Arequipa, Peru: Travel Facts & Tips

Discover Arequipa, Peru — White-stone city under volcano.

•Arequipa is known as the 'White City' due to its unique sillar stone, which is white volcanic rock used in many of its historic buildings.
•The city is surrounded by three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, with Misti standing at 5,822 meters (19,101 feet) tall.
•Arequipa's Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1580, is a sprawling complex covering 20,000 square meters and feels like a city within a city.
•In 2019, Arequipa was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its rich colonial architecture and cultural significance.
•The city hosts the annual Festival de la Virgen de Chapi, attracting over 200,000 pilgrims each May to celebrate the patron saint of Arequipa.

Frequently Asked Questions

White-stone city under volcano.

The best time to visit is Apr–Nov. Budget travelers typically spend $50-100 per day.

Arequipa, Peru is located at coordinates -16.4090, -71.5375 in Peru.