Arequipa

Between volcanoes and Andean Altiplano traditions

Rooted in the Andean traditions of the Altiplano, Arequipa lies in the southwestern part of the country and is Peru's second-largest city. Set at 2,325 meters above sea level, Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes: the conical El Misti (5,822 meters), the perpetually snow-capped Chachani (6,075 meters), and Picchu Picchu (5,425 meters).

Origin of the name and colonial founding

The name Arequipa comes from the phrase “Ari, quepay,” which in the Quechua language means “yes, stay,” while in the Aymara language the word Arequipa comes from the words “Ari” and “Kipa,” which together translate as “near the mountain.”

The modern city of Arequipa was founded on August 15, 1540 by Manuel de Carbajal, an emissary of the conqueror Francisco Pizarro. A year later, it was granted city status by Charles V of Spain and received the coat of arms that still stands today.

A bastion of Peruvian nationalism

During the struggle for independence from Spain in the 19th century, Arequipa was a bastion of Peruvian nationalism, and later served as a rallying point during the War of the Pacific against Chile (1879–1883).

UNESCO Heritage: the White City of sillar

Arequipa's historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2000 thanks to the integrity of its historic architecture. Influenced by both Andalusian and Spanish colonial styles, its architecture blends native Andean features with European style. The colonial buildings were built using sillar (a whitish or pearl-colored volcanic rock), which gives Arequipa the name it is often known by: “The White City.”

The finest example of sillar's use can be seen in the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, located on the Plaza de Armas (the main square). The cathedral is considered among the most unique and famous of colonial Peru: construction began in 1540 and was completed in 1848, with a structure characterized by a neoclassical style. The cathedral's three naves are supported by ten columns, holding up 18 interconnected vaults, and inside are 13 cedar altars adorned with gold. Arequipa's colonial style is also reflected in the Santa Catalina monastery, the Claustro de la Compañia, the Goyeneche Palace, the Casa del Moral, and the characteristic Yanahuara neighborhood.

Countryside and canyons nearby

Sabandia, Paucarpata, Tiabaya and Socosani are neighborhoods where Arequipa's typical Campiña (countryside) is still preserved today. The region is also home to two of the deepest canyons in the world: the Colca Canyon (the ideal place to observe the magnificent Andean condor) and the Cotahuasi Canyon.

Culture, gastronomy and nightlife

Arequipa is also one of Peru's most active cultural centers: the city has produced several famous figures, including Mario Vargas Llosa, winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature. It is also the world capital of alpaca, producing some of the finest alpaca and baby alpaca yarns.

Arequipa is also renowned for its cuisine: typical dishes include rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), cuy chactado (roasted guinea pig) and lechón al horno (roast suckling pig). Weekend nights are lively, with clubs filling up around midnight: most of the nightlife is concentrated in the historic center, while a more relaxed atmosphere can be found in the area's many bars and restaurants.