Arequipa
The name Arequipa comes from "Ari, Quepay," which means "Yes, you may stay" in the local Quechua language. Not surprisingly, Arequipa is very welcoming and well worth the visit with its amazing architecture, bustling city center, and friendly atmosphere.
Arequipa also carries the moniker "La Ciudad Blanca," as the majority of buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock that originates in the three volcanoes surrounding the city. Indeed, the Misti Volcano, the Chachani Mountain, and Pichu Pichu dominate the area with their impressive size and beauty. It is Misti that appears most distinctive with its volcanic summit often shrouded in clouds.
According to legend, the city was founded when the fourth Inca, Mayta Capac, camped here. In 1540, the Spanish re-founded the city and many current buildings show the same kind of colonial influence that can be seen in Trujillo and Cajamarca. Earthquakes have shaken Arequipa over the past few centuries, yet most buildings have been restored by the Arequipenos, who seem determined to retain their heritage.
The historic centre of Arequipa has a lot to offer travelers and is even considered a Cultural Heritage Site of Humanity by UNESCO; the main attractions are the churches and mansions that date back to the 18th century. The standout site, however, is the photogenic Santa Catalina Monastery.
The Santa Catalina Monastery takes up an entire block of the city. Doña Maria Guzman, a rich widow who became a nun, organized its construction in 1579. The monastery is unique in size and color, with houses that are decorated with murals, frescos and religious art. The little alleys are named after various Spanish cities like Toledo, Sevilla or Burgos, and every corner, street and plaza is decorated with flowers and plants. Needless to say, it's a perfect spot to take photos.
Arequipa is also noteworthy because of its countryside. The city is surrounded by traditional farmland and the Molino de Sabandía, a flour mill, is not far away. Built in 1785 from white sillar stone and reconstructed in the 70s, this mill uses traditional methods to mill flour using the force of water. Accompanied by well kept grounds grounds, shaded by weeping willow trees, and great views of El Misti, the Molino de Sabandía is a favorite of picnickers.
Experiences in Arequipa
Explore hand-picked Arequipa tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
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Arequipa
Full Day Colca Canyon
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Arequipa
Misti Volcano Trek 2 Days
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Arequipa
Arequipa Countryside Tour
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Where to stay in Arequipa
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Arequipa accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Casa Andina Select
Casa Andina Select is a modern hotel in front of Arequipa’s main square, the Plaza de Armas. It offers 58 comfortable rooms in a 5-story remodeled building.
San Agustin Posada del Monasterio
Visitors come to Arequipa to admire the beautiful colonial buildings made from sillar, a pale volcanic stone that was used to make many of the city's historic attractions. San Agustin Posada del Monasterio hotel fits right in, as it was built with sillar in the 18th century. Located near the Santa Catalina Monastery, the San Augustin Posado del Monastario allows you to experience historical Arequipa throughout every moment of your trip.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
In Arequipa, you’ll find some of the loveliest colonial architecture in Peru, buildings and facades that have made it through hundreds of years of earthquakes and reconstructions. A room at the Casa Andina Private Collection is a good way to guarantee that you’ll get a good dose of everything the city has to offer. The Plaza de Armas is nearby the hotel, Arequipa’s beautiful centerpiece of white colonial buildings.
Los Leones Hotel Boutique
Los Leones Boutique Hotel offers comfortable rooms just a short distance from historic Arequipa.
Belmond Andean Explorer - Train Hotel
Travel from Arequipa to Cusco in unforgettable style. Savour the unforgettable indulgence of the Belmond Andean Explorer train as you are whisked through Peru’s most spectacular destinations, including the spellbinding Lake Titicaca.
Tierra Viva Arequipa Plaza
At Tierra Viva Arequipa you will be a short walk away from some of Arequipa’s iconic attractions. Spanish conquistadors founded the city of Arequipa in 1540, and they left incredible architecture behind.
Casa Andina Standard Arequipa
Casa Andina Arequipa is set within the town of Arequipa. This hotel has practical rooms and a convenient location.
Sonesta Hotel Arequipa
The Sonesta Hotel Arequipa is situated in the captivating city of Arequipa, Peru, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Located conveniently within the city's modern financial district, the hotel offers guests easy access to both historical attractions and contemporary conveniences, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking to explore the vibrant local scene.
Arequipa itineraries
Explore hand-picked Arequipa itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
19 days · Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa +5
Family
Elisa and her Greek family explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a memorable 20 day adventure. They journeyed from the Paracas desert and Huacachina dunes to the high Andes of Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. Friendly local guides shared traditions and stories, letting the family feel Peru’s warm hospitality and leaving them with a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage.
Peru
8 days · Lima, Arequipa, Chivay, Cusco
Couple
After debating on which country to visit for our special trip, we finally decided on Peru. It was the best decision ever. Anywhere.com helped us arrange and make the most of our dream vacation!
Peru
15 days · Lima, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno +2
Family
We were blown away by the beauty of the country—from the highland Lake Titicaca to the cultural experiences at Arequipa. We were so impressed with the Machu Picchu experience...we have to come back and explore more of Peru!
Peru
13 days · Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno +1
Family
Peru is bursting with history, interesting sites and friendly people and tourists from all parts of the world. We wished our hotels were a bit better and should have requested upgrades for a reasonably higher price. We have already recommended Peru to family and friends. Our photos and videos on Facebook have evoked several inquiries. I would certainly like to visit Peru again along with other countries of South America.
Peru
15 days · Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa +4
Solo
Take yourself to a whirlwind adventure through one of South America’s most vibrant countries with this ‘best of’ expedition through Peru.
Peru
15 days · Lima, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno +1
Couple
Trips like this don't cross your path every day. To get to the heart of Incan culture, you should taste their food, walk in their footsteps, and touch the sky.
Peru
14 days · Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Aguas Calientes +1
Family
Without doubt!!! Thank you for making our vacation perfect! We are truly grateful
Peru
18 days · Lima, Iquitos, Urubamba, Aguas Calientes +3
Couple
Anywhere Peru made our dream 38th-anniversary trip come true!
Peru
13 days · Lima, Arequipa, Urubamba
Family
Our guide, Henry, taught us all about Pachamama, and respect for the mountains and each other. It was an incredible 4-days on the trail.
Peru
16 days · Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno +3
Couple
PERU! is getting there. There are several areas where, for instance plastic bottles can be reused, by hotels providing large dispensers to refill existing bottles.
Peru
14 days · Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa +2
Couple
I really could not be happier. The Anywhere Team made me feel like a VIP my entire time in Peru. The hotels were very nice & safe. The food was fantastic. Transportation was smooth, nice trains, safe airlines. I recommend Peru to all travelers!
Peru
