Arequipa

Cradled by three steep, gargantuan, snow-covered volcanoes, the charming white-stoned Arequipa shines under the striking sun at 2,350 meters (7,709 feet). This settlement of 1 million residents grew from a collection of Spanish-colonial churches and homes constructed from white sillar (petrified volcanic ash) gathered from the surrounding terrain. The result is unique—short gleaming white buildings contrast with the charcoal-color mountain backdrop of El Misti, a perfectly shaped cone volcano.

The town was a gathering of Aymara Indians and Inca when Garci Manuel de Carbajal and nearly 100 more Spaniards founded the city on August 15, 1540. A mix of Spanish and Creole cultures, traditions have carried on through the centuries, giving the settlement a European flavor.

After the Spanish arrived, the town grew into the region's most profitable center for farming and cattle-raising—businesses that continue to be important in Arequipa's economy. The settlement was also on the silver route linking the coast to the Bolivian mines. By the 1800s Arequipa had more Spanish settlers than any town in the south.

Arequipeños call their home Cuidad Blanca, "White City," and the "Independent Republic of Arequipa"—they have made several attempts to secede from Peru and even designed the city's own passport and flag. On August 15, parades, fireworks, bullfights, and dancing celebrate the city's founding.

Arequipa enjoys fresh, crisp air, and warm days averaging 23°C (73°F) and comfortable nights at 14°C (57°F). To make up for the lack of rain, the Río Chili waters the surrounding foothills, which were once farmed by the Inca and now stretch into rows of alfalfa and onions.

Getting Around

Walking is the best option around the city center. Most sights, shops, and restaurants are near the Plaza de Armas. For a quick, cheap tour, spend S/3 and catch a Vallecito bus for a 1.5-hour circuit around Calles Jerusalén and San Juan de Díos. Most sites are open morning and afternoon, but close for a couple of hours midday. Churches usually open 7 to 9 AM and 6 to 8 PM, before and after services. Taxis are everywhere and cost about S/3 to get around the center or to Vallecito.

Arequipa has two bus terminals side by side on Avenida Ibañez and Avenida Andrés Avelino Cáceres. Most people leave out of the older Terminal Terreste, where most bus companies have offices, while the newer terminal Terrapuerto sees less traffic.

In Arequipa the airport is large and it's easy to hail a taxi to your hotel. Many hotels also offer pick-up and drop-off. The cost is about S/15.