Arequipa Peru | The White City 

Arequipa is also called the white city and that has two reasons. The first becomes immediately clear when you walk in the center, because a lot of buildings are made of white stones. There are several volcanoes around Arequipa and the white rock comes from these volcanoes. The second reason Arequipa is called the white city is because many white people live here. This is because of immigrants Europe further back in history.  

Tour in Peru (backpacking)

Peru; the land of the Incas, mysterious discoveries, colonial cities and the traditionally dressed population. Peru is the country of the impressive Andes mountains, deserts and high-altitude lakes. Are you looking for inspiration or information about Peru or are you already backpacking in the country? Then read the articles below packed with information, travel stories and practical tips…

How do you get there? 

Arequipa (Location here) is located to the south/southeast of Peru. Most travelers arrive here by bus and that is possible from Camana, Cusco, Ica, Lima, Nasca en Puno.

I came by night bus from Ica to Arequipa. We had reserved a 'semicama seat' at Cruz del Sur and although it was a really long drive, we had a great night. This bus cost 115 soles (about 30 euros) per person. Just like us, you depart from Huacachina to Ica, then add about 10 soles to be taken to the departure hall in Ica by tuk-tuk.   

What can you do there? 

Arequipa is known as a base for the Colca Canyon, but the city itself has so much more to offer. Below are a number of activities to undertake. I will also discuss the food. We also had a delicious meal there! 

1.Free Walking Tour

We also chose to do a Free Walking Tour in this city. You will also get to know more about the history of the city right away. Our guide Joan was fantastic. If you also want to do his free walking tour, click here for the same tour as we did.  

The tour ends in a really cool place, next to it Plaza de Armas and that is at the same time a nice place to watch the sunset. Do you also want to go here? Then go to Waya Lookout (Location here), order a drink at the bar and you can take it to the place where you can see the sunset. So you mainly order the drink to be able to walk through their cafe, but it is of course no punishment to have something to drink when you enjoy the sunset!

2. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery  

In the centre of Arequipa you can visit an ancient monastery (location here) visits. This monastery is still inhabited by a few nuns, but once housed hundreds of nuns. Now it is mainly one of the most beautiful buildings of Arequipa. All streets are painted in various colours, sometimes plain and sometimes with prints. Immediately a different image from the rest of this white city. In addition, it is well maintained and you can see how people used to live. The spaces where you are now allowed to walk around no longer live nuns.  

Unfortunately, the monastery is not free to visit. You need one here buy ticket. You can do this at the door and if you want to avoid the crowds and possible queues, go early! The monastery is open every day from 9.00am to 18.00pm. A ticket costs 45 soles per person (about 11 euros) and you can stay inside as long as you want. There are also toilets and a restaurant. In addition, you can take a guide to learn more ins and outs about the monastery. 

3.Plaza de Armas 

Plaza de Armas (location here) is the large square in the middle of the city. In all South American countries you see many of these types of central squares in the villages and towns. We especially liked this square in Arequipa the most. The size of the square was nice, but so was the environment and the greenery around it. You can spend a very long time on the square and next to it with a drink by simply watching people. In addition, you can also go to restaurants around it and visit the cathedral, which is next to it.  

4. Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is therefore also the place from where you can start a day hike or a multi-day hike towards the Colca Canyon can do. This canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon of the USA. Taking a walk here is definitely recommended and if you have the time, take at least two days. You can then spend the night and choose an accommodation with a swimming pool or a hot spring. That's what everyone wants after a day of hiking! 

Also read: First time to Peru | 5 must-visits

Where to eat and drink? 

You can eat and drink in many places in this white city of Arequipa. Despite it being an old city, there are many nice and trendy places. Of course you can also eat very locally, but because I was really impressed by a number of catering establishments, I will mention a few. 

1.Eco Brunch

Here (location here) you've come to the right place for a nice breakfast or lunch. There is a relaxed atmosphere and hanging on the pallet benches, you immediately go along with that atmosphere. It seems very small downstairs (and it is), but upstairs they have many more tables to offer. 

2. El Buda Profano

This sushi place (location here) is often completely full, so go on time or reserve your spot in advance. It is extremely popular and they have the most delicious sushi that they make fresh for you. You can grab a menu here and be surprised by different sushis that they make for you, but you can also make your own choices from the menu. By the way, all sushi is vegan!

3. Paste Canteen 

A small cozy restaurant (location here) where you can create your own pasta. Here too you should definitely make a reservation and not just because it is small. It is so popular that even with a reservation for the same evening you are often too late.  

4. Prana Vegan Club 

Despite the name, not everything is vegan on Prana Vegan Club's (location here). So pay attention to this if you do want to order and eat vegan. They have a cheaper menu every day, but you can also just order one of the dishes from the menu. In any case, the lasagna was highly recommended! 

Also read: Travel information Peru | Everything you need to know in advance

Closing comments

So if you want to add a nice city to your tour Peru, then Arequipa is a perfect place for that! Both nice walking through the city, eating out and visiting a beautiful monastery. Arequipa has it. Of course, this city is also the base for travelling Colca Canyon, so a perfect stop between your adventures around Paracas en Huacachina and your visit Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Tour in Peru (backpacking)

Peru; the land of the Incas, mysterious discoveries, colonial cities and the traditionally dressed population. Peru is the country of the impressive Andes mountains, deserts and high-altitude lakes. Are you looking for inspiration or information about Peru or are you already backpacking in the country? Then read the articles below packed with information, travel stories and practical tips…