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Wandering through the cobblestone streets of downtown Arequipa, you may imagine you’ve been teleported to a stylish European city. Colonial buildings dressed in a local volcanic material known as sillar give the town its distinct beauty and have earned it the nickname “The White City”. Walk around the quaint plazas lined with picture-perfect palm trees and flower beds, visit the Cathedral and the colourful Santa Catalina monastery, or seek out a rooftop to enjoy the sunset vistas with the backdrop of volcanoes guarding the city below. History, adventure, gastronomy, looks, Arequipa has it all. Just wait and see - you’ll end up wanting to stay much, much longer than planned.
Arequipa’s laid-back atmosphere and sunny skies make it a dreamy place for some R&R before heading to a Colca Valley trek or the colder Puno weather. And the picanterías! The local cuisine stands out in a country already famed for its gastronomy.
Venture outside the historical centre and head to Yanahuara neighbourhood to take in the architecture and panoramic views of the city away from the crowds. And, if you have the time, Arequipa is a great spot for authentic cooking classes.
Most travellers only pass through Arequipa on their way to or from the Colca Valley, but it really is worth spending enough time in to enjoy it. Our tip? Don’t rush an overnight stay and instead try to squeeze in a day or two at least.