Arequipa & Colca Canyon
The Enchanting Land of
Historical Architecture & Volcanoes


With three snow-sprinkled volcanic peaks looming impressively over a bleached stone cityscape,
Peru’s second-largest city supplies visual impact in spades. Its grand colonial buildings are made from gleaming
white sillar stone, earning Arequipa its nickname, “White City.”
With its UNESCO-listed historic core and glorious volcanic vistas, Arequipa makes a wonderful stop-off during your
private Peru tour.Wander the European-style streets and shop for antiques, handicrafts, and high-quality alpacagoods
so deliciously soft they beg to be touched. Look for the Juanita Mummy – the body of a young Inca girl who was offered
to the gods in the late 15th century at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum. Experience this enchanting land on your
vacation to Peru.
Arequipa has also been a driving force in Peru’s culinary scene, and its picanterías (traditional restaurants) are known for their spicy stews (adobo), shrimp chowder (chupe de camarones) and stuffed bell peppers (rococo peppers). Culinary traditions are kept alive with picanterías cooking over a wood fire giving the city amazing aromas that may cause hunger as you walk around.
Upon arriving in Arequipa, it takes almost no time at all to recognize why it is considered one of Peru’s most hidden gems. An ancient city surrounded by three volcanoes; it is set apart by its white buildings created from sillar, a white stone formed during volcanic eruptions, unique to this Southern Peruvian region, thus being given the name “La Ciudad Blanca”, “The White City”.
The gargantuan Colca Canyon boasts some seriously impressive stats. At 0.6 miles in depth, it is twice as deep as its famous American counterpart, the Grand Canyon. Colca Canyon is also home to several Andean communities that continue to cultivate agricultural terraces that date back to pre-Inca times. Adventurers can embark on a canyon trek, before soothing tired muscles in the La Calera hot springs, which are just a short journey away from the largest canyon town of Chivay.
The lush region of Arequipa is marked by its ethereal hillsides and the famous Colca Canyon, which is the second-deepest canyon in the world. Keep an eye on the skies as you explore the canyon; the Andean condor, one of the largest birds of prey in the world, can occasionally be spotted soaring overhead. Up your chances of a condor sighting by heading to the Cruz del Condor lookout, where the black-feathered beast frequently makes an appearance.
When booking a luxury vacation to Peru, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind – whether you’re looking to experience the
biodiversity of the Amazon, eat your way through Lima, or explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu – Peru has something
for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury vacation to Peru.
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It’s advised to avoid the months of December to July due to the tendency of flooding in this area.
Admire the Condors at Colca Canyon Gaze in wonder at the spectacular condors as they glide above head – the Andean Condor is the world’s largest bird and with wingspans that can be over 3 meters long. Though these beautiful creatures can be spotted all around the Andean region, Colca Canyon is the most notable place for viewing the legendary condors in their natural habitat.
People-watch in Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas This historic city square is considered to be the second most gorgeous plaza in Latin America and is also part of a UNESCO world heritage site. With lush palm trees, a magnificent view of the cathedral, a central bronze fountain, and as the center of constant activities, this is truly a spectacular place to explore or people-watch while sitting in one of the vibrant bars or restaurants lining the Plaza.
Explore the Gorgeous Historical Churches and Buildings Arequipa is famous for its colonial architecture and specifically its white buildings created from sillar, a white stone that is formed during volcanic eruptions and is unique to this Southern Peruvian region, the use of which has consequentially caused the city to be named “La Ciudad Blanca”, “The White City”. The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is the grandest as well as the oldest and most notable of all the city’s buildings, but be sure to explore the rest of the city’s buildings as well.
Chicha Owned by Peru’s most famous chef, Gastón Acurio, Chicha is said to serve the freshest traditional Peruvian-style foods with a modern twist. The menu changes seasonally to highlight the value of local and traditional foods including river prawns, alpaca burgers, and potatoes galore. The staff is guaranteed to always have smiles on their faces, creating a warm environment that you won’t want to miss.
Salamanto Salamanto’s spectacularly presented and delectable cuisine reinforces Arequipa’s reputation of being a gastronomic destination not to miss in Peru. Choose from the 5 or 10-course degustations, which feature the best Peruvian and Arequipian specialties including alpaca steak in glazed ginger and pisco syrup, mushroom and pistachio mousse, and white tuna with local caviar. Each course is exceptional with its own unique presentation. The views from Salamanto are also not to miss.
La Trattoria del Monastario Just next door to the Monastery of Santa Catalina lies an Italian-Peruvian fusion restaurant that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight. Cozy and elegant decorations create a homey atmosphere for a romantic night out. The food is distinctively delightful and the desserts are exquisite. Reservations are necessary.
Cirqa - Relais & Châteaux Located in the heart of Arequipa, this former monastery is a UNESCO-protected site, meaning you’ll be lounging in a piece of preserved history. Tucked away enough to feel secluded, you will be able to truly enjoy the stories told through the architecture of this space. From the comfortable cavernous rooms to the rooftop terrace complete with countryside picanterias specially curated by their in-house chef, Maria Fé García. This highly awarded hotel is an experience that cannot be missed.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa The location of this hotel is fabulous, but the key feature that sets Casa Andina apart is the historical building itself. The former Peruvian National Mint came to be recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. Gain a deeper appreciation of Arequipenean history while indulging in a luxurious stay. The hotel offers beautiful outdoor dining, a terrace with amazing views, and an amazing on-site spa. The stone walls, Republican-era paintings, and extravagant breakfast will cause you to feel truly royal.
Las Casitas, Belmond Secluded and near the famous Colca Canyon, Las Casitas offers breathtaking star-gazing. Its charming cottage-style accommodations are spacious and beautifully decorated, complete with its own fireplace and patio. Taste a piece of heaven at the hotel’s restaurant, Curina, a truly unforgettable farm-to-table experience. Unwind with one of their signature massages offered at their luxurious spa. Las Casitas is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the mysticism of the Colca Canyo.
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