Arequipa – The White City on a Budget

Arequipa, known as The White City, is Peru's second-largest city and one of the country's most atmospheric cultural hubs. The historic heart of the city is built from bright volcanic sillar stone and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Life here centers around the elegant Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial buildings and set against the spectacular backdrop of the snow-capped volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. A must-see is the Santa Catalina Monastery – a colorful, labyrinthine convent offering a rare insight into centuries of religious and social life behind its walls. Arequipa is also famous for its local cuisine, especially the traditional picanterías where you can sample regional specialties. The city serves as the natural starting point for trips to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, where you can hike dramatic landscapes, relax in hot springs, and watch Andean condors soar at dawn. With low prices, great cafes, and a relaxed pace, Arequipa is ideal for travelers seeking authentic experiences in the Andes without mass tourism.