Arequipa is a beautiful city located in southern Peru, in the province and department of the same name. Known as the “White City”. Arequipa is a jewel that will make you fall in love forever. It is the second most populous city in Peru, after the capital Lima, and is home to a population of 1,008,290 inhabitants according to data from the 2017 National Census.
Founded on August 15, 1540, it is a city with a great historical legacy, which captivates visitors thanks to its amazing architecture. The historic buildings of the city are a great example of the fusion of European and Andean architecture.
They emphasize its magnificent mansions with impressive baroque facades with vaulted rooms and patios. Its impressive buildings are made of white ashlar, volcanic stone product of the eruption of the imposing Misti volcano. It stands out especially under its impeccable blue sky.
To know more about what Arequipa can offer you may need to keep communication or a translation app. That’s why you may need to use one of our mobile phone plans for tourists to have a tourist SIM card. In order to visit this beautiful city and enjoy all the tourist destinations at its plenty here in PeruSIM.
Still not convinced? Don’t worry, here are plenty of reasons why the next time you organize your vacation, you should have Arequipa as your main tourist destination :
Why is Arequipa known as the White City:
Arequipa is known as the White City because of its architecture built with white volcanic stone, called sillar, which is weather resistant and earthquake resistant. Its use began at the end of the 16th century.
This volcanic stone (caused by the settling of ash) is white or exceptionally pink. Its texture is soft, light and weather-resistant, which is why it emerged as a privileged anti-seismic structural solution and a great alternative to adobe. It is extracted from quarries located in natural ravines in the province of Arequipa.
Thus, for that reason, we can see in the streets of Arequipa large ashlar constructions, such as arches, basins, temples, convents, museums, banks, institutional headquarters, as well as hotels and restaurants that gives it a particular seal.
Heritage of Humanity
The historic center of Arequipa is considered by UNESCO as part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity, due to the mixture of two cultures and for being able to create structures that endure over time. Arequipa’s Historic Center is also recognized for being framed by the countryside, its lungs.
The Ministry of Culture also declared the Knowledge and Techniques of Extraction and Carving of Sillar in the City of Arequipa a National Cultural Heritage.
Arequipa’s most Famous Touristic Places
Plaza de Armas – Historical Center
The city welcomes you with a Historic Center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its beautiful white volcanic stone facades, the Plaza de Armas is surrounded by churches, museums, hotels and restaurants on the terraces to eat something traditional or have a drink in the evening. Walking around it little by little and letting yourself be admired at every corner is the perfect plan.
Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena
Built in 1579, this still active convent has opened part of the cloisters to the public to make it an attraction that every visitor to Arequipa must see.
On the tour with a guide, you will learn about the lifestyle of the cloistered nuns. In addition, it is a priceless sample of local architecture that deserves to be visited. The atmosphere is mystical and captivating, quite an experience.
Cathedral of Arequipa and its museum
Travel through more than 400 years of history discovering the interior of the Cathedral of Arequipa, as well as pieces of gold work, ornaments, paintings and a visit to the bell tower of the Cathedral to see the city and the volcanoes from this height.
The Colca Valley and Canyon
The Colca Canyon is the best place in South America to see the majestic Andean Condor. It is also one of the most chosen destinations for trekking in Peru.
Its surrounding villages are very picturesque and you can visit them on the way to Colca. In this valley you will also find the thermal waters of La Calera mentioned below in this list.
If you want a little more adventure, you can practice trekking, mountaineering, canoeing or mountain biking in the Colca Valley. The final destination will always be the majestic Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, which receives tourists attentively to appreciate the king of the skies of the Peruvian Andes: the majestic condor.
Convent of Santa Teresa
Founded in 1710, part of this monastery is also open to the public and is a very special place. Visitors report that the tour fills them with a sense of peace. The exhibits of paintings, sculptures, furniture and jewelry are captivating.
One of its main attractions is to go at noon to hear the nuns sing the Angelus. You cannot see them, but you can hear them and the experience is mystical. At the exit you can also buy the typical sweets made by the sisters.
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
It is the perfect opportunity to see incredible landscapes and beautiful animals that live in this protected territory, such as llamas, alpacas, condors, vicuñas and pink flamingos.
You must go in the company of certified guides and take precautions with the weather, because at nightfall the temperature can drop below freezing.
You cannot camp in the reserve, but you can visit different places such as the Salinas Lagoon and the Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary, where every year migratory birds from the northern hemisphere come to rest before continuing their journey south.
Finally, we know that you have to keep communication with your relatives and friends, that you need to be able to orient yourself in new cities, that you might need help with translation and that you might need to search for restaurants or hotels. That’s why with PeruSIM you can buy a SIM card including the data plan of your need without having to worry about high roaming costs.