Arequipa Peru

Arequipa, Peru, is the second largest city after Lima with a population of over 900,000. At an altitude of 2335 meters (7.600 feet) above sea level, it is a good place to acclimatize to the altitude before visiting Cusco (Cuzco) and Lake Titicaca/Puno.

It's nicknamed "la Ciudad Blanca" (the White City). Built from sillar, a white

What to See in Arequipa

Museo (Museum) Santuarios Andinos de la Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria (which contains the famous mummy "la Dama de Ampato" or "Juanita," in English known as "The Ice Maiden") are some of the highlights in the city itself.

Monasterio (Monastery) de Santa Catalina

The main Cathedral of Arequipa

Arequipa Cathedral at Night

Because of these national treasures, Arequipa is high on the Cultural Heritage list in Peru. If at all possible, you will want to visit the museums and photograph at least one of the really beautiful examples of colonial architecture.

What to See Around Arequipa

El Misti Volcano - Dominating the scenic horizon is the famous volcano El Misti. To get the best view of this volcanic mountain, it is recommended that you go to the Mirador (Outlook) de Yanahuari.

Arequipa Peru, El Misti Volcano from town

Colca Canyon - More and more travelers are taking an extra day or more to visit the many attractions of the nearby Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, USA) where you can take pictures of condors in flight at close hand plus many other exciting outdoor activities.

Getting There and Away

Arequipa Peru by Ground

A bus trip is 625 miles (1,009 km.) Lima to/from Arequipa in 14 hours

Arequipa Peru by Air

To and from Lima to Arequipa is a flight of 1 hour and 15 minutes

For travel to Puno/Lake Titcaca, click here

Weather in General

Average temperature: 14 degrees C (58 F)
Maximum temperature: 22 degrees C (70 F
Minimum temperature: 7 degrees C (44 F)

(for current weather conditions click here)

Next: See Lake Titicaca

More Photos of Peru - Arequipa, Coast, Mountains, Rainforest