Arequipa, Peru

Casa del Moral, Arequipa, Peru
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Casa_del_Moral_2009.jpg
Author: Pburka


Arequipa is the second biggest city in Peru. It is located on the southern part of the country. The city has a population of 840,000 people (2011 estimate). It is 2,335 m (7,661 ft) above sea level, within sight of the El Misti volcano.

Arequipa is often called La Ciudad Blanca, or the White City, because of its pearly white buildings. These are built with sillar, a volcanic rock that gives them the appearance. The center of Arquipa has many well-preserved historic buildings. In 2000 it was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Arequipa experiences an arid climate, due to its location on Peru's desert coast. Total precipitation for the year is just 98 mm (3.86 in). The temperature is quite constant, at about 15°C (59°F), with lows going to 5°C (41°F) and highs of 25°C (77°F).

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Basilica_Cathedral_of_Arequipa.jpg
Author: Steven Burt


Arequipa is the biggest city on the Peruvian Andes. It was founded by Garcia Manuel de Carbajal in 1540. During Peru's struggle for independence, Arequipa was home to many Peruvian nationalists, leading to it being known as the land of leaders.

Today Arequipa has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination. It is often visited together with Nazca, Puno and Cusco, which are all sites with pre-Columbian ruins or ancient cultures. Visitors to Arequipa should exp0lore the city, enjoying the feel of its colonial buildings, of which 250 have been gazetted as of heritage value. They include "human heritage" buildings such as banks, shops and restaurants.

Street in Arequipa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Street_in_Arequipa_-_Peru_-_Alamada_Pardo.jpg
Author: AgainErick

Visiting Arequipa

Visitors to Arequipa fly to Rodríguez Ballón Airport (AQP), located 8 km from the city. There are flights from Lima, Juliaca and Cusco.

Places of Interest in Arequipa

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