Arequipa's Absolute Essentials

Arequipa, known as the 'White City', is defined by its unique colonial architecture constructed from 'sillar', a white volcanic stone. This collection features the UNESCO-listed Historical Centre and its twin-towered Basilica Cathedral. Explore the expansive, brightly colored Santa Catalina Monastery, the 17th-century Jesuit Church with its ornate churrigueresque facade, and the Yanahuara District's scenic overlooks. The city’s cultural depth is showcased through the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries, home to the ice-mummy Juanita, and the historic San Camilo Market.

Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa

In December 2000, UNESCO declared the historical center of Arequipa a World Heritage Site, stating the following:

Santa Catalina Monastery Museum

The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena is a large monastery of the Dominican Second Order, located in Arequipa, Peru.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is located in the "Plaza de Armas" of the city of Arequipa, province of Arequipa, Peru.

Historic Centre of Arequipa

In December 2000, UNESCO declared the historical center of Arequipa a World Heritage Site, stating the following:

Yanahuara District

Yanahuara District is a suburb within the city of Arequipa, Peru. Yanahuara is well known for its buildings built from sillar, a pearly…

Mercado San Camilo

A historic public market designed in the studio of Gustave Eiffel. It serves as a central hub for regional produce, traditional Arequipeño cuisine, and artisanal crafts within its expansive, century-old structure.

Museo de arqueología

The Archaeological Museum of the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín houses a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and funerary remains from the Nazca, Tiwanaku, Wari, and Inca civilizations.