Arequipa Travel Guide

The Incas were not alone in finding Arequipa to their liking. When Pizarro officially "founded" the city in 1540, he was moved enough to call it Villa Hermosa, or Beautiful Town, and Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes extolled the city's virtues, saying that it enjoyed an eternal springtime. The lovely white stone lent itself to extravagant buildings and attracted master architects to the city.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, this mountainous region became an important source of sheep and alpaca wool exports, largely to the UK. Connected to the rest of Peru only by mule track until 1870, Arequipa was slow to become the provincial capital it is today. Money made mainly from exports kept the economy growing enough to establish an electric urban tramway in 1913 and then a road up to Puno in 1928.

Having acquired a reputation as the centre of right-wing political power, while populist movements have tended to emerge around Trujillo in the north, Arequipa has traditionally represented the solid interests of the oligarchy. Important politicos, like Francisco Javier de Luna Pizarro, who was president of Congress on many occasions in the nineteenth century, carne from Arequipa. Sánchez Cerro and Odria both began their coups here, in 1930 and 1948 respectively, and Belaunde, one of the most important presidents in pre- and post-military coup years, sprang into politics from one of the wealthy Arequipa families. By 1972 the city's population had reached 350,000. Twenty years later it passed half a million, with many people arriving from the Andean hinterland to escape the violence of Peru's civil war.
The social extremes are quite clear today; despite the tastefully ostentatious architecture and generally well-heeled appearance of most townsfolk, there is much poverty in the region and there's been a huge increase in the number of street beggars in Arequipa. Social polarization carne to a head in 2002, when the city's streets were ripped up in political protest against President Toledo´s plans to sell off the local electric utility.

East of the Iglesia La Compañía and the plaza you'll find the exquisitely restored Iglesia Santo Domingo, originally built in 1553 by Gaspar Baez, the first master architect to arrive, in Arequipa. Most of what you see today was built between 1650 and 1698, but suffered major damage during the earthquakes of 1958 and 1960. The large main door represents m interesting example of Arequipas mestizo craftsmanship - an Indian face amid a bunch of grapes, leaves and cacti - and the side door is said to be the oldest in the city.

Around the corner from the Casa Arróspide sits the seventeenth-century La Casa del Moral (literally meaning "Mulberry House"), lovingly restored and refurbished with period pieces. Its most engaging feature is a superb stone gateway, carved with motifs that are similar to those on Nasca ceramics - puma heads with snakes growing from their mouths - surrounding a Spanish coat of arms. The mansion name comes from an ancient mora trece, still thriving in the central patio.

One block from the Casa del Moral, the elegant 1575 Iglesia San Agustín has one of the. city's finest Baroque facades, added later in the late eighteenth century. Its old convent cloisters are now attached to the university, while inside only me unique octagonal sacristy survived the 1868 earthquake.

Two blocks north of the Plaza de Armas the vast walls of the Monasterio de Santa Catalina shelter a convent that housed almost two hundred secluded nuns and three hundred servants from the late sixteenth century until 1970, when it opened some of its outer doors to the public. The most important and prestigious religious building in Peru, its enormous complex of rooms, cloisters and tiny plazas takes an hour or two to explore. Some thirty nuns who still live here today, worship in the main chapel only outside of opening hours. Originally the concept of Gaspar Baez in 1570, though only granted official licence five years later, the convent was funded by the Viceroy Toledo and me wealthy María de Guzmán, who later entered the convent with one of her sisters and donated all her riches to the community. The most striking feature is its predominantly Mudéjar style, adapted by the Spanish from the Moors, but which rarely found its way into their colonial buildings. The quality of the design is emphasized and harmonized by a superb interplay between the white stone and brilliant colours in the ceilings, the strong sunlight and deep-blue sky above the maze of narrow interior streets.

Just above Santa Catalina, the small, leafy Plazuela de San Francisco, usually buzzing with students and townspeople, is where you'll find Arequipas city museum, the Museo Histórico Municipal, which devores ítseif principally to local heroes - army chiefs, revolutionary leaders, presidents and poets (including the renowned Mariano Melgar). It´s rather a dull collection of memorabilia, though some rooms have interesting photographs of the city. There are also displays of artefacts from the colonial period and the war with Chile. The university´s museums, located on the outskirts of the city, are of greater interest (see opposite).

The Plazuela de San Francisco is honie to a stríking Franciscan complex, dominated by a convent and the Iglesia de San Francisco. Yet another of Gaspar Baez's projects, this one dating back to 1569, it shows an interesting mix of brick and sillar work both inside and on the facade. Original paintings by Baltazar de Prado once covered the central nave, but the earthquake of 1604 destroyed these. However, the nave retains its most impressive feature - a pure-silver altar. Adjoining the church are rather austere convent cloisters and the very simple Capila del Tercera Orden, its entrance decorated with modest mestizo carvings of St Francis and St Clare, founders of the first and second orders.

