Arequipa Arequipa, 2335m above sea level, is capital of its department and, with around 670,000 inhabitants, is Peru's second largest city. Its beauty is enhanced by the surrounding stunning mountains, including the volcano El Misti. Many of the buildings are made of a light colored volcanic rock called sillar, hence Arequipa's nickname 'the white city.'

The founding of Arequipa, on August 15, 1540, is commemorated with a weeklong fair. The fireworks show in the Plaza de Armas on August 14 is particularly spectacular. Unfortunately, the city is built in an earthquake prone area, and none of the original buildings remain. However, several 17th and 18th century buildings survive and are frequently visited. The most interesting of these is the Monasterio de Santa Catalina.

Arequipa has long been overshadowed by the more illustrious and popular Cusco, but the city is fighting back. Arequipa is a proud, hip town with a good variety of nightlife, traveler facilities, accommodations and excursions. As an added shot to its communal arm, Arequipa acquired a UNESCO Cultural heritage listing in December 2000.

Places to Visit

Churches
Iglesia de La Compania
Monasterio de La Recoleta
Monasterio de Santa Catalina

Colonial Buildings

Casa del Moral

Museums
Musio Santuarious Andinos
Musio Historico Municipal

Arequipa Hotels

Libertador Hotel - Plaza Bolivar S North, Urb Selva Alegre, Arequipa Peru, Arequipa
Golden Tulip Libertador - Plazuela Bolivar, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 15110
Miamaka - San Juan De Dios 402, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 88558
Sonesta Posada Del Inca - Portal De Flores 116, Arequipa 00, Peru, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 15530
Arequipa Inn - Rivero 412, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 41711
Jerusalen - Jerusalen 601, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 44441
Las Mercedes - Esquina Calle Consuelo Con Avenida La Marina, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 13601
Residencial La Casa De Mi Abuela - Jerusalen 606, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 41206
Premier - Avenida Quiroz 100, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 41091
Viza - Calle Peru 202, Arequipa Phone: +51 (0) 542 11458