It is considered the Juridical Capital of Peru as well as the White City. It is one of the most important industrial and commercial centers of Peru, especially in camelidae wool.

It has an important historical center and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with religious architecture and buildings that blend colonial European and indigenous styles, which even had its own art school, "Arequipeña School".

It is located over 2,300 meters above sea level, in the district of Uchumayo, within the Valley of Arequipa where the Chili River crosses. Amid the geography of mountains and desert, Arequipa is considered a fertile oasis. It is surrounded by volcanic formations as well as the Pichu Pichu Chachani and Misti.

Arequipa's climate is semi-arid, dry and with moderate temperature characteristics. Therefore it is called "City of the eternal blue sky", with over 300 days of sunshine a year.

Among its attractions are various cultural exhibitions in many museums where you can appreciate the architecture of the city, mummies of ancient people who inhabited the area, ceramics and textiles, among others. 

History

The city was founded in 1540 by Garci Manuel de Carbajal, in the area occupied by some indigenous people. In the city works were done such as the church Iglesia Mayor, Casa de Ayuntamiento, Puente del Río Chili (Chili River Bridge) and the Monastery Nuestra Señora de Gracia.

The city gained its independence in 1821, despite being recognized for its Fidelism, or loyalty to the Spanish crown.

After that, the city was characterized by the development of trade and export of wool, developing the industrial park of Arequipa. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site.

Where to go

Historic Center:

It has 332 acres of land, with 500 properties considered heritage with a colonial style and from the Arequipeña School, which is characterized for its open spaces and bulky design and great decoration.

For the construction white and pink volcanic stones were used and were known to be resistant to earthquakes. Adobe, the cal y el canto and after bricks and tile were used. One of its most striking buildings is the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a unique style in the world.

Also, the cathedral with 70 columns and a marble altar and pulpit of wood is highlighted as well as the church Iglesia de la Compañía, San Francisco and the Monastery of La Recoleta, among others, with their Baroque architectural style.

Yura Thermal Baths:

In this area there are hot springs coming from the Chachani volcano, offering natural baths with therapeutic properties.

Sumbay Caves:

At 88 kilometers from Arequipa this cave features cave paintings dating back to the Paleolithic era, representing human and Andean fauna such as figures of llamas and pumas.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve:

This is a natural area that is 35 kilometers from Arequipa and has more than 370 thousand acres of land directed to the protection of flora and fauna such as guanacos, vicuña and native bird species.

To do

The white city with its buildings made of ashlars, white volcanic rocks, has great historical and cultural wealth. It has an attractive historical center and beautiful colonial buildings of unique style.

Some buildings that should be known is the Convento de Santa Catalina, the Basílica Catedral de Arequipa, the country's most important neoclassical building, the Goyeneche Palace, the Casa de la Moneda, among others.

It is considered the most important city after Lima and one of the main tourist destinations in Peru.

While in Arequipa you can visit various natural areas like Misti, Pichu Pichu and Chachani volcanoes. Others are the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca and the Colca Valley, located more than 160 kilometers from Arequipa, where you can see native flora and fauna, plus traditions of ancient people and do all kinds of outdoor activities. The Colca Valley is among the 3 deepest canyons in the world.

Recommendations

Economy:

In Arequipa you can change money at banks and exchange houses. There are also authorized money changers on the streets that are authorized, but it is preferable not to take this alternative for safety.

Credit cards are used and there is an ATM network in the city.

Transportation:

In Arequipa you can use public transportation since it has wide avenues interconnected to move around the city. There is a developing integrated transportation system, called Arequipabus.

In Arequipa there is also a railway system linking the cities of Cusco, Puno, Arequipa and Mollendo.

International Terrapuerto Arequipa connects with the city by land throughout Peru and neighboring countries of Bolivia, Argentina and Santiago.

It has the Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport, located in Cerro Colorado. It receives domestic and international flights, being the third largest airport in the country.

Communication:

The Arequipa telephone code is 54. To call from abroad, you must dial 51 before it, which corresponds to the code of Peru. 

Where and what to eat