Arequipa Peru

Falling in love with the white city of Peru

Table of Contents

2

3

Arequipa Peru

Arequipa - Peru's stunning queen city

A brief history of Arequipa

Day 1: A city Tour
Day 2: Mundo Alpaca, Santa Catalina Montesary, and dinner with Eiffel
Where we stayed, ate, and drank

Casa Andina Select Arequipa Plaza
La Nueva Palomino Picanteria
Zig Zag
Pepper Burger Bar
Puku Puku
Cafe Art Montreal
Split Bar

Arequipa - Peru's stunning queen city

Our only regret from our trip to Peru is that we only spent 2 days in Arequipa. We initially tried to cram a quick trip to La Paz, Bolivia into our Peru adventure and sacrificed more days in Arequipa for it. That portion of the trip didn’t work out, and in retrospect we wish we would have spent a least 4-5 days in this amazing city full of history, stunning architecture, amazing natural wonders, and unqiue cuisine.

Arequipa is a truly unique city in peru. Totally different than lima or cusco, yet every bit as wonderful and worth visiting

Arequipa is known as the “Ciudad Blanca” or the “White City” because of the beautiful white volcanic rock that was used to construct many of its buildings. Arequipa is the second most populous city in Peru with a population of around 1 million people.

The history of Arequipa dates back to the Inca Empire, but it was during the Spanish colonial period that the city really flourished. It was an important center for trade and commerce, as well as a center for religious and cultural activities. Many of the city’s colonial buildings, such as the Santa Catalina Monastery, still stand today and are major tourist attractions.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Arequipa is the Misti Volcano, which is located just outside the city. It’s an active volcano that last erupted in 1985, and it’s a popular destination for hikers and climbers. Another nearby volcano that’s worth visiting is Chachani, which is the highest volcano in the area and offers stunning panoramic views of the Andes mountains.

Misti volcano as seen from Arequipa Peru

Arequipa is also home to the Colca Canyon, which is one of the deepest canyons in the world. It looks stunning. Missing the chance to explore Colca Canyon is probably our top regret of our entire trip to Peru. It’s just an excuse to come back one day, though! The Arequipa area is home to the Andean condor, which is the largest flying bird in the world, and they are spectacular!

The city itself is also a gem. The Plaza de Armas is stunning. Every day seems to have a sunset that is more sureal than the last. The Santa Catalina Monastery is a wonderful place to spend a quiet day and take a bunch of fun pictures. Ruta del Sillar is an amazing experience where you can see the activae quarries and art work of the city’s famous white stone.

And don’t sleep on the food and drink scene in Arequipa. We had two of the best meals of the trip here and had a blast drinking in a cellar with live music and on the rooftop of an amazing brewery and coffee shop. Read on to learn more about Areipa and our experience in the White City of Peru.

A brief history of Arequipa

The Inca Era

The history of Arequipa dates back to the Inca Empire, when the region was home to various indigenous groups. The Inca conquered the area in the late 15th century, and established the city of Arequipa as a military stronghold to defend against potential enemies from the south.

The Inca were known for their sophisticated engineering and architectural techniques, and they built many impressive structures in the area, including the Tambo de la Cabezona, a large structure that served as a storage facility and resting place for travelers.

The Colonial Era

In 1536, the Spanish arrived in the region and quickly conquered the Inca Empire. They established Arequipa as a colonial city, and it quickly became an important center for trade and commerce.

One of the most important events in the early colonial period was the construction of the Santa Catalina Monastery. This impressive complex of buildings was founded in 1579, and served as a convent for nuns from wealthy families. The monastery was built in the Spanish colonial style, with colorful facades, narrow streets, and beautiful gardens.

During the colonial period, Arequipa became an important center for textile production. The city was located near the rich grazing lands of the Altiplano, and wool from alpacas and llamas was spun into fine textiles that were sold throughout the region.

In the late 18th century, Arequipa became an important center for the fight for independence. Many of the city’s leading citizens were involved in the movement, including Francisco de Paula Quiroz, who helped organize a revolutionary government in the city. Arequipa played a vital role in the fight for independence, and many of its citizens became national heroes.

The Republican Era

After Peru gained independence from Spain in 1821, Arequipa continued to play an important role in the country’s political and economic development. The city was a center for mining and agriculture, and it continued to be an important center for textile production.

In the late 19th century, Arequipa underwent a period of rapid modernization. New buildings were constructed, including the city’s first electric power plant, and the city’s first bank was established. The city also became an important center for education, with the establishment of several schools and universities.

