Gateway to the awe-inspring Copper Canyon, Arequipa is a charming university town centred around the fascinating Santa Catalina Convent and set against the dramatic backdrop of smoking volcanoes.

A short flight south of Lima and gateway to the regionā€™s altiplano is Peruā€™s second city Arequipa, a charming university town with good restaurants and bars. It is known locally as the ā€œwhite cityā€ or more generously as the ā€œRome of the Americasā€. Arequipa is ringed by the three volcanoes Misti, Chachani and Picchu Picchu and sitting at an altitude of 2200m, is an ideal spot for spending a few days to acclimatise before heading up into the highlands.

The city centre boasts fine colonial architecture constructed in the regional white volcanic stone ashlar, from where Arequipa gained its nickname, with many of the prominent older buildings featuring fine intricate detail. The tourist highlight, without doubt, is Santa Catalina; an historic Dominican convent covering over 20,000m located right at the heart of the city. Founded in 1579 and shut off from the rest of the outside world for centuries, Santa Catalina finally threw open its doors to tourism in the 1960ā€™s to raise funds following a sequence of devastating earthquakes. The result, an oasis of tranquillity from the bustle of the city where todayā€™s visitors can wander the shaded patios to colourful terraces and ornate chapels catching captivating glimpses of the last remaining resident nuns, some 20 in all.

Arequipa ā€“ Luxury Collection

Cirqa$$$$$

Cirqa captures the essence of Arequipa, a charming Parador-inspired hotel and former monastery that harks back to the 1540’s. Sitting under the shadow of the city’s three volcanoes, Cirqa’s original architecture, hewn from traditional volcanic “sillar” rock, has been beautifully preserved while stylish minamalist interiors marry contemporary design with modern technolgy. Although at the heart of the city, Cirqa is an oasis of space and tranquility, wrapped around...

Arequipa Hotels

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa$$$$

The Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa is a charming, historic boutique hotel, originally the cityā€™s Mint and national monument which was meticulously remodelled and opened to the public in 2008. The hotel has been lavishly restored to its former glory and features two inner colonial courtyards, high vaulted ceilings and even a small ornate chapel and museum. The colonial courtyard is the heart of the hotel with comfortable loungers set amidst period furniture while for views of the ci...

Hotel Katari$$$

smiling white male wearing a backpack

Ready to discuss your trip to Peru?

Speak to one of our travel specialists and weā€™ll create your personalised itinerary just for you.

Start Planning