Arequipa
It is the second most populated, industrialized city with the greatest economic activity in Peru. It stands out for the production of manufactured products, the textile production of camelid wool and the production and marketing of copper and molybdenum concentrates. It is located in the southern region of the country and its foundation dates back to the year 1540. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000 for the historical and monumental heritage it houses and its scenic and cultural spaces. It is the third most visited city in the country, after Cuzco and Lima. It is the seat of the Constitutional Court and is considered the “Legal Capital of Peru.” It is also known as “The White City” or “León del Sur”.
Programs at Arequipa
Peru of the Incas
Explore the best that Peru has to offer on this spectacular 10-night trip that combines nature, history and culture. We will depart from Lima towards Arequipa, a jewel of colonial
10 nights€2,775per person
Wonders of Peru
On this trip we will go from the beaches to the mountains of Peru, crossing the Andes and the Altiplano on this fascinating 12-night route. We will visit the main
13 nights
What to see in Arequipa?
Arequipa Cathedral
It is the most important neoclassical building in Peru. It is considered one of the first religious monuments of the 17th century in Arequipa. It exhibits a neo-Renaissance style with a certain Gothic influence. Its main altar is made with Carrara marble. In 1844 it was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in 1868 by the architect Lucas Poblete. It was hit hard by the 2001 earthquake, especially its two towers, the left one was destroyed and the right one suffered serious damage. On August 15, 2002, the restoration of both towers was completed.
Convent of Santa Catalina
It is a religious tourist complex located in the historic center of the city. It was founded on September 10, 1579. It is built with a type of volcanic igneous rock called “Sillar”, of which there are two types in the monastery, the white one, which comes from the Chachani volcano, and the pink one from Misti, the latter emblem from the city. It occupies a land of 20,000 square meters and is completely isolated from the city, despite the fact that it is located in the heart of it. A large, solid wall, 4 meters high, isolated the lives of the women who lived in the monastery. A large part of the convent was opened to the public in 1970. The nuns allowed a private company to manage it and today, there are still nuns living in the northern area of the complex. It treasures splendid pieces of art, such as a baroque altar of carved and gilded wood, with one body and three streets, which adorns the chapel, and several paintings from the Cusco school. It was largely restored to make it more attractive to the public.
Church of The Company
It is the maximum monument of the Arequipa school. It is considered one of the most splendid creations of the Peruvian baroque and the starting point of this school. On its façade there is an inscription with the year 1698, which shows that at the beginning of the 18th century this regional art had already reached its peak. Inside there is an altar of the most exaggerated baroque style.
Arequipa Plaza de Armas
It is one of the main public spaces of the city and the place of its founding. It is located in the historic center and surrounded by wonderful architectural buildings.
Carmen Alto neighborhood
It is a colonial neighborhood located on the slopes of the Acuchimay hill, known as the cradle of the legendary muleteers of the Ayacucho region. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, its inhabitants were transporters and livestock traders. Today, the people of Carmen Alto continue to trade livestock or engage in transportation. It was the first district created in the city.
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