When he arrived in the present-day Arequipa with his army, Inca Mayta Cápac declared ari-que-pay, "yes, stay here." Nearly six centuries later, this oasis of pearly white buildings rising out of the beautiful valley at the base of El Misti volcano, retains its captivating beauty. Arequipa is a stunning town regarded for both its colonial charm and rich cultural heritage. It has, in fact, been declared a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Beautiful churches, convents and colonial mansions, perfectly framed by majestic snow-capped mountains, distinguish Arequipa from its larger neighbor, Puno. The town and its mountains draw culture buffs and adventure junkies from around the world.
Nicknamed la ciudad blanca, or "the white city," for its unique buildings made entirely of sillar, a white volcanic stone, Arequipa offers a relaxed, romantic atmosphere that makes it a popular rendezvous for lovers. The striking Plaza de Armas, lined with palm trees and dominated by the sprawling neoclassical La Catedral, is one of the most beautiful main squares in all of Peru. From here you can take a stroll to the 400 year old Monasterio de Santa Catalina, La Compañia, the church of San Francisco, Chapel of the Third Order, or Santo Domingo.
Arequipa's history provides ample options for lovers of the past to choose from.  There are a number of interesting museums, including the new Museo Santuarios Andinos, home to the famous mummy of 13-year-old Juanita, Museo Histórico Municipal, and Museo de Arte Contemporáneo. Arequipa also has several colonial mansions, which are worth a visit. Some of these casonas are located outside the city, in the picturesque countryside. To see the houses, and enjoy the fresh air, take a three-hour tour campiña, which can be arranged by one of Arequipa's tour agencies. If you prefer spectacular views that don't require physical labor, Yanahuara, 2km northwest of the city offers excellent views of El Misti.
For active adventurers looking for more than a languorous countryside tour, head to one of the three volcanoes towering over the city. Chachani is the most achievable 6,000 meter summit, while El Misti and Ampato promise more challenging treks. Beyond these peaks, in the extraordinary Valley of the Volcanoes, are two of the world's deepest canyons—the Cotahuasi and the Colca. Trips to either of these places provide vivid images of some of the country's most spectacular scenery, and if you're lucky, glimpses of the noble condor. The canyon wasn’t connected to the modern world until the late 1970s and as such its villagers continue to practice ancient traditions and ways of life. In comparison to other areas, this is also one of the safest places for trekking, mountain biking, and rafting.
For tourist information, head to i-Peru (Portal de la Municipalidad 110, Tel: 51-54-221-228). Travelers should also be warned that theft can be a problem in the market areas, particularly after dark. You should also be careful when taking taxis at night, as car-jacking has been reported. Because Arequipa is a commercial center for southern Peru it has a number of hotels and restaurants, which cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and budgets.