Arequipa

Peru's second-largest city, renowned for its stunning white volcanic stone colonial architecture and vibrant culture. The Plaza de Armas and surrounding baroque churches make it one of South America's most visually striking urban centers.

Things to do

• Plaza de Armas — Explore the heart of the city surrounded by stunning white volcanic stone colonial buildings, the Cathedral, and elegant arcaded portals where locals gather.
• Convento de Santa Catalina — Wander through this sprawling 16th-century convent with colorful plazas, cloisters, and cells that offer a glimpse into religious life and feature excellent views from the rooftop.
• Colca Canyon Trek — Hike one of the world's deepest canyons about 160 kilometers away, spotting Andean condors and pre-Inca terraces while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery.
• Museo Santuarios Andinos — View the famous mummy of Juanita, a 500-year-old Inca girl preserved on a glacier, alongside other pre-Columbian artifacts and exhibits about Andean civilization.
• Yanahuara Viewpoint — Visit this neighborhood perched on a hill offering panoramic vistas of Arequipa's white-stone architecture with the snow-capped volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu as a backdrop.
• San Camilo Market — Browse this vibrant four-story market filled with local produce, crafts, textiles, and traditional goods while experiencing authentic daily life and regional flavors.

Food to try

• Rocoto Relleno — A signature Arequipa dish featuring a large red rocoto pepper stuffed with spiced ground meat, hard-boiled eggs, and olives, then topped with a creamy cheese sauce.
• Pastel de Papa — A layered potato pie with meat filling, corn, and cheese that's baked until golden and served as a beloved local comfort food and street snack.
• Adobo Arequipeño — A rich, slow-cooked pork stew marinated in chicha and spices with a deep brown color, traditionally served on Mondays and considered a regional specialty.
• Chupe de Camarones — A creamy shrimp soup thickened with bread and potatoes, flavored with aji amarillo and topped with cheese, representing Arequipa's mastery of seafood despite inland location.
• Queso Fresco from Local Dairies — Sample the region's renowned fresh white cheese, made daily in surrounding valleys and served at breakfast or with local fruits at morning markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Cathedral and Religious Sites — Dress modestly when entering churches and convents, keep voices low, and avoid photography during services, as these are active places of worship central to local identity.
• Embrace Local Festivals — Visit during Día de Arequipa (August 15) or other local celebrations where the city closes streets for parades, fireworks, and traditional performances showcasing regional pride.
• Altitude Adjustment — Arequipa sits at 2,335 meters elevation; take it slow on your first days, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy meals to acclimate to the high altitude.
• Learn About Arequipeño Dialect — Locals speak Spanish with a distinctive accent and rhythm; they're friendly and appreciate visitors' efforts to engage, and many older residents take pride in regional traditions.