Arequipa, known as the White City, is one of the most fascinating cities in Peru, famous for its colonial architecture made of sillar stone, its impressive natural landscapes, and its exquisite gastronomy. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes such as **Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu**, this city offers a unique combination of history, culture, and adventure. Its historic center, declared a **UNESCO World Heritage Site**, and its impressive natural viewpoints make it a must-visit destination for travelers.
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Location
Arequipa is located in southern Peru, in the region of the same name. It is situated approximately **1,000 km southeast of Lima** and borders the departments of Ica, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Cusco, Puno, and Moquegua.
- Coordinates: 16°24′S 71°32′W
- Altitude: 2,335 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.)
- Climate: Dry and temperate for most of the year, with average temperatures between 10°C and 24°C.
It is important for visitors to **acclimatize** properly to avoid altitude sickness, especially if visiting high-altitude areas like Colca or nearby volcanoes.
What Places Can You Visit in Arequipa?
Arequipa has a wide variety of tourist attractions that combine history, nature, and culture. Some of the most important are:
Historic Center
- Plaza de Armas (Main Square): Surrounded by beautiful arcades and the imposing Arequipa Cathedral.
- Monastery of Santa Catalina: A colonial citadel with impressive streets and cloisters.
- Church and Cloisters of La Compañía: Its Baroque mestizo architecture stands out.
Natural Attractions and Viewpoints
- Colca Canyon: One of the deepest canyons in the world and home to the majestic Andean condor.
- Yanahuara Viewpoint: Offers a panoramic view of Misti and the city.
- Condors’ Viewpoint (Cruz del Cóndor): Ideal spot for observing the flight of condors in Colca.
Archaeological Sites and Sillar Stone Constructions
- Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar): You can visit quarries like Añasayco and observe the extraction of this volcanic stone used in Arequipa’s architecture.
- Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto: Set of rock engravings in the Arequipa desert.
Traditional Clothing of Arequipa
Traditional clothing in Arequipa varies by area and occasion:
- Men: Wear alpaca wool ponchos, hats, and woven vests.
- Women: Dress in multi-colored skirts called “polleras,” embroidered blouses, and shawls decorated with Andean designs.
- In festivities and traditional dances, colorful costumes stand out, such as those of the **Wititi Dance**, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Typical Dish of Arequipa
Arequipa’s gastronomy is one of the richest in Peru. Its most representative dish is:
Rocoto Relleno
- It is a **rocoto** (spicy pepper) stuffed with meat, onion, cheese, egg, and spices, baked with a layer of melted cheese on top.
- It is served with **pastel de papa**, a type of potato gratin with cheese.
- This dish is emblematic of Arequipa’s gastronomy and can be found in most **picanterías**, traditional restaurants in the region.
Other popular dishes include **adobo arequipeño**, **chupe de camarones**, and **ocopa**.
Main Tourist Attractions
- Arequipa Cathedral: Located in the Plaza de Armas, it is one of the most important religious buildings in the country.
- Monastery of Santa Catalina: An impressive colonial convent with over 400 years of history.
- Andean Sanctuaries Museum (Museo Santuarios Andinos): Where the mummy Juanita, the girl sacrificed in the Inca era, is exhibited.
- Molino de Sabandía (Sabandía Mill): An old stone mill dating from the 18th century, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
- Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar): Quarries where the white stone used in the city’s colonial construction is extracted.