In the Southern Coastal region of Peru is the city of Arequipa (Ariqipa in Quechua) also known as The White City. It is located at an altitude of 2325 m in the coastal desert at the spurs of western Andes. The city is surrounded by series of volcanic cones such as “El Misti”,”Chachani”, and “Picchu Picchu”.
Arequipa is located on the tectonic fracture of the Earth’s crust called “Ring of Fire”, known for its high frequency of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
The city is popular for its glistening white buildings that are made from sillar, a white coloured volcanic rock. This is why Arequipa is called the White city (“la ciudad blanca”). TOURinPERU offers you great Arequipa tours in a city and in outside famous outskirts like Colca Canyon. The White City shouldn’t be skipped on the way to Machu Picchu. The historic centre of the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
The modern city of Arequipa was founded on 15 August 1540 by Pedro Anzures De Campo Redondo. Originally city was occupied by Incas the Aymara Indians in the 15th century already.
The name of the city
There are few different stories about the origin of the Arequipa’s name. It came from the Quechua or Aymara language. One tradition says that the Inca Mayta Capac requested permission to stay in the region, because they were amazed by the beautiful scenery and mild climate. The Inca responded, ” Ari qhipay” in Quechua means : “Yes, stay”.
Another version of this name came from an old dialect of Aymara. “Ari qquepan” in English that means “trumpet sound”.
Outskirts of Arequipa
Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is reportedly one of the deepest in the world, reaching a depth of 4,160 meters. The Canyon is located 160 km Northwest of Arequipa. If you are person who is looking for adventure sports as hiking, climbing, rafting, mountain biking Colca Canyon is a perfect destination for you. For booking your journey or get more information contact us.
Get to the Colca Canyon and start an adventure
Volcano Misti (El Misti)
The Misti volcano stands at 5825 m and located 17km northeast of Arequipa, visible almost year-round, but specially during winter (April – December).
Six Inca mummies and rare Inca artifacts were found in 1998 during excavations near the inner crater. These findings are currently stored in the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries.
Spectacular tours are on offer for tourists, which takes 2 days. Contact us for more information.
Valley of the Volcanoes (Valle de los Volcanes)
Located 377 km north of Arequipa, over the valley of Andagua River. A beautiful landscape with more than 80 volcanoes all without activity. The arid and desert landscape in the high part of the valley looks like a lunar landscape.
The best time to visit the White City
Arequipa’s climate is pretty much same all over the year. An average annual temperature during the days is 20° and 5-10° at nights. The White City is welcome to visit any time.
How to get to Arequipa
There is an airport in the city and you can take flight from Cusco or Lima. From both cities flight takes an hour.
You can also take a bus from Cusco and trip takes 12 hours, and from Lima-16 hours.
To assist book or plan your trip to Arequipa let TOURinPERU help you! Contact us for any further information.
