The name Arequipa comes from the Quechua phrase “Ari-que pay”, which means “Yes, we will stay here”. Arequipa´s golden age is identified with the Churajón culture, which densely populated the valley, building agricultural terraces and irrigating the land.

This second most important city in Peru, lies at the foot of the snow-capped “El Misti” volcano. It is called “The White City” because it is mostly built from “sillar” an off-white volcanic rock. This noble and beautiful southern city is a showcase of fine architecture, with its colonial buildings, mansions and churches against a perennial, blue sky; it transports the visitor to times long past. The well-preserved Monastery of Santa Catalina is the most impressive religious example of the architecture characteristic of the XVI and XVII centuries.

Arequipa has beautiful colonial houses dating back to the 17th and the 18th century. Some are private properties, used as banks or renovated hotels and shopping malls. From the city you can appreciate the wonderful views of the volcanoes of “el Misti”, “Chachani” and “Picchu Picchu