Arequipa

Arequipa holidays

The city of Arequipa, 2,353 metres above sea level, is located on the Chili River, flanked by three, snow-capped volcanoes; Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. It is known as the ‘White City’, as its buildings are made out of ‘sillar’, a white volcanic rock from the area.

During colonial days, the city was the principal centre for the gathering and shipping of wool to England via the port of Mollendo and today still continues to be the world’s centre of the alpaca wool industry. It is the second most important city in Peru after Lima and the primary commercial, industrial and cultural centre in the southern part of the country.

With its dry climate, consisting of sunny days and cold nights, and its colonial style buildings, Arequipa is without doubt one of Peru’s most beautiful cities. It also has an extraordinary gastronomic heritage. Do not miss trying some of the exquisite dishes in the traditional restaurants called ‘picanterias’.