The White City — Peru's second-largest city, known for white volcanic-stone buildings and Colca Canyon. Colonial architecture of white sillar (volcanic stone) is UNESCO-listed, and Santa Catalina Monastery unfolds like a city within a city. Misti Volcano towers in the background, and picanterías (traditional eateries) serve Arequipa's distinctively spicy cuisine.
Best Season
The dry season from April to November is best, with June to August offering the clearest skies and prime condor-watching.
Budget
Daily budget around KRW 60,000-120,000 (lodging 30,000-60,000; food 20,000-30,000; transport and tours 10,000-30,000).
Transport
From Arequipa Airport, a taxi to the centre takes about 20 minutes. The city is walkable, and Colca Canyon is reached by tour bus. SIM cards available at the airport. Cards accepted in the city, but cash needed for Colca Canyon tours. Tipping 10%.
Visa
Korean passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
Safety
A safe city overall, but agree on taxi fares in advance. Watch out for altitude sickness on Colca Canyon tours.
Popular attractions in Arequipa
Colca Canyon
A canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, where you can watch Andean condors soar.
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Santa Catalina Monastery
A 16th-century monastery the size of a small town, striking for its vibrantly coloured buildings.
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Misti Volcano
Arequipa's guardian — a 5,822m cone-shaped volcano visible from anywhere in the city.
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Signature food of Arequipa
Rocoto Relleno
🍱 TraditionalA traditional Arequipa dish — spicy rocoto peppers stuffed with minced meat and cheese, then baked. PEN 20-40 per serving. Try La Nueva Palomino, a famous picantera.
Queso Helado
🍰 DessertArequipa's traditional ice cream — despite the name, it's made with coconut and cinnamon rather than cheese. PEN 3-8 per bowl. Available from vendors around the Plaza de Armas.
Solterito
🍱 TraditionalA traditional Arequipa salad of fava beans, corn, cheese, and olives. PEN 10-20. Available at picanterías and market eateries.