Peru’s second largest city is a popular hub on the way to Cusco. Since the city is located quite a few meters higher than Lima, it’s a perfect stop for getting used to the altitude on the way to Machu Picchu. We came to Arequipa with a night bus from Nazca (12 hours) and stayed in the colonial gem for two days before heading to the Colca Canyon. I felt very much at ease in here and although many people would choose Cusco when it comes to the most beautiful city in Peru, Arequipa was my favourite because it felt a little less touristy.
Often nicknamed ‘The White City’, Arequipa is known for its use of white volcanic rock called pillar. It’s used in most of the buildings in here and makes for some very quaint streets, as you can see below. The stones are also supposed to protect its constructions better against earth quakes, something Arequipa is infamous for.
The city also has a second, less official nickname – ‘The City of Eternal Spring’. Apparently the climate remains pleasant year round; another delightful reason to visit this city at any time during your trip.
Now that you know the city is well worth a visit for a couple of days, you might wonder what to do over there :). So here you have it, a recipe for one (or two) day(s) to keep you busy:
- Wake up with a croissant and a coffee in the patio of La Canasta
- Go for a second breakfast with yoghurt and granola at the nearby Doorganic Stores (on the corner of Calle Jerusalen x Calle San Jose)
- Join a free walking tour in the morning
- Go back in time at the colourful Monastery of Santa Catalina (another article will come up about this awesome attraction – stay tuned!)
- Feed the llamas and alpacas at Mundo Alpaca and buy a sweater over there in case you’re planning to go to -freezing your but off- Cusco
- Enjoy the views on the three volcanoes in the surrounding area from Mirador de Yanahuara
- Visit the San Camilo market for some herbal remedies
- Go for a brunch at La Nueva Palomino just outside of the city center (but reserve in advance, because the place will be PACKED with families in the weekends). Eat the local rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy red peppers), chupe de camarones (prawn chowder) or ocopa (boiled potato with spicy sauce) over there
- Drink a pisco sour around sunset on Plaza de Armas at Restaurante Las Terrazas
- Switch the empanadas for naan at Indian Cuisine
- Or for ravioli at Il Fornellino
- And eat an awesome chocolate cake afterwards at Las Gringas!
