Arequipa is Peru's second largest city, set in the south of the country in South America. It is often called the White City, or Ciudad Blanca, after the pale volcanic stone used in so many of its buildings. Walking its streets, you see that stone repeated in churches, mansions and arched doorways, and the effect is striking, especially in the warm light of the day.
What the city offers
The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its colonial buildings are the main reason many visitors come. Plazas, cloisters and carved facades reward a slow stroll, and the city's architecture gives a clear sense of how Spanish colonial design took root in this part of the Andes.
- The colonial centre, with its white stone buildings and public squares
- Views of the nearby volcanoes, which frame the city and are part of its character
- A city that works well as a base for exploring the surrounding region
Planning a visit
Arequipa suits travellers who enjoy architecture, history and the open landscape around a city. The volcanoes are close enough to shape the view from many parts of town, so it is worth allowing time to look up and take in the setting. Because the historic core is compact, a visit can be built around walking, with time set aside for the buildings and the squares between them.
If you are drawn by heritage sites and a city with a distinct look, Arequipa is a sound choice on a journey through Peru. Its white stone and its volcanic backdrop give it an identity that many visitors remember.