- Arequipa is built almost entirely from sillar, a porous white volcanic rock sourced from local quarries, which is both fire-resistant and lightweight.
- The city has been devastated by major earthquakes throughout its history, leading to the development of a unique 'sillar architecture' characterized by thick walls and low, vaulted ceilings designed to withstand seismic activity.
- Arequipa is the birthplace of the 'picantería,' a traditional restaurant style that originated from communal meals served to laborers, now recognized as a key element of the city's culinary heritage.
- Despite its high elevation, the city features a dry, sunny climate year-round due to its location in the rain shadow of the Andes.
About Arequipa
Known as the 'White City' for its extensive use of white volcanic sillar stone in colonial architecture, Arequipa sits at an altitude of 2,335 meters near the Andes. The city is dominated by the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes that frame its historic center. Visitors often start at the Plaza de Armas Arequipa before exploring the expansive complex of the Santa Catalina Monastery. The city serves as the primary gateway for expeditions into the nearby Colca Canyon.
Highlights of Arequipa
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This plaza serves as the social heart of the city, framed by colonial arcades and the prominent Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa.
Museums
This 'city within a city' occupies a massive, walled complex featuring vibrantly painted streets and cloisters.
Places of interest
The overlook offers the most famous vantage point to view the Misti volcano rising behind the city's traditional white architecture.
Temples
This cathedral is one of the few in Peru that runs along the entire length of its respective Plaza de Armas.
Places of interest
This 16th-century water-powered mill provides a glimpse into the colonial-era agricultural infrastructure of the region.
Places of interest
This facility offers an educational look at the processing of alpaca wool, a vital textile commodity for the Andean highlands.
Parks
This tranquil square is known for its traditional sillar stone church and proximity to the famous scenic viewpoints of Yanahuara.
Parks
This large urban park provides an extensive green space for walking and features a small lagoon and recreational paths.
Top things to do in Arequipa
The 364 highest-rated places in Arequipa, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Plaza de Armas Arequipa is the primary public square of Peru’s 'White City,' defined by its uniform construction from wh...
2
Places of interest
The Yanahuara Scenic Overlook is a historic viewing platform framed by a series of 19th-century sillar arches. Construct...
3
Museums
Santa Catalina Monastery is a 20,000-square-meter cloistered complex in Arequipa, founded in 1579 for Dominican nuns of...
4
Parks
Plaza de Yanahuara is a historic colonial square located in Arequipa, famous for its elevated stone archway offering uno...
5
Places of interest
Sabandía Mill is a 17th-century colonial stone flour mill located in the Arequipa countryside. Constructed in 1621, the...
6
Parks
Plaza Las Américas serves as the primary civic hub and central square of the Cerro Colorado district in Arequipa, Peru....
7
Parks
Selva Alegre Park acts as a prominent green lung within Arequipa, situated along the Chili River gorge. The park feature...
8
Venues
Estadio Monumental Virgen de Chapi is the largest stadium in Arequipa and the third-largest in Peru by capacity. Owned b...
9
Zoos
Zoo Mundo in Arequipa is a family-oriented recreational park located within the Balneario de Jesús. The site functions a...
10
Parks
Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca is a protected high-altitude Andean plateau located between 3,500 and 4,300...
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Temples
The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is the primary religious monument in the city, occupying the entire northern side of...
12
Places of interest
Mundo Alpaca is a living museum and experiential center dedicated to the history and processing of alpaca fiber in Arequ...
13
Parks
Airplane Park, officially known as Parque del Avión, features a retired Hawker Hunter fighter jet permanently displayed...
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Museums
Museo Santuarios Andinos houses the Juanita mummy, a 15-year-old Inca girl sacrificed on Mount Ampato around 1450 AD. Sh...
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Parks
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Historical places
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Parks
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Temples
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Museums
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Venues
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Arequipa on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Arequipa
April to June, as the skies are clearest and the rainy season has concluded, making for ideal conditions for trekking and sightseeing.
3 days, allowing enough time to explore the colonial historic center and take a day trip to the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
The historic center is highly walkable, while taxis and local 'combis' are the standard methods for reaching peripheral neighborhoods.
Stay in the historic center near the main plaza for proximity to major landmarks, or in the leafy Yanahuara district for quieter, traditional surroundings.
Arequipa is generally a mid-range destination, offering a wide array of affordable local dining options and moderate accommodation costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 364 curated attractions in and around Arequipa, ranked by traveller ratings.
Plaza de Armas Arequipa is the highest-rated place to visit in Arequipa right now.
The largest category is parks, with 166 places to explore.
Travellers also explore San Isidro District, Lima, Trujillo, Peru, Chiclayo.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
