Arequipa & the Colca Canyon
Travel Guide
What not to miss in Arequipa & the Colca Canyon
Arequipa City Center
The heart of the historic city of Arequipa begins in the Plaza de Armas. A beautiful fountain dominates the Square alongside the city’s Cathedral. Several large white buildings made from sillar (the volcanic white stone from the local area) surround the Plaza and provide the city with its nickname “La Ciudad Blanca” (the White City) from its beautiful ash complexion.
The Santa Catalina Monastery
At 215,280 sq.ft. (20,000 sq.m) the Monastery is a fascinating miniature city of its own! Closed to the public up until the 1970s, you can spend ages wandering through the narrow passageways, streets, and small squares hidden behind its walls.
The Colca Canyon’s Culture & Condors
From La Cruz del Condor, 1,181ft. (360m) above the Colca Canyon, watch the gigantic Andean Condors swoop above you. Take time to discover the Collaguas and Cabanas cultures and admire their intricately woven clothes.
Pay Homage to the Ice Princess
The Juanita Mummy also known as, the Inca Ice Maiden, is housed in Arequipa’s Andean Sanctuaries Museum. This Inca girl which was discovered perfectly preserved in ice, is thought to have been ritually sacrificed.
What you need to know

When to go
Arequipa has a sunny, dry climate. There is very little rainfall, so Arequipa is good to visit all year round. It is best to visit the Colca Canyon in the dry season from May to November with the greatest numbers of Condors seen between June and September.

How to get there
Air travel is available between Arequipa and the cities of Lima, Juliaca and Cusco. LATAM, Aero Condor and Star Peru each offer daily nonstop flights between these cities.
While passenger train services are no longer available, many bus lines travel frequently between Lima and Arequipa. The journey between the two cities via the Southern Pan-American Highway takes about 14 hours. These bus companies provide non-stop journeys, with meals, air conditioning and comfortable seats. There is also a limited bus service available between Arequipa and the cities of Cusco, Puno, Pisco, Nazca, and Tacna.
Where to stay
There are several different types of accommodations to choose from in Arequipa. Hotels range from the deluxe variety to those for the more budget minded traveler. There are also numerous hostels available for the city’s independent visitors from which to select.
Arequipa has many upscale restaurants in and around the best hotels however this does not mean that a nice meal cannot be found elsewhere. There are a variety of other restaurants available at all price ranges to be found in and around the city.
Getting around
Public transport in Arequipa is available by bus and minibus which cover specific routes.
Taxis can be hailed from the sidewalk and since drivers usually work independently, fares are reasonable. However, while the taxis may have a meter machine none of the drivers use it. A price for your destination should be decided upon before getting in the car and it is possible to bargain a bit. Be aware that some cab drivers may try to overcharge you by saying prices are per head but it is always one price per ride for all passengers. If you have excess luggage a minor extra amount may be charged.