View of Plaza de Armas Arequipa

Arequipa

Arequipa is affectionately referred to as the ‘White City’ for its dazzling array of white sillar architecture. This former settlement of Aymara and Inca Indians was officially founded as Arequipa by Spanish conquistadors in 1540 and offers some of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the country.

Volcano El Misti, Arequipa, Southern Peru
Volcano El Misti, Arequipa, Peru

A little more about Arequipa

Most of the buildings in Arequipa are low-rise due to earthquakes that regularly pound the city. From splendid baroque churches, including La Compania and the enormous cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, to stately mansions renovated to accommodate fine hotels and galleries, a walk along the palm lined avenues is comparable to a stroll around an open museum.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Museo Santuarios Andinos, Arequipa, Peru

Visit Museo Santuarios Andinos

Join a guided tour of the museum that is home to the sacrificial Inca child-mummy ‘Juanita’.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Monastery of Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru

See the Santa Catalina Convent

Step back in time during a visit to one of Peru’s most fascinating religious buildings, the citadel within a city that was once home to nuns.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Misti Volcano, Arequipa, Peru

Travel to Colca Canyon

Hike amongst green valleys and remote villages while looking out for the giant Andean condor that inhabit the region.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Toro Muerto Petroglyphs, Arequipa, Peru

Visit Ancient Petroglyphs

Marvel at the Toro Muerto petroglyphs, attributed to the ancient Wari culture, in the Peruvian coastal desert.

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa £££££

  • Peru
  • City

Set behind a magnificently carved facade that leads to a contemporary sky-lit lobby, Casa Andina Premium Arequipa is a national monument in its own right. Its stone-walled bar and restaurant, serving a fusion of traditional Arequipa delicacies and haute cuisine, opens out onto a central courtyard, while the fourth-floor terrace boasts impressive views of the cathedral and distant El Misti Volcano.

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Costa del Sol Wyndham Arequipa £££££

  • Peru
  • City

A painted pink colonial-style property that has undergone contemporary renovations, Costa del Sol Wyndham Arequipa is enclosed by extensive gardens and spectacular views of three imposing volcanoes. Aside from its 88 warmly-lit rooms and suites, the property also features a lovely outdoor swimming pool, a spa (with steam room, sauna and jacuzzi), a gym and a bar and restaurant where traditional Arequipan dishes are served alongside international favourites.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Bird

Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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