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City Guide: Arequipa, Peru

Fri, 25 August 2017

Words by Contributor : Selene Nelson

To Eat

To Drink

To Shop

To Do

Shadowed by three dramatic volcanoes, Arequipa’s setting is about as glorious as you can get. Much smaller than Lima and far less touristy than Cusco, Peru’s second-largest city has just as much cultural significance – and arguably considerably more beauty. Arequipa’s centre gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, and the city’s vistas, with the El Misti volcano looming behind, are magnificent. Arequipa’s white baroque buildings are made from local white volcanic sillar rock and give the centre a grand and markedly European flavour.

The city played a key role in Peru’s gastronomic renaissance and today is home to some of the country’s best restaurants, where you are encouraged to try national favourites such as alpaca and guinea pig, as well as the vast array of potato dishes. Due to the low altitude (unusual for a Peruvian city) and the near-constant blue skies, Arequipa is a delight to explore. Here’s the best of this sunny, colourful and stylish city.

TO STAY

Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa

For those looking for a taste of luxury, Casa Andina is one of Arequipa’s most celebrated hotels. Located in a restored 18th-century mansion and three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Casa Andina has 40 beautiful rooms to choose from. In the main building, you’ll find the senior suites, while the new wing overlooking the colonial courtyard houses superior rooms and standard suites. This is the place to stay in Arequipa.

+ 51 0542 2607
Go to Website
Calle Ugarte 403
04000 Arequipa

Libertador Arequipa

Arequipa’s Libertador is a rather unusual upmarket hotel: built in the 1940s, it’s much more modern than the city’s other top hotels, but no less appealing. The bright yellow and orange lobby is warm and welcoming, with market scene murals and mirrors adding to the overall charm. There are 88 bedrooms, all with intricate headboards and large TVs, and outside there’s a pool shaded by palm trees. The onsite restaurant is also excellent – try the Peruvian-style Caprese salad.

+51 5421 5110
Go to Website
Plaza Bolívar s/n
Selva Alegre
04000 Arequipa

La Casa de Melgar

If you’re looking for characterful accommodation, look no further than La Casa de Melgar. An excellent mid-range option, this hotel is just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas and its 18th-century Spanish colonial style makes for an authentic stay. Thanks to its many courtyards, vaults and archways, it almost feels as though you’re in a monastery – but thankfully the vibe is a lot more relaxed. The bedrooms are light and airy, the staff friendly, and the complimentary breakfast delicious.

+51 5422 2459
Go to Website
Melgar 108
04000 Arequipa

Los Andes Bed & Breakfast

This is the best budget option in Arequipa. Less than a minute from the historical centre, bedrooms are large and comfortable and offer both private and shared bathrooms. Breakfast is included but if you fancy preparing your own meals there’s a decent kitchen for guests to use. Additionally, luggage storage, security boxes and an inexpensive laundry service are all provided.

+51 5433 0015
Go to Website
Calle La Merced 123
La Merced
04000 Arequipa

Los Andes Bed & Breakfast

La Casa de Melgar

Libertador Arequipa

Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa

City Guides

You know how you have that one incredible friend who knows their city inside out? That’s us. We take the world’s most dynamic destinations, hand-pick the best bits and give them to you in one place. This is the kind of guide that you don’t need to run by a local – it was written by one. Eat your heart out, shop until you drop, drink like a fish, dance your socks off, sleep – then repeat.