Arequipa is Peru's second most important city (after Lima), and the third most popular among tourists (after Cusco and Lima). It's located just below the edge of the Peruvian Altiplano.
It is nicknamed the 'white city' (la ciudad blanca in Spanish), because many of the buildings in the area are built of sillar, a local white stone. This rock was quarried from the many volcanoes that surround the city, including the towering El Misti. Ask for local help to identify the three volcanoes surrounding the city. Arequipa also has a large amount of good weather it averages to about 300 days a year
With 468 years of story since its spanish foundation, its ancient and historical colonial architecture can be found all over the center of the city and many surrounding districts. Reason why UNESCO has declare it Heritage of Humanity.
This city shows the cultural richness of the mixing between local natives and spaniard colonials who decided to make their lives and future in this land.
Some ancient houses have being refactioned by the local authorities, and they act like living museums, where people leave and develope daily duties. An example of this are the called "Tambos" located at Puente Bolognesi street.
PLACE TO VISIT
The Plaza de Armas, the main square of Arequipa, surrounded by buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone.
Visit San Camilo market, the oldest one located in the centre of the city. It's three blocks away from the main square.
See Juanita Mummy. From May to November the main exhibit is the Dama de Ampato, also known as Juanita. Found close to the main square is the Museum of the Catholic University, with the interesting exhibition of frozen bodies of sacrificial victims found in the neighbouring volcanoes.
Convento de Santa Catalina is the most visited building from the spaniard era of the city. Described as a city in a city, this beautiful place with its colors, flowers and little streets, will make you feel you are back in time. Quite close to the Plaza de Armas.
One of the newest attractions is the Convento de Santa Teresa, a little off the usual tourist areas in downtown Arequipa. Not as interesting architecturally as Santa Catalina, some of the paintings and artifacts are stunning.
Many of the almost 250 colonial buildings entitled as Human Heritage by UNESCO, are close to the main square. Some are turned to banks, stores, restaurants and departments. This practical way of preserving the city by finding a practical use to the historical buildings, provides a great experience to the visitor who feels like visiting a living museum.
Churches are among the most beautiful buildings preserved. They are all Catholic and you can visit them but be aware to have some respect because most of the population practices the Catholic religion. La Compania, San Francisco, La Merced and the Cathedral are some of the most famous.
Arequipa has beautiful bridges. Puente Bolognesi is the closest to the main square. Get there and visit the Tambos (ancient houses rebuilt by the city government and used as apartments). Great experience.
Puente Fierro is an iron bridge designed by Eiffel and still in service. A technological jewell located in Vallecito (10 blocks from main square) and a must for people who loves trains and bridges. From the bridge, at golden time (4-5PM), you can get some of the best pictures from the volcanoes and the city.
Nearby, in the old countryside, is the Molino de Sabandía (Sabandía Mill), a three centuries old water mill, set in the old Arequipa countryside.
WHAT TO DO
Because of its weather, friendliness of its people and budget prices (compared to Lima or Cusco), this is a great place to learn spanish. Several schools available, like Spanish School Arequipa, Juanjo and Claro among them. Most of them with excellent programs. Classes are usually offered in a per week basis, and with accommodation packages included.
Downhill volcano biking is offered in several levels of difficulty. Half day adventure managed by professional guides. S/70 to 80. They provide all the required equipment. Very safe. Great countryside views.
Volcano climbing. Two opitons, an excursion to Misti or a real climbing to Chachani. Two day tour. The first one with low difficulty level the second one with medium difficulty. Altitude is usually the worst enemy for visitors. Chachani is over 6,000 meter altitude. Book with professional operators. Price among 90 dollars/person.
Try whitewater rafting in some of the best rivers of the world. A typical half-day tour with some 90 minutes actual rafting will cost you about 70 S/.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - By far the easiest way to get to Arequipa is by plane, landing in Rodríguez Ballón airport, 7km from the city. LanPerú, Aero Condor and Star Perú fly from Lima, Juliaca and Cuzco. A taxi from the airport to the Plazza de Armas should cost between S/12 and S/20, depending on the size of the car, the size of your bags and your bartering skills.
By bus - You can get a bus to Arequipa from every important city in Peru. From Lima the trip will last 16 hours. Its advisable to take non stop express buses. Usually they are the more expensive service but are the safest for tourists. There are several departures a day from Cuzco ( 9 hours, 30-60 soles), Puno (5 or 6 hours,15-30 soles), Pisco (12-14 hours, 50-150 soles), Nazca (9 hours, 50-150 soles) and Tacna (near the border with Chile, 6 hours).
Try to avoid cheap buses. With buses, the more you pay the higher quality bus, service, and safety. Some of the more reputable companies are Cruz del Sur, Ormeño, Oltursa and Flores (A good budget option. Their station is located across the street from terminal terrestre.)
By train - Charter trains to Juliaca and Puno are only available for groups of 40 or more.
