and the cloistered Santa Catalina Monastery with a serious picantería culture — and it is the gateway to Colca Canyon. At about 2,300 meters, it is a gentler step up toward Cusco’s altitude.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
Centro Histórico
The Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and Santa Catalina — sillar casonas turned hotels keep you a short walk from all of it.
Yanahuara
Sillar arches and a famous lookout toward El Misti. Calm, residential and a short taxi from the plaza.
San Lázaro
The city’s oldest quarter: narrow lanes and small squares just above the river, made for an unhurried morning walk.
Book a Tour
Popular Arequipa experiences
Colca Canyon and its condors, the Salinas y Aguada Blanca reserve and a Santa Catalina visit are the classics. Browse Arequipa tours and day trips ↗
From the Journal
Arequipa & Peru stories
Arequipa for First-Timers: Where to Stay Between Centro and Yanahuara
Arequipa Food and Markets: San Camilo and the Picantería Tradition
Two Days in Arequipa: Sillar Architecture, Textile Craft and Yanahuara
Luxury by Train: Andean Explorer Rail Journeys & Villa Escapes
Where to Stay in Arequipa: Centro, San Lázaro, Yanahuara and Choosing a Comfortable Base
Planning Colca Canyon from Arequipa: Day Tour, Valley Stay or Canyon Trek?
Visiting Monasterio de Santa Catalina in Arequipa: A Thoughtful Route Beyond the Colorful Walls
Arequipa Sillar Architecture: From Historic Courtyards to the Working Quarry Landscape
Best Time to Visit Arequipa: Clearer City Walks, Colca Conditions and Cool Evenings
Getting Around Arequipa: Airport Transfers, Historic-Center Walks and Excursion Logistics
Plan it
Your Arequipa trip, sorted
White-stone architecture, Peru’s most soulful lunches, and the road to Colca Canyon.
Where to stay
Pick your base
The centro for colonial casonas a short walk from the plaza; Yanahuara for quieter streets and volcano views.
Eat + drink
Where to eat and drink
Rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones, Sunday adobo and queso helado — the picantería lunch is the main event.
Neighborhoods
Where to wander
The Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina, Yanahuara’s lookout, and the San Camilo market.
What to pack
Dress for the city
Strong sun and cool evenings at altitude: layers, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and comfortable shoes for stone streets.
2–3 days
How to spend your time
Two days: the centro and Santa Catalina, then Yanahuara and a long picantería lunch — add Colca if you can.
Worth booking
Reserve these ahead
A Colca Canyon trip (an overnight is kinder than one long day), and the Andean Explorer if you are rolling on to Cusco or Puno.
Luxe JetterPlan your Arequipa travel wardrobe
Boutique shopping
Shop Arequipa & Peru’s designers
- Textile craft in Arequipa
- Boutique Shopping in Lima
- Meche Correa in Lima
- Mozhdeh Matin in Lima
- ESCVDO in Lima
Boutique shopping in Latin America → · Style your finds in Luxe Jetter ↗
More in Peru: Lima · Cusco · All Peru destinations
New guides: Where to Shop in Arequipa
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