Close to the centre of town, Monasterio de Santa Teresa is smaller than Santa Catalina but has astonishingly beautiful colonial patios set around a large open courtyard. Internally it has a colonial art museum which displays some fine religious artwork and murals, as well as twelve exhibition spaces and over three hundred works of art.

The Monasterio de La Recoleta is located on the western side of the Río Chili, which runs its generally torrential course through Arequipa from Selva Alegre, di viding the old heart of the city from what has become a more modern downtown sector, including Yanahuara (see opposite) and Cayma (see p. 164). This large Franciscan monastery stands conspicuously alone on Callejón de La Recoleta, just ten to fifteen minutes' walk east of the Plaza de Armas.
The stunning major and mirror cloisters were built in 1651; in 1869 it was converted to an Apostolic Mission school administered by the Barefoot Franciscans. It is the archeology and natural history museums that really draw people here though. Open to the public since 1978, they house: two rooms of pre-Columbian artifacts including textiles and ceramics; an Amazon room showing artifacts from jungle Indian tribes and examples of forest flora and fauna; a religious and modern art gallery displaying both Cusqueña and Arequipeña classical works; plus a renowned history library with some 25,000 sixteenth- and seventeenth-century volumes.

The Museo Santuarios Andinos, part of the Universidad Católica de Santa María, is arguably the most important museum in Arequipa today, with displays of some nineteen Inca mummies and a range of archeological remains; guides are obligatory but their fee, which is additional, is negotiable. The main exhibit is Juanita, the ancient 13-year-old "princess" uncovered in her icy ritual grave on September 8, 1995, by an expedition that included the archeologists Johan Reinhard and José Chavez, along with the well-known Andinista Miguel Zarate. Her gravesite, located at the incredible altitude of 6380m on Ampato Volcano, is estimated to be about 500 years old. It is thought that Juanita was sacrified to the Apu Ampato and killed, after a time of fasting and herbal sedation, with a blow to the head by a five-pointed granite mace. The museum also contains fine examples of associated grave goods like textiles, precious metals and Inca ceramics.

Until the railway boom of the late nineteenth century, which brought peasant-migrants to Arequipa from as far away as Cusco, Yanahuara was a distinct village. It is now built up, though it still commands stunning views across the valley, above all from its churches. There are also one or two fine restaurants in this sector. The municipal plaza possesses a beautiful viewing point (mirador), which has been made famous by posteards.
To get here, buses and colectivos can be caught from the corner of Grau with Santa Catalina, or from Puente Grau, or it’s a fifteen-minute walk from Puente Grau (l-2km), between blocks 2 and 3 of Avenida Ejercito.

The small Iglesia Yanahuara on the tranquil main plaza dates to the middle of the eighteenth century, and its Baroque facade is particularly fine, with a stone relief of the tree of life incorporating angels, flowers, saints, lions and hidden Indian races.

From Puente Grau, a longish stroll takes you across to the west bank of the Chili, along Avenida Ejercito and out to the suburb of Cayma (3-4km); there are also buses available (see below). Another kilometre or so furthet out than Yanahuara, the area was once a small suburb with views over the city, but now reflects the commercial, even flashy side of Arequipa, with large shops and even one or two nightclubs. The suburb also offers good views of the Chachani Volcano.

The Iglesia de San Miguel, buil in the early eighteenth century, houses an image of the Virgen de la Candelaria, donated to the city by King Carlos V. It’s possible to climb up to the roof of the church which offers great views across Yanahuara and towards the S volcanoes to the north.

South of the city centre, Arequipas very impressive black-iron viaduct, or Puente de Fierro, provides a great vantage point for views over the city to El Misti. Although spanning half a kilometre, it was well-designed by Gustave Eiffel and built to such high standards by die railway baron Henry May that it has successfully vaulted the city´s bubbling Río Chili, and. withstood the test of Arequipas severe earthquakes and tremors, for over a hundred years.

Arequipa's main plaza is a monument to the city's sillar architecture - white, muscular and aesthetically unique. Impressive colonnaded balconies line three sides.
The fourth is given over to the cathedral, a humungous edifice with two soaring towers.

Originally built in the 17th century (and rebuilt many times since), the cathedral's luminous interiors contain 12 Italian marble columns (symbolizing the 12 Apostles) and a Byzantine-style brass lamp from Spain. In 1870 Belgium provided the organ, said to be the largest in South America - though damage during shipping condemned the devout to suince at its distorted notes for more than acentury. It is the only cathedral in Peru the stretches the length of a plaza.

This diminutive Jesuit churs on the southeast corner of the Plaza de Armas has a facade that is an intricately carved masterpiece of the churrigueresque style (think Spanish baroque - and then some). It has an equally detailed altar completely covered in gold leaf. To the left of it is the San Ignacio chapel, with a polychrome cupola smothered in jungle inspired murals of tropical flowers, fruit and birds.

