Peru's majestic 'white city'
With its glowing white architecture, captivating Incan history and the mighty El Misti volcano looming on the Andean horizon, the Peruvian city of Arequipa is steeped in a mystical beauty that’s impossible to ignore. Nicknamed ‘The White City’ because of its use of white volcanic rock throughout the area, it was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An essential stop on any Peru luxury travel journey, highlights of Arequipa include the 15th century Santa Catalina convent, whose cobbled courtyards weave through vibrant blue and red painted walls, and its proximity to the Colca Canyon and the Peruvian Andes. The colonial architecture, including the intricately beautiful Plaza de Armas, gives it a distinct European style, yet its Incan history remains prevalent.
Explore the culture at the Andean Shrines Museum, where the vast collection of Incan relics includes the haunting Juanita mummy. You can also tour the home of writer and Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa, or visit the Museo de la Catedral, which offers a glimpse into the inner workings of Arequipa’s majestic basilica.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
Every corner of Arequipa holds a unique charm, from the way the white buildings glow in the sunlight to the awe-inspiring sight of El Misti’s snow-capped peak on the horizon.

Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Accommodation in Arequipa
There are many incredible places to stay in Arequipa. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Get inspired with our Peru example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Discover more of Peru

Cusco
A charming, quaint city with an exceptionally rich and diverse history. Wander cobbled lanes, visit the imposing cathedral and sit back and relax on a terrace overlooking the bustling Plaza de Armas.

Colca Canyon
Deeper than the Grand Canyon and home to the mighty Andean Condor. The region is steeped in ancient culture and peppered with traditional villages.

Lake Titicaca
The world's highest navigable lake, where azure waters seem to touch the cloudless sky. Meet locals who live on reed islands and birdwatch as evening sets in, before retiring to your lakeside hotel.

Lima
Cosmopolitan Lima is the place to be for gourmet food, energetic markets, great hotels and captivating sightseeing. Pay a visit to the Larco Museum for an oasis of calm within charming, colourful gardens.

Luxury train journeys in Peru
Peru’s fleet of stylish trains are the perfect way to explore the country; from Machu Picchu and Cusco, across to the vast waters of Lake Titicaca and then onto the high Andes for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.

Machu Picchu
Ancient Incan ruins, perched high in the cloud forest and only accessible by train or on foot. These impressive ruins give visitors a fascinating insight into the Incan Empire.

Northern Peru Amazon Cruises
Cruise down the rivers and waterways of the mighty Peruvian Amazon. Keep a lookout for pink dolphins and flocks of rawkus scarlet macaws.

Paracas and Nazca
Delve into the mystery of the Nazca lines before soaking up the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands. Adventure on speed boat from Paracas and uncover Peru's answer to the Galapagos Islands.

Southern Peruvian Amazon
Home to the pristine Tambopata National Reserve, this is a wildlife lover's dream. Uncover nocturnal creatures on night time walks and visit tree top lookouts and canopy walkways.

The Inca Trail
A beautiful trail across the Andes ending at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate, before the site has opened to the public and just as the sun rises. The mists clear and reveal the wondrous ancient ruins.
Meet your Latin America team
When to visit
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry winter season of May to October, however due to the country’s varying altitude and climates, the weather can vary greatly between regions.
It’s best to pack lots of layers for Arequipa, as the city’s high altitude of 2,335 metres means that night time can be particularly cold, while day time temperatures can reach up to 24°C (75.2°F) all year round.
Dry Season
May–October
Rainy Season
November – April
Peru travel guides
Plan your trip to Arequipa
Whatever you want from your adventure in Arequipa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it

Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.






























