Arequipa

Personalized Travel in Arequipa

Arequipa is Peru’s second most populous city, in addition to being one of its most scenic. Arequipa is surrounded by high deserts, deep canyons and volcanic peaks. El Mistí, a snow-capped stratovolcano, towers 19,101 feet above the city.

Arequipa’s colonial center—housing the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of Arequipa, and Church of La Compania—was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The historic buildings in this sector are constructed of sillar, a white volcanic stone. These structures gleam in the sunshine, earning Arequipa its nickname: “The White City”.

Santa Catalina de Siena

The Santa Catalina de Siena Convent is the city’s most impressive colonial structure. Founded in 1579, this working convent was first opened to the public in 1970.

Highlights include an art gallery, the Orange Tree Cloister, and chapel.

Colca Canyon

Arequipa can also serve as the base for visits to the Colca Canyon, located approximately 100 miles northwest of the city. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, visitors to Colca can tour indigenous villages, visit Inca ruins, and watch Andean condors ride the thermal currents near the canyon’s edge.

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in Arequipa

Visitors to Arequipa can enjoy:

• City Tours
• Visits to the Santuarias Andinas Museum
• Visits to the Colca Canyon
• Visits to the Culebrillas Canyon
• Visits to the Arequipean countryside

Day trips around the city usually allow opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.

What is the Weather Like?

As in most Andean regions, this region features a dry and wet season. The wet season starts around December and ends in March and the dry season makes up the rest of the year.

Due to it’s altitude (roughly 7,800 feet above sea level) Arequipa has a cool climate. Sunny skies are typical year-round. The Andean Summer (November through March) is reliably dry, with sunny days and clear, cold nights. The rainy season begins, usually, in December, and lasts through April, with February being the wettest month. Temperatures remain cool, with rain or rain showers most days. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 44°F to 72°F and is rarely below 40°F or above 77°F. The temperature varies very little throughout the year.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

Arequipa can be reached by air from either Lima or Cusco, and by land or rail from Puno in the Lake Titicaca region (a drive of approximately four hours).

The Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train connects Cusco and the Puno Region with Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.

Start your journey today