Overview
Take a trip to Arequipa on your Peru Vacation
Surrounded by three mountains in the southern coastal region of Peru is Arequipa. The “Legal Capital” of the country to be visited on a Peru vacation. Arequipa is home to the Constitutional Court and is an important commercial centre trading with Chile, Bolivia and Brazil.
Originally named Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the city was founded on 15 August 1540. Just over a year later, King Charles V ordered that the name be changed to the City of Arequipa. It became known for its faithfulness to the Spanish during colonial times and was an important economic centre. Later, during the republican history of Peru, Arequipa grew into a hub of political thought and was the site of popular rebellions. As a result, the city produced many prominent Peruvian thinkers and intellectuals.
Today, Arequipa is a very interesting destination on Pery vacation packages as it provides a unique mixture of both urban and outdoor life. The city is surrounded by wild terrain that offers trekking, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and more. Despite not housing the Inca artefacts that have made Peru famous, Arequipa is instead famous and celebrated for its Spanish culture and colonial architecture. Its historic centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 because of the unique architectural blend of both European and native characteristics known as “Escuela arequipeña”. The second most populous city in Peru, Arequipa is equally popular with tourists, establishing itself as a unique destination for international visitors on Peru tours.
At a Glance
Languages
Peruvian Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, AsháninkaCurrency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)What do the experts say?
For a unique experience visit an indigenous village high in the Andes for a Pachamama ceremony. I was fortunate to participate in one and the warmth of the people and how simple they lived, really touched my heart.
Dress for all weather types, climate can range from very warm and humid in Lima to cool and rainy in Machu Picchu and very hot and dry in the Sacred Valley
May to October is the best time to visit as it is the dry season with sunny days, clear skies, ideal for trekking and enjoy the landscape. However like in all Latin countries, the weather is unpredictable, so be ready if any rain show up during a sunny day
Everyone should make sure they try a Pisco sour - It's Peru’s national cocktail—a smooth, citrusy, and slightly foamy drink made with pisco, a type of grape brandy. It’s both refreshing and strong, with a sweet-tart balance and a signature foamy top from egg white.
It is astonishing how much incredible diversity of experiences can be packed into one country, Peru is full of deep cultural roots, a wide range of landscape, adventure and its delicious cuisine.
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
ArequipaMostly Sunny
23°C / 74°F
4mm / 0.2"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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