Arequipa is often referred to as the white city due to the white washed look of its buildings (made from sillar, the Spanish name for the volcanic white rock mined from local quarries). The city is located at about 8,300 feet in southern Peru and is surrounded by tall mountains and the prominent volcano, El Misti. However, it is only a couple of hours from the ocean by vehicle. The weather is dry, crisp and clear with pleasant days and cool … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Travel Agencies
Using Travel Agencies can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the situation and how you like to travel. Depending on the situation and type of trip, using travel agencies are often more expensive than planning and making the trip on your own. However, travel agencies will often save valuable travel time as they already have existing relationships established with guides and local tour operators. They offer pre-arranged tours and … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Colca Canyon
For those who are in decent shape, a trek in Colca Canyon is one of the highlights of visiting Arequipa. Choose from a variety of trekking itineraries ranging from 1 to 2 to 3+ days. The actual canyon is about 4-5 hours by bus from Arequipa (depending on which trailhead you use). We do not recommend doing this as a day trip - as the distances are to great, with very limited time at the canyon and extremely early departure and late arrival times. … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Santa Catalina Convent
Santa Catalina convent is a city in and of itself. Visitors can choose a guided tour from one of several languages, wander among the convent individually, or as I chose to do - combine self touring with guided touring. Guides are all women, smartly dressed in gray/light blue suits. There is no set fee for their guiding services; visitors decide what to pay them at the end of the tour (lasting approximately 90 minutes). I spent 3/4 of my time … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Museo Santuarios Andinos
Museo Santuarios Andinos, located just off the Plaza de Armas at La Merced No 1001, houses the famous ice princess mummy named Juanita. She was discovered on the 6300meter + volcano of Ampato in 1995 by the Zarate's and anthropologist Dr. Reinhard. She was originally sacrificed on the summit of Ampato but had fallen many feet down the slopes as the ice melted around her. During 1995 the snow and ice on Ampato was melting quite fast because of the … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Other Activities
All listings on this page are alphabetized. We visited or participated in all the activities listed on this page. Colca Canyon - view our description here El Misti - towers above Arequipa at 5,822 M or 19,101 feet. Visitors to the city can't miss it; it dominates the skyline. Several options are available for hiking in its vicinity or climbing to the top. A normal climb is 2 to 3 days but those who have problems with altitude or are not … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Lodging
There are many hotels, hostels, and guest homes in Arequipa. The following are just a few that the author is familiar with. One might be surprised to discover that bargaining for hotel rooms in-person at some of the hotels is an acceptable practice. Doing this will sometimes secure a better rate then what is published online or listed on site. For those that fly into the Arequipa airport, several tour agency and hotel booths are located near … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Restaurants
We have eaten at many restaurants in Arequipa and never had a problem with the food in regards to food sickness. With that said, be sure the food is well cooked and avoid unwashed fruit or uncooked vegetables, such as lettuce. In basic restaurants we refrained from ordering fresh salads even though we were very tempted. We never had a problem eating fresh fruit and vegetables in the higher end restaurants. Some local dishes to consider trying … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Transportation
Most international travelers arrive to Peru via Lima. Arequipa is located about 15 hours from Lima via bus. If your budget will support it, we highly recommend flying to Arequipa from Lima - as flying time is only about 1 hour 20 minutes and will save a lot of hassle and time on windy roads (we've flown and also used a bus from Lima before). Arequipa is an ideal "departure" city for traveling elsewhere in Peru. The reason we say this is it is … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – More Information
Banks are plentiful especially around the center of town and Plaza del Armas. Unlike most other cities, there are some banks in Arequipa that actually are open on Sundays! ATM machines are abundant in the center of town and are open 24/7. Taxi Drivers - in Arequipa do not use meters. You need to decide on a price before you get into the car. Typically trips around town will cost merely several soles. We used Alberto Loayza, a taxi driver … [Read more...]
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