Arequipa is best known as the White City and it is an unmissable destination in Peru, since it has imposing volcanoes, monasteries, museums and countryside where you can contemplate a green landscape and breathe fresh air. In the following gallery, we share 10 corners that yes or yes you have to visit this 2025.
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
The Reserve has an extension of the altiplano of 366,936 hectares and is located in the departments of Arequipa and Moquegua, in the provinces of Arequipa, Caylloma and General Sánchez.
There you will be able to watch a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an incredible view of the Ubinas, Pichupichu, Misti and Chachani volcanoes. People come to this place to take mirror effect photographs, as is done in Uyuni, Bolivia.
San Lazaro
The San Lázaro neighborhood is one of the oldest in Arequipa and most of the houses in this neighborhood are made of ashlar, which gives it a unique beauty.
The best known alleys are Violín, Cristales, Desaguadero, Ripacha, Calienes, Combate Naval, Bayoneta and more. The National Institute of Culture of Peru (INC) declared the neighborhood as a ‘Monumental Urban Environment’.
San Camilo Market
The San Camilo Market is one of the oldest markets in Arequipa and is visited by many national and foreign tourists, since it is perfect to taste local dishes or buy fruits, natural yogurts, cheeses, fruits, handicrafts, among others.
Santuarios Andinos Museum
In this museum is the Juanita Mummy, one of the most famous mummies in South America that is preserved in excellent condition. This was found in Ampato Volcano, located in the district of Maca, province of Caylloma, Arequipa.
The Santa Catalina Monastery
The Monastery of Santa Catalina is a beautiful nunnery that was built in the 16th century and has beautiful patios, gardens and impressive colonial architecture.
It has more than 20,000 square meters and 22 rooms, among which are the Patio del Silencio and the Claustro de los Naranjos.
Sabandia
It is one of the must-see places in Arequipa, since here you will have a countryside view, visit the Church of the Virgen del Rosario and the Sabandía Mill.
In addition, tourists come here to do activities such as zip-lining or climbing, have contact with animals in the area or get to know the Arequipa countryside.
Sillar Quarries
Here you will be able to see the stonemasons of the area make incredible carvings in ashlar, a material widely used for the elaboration of monasteries and buildings in Arequipa.
The Añashuayco quarries are located in the Cerro Colorado district, an unmissable place on your trip to the White City.
Cayma
The district of Cayma or Villa de Cayma is another destination that you should visit, since it is located at 3 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa.
The San Miguel Arcángel temple, the Carmen Alto observatory, which was part of the Harvard College observatory, and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Chapi, are some places that you should visit.
Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is another destination you must see furing your trip to Peru. It is located at 4,160 meters and is considered the second deepest canyon in the world.
This place is the kingdom of the condor, since many come to this destination to admire these incredible animals. In addition, you can practice trekking, rafting or mountain biking. The towns of Sibayo, Yanque, Callalli and Coporaque are also places that you must visit on your way through the Colca Canyon.