During this period, Arequipa also played an important role in the country’s political history. The city was the site of several important political events, including the signing of the Treaty of Arequipa in 1883, which ended the War of the Pacific between Peru and Chile.

Modern Era

In the 20th century, Arequipa continued to grow and develop. The city became an important center for industry, with the establishment of several factories and manufacturing plants. Arequipa also became an important center for tourism, thanks to its rich history and natural attractions.

One of the most important events in recent history was the earthquake that struck the city in 2001. The earthquake caused significant damage to many of the city’s buildings and infrastructure, and it was a major setback for the city’s development. However, the city was able to recover, and it has since become one of the fastest-growing cities in Peru.

Today, Arequipa is a thriving city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong economy. The city is home to several universities, museums, and cultural institutions, and it continues to be an important center for trade and commerce. The city’s historic center, including the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Plaza de Armas, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a major tourist attraction.

Day 1: A city Tour

We booked a tour with a local guide through Viator that included a full day tour of the city of Arequipa including a visit to the famous Ruta Del Sillar.

To start the day, we got a brief tour of the Plaza de Armas and then made our way to the Mercado San Camilo.

Mercado San Camilo is a historic market located in the heart of Arequipa. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of products.

The market was first established in the late 19th century, and it has been a fixture of the city ever since. The roof was even designed by famous architect Gustav Eiffel – yep that guy.

The market was originally a place primarily to sell herbal medicine. Today, Mercado San Camilo is much more. The market is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific type of product. Visitors can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade textiles and souvenirs.

Today one of the most interesting features of Mercado San Camilo is still the traditional medicinal herb section. Here, vendors sell a wide variety of herbs and other natural remedies, many of which have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and learning about this from our guide as well as a merchant was super cool. We even bought a bottle of a local fragrant oil called Agua de Florida that is commonly used to relieve stress.

Before we left the market, our guide brought us to the produce section for a lesson, and tasting, on Peruvian fruits.

We samples so many mind blowing fruits that are unique to Peru including many we had never heard of before. From the bannana-shaped passion fruit, Tumbo, to the oddly amazing Pacay we tried a ton of amazing fruits and veggies and took some for the road.

After our trip to the market, we got into our guide’s car and he took us to an amazing overlook with a stunning view of the entire valley and surrounding mountains. The overlook also had a huge Christo Blanco statue like the very famous one in Rio.

From this overlook we learned Arequipa is surrounded by several stunning mountains and volcanoes that attract visitors from all over the world.

Misti Volcano is one of the most recognizable and iconic landmarks in Arequipa. It stands at 19,101 feet (5,821 meters), and is an active volcano that has erupted several times in the past, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1985. The volcano is closely monitored by Peruvian authorities, and there are several monitoring stations in the surrounding area that keep track of seismic activity and other indicators of potential eruptions.

Misti holds cultural significance for the people of Arequipa, who consider it to be a symbol of their city. It is often depicted in art and literature, and its image appears on the official seal of Arequipa. Local legends and stories have also been passed down through generations about the volcano and its power. Seeing this massive mountain smokein the distance was an amazing site to behold.

The Chachani Volcano, which is another active volcano located near Arequipa also looms large on the city’s horizon. It’s even taller than Mist coming in at 20,039 feet (6,075 meters). It is the highest volcano in the region and a popular destination for mountain climbers and hikers. A trek to these volcanoes is definitly in our future.

The Pichu Pichu mountain range is also located just outside of Arequipa and features several peaks that rise above 18,000 feet (5,486 meters). The range is known for its dramatic landscapes.

On the afternoon of our tour we were driven out to the Sillar quarries to learn more about the stone that give Arequipa the name of the the white city.

The sillar quarries are an important part of the Ruta del Sillar in Arequipa, Peru. These quarries are the source of the white volcanic stone known as sillar, which is used extensively in the construction of many of the city’s historic buildings.

The extraction process for sillar is still done by hand, using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of local craftsmen. The process involves cutting blocks of the white volcanic stone from the mountainside, and then shaping them into rough cubes using chisels and hammers. The blocks are then transported down to the city by donkey or truck.

Sillar is highly prized for its beauty and durability, and has been used in the construction of many of Arequipa’s most important buildings, including churches, monasteries, and mansions. The stone is known for its white color, fine texture, and ability to resist the effects of weathering and erosion.

Artisans have created stunning (and huge) works of art out of the stone using only these traditional techniques making for an awesome experience.

