View of Plaza de Armas Arequipa

Arequipa

Arequipa is affectionately referred to as the ‘White City’ for its dazzling array of white sillar architecture. This former settlement of Aymara and Inca Indians was officially founded as Arequipa by Spanish conquistadors in 1540 and offers some of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the country.

Volcano El Misti, Arequipa, Southern Peru
Volcano El Misti, Arequipa, Peru

A little more about Arequipa

Most of the buildings in Arequipa are low-rise due to earthquakes that regularly pound the city. From splendid baroque churches, including La Compania and the enormous cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, to stately mansions renovated to accommodate fine hotels and galleries, a walk along the palm lined avenues is comparable to a stroll around an open museum.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Toro Muerto Petroglyphs, Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa

Visit Ancient Petroglyphs

Marvel at the Toro Muerto petroglyphs, attributed to the ancient Wari culture, in the Peruvian coastal desert.

Museo Santuarios Andinos, Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa

Visit Museo Santuarios Andinos

Join a guided tour of the museum that is home to the sacrificial Inca child-mummy ‘Juanita’.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Monastery of Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa

See the Santa Catalina Convent

Step back in time during a visit to one of Peru’s most fascinating religious buildings, the citadel within a city that was once home to nuns.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Misti Volcano, Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa

Travel to Colca Canyon

Hike amongst green valleys and remote villages while looking out for the giant Andean condor that inhabit the region.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

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Paul Bird

Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.

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  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.

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  • 01285 880 980

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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