This gorgeous 17th-century Carmelite convent and museum is filled with priceless votive objects d'art, murals, precious metal works, colonial-era paintings and other historical artifacts. A charming shop at the front of the com-plex sells baked goods and rose-scented soap made by the nuns.

In the month of October, the people gather at San Agustin church to celebrate purple month. The celebrations center around Senor de los Milagros and the Virgen de la Nube. All month pictures of the Senor are carried around the town, churches and hospitals for the holy month.

A UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity Site, the center of Arequipa is one of the most beautiful in all of Peru. You will quickly see why the city is called the White City with most of the building in the center made from Sillar a volcanic stone from the area. Since the 16th century when Arequipa was built it has seen a lot of volcanic activity from the nearby volcanos.

When you visit Arequipa and you tell the locals the first thing you will be ask is did you try the food. According to the people of Arequipa they believe that the food is the best in Peru. Don’t forget to try the Adobo, Rocoto Relleno and the Chupe de Camarones, but also if you get a chance try the Queso Helado for dessert.

A lovely neighbourhood that hosts a small tree-lined plaza leading to a “mirador” or lookout point. This viewpoint has exceptional views of the city and of its nearby volcanoes. The arches here are caved with quotes from Arequipa’s most prolific poets and writers.

Go to the Yanahuara district overlooking the historic center to get fantastic angles of majestic El Misti volcano. A beautiful terrace is framed by white stone arches carved with famous lines of prose and poetry in Spanish. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the views.

Most places you visit in Peru you will see alpaca products, like scarves, sweaters on sale. If you get a chance to go to Mundo Alpaca you will get a lesson about alpaca products and the age old technics of spinning. Learn to tell the difference between the real wool and synthetic.

The Libertador Arequipa hotel is located at 1.5km north of the downtown, at the Selva Alegre district and 20-minute drive from "Rodriguez Ballon" airport.
Here, whether you're traveling for pleasure, you can start enjoying in its pool and gardens as well as the exquisite cuisine offered at “Los Robles” restaurant. For business travel, you can access its lobby, workstations; and enjoy the company of good friends, also exchange experiences at the “Montoneros” bar, which counts a direct entry from the street. The hotel also has a new multipurpose area, ideal for major events and conventions of up to 900 guests and ample parking.

The hotel is a historical building dating back to 1794 which contains a little chapel, museum; inner courtyard and an ancient home to the “Casa de la Moneda” (Mint House) what makes this place a living museum than a hotel. It's a great colonial mansion situated in the historic center of Arequipa city.
The "Casa Andina Private Collection" Arequipa hotel offers its guests great and panoramic views of the "Misti" volcano and the cathedral from its fourth floor. This boutique hotel also has an exclusive restaurant named "Alma Cocina Viva", which offers international cuisine combined with traditional dishes of Arequipa.

The Sonesta Posada del Inca Arequipa hotel is just located in the main plaza, a few steps from the tourist and financial centers of the city. This hotel is known as one of the best ones.
The hotel has undoubtedly got one of the best locations of all hotels in the city. This is a four star hotel, also has a restaurant overlooks the beautiful Cathedral of Arequipa situated in the arches of the plaza on the second level.
The hotel also has a small pool where guests can enjoy a day of sun and terrace area situated on the fifth floor, offering a bit of relaxation.

This picturesque hotel is situated in an infrastructure built in volcanic rock, located at a few meters from the main square of the city. It features a terrace with panoramic views accompanied with stylish decor and furniture which look harmonious details that give a value for a comfortable stay.
Buffet breakfast is served every day. In addition, the hotel has a restaurant inside where can be ordered Peruvian and also international dishes.The rooms are designed and furnished to satisfy its guests’ expectations.

Casa Andina Classic Arequipa “Jerusalen” offers its visitors safety and comfortable rooms at accessible prices.
The hotel looks a contemporary decor set in white volcano rock; this hotel has a spacious terrace with panoramic views of the “Misti” volcano. It’s located at only 5-minute walk from the main plaza. It also offers free Wi-Fi internet service in different areas of the hotel.The hotel is also situated within short walking distance of local markets, tourist restaurants and shopping stores of the city.

The Hotel “San Agustin Posada del Monasterio” is a traditional house of ashlar dating from the eighteenth century; it has been completely restored while preserving its architectural heritage with actual amenities, located in the opposite side of “Santa Catalina” convent.
This hope also offers a touristic restaurant which has a capacity of 65 people, where you can find a variety of national and international dishes. It also counts a hick bar with capacity for only 25 people with a selection of spirits and local inputs.

The Tierra Viva Arequipa Plaza hotel is located at Jerusalem Street, into the historical center of the white city. Its character is defined by a good quality service, also its closeness to the main tourist attractions and the comfort and silence of its rooms.
The hotel displays paintings created by most celebrated artists and photographs which show the most renowned streets housed on its rooms and common areas, as well as beautiful details in ashlar stone, a volcanic rock used to build the historic buildings of th city.