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Seeing the World One Step at a Time. Guides are updated on an ongoing basis.


Arequipa, Peru

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El-MistiArequipa is often referred to as the white city due to the white washed look of its buildings (made from sillar, the Spanish name for the volcanic white rock mined from local quarries). The city is located at about 8,300 feet in southern Peru and is surrounded by tall mountains and the prominent volcano, El Misti. However, it is only a couple of hours from the ocean by vehicle.

The weather is dry, crisp and clear with pleasant days and cool nights most of the year. Temperatures are normally quite pleastant during the day not too hot and not too cold. This type of weather is very relaxing. Arequipa’s weather has been called “eternal spring”. The sun shines over 300 days of the year!

Flights from Lima take about an hour; as planes descend into Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport, passengers will be treated to views of both Ampato the 6000+ meter peak (the highest mountain in the area) and El Misti.

The actual city is quite sprawling; from the outskirts one will see nothing but miles and miles of brown mud-brick homes. This is high desert and aside from the water used from the Chili River to irrigate local terraced fields, the surrounding parts of town are visually bone dry.

Central Arequipa is definitely a walking town – most of the primary attractions, museums, cathedrals, restaurants & travel agencies are located within several blocks of the main square, Plaza de Armas.

While in Arequipa be sure to try some authentic Peruvian food such as ceviche (raw fish soaked in lemon juice), adobo stew, the somewhat spicy recoto relleno (chili peppers with meat and potatoes), cuy (roasted guinea pig), Pisco Sour (Peru’s alcoholic national drink) and chicha morada – a purple somewhat sweet drink made out of corn juice. Arequipa also has very good “cheese” ice cream which is often sold from street vendors.

Must sees in town include: Santa Catalina Monastery, Santuarios Andinos Museum housing the mummy Juanita and several hours outside of the city, the world’s deepest canyons Colca and Cotahuasi. We have visited Arequipa several times and always leave craving more time in this wonderful city.

Read on for more information about what there is to do and see in and around Arequipa!

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Comments

  1. Sarah Jo Lorenz says

    January 28, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    Well, I will have to add some of these stops to my next getaway to Peru that is for sure! I was thinking about going back in 2018 but might bump that trip up to this year sometime… we will see. There is so much to do and see I am not sure how I am ever going to decide what to include on my trip.

  2. Lana says

    June 23, 2017 at 2:25 am

    My friend recommended I read your post about Arequipa. I am planning to visit Peru next year (spring 2018) and am just beginning my research. A bit overwhelming, Peru offers so many outdoor options. I do like the desert – so Arequipa is pretty high on my list of places in the country to visit. Maybe you can suggest some others? Thanks! ~ Lana

  3. Dave says

    March 3, 2020 at 11:33 am

    Sarah – I hope you did make to Areqipa. It is one of my favorite cities in Peru 🙂

  4. Dave says

    March 3, 2020 at 11:34 am

    Lana – head over the the coast from Arequipa and explore some of the desert around Ilo.

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