Arequipa
Travel Guide > South America > Peru > Arequipa
Introduction
Arequipa is Peru's second largest city, it's located in the dusty foothills of the Andes on the Pan-American Highway. The majority of the buildings are built from locally mined white ashlar stone, which is how the city got its nickname of the White City. Whilst it is larger than Cusco it has a more relaxed atmosphere and has less tourists, that said it is still a busy city. The climate is dry and warm and it is surrounding by an almost desert-like plateau with canyons cutting across it, this leads to some spectacular red and purple sunsets. The flight in from Juliaca really shows off the barrenness of the landscape and the deep scars cut by the numerous rivers and streams. The El Misti volcano towers over the city and is ever present as you walk around it.
Neighbourhoods
The Plaza de Armas is the main tourist area, containing the main cathedral as well as a number of other churches and religious buildings. This area also houses many of the larger stores and restaurants in the city.
Across the river is the neighborhood of Yanahuara, where you can find the Mirador of Yanahuara (built in the nineteenth century and composed of a series of sillar stone arches where the words of famous Arequipa citizens have been engraved), which has a wonderful view of the city and Misti Volcano. There is also the Iglesia de Yanahuara (church) which dates from 1750.
Sights and Activities
The main cathedral and the churches around the Plaza de Armas are worth visiting, be sure to check the tourist visiting times on the cathedral door as it is closed to tourists at certain times of the day. One of the main attractions in the town is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a former convent that has been renovated and opened up to the public. The monastery provides and insight into life in the convent and you can walk around the cloisters, churches and former accommodation of the nun's that used to live here. Walking around the maze of buildings and streets within the complex is an experience within itself and can take 1-2 hours to see everything.
Arequipa is a good base to book tours for Colca Canyon and for treks in the surrounding mountains.
Events and Festivals
Getting There
By Plane
There are daily flights from both the Lima and Cusco (via Juliaca) directions. The flight between Juliaca and Arequipa offers spectacular views of the Andes, the volcanoes surrounding Arequipa and the massive plain it's on.
The airport is located a fair way out of town, there will be taxis are the airport and there is a notice on the wall when leaving the airport to tell you what the going rate for a taxi is into town.
By Train
The only train line runs between here and Cusco via Puno.
By Car
As Arequipa is located on the Pan-American Highway it is easily reached by car from Lima or anywhere else along the coastal region. The are main roads (mostly, if not entirely sealed) between here and Cusco and Puno.
By Bus
Buses (including overnight buses) are available from Lima (via Pisco and Ica), Cusco 14hrs, Nazca 14hrs and Puno, the buses are cheap, comfortable and largely reliable. Arequipa is the main city in the region so it should be easy to reach from anywhere in the region via bus.
Long distance buses leave from the new Terminal Terrestre that is located in the suburbs, a short taxi ride from the Plaza de Armas. When using the terminal don't forget you will need to pay a departure tax in the kiosk located in the centre of the waiting area.
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
The roads around Arequipa are good, but gridlocked for most of the day.
By Public Transport
Taxis are everywhere and easy to hail and minibuses travel across the town.
By Foot
The main tourist destinations in town, the Plaza, Santa Catalina Monastery and most hotels and restaurants are all located within a few minutes walking distance from the Plaza and, given the traffic, walking is probably the quickest option.
By Bike
Eat
The more expensive restaurants are located around the Plaza de Armas. There is a massive variety of restaurants running along San Francisco and Jerusalen and the many roads between them around the Plaza, including some particularly good pollerias.
Drink
You can't fail to find drinking establishments if you wander around and just away from the Plaza de Armas.
Sleep
As you'd expect from a major city like Arequipa, there is a wide variety of accommodation, and most of it is found around the Plaza de Armas.
Budget
- Hostel Le Foyer, Ugarte 114, Tel 054 286473. Leave the Plaza de Armas heading north along San Francisco and it's on the right after two blocks, it's easily missed however as the entrance is just a brass plaque bearing the hotels name and a set of steps leading up. The rooms are basic, but ensuite and are clean S/ 35pppn (Nov 07). The staff were friendly and you can leave your luggage there whilst travelling out of the city. However it can be worth trying to get a room away from the road as San Francisco remains busy well into the morning.
Mid-Range
- Casa de Avila, Av. San Martin 116 Vallecito, Tel (51) 54 213177. This comfortable hotel is about 6 blocks south of the Plaza de Armas. The rooms are simple and clean, with private bathrooms and cable TV. All the rooms overlook the large grassy courtyard. Also gives Spanish lessons in the courtyard.
Upscale
- Hotel Crisma, Moral 107 Tel 054 215290. This large, modern hotel is just off the main plaza.
Work
Learn
Safety
The tourist police station is located along Jerusalen towards the northern end just before the church of San Francisco.
Be careful of pick pockets along Jerusalen, it has a bit of a reputation.
Keep Connected
Internet
Internet cafés are common around the Plaza de Armas and the roads leading away from it.
Phone
The are plenty of pay phones and people with mobiles selling calls and phone cards.
Post
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