Arequipa — The White City

Arequipa is Peru's second-largest city and one of its most beautiful, earning the nickname "The White City" for its stunning colonial buildings constructed from sillar, a pearly white volcanic stone quarried from the surrounding volcanoes. Set against the dramatic backdrop of three volcanoes — Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu — Arequipa's UNESCO-listed historic center is one of the architectural jewels of South America.

What to See and Do

The city's crown jewel is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a 20,000-square-meter citadel-within-a-city that once housed cloistered nuns for over 400 years. Other highlights include the magnificent Plaza de Armas, the Juanita mummy museum (home to a perfectly preserved Inca ice maiden), and the vibrant San Camilo market. Arequipa is also the gateway to the spectacular Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons and a prime location for spotting Andean condors.

Tours with Wonders of Peru

Wonders of Peru Expeditions offers tours that combine Arequipa's colonial charm with the natural wonders of the surrounding region. Our packages include guided city tours, Colca Canyon excursions, and multi-destination itineraries connecting Arequipa with Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu.