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Arequipa Information

Posted On: 15 January 2025 #TierrasVivas 171

The Official Arequipa Travel Guide 2025 to help you start planning your trip to Arequipa. Learn the history of the region, the different seasons, how to get there and back, how to get around the city and much more... Here's everything you need to know about Arequipa!

Arequipa, Peru at a glance:

Second largest city in Peru.

Arequipa altitude: 2,330 meters above sea level

Location: Located in the southern region of Peru.

Is Arequipa safe?: Yes! With more travelers visiting each year, safety is improving, making it one of the safest cities in Peru.

How many days should you spend in Arequipa?: If you're short on time, we recommend 2-3 days; if you have more time, 4-5 days.

History of Arequipa

Around the year 1170, a large Inca army led by Mayta Cáypac discovered a large, uninhabited valley. Struck by the valley's natural beauty, Mayta Cáypac decided to have his people settle there and named it "Ari-quepay" (let's stay here). This new Inca land was then divided among 3,000 Inca families, who founded many towns in Arequipa, such as Cayma, Tiabaya, and Yanahuara.

On August 15, 1540, the modern city of Arequipa was founded by Garcí Manuel de Carvajal, an envoy of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. A year later, the King of Spain, Charles V, declared Arequipa a city and granted it its coat of arms, which endures to this day.

On July 21, 1821, Don José de San Martín declared Peruvian independence from the Spanish conquistadors. During the 19th century, Arequipa became known as the “Land of Leaders,” as a result of the courage of the Arequipeño rebels.

Geography

Arequipa is located in the southern part of Peru and is bordered to the north by Cusco, to the east by Puno, and to the south by Moquegua. Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru after Lima. Many buildings around the Plaza de Armas were built with volcanic ashlar from the surrounding volcanoes, giving Arequipa the nickname “The White City.” Earthquakes are also quite common in the region. In the last year, there have been 65 earthquakes with a magnitude of 1.5 or higher on the Richter scale.

Climate in Arequipa

Dry season

April to December. Very low humidity, no rain, and temperatures that, although practically the same as in summer, can feel a little colder due to the dryness of the air.

Rainy season

January to March. During these months, there is at least a 6% chance of rain on any given day. Be prepared for some cold days, otherwise there is nothing else to worry about.

The best time to visit Arequipa is from early April to early December, with the first few weeks of September having the best weather of those months. It is during this period that you will experience the driest weather and clearest skies. That being said, Arequipa's weather is generally mild and pleasant year-round, so any time of year is ideal to visit the city.

For more detailed information, check out our post on the weather in Arequipa.

How to get to Arequipa?

Being one of the most visited cities in Peru, there are several ways to get there. There are options from bus, flights, and even trains available to the ‘White City’.

Arequipa Facts

Arequipa was founded in 1540 by Garci Manuel de Carbajal.

Due to its culture and beauty, Arequipa's Plaza de Armas has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arequipa has a population of approximately 840,000 people.

It is nicknamed the White City of Peru, due to the white volcanic rock (known as sillar) that was used in the construction of many colonial-era buildings.

Is Arequipa at a high altitude?

Arequipa sits at 2,340 m (7,700 ft), 1,000 m (3,000 ft) lower than Cusco or Puno. Few travelers suffer from altitude sickness here, and visitors can take time to acclimatize if they are coming from sea level.

Arequipa is the perfect intermediate stop after Lima and before heading to higher elevations. Other destinations in the Andes, such as Cusco and Lake Titicaca, are at a much higher altitude. Arequipa sits at 7,700 ft (2,340 m), 3,000 ft (1,000 m) lower than Cusco or Puno. Few travelers experience altitude sickness here, and visitors can take time to acclimatize if they are coming from sea level.

Note that the road between Arequipa and Colca Canyon reaches heights of 4,000 m (13,100 ft). You'll notice the higher elevation if you try any strenuous activities, such as hiking. Chivay and other Colca Canyon towns are at about the same elevation as Cusco, 3,400 m (11,150 ft).

Plaza de Armas: 7,700 ft (2,340 m)

Misti Volcano Summit: 19,101 ft (5,822 m)

Chivay, Colca Canyon: 11,150 ft (3,400 m)

Arequipa to Colca Canyon Highway (Patapampa Pass): 12,000 ft (4,000 m)

Edwin Caviedes Profesional guide

Edwin Caviedes is the founder and manager of Tierras Vivas, a company that benefits native people communities.