Known as "The White City", Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru, notable for its historical, cultural and economic richness. Founded on August 15, 1540, by the Spanish conqueror Garcí Manuel de Carbajal in the name of Francisco Pizarro, Arequipa quickly became an important economic and cultural center during the colonial era, marked by a fascinating blend of indigenous and Spanish influences.
Famous for its impressive colonial architecture, Arequipa is characterized by the use of ashlar, a white volcanic stone that gives it its distinctive nickname. Strolling through its streets, you will find iconic buildings and numerous colonial mansions, all with finely crafted ashlar facades that reflect the city's grandeur and elegance.
Here are some of the places you can visit during your stay in Arequipa:
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Monastery of Santa Catalina
The Monastery of Santa Catalina of Siena, located in Arequipa, Peru, is a prominent religious complex founded in 1579 by Doña María de Guzmán for women of the aristocracy. Its architecture blends Spanish colonial styles with native elements, using ashlar, a volcanic stone characteristic of the region. Over two centuries, the monastery has undergone modifications due to frequent earthquakes. Originally a place of strict enclosure for the nuns, it opened its doors to the public in 1970 and has become an important tourist and cultural attraction, symbolizing the rich history and cultural fusion of Arequipa.
Monastery of Saint Teresa
The Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites of Saint Joseph and Saint Teresa, better known as the Convent of Santa Teresa in Arequipa, is a religious complex housing a community of cloistered Carmelite nuns and the Museum of Viceroyal Art of Santa Teresa. Founded in 1710, it is an example of Andean Baroque architecture. Located in the historic center of Arequipa, it is part of the World Cultural Heritage. This place is home to a community of nuns who dedicate themselves to prayer with the desire for a more prosperous, supportive world with fervor for God. Notable for its construction based on ashlar, a foundational block characteristic of the city, it remains well-preserved despite its over three centuries of history.
Plaza de Armas
The history of the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa is closely linked to the founding of the city. The ‘Villa de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora del Valle Hermoso de Arequipa’ was founded on August 15, 1540, by the colony's lieutenant governor Garcí Manuel de Carbajal. Construction of the plaza began shortly thereafter, utilizing ashlar, the white volcanic stone abundant in the Chili Valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
In 1972, the plaza and the Historic Center of Arequipa were declared a National Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Colca Canyon
Arequipa is home to a natural treasure. It is not a national park, an extreme source of biodiversity, or an imposing snow-capped mountain. It is the majestic and enigmatic Colca Canyon, which, at 4160 meters, is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world.
At Colca Canyon, you can connect with your adventurous side and engage in trekking, rafting, or mountain biking—activities that are increasingly popular in this area. Once connected with nature, marvel at the stunning landscapes filled with vegetation, culminating at one of Colca’s high points where tourists eagerly watch for the majestic condors from a viewpoint.
Ashlar Quarry
The ashlar, a white volcanic stone, is the origin and main characteristic of Arequipa’s architecture. Visitors can access the ashlar quarries via a tourist route starting from Cerro Colorado, showcasing the clean natural landscapes and the process of extraction, carving, and mega-sculpting of this stone.
The quarries, spanning 2000 meters and including Cortadores and Virgen Culebrillas, narrate the reason behind the beauty of the White City. Its use facilitated artistic and architectural creativity, incorporating both Hispanic and indigenous motifs in facades and is also a part of modern craftsmanship.