It was on this tour that we had the chance to try an Arequipa delecacy, made by hand from the most adorable young woman. Cheese ice cream, or “helado de queso” in Spanish, is a unique and delicious dessert that is famous in Arequipa, Peru. The ice cream is made by combining fresh cheese, sugar, milk, and other ingredients to create a creamy and slightly savory dessert that is unlike anything else.

Cheese ice cream is believed to have originated in Arequipa in the 1940s, when local ice cream makers began experimenting with adding cheese to their recipes. Over time, the dessert became increasingly popular in the region, and it is now considered a signature dish of Arequipa’s culinary scene.

The exact recipe for cheese ice cream can vary depending on the maker, but it typically includes fresh cheese, sugar, milk, and sometimes eggs or cream. The cheese used in the ice cream is usually a salty and slightly tangy variety, such as queso fresco or queso blanco. The resulting ice cream has a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory, with a creamy texture and a subtle cheese flavor.

On our drive returning to Arequipa city center, we asked our guide for a recomendation for a local restaurant. His eyes lit up at this question and he spoke quickly with the driver giving him directions.

He took us to the Nuevo Palimino restaurant, which is a local picanteria owned and opperated by the third and fourth generation of women working the open air kitchen. He walked us to the door, and even spoke to the staff after asking us if we minded him ordering some local favorites for us to try. It was an amazing dining experience and our first introduction to Roccoto Relleno, which is an amazing dish from Arequipa that we still drool thinking about.

After an amazing dinner, we went out on the town starting with rooftop drinks and a stunning senset. After that we watched some live music at the Montreal bar, which feels like an underground cellar.

Day 2: Mundo Alpaca, Santa Catalina Montesary, and dinner with Eiffel

For dinner we decided to try out the highly recomended Ayahuasca Restobar.

Ayahuasca is located in the historic Berninzon Mansion. The Berninzon Mansion has a fascinating history dating back to the late 19th century. It was built in 1897 by the architect Rafael Marquina for the wealthy Berninzon family, who owned the largest textile factory in Peru at the time.

The mansion was designed in the Art Nouveau style, featuring intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and ornate details. The Berninzon Mansion was known for its lavish parties and social gatherings, attracting some of the most influential figures in Peruvian society. Over time, the mansion changed hands and was used for various purposes, including as a school and a cultural center.

Today, the mansion makes for a perfect setting for an amazing bar and restaurant, and the food and drinks at Ayahuasca live up to the amazing ambiance.

After a fun morning of all things camelid, we explored a few bars and spent some time on the rooftop of Puka Puka, which is an amazing cafe / rootop we highliy recomend.

Then we headed off to the Santa Catalina Monastery, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Arequipa. It is a colonial-era monastery that was founded in 1580 and was originally intended for the daughters of wealthy Spanish families. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a functioning monastery for nuns.

The Santa Catalina Monastery was founded in 1580 by Maria de Guzman, a wealthy widow who wanted to create a monastery for women in Arequipa. The monastery was named after Saint Catherine of Siena, an Italian saint who was known for her devotion to the Church. The first nuns to live in the monastery were all from wealthy Spanish families, and they lived a life of luxury within the monastery walls.

The Santa Catalina Monastery is known for its stunning colonial-era architecture, which features bright colors and intricate details. It makes for an amazing day of Insta-enviable photos if you’re into that sort of thing. The monastery covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters, and it is built around a series of plazas and gardens. The buildings are made from sillar and are decorated with colorful tiles and ornate carvings.

We were really excited to try out the famous Zig Zag restaurant in Arequipa, Peru. This dining spot is known for its fusion of traditional Peruvian flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, and for its stunning architectural design.

One of the highlights of the restaurant is its iconic spiral staircase, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel, the same architect behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The staircase is a work of art in itself, and the intricate ironwork was hard not to stare at while we ate.

But it wasn’t just the design of the restaurant that impressed us – the food was simply outstanding. We started with the Carpaccio Rio, sliced raw Andean trout with olive oil, lemon, capers and dill. This was the first taste of Andean trout we had on our trip, and it is unreal good!

For our main course, DJ ordered the Trío especial de carnes, which included fillets of beef, lamb, and Alpaca served on a hot lava rock. Rosanna ordered the Amazonian fish fillets, which is Arapaima fish. It was flambeed tableside. Both were incredible.

From the stunning design of the restaurant to the amazing service and expertly crafted dishes, every aspect of our meal at Zig Zag was a true feast for the senses.

If you find yourself in Arequipa, we highly recommend a visit to Zig Zag restaurant. Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample some of the best cuisine Peru has to offer or an architecture enthusiast keen to see the work of Gustav Eiffel firsthand, this dining spot is sure to impress.