Historic Centre (Plaza de Armas)

Arequipa, Peru

The heart of the White City, surrounded by colonial arcades and watched over by the cathedral, with most of the city's top restaurants nearby.

Explore Arequipa

Arequipa — current status

Open. (Status checked 2026-08-30.)

Arequipa — TL;DR

Arequipa's historic centre, built almost entirely from white volcanic sillar stone, earns it the nickname the White City, with the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a walled citadel within the city, as its standout sight.

Arequipa at a glance

What are the best things to do in Arequipa? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Arequipa trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Arequipa? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Arequipa — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Arequipa? April to November, the dry season, brings clear skies for views of Misti Volcano and comfortable walking weather in the high-altitude city.
Where should I stay in Arequipa for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Arequipa? Central Arequipa is walkable, with the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and San Camilo Market all within a compact area.

Arequipa overview

April to November, the dry season, brings clear skies for views of Misti Volcano and comfortable walking weather in the high-altitude city.
Central Arequipa is walkable, with the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and San Camilo Market all within a compact area.
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Spanish, Quechua. English is common in tourism.
PET (UTC-5)
13 Monjas, a stylish modern Peruvian restaurant near Santa Catalina Monastery, continues to draw attention for blending colonial architecture with contemporary regional cooking.

Where to eat, drink & do in Arequipa

Arequipa neighborhoods

Historic Centre (Plaza de Armas) The heart of the White City, surrounded by colonial arcades and watched over by the cathedral, with most of the city's top restaurants nearby.
Cayma A neighbourhood rich in history and architecture with panoramic views of Misti Volcano and the Chili River.
San Lazaro Arequipa's oldest neighbourhood, dating to 1540, built from white volcanic rock with quaint colonial churches.

Practical info for Arequipa

Getting around in Arequipa? Central Arequipa is walkable, with the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and San Camilo Market all within a compact area.
When to go in Arequipa? April to November, the dry season, brings clear skies for views of Misti Volcano and comfortable walking weather in the high-altitude city.
What's changing now in Arequipa? 13 Monjas, a stylish modern Peruvian restaurant near Santa Catalina Monastery, continues to draw attention for blending colonial architecture with contemporary regional cooking.
Seek out Yanahuara viewpoint in Arequipa? A quiet neighbourhood mirador offering views of Misti Volcano through carved sillar stone arches, less crowded than the main plaza.
Base yourself in Historic Centre (Plaza de Armas) in Arequipa? The heart of the White City, surrounded by colonial arcades and watched over by the cathedral, with most of the city's top restaurants nearby. Known for colonial architecture, dining.

Frequently asked questions about Arequipa

What are the best things to do in Arequipa? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Arequipa trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Arequipa tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Arequipa? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Arequipa — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Arequipa? April to November, the dry season, brings clear skies for views of Misti Volcano and comfortable walking weather in the high-altitude city.
Where should I stay in Arequipa for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Arequipa? Central Arequipa is walkable, with the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and San Camilo Market all within a compact area.

Practical notes for Arequipa

Best time to visit: April to November, the dry season, brings clear skies for views of Misti Volcano and comfortable walking weather in the high-altitude city.
Getting around: Central Arequipa is walkable, with the Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, and San Camilo Market all within a compact area.
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Language: Spanish, Quechua. English is common in tourism.
Timezone: PET (UTC-5)
Current trends: 13 Monjas, a stylish modern Peruvian restaurant near Santa Catalina Monastery, continues to draw attention for blending colonial architecture with contemporary regional cooking.

Other neighborhoods in Arequipa

Cayma — A neighbourhood rich in history and architecture with panoramic views of Misti Volcano and the Chili River.
San Lazaro — Arequipa's oldest neighbourhood, dating to 1540, built from white volcanic rock with quaint colonial churches.

Read the full Arequipa guide