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Scheduled site maintenance from 22:30 to 23:30pm UTC -5
Tickets to Machu Picchu 2025
Please note: Tickets to Machu Picchu with Hiram Bingham Trains
NOTICE: Operación del 26-Jul al 31-Dic
NOTICE: Operación del 22-Jul al 31-Ago
NOTICE: Operación del 22-Jul al 31-Ago
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AREQUIPA

The White City

Altitude

7,660 ft

Dry Season

50°F - 74°F

Rainy Season

54°F - 70°F

Arequipa is known as the White city due to its architecture built with white volcanic rock, known as Sillar. However, there are many people who would like to give it another name, because it is surrounded by four imposing volcanoes.  Learn more about one of the most beautiful cities in Peru and discover how to get there. 

What to do in Arequipa?

Historia-de-Arequipa
The historical center of Arequipa
The Plaza de Armas (Main Square) is a lively spot with many attractions, restaurants, and shops. And don’t forget the bars and nightlife.
Volcan-Misti-1
Misti Volcano
The Misti, Arequipa’s eternal lookout. It rises to 5820 masl /19,000 ft, majestically above the city and a focal point for visitors.
Santa-Catalina
Santa Catalina Monastery
The convent inspired by Saint Catherine of Sienna is a colorful citadel that once housed hundreds of women.
Salinas-y-Aguada-Blanca
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
A conservation area of extraordinary wildlife as well as Arequipa’s main water reserve. Visit the reserve to appreciate nature.
Mirador-de-Yanahuara
Yanahuara Lookout
An important tourist attraction of the city, with a unique view of Arequipa across its white stone arches.
Bosque-de-Piedras-Choqolaqa
Choqolaqa Rock Forest
A forest from another world. The legend is that an ancient civilization disobeyed the gods, who decided to petrify the city.
Ruta-del-Sillar
Sillar Route
Interested in the quarry, sculpting, and detailing of this famous lava stone? The Sillar Route will lead you to discover more about the volcanic rock.
Canon-del-Colca
Colca Canyon
Located in the Colca Valley, it is one of the most popular destinations. A lot of activities are available, including trekking of course.
Bosque-de-Piedras-de-Imata-y-Catarata-de-Pillones
Imata Rock Forest and Pillones Waterfall
Another otherworld forest. The erosion from the wind has sculpted rock formations into the shape of birds, animals, and humans.
Canotaje-en-el-Rio-Chili-_1_-_1_
Rafting on the Chili River
Only 20 minutes away from the Plaza de Armas, flanked by natural volcanic rock walls, rafting on the Chili River is an amazing experience.
Aguas-termales-de-La-Calera
Hot Springs at La Calera
The hot springs at La Calera originate from the Cotallumi volcano and surface at 176°F but are tempered to 100°F, are attractive for recreation and medicinal purposes.
Barrio-San-Lazaro
Barrio de San Lázaro – Picanterías
This is Arequipa’s oldest neighborhood and renowned for its picanterías or traditional restaurants. Chupe de camarones, a shrimp chowder, and rocoto relleno, a stuffed spicy hot pepper, are just two of their specialties.
Complejo-Arqueologico-de-Uyo-Uyo
Uyo Uyo Archaeological Complex
It was an impressive pre-Inca citadel inhabited by a large population. There are remains of houses, plazas and a stone center used for astrological interpretation.
Casa-Museo-Mario-Vargas-Llosa
Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa
A museum that was once the home of Mario Vargas Llosa, recipient of Nobel Prize for Literature 2010. The exhibits include 3D holograms and videos.
Museo-Santuarios-Andinos-_1_-_1_
Archaeology Museum and Santuarios Andinos Archaeological Museum
Exhibits in these museums include the Juanita mummy and the full archaeological collection of the Capac Cocha ritual.
Mundo-Alpaca-_1_-_1_
Alpaca World (museum)
Learn all about the techniques for classifying the fibers, the process of dyes, traditional weaving techniques, and the possibility of interacting with alpacas. There is also a shop of beautiful garments.
Mercado-de-San-Camilo-_1_-_1_
San Camilo Market
One of the largest markets in southern Peru, with a wide variety of produce, utensils, and handicrafts.
Museo-de-la-Catedral-de-Arequipa
Arequipa Cathedral Museum
The museum is inside the Cathedral and was inaugurated only a few years ago. The collection includes exceptionally valuable paintings and religious treasures.
Bares-y-Discotecas
Bars and discos
Pisco Museum, Casona Forum, Déjà Vu, Qochamama, La Cachina Aqp, Mr. Bigotes, Peace & Love, Carusso, Brujas Bar, INKARI, El QuinQué, SatarAqp.

How to get to Arequipa?

There are three ways to get to Arequipa:

  • By air: Flights from Lima take approximately 1 ½ hours, and from Cusco the flight takes 30 minutes.
  • By road: The633 miles land route from Lima to Arequipa takes approximately 15 ½ hours. The 388 miles route from Cusco to Arequipa takes approximately 8 ½ hours.
  • By train: On board the luxurious Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train, the journey is unforgettable through Andean landscapes.
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Train Service to Arequipa

Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train
Andean Explorer,
A Belmond Train

Trains Station in Arequipa

There is only one train station, in the center of the city of Arequipa, where you can board the luxurious Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train.
  • Address: Av. Tacna y Arica 200, Arequipa, Perú.

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Hotel in Arequipa

Hotel Las Casitas en Arequipa

Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel

Las Casitas, a Belmond Hotel: Escape to a world of serene pleasure, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of the wonderful Colca Valley.

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History and Culture of Arequipa

Volcan del Misti
Who discovered Arequipa
Sillar
Volcanic rock, the shaper of the city
Casa Tristan del Pozo
The Tristan del Pozo House
Baños terminales de Yura
Yura's,
Hot Springs
Cuevas de Sumbay
Caves of
Sumbay

FAQ

What is the best season to visit Arequipa?

In the rainy season (January to March), temperatures vary between 54°F and 70°F.  The dry season is between April and December, when temperatures vary between 50°F and 73°F. In July, temperatures drop to 48°F. However, many visitors agree that Arequipa is a great destination at any time of the year.

Can I get altitude sickness in Arequipa?

The altitude will probably affect you but in Arequipa you can offset this by taking things slowly and gradually when you first arrive. We suggest you take a city tour or simply walk around the nearby areas on your first day, to acclimatize.

If I’m a foreigner, what type of power adaptor do I need for my visit to Peru?

Voltage in Peru is 220v. You will need an adaptor if the voltage in your country is 110v. The most common outlets are Type A, Type B and Type C.

What is the currency used in Arequipa and the exchange rate?
The currency in Arequipa is the Sol and the exchange rate, based on the dollar, varies daily. For information on the current exchange rate, click here.
Are all payment options accepted in the area?

For meals and shopping, it will depend on the establishment you visit. The smallest local and family shops tend to only accept cash. However, you can buy your train ticket using all the payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, and bank transfers.

What are the typical foods in Arequipa?

Arequipa is home to some of the most iconic dishes in the country:  chupe de camarones, rocoto relleno, solterito, adobo arequipeño and ocopa.

What should I wear for my visit to Arequipa?

The temperatures in Arequipa do not tend to vary greatly, there are no sharp cold levels. Wear clothes that are comfortable and some outer wear.

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