The city itself is one of the most beautiful of Peru. Thanks to its wonderful colonial architecture in “Sillar”, a white volcanic stone, it has been classified as Cultural Heritage of Mankind by the UNESCO. For tourists who plan to follow their trip towards higher Andean cities such as Cusco or Puno, Arequipa also presents the great interest of being a natural step to acclimatize to altitude, which allows you to avoid the symptoms of the painful “soroche” (altitude sickness).

The weather in Arequipa is dry and sunny all year long. Day temperature reaches between 20 and 25 ºC (about 70-75 Farenheit). The wet season (December to March) is characterized by the presence of clouds in the afternoon and some scarce precipitations. In winter (June, July), temperatures are somewhat lower and can go down to 5ºC (40 ºF) at night). Withabout 4000 hours per year of sun exposure, Arequipa truly deserves its title of “city of the eternal spring”.

Arequipa is a colonial city, founded by the Spaniards in 1541. It has developed in the colonial times thanks to the trade of the enormous amounts of silver and gold coming from the various mines of the region, in particular that of Potosi (Bolivia), then, during the Republican period, thanks to the trade of the alpaca wool. Today, with nearly one million of inhabitants, Arequipa is the second city of Peru and the economic and intellectual capital of the southern part of the country. The main economical activities are industry, particularly the mining industry, agriculture and, less importantly, tourism.

Although it does not feed any wish of independence, Arequipa is known in Peru as a rebel city. The central power is often strongly contested and the revolts of the “Lion of the South” have several times seriously shaken the Republic of Peru. Arequipa has always had an important political and intellectual role in the country and has produced many artists and intellectuals, such as the famous novelist Mario Vargas Llosa.

People of Arequipa are very proud of their city, and one of their major pride I their gastronomy, reputated to be one of the best of Peru. Amongst the most emblematic or folkloric dishes, let's quote the “rocoto relleno”, sort of hot chili filled with meat, the “cuy chactao”, a guinea pig roasted and cooked under a heavy stone, and the numerous recipes of “camarones”, large and delicious river shrimps that you must absolutely taste before you leave the region.

Tourists generally spend one or two full days to visit Arequipa (Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Cloisters of the Company of Jesus, San Francisco Square, Mummy Juanita Museum, etc.) and the close surroundings (districts of Cayma and Yanahuara, Miradores of Sachaca and Chilina, village of Sabandía and Characato, terraces of Yumina, etc.), as well as two days for a trip to Colca canyon. If you have some extra time available, we advise you to spend one or two days more to discover the coast and its sea-lions, the valley of Majes, the altiplano or, why not, climb up to the crater of an active volcano.

elow, you'll find some ideas for excursions around Arequipa. Some are routinely proposed by local agencies. Others are not and you should organize them in private service. At the Casa de Tintin will give you all the information you need to organize these trips by yourself.

Although it is close to the desert, the valley of Arequipa is quite fertile. Water is everywhere present thanks to a net of innumerable irrigation channels. The countryside, which is the pride of the people of Arequipa, is also the place where their best culinary traditions are kept. Relax and take the time to stroll around the country by car, bike, horse or just walking.