Arequipa, known as the “White City” (Ciudad Blanca), is a destination in southern Peru that captivates every visitor with its unique charm. Surrounded by the imposing volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, this city is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and extreme natural beauty. Its nickname is no accident; it stems from the fact that most of its colonial buildings are constructed with sillar, a white or pink volcanic stone, quarried nearby, which gives its Historic Center a unique glow. This area has been declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
If you’re planning a trip to this Peruvian jewel, there are two experiences that are absolutely mandatory: immersing yourself in the history and colors of the Monasterio de Santa Catalina (Monastery of Santa Catalina) and marveling at the natural grandeur of the Cañón del Colca (Colca Canyon). Both represent the duality of Arequipa: its profound historical-religious legacy and its powerful Andean geography.
A Journey Through Time: The Monastery of Santa Catalina
Just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the Monastery of Santa Catalina of Siena is a portal to another era. This colonial religious monument, founded in 1579, is much more than a convent; it is a true walled citadel within the city. It occupies an entire city block and remained a center of absolute cloister for Dominican nuns for nearly 400 years until it finally opened its doors to the public in 1970.
The City in Miniature
Upon crossing its sillar walls, the hustle and bustle of Arequipa fades away, giving way to an atmosphere of profound serenity and silence. The most striking feature of Santa Catalina is its architecture and its vibrant colors, reminiscent of a miniature Andalusian town. Its cobblestone streets are named after Spanish cities like “Sevilla” or “Córdoba” and guide you through:
- Intense Colored Walls: The contrast between the striking cobalt blue and the vibrant terracotta red is a feast for the eyes and the camera lens. The blue, obtained from copper oxide, represents the sky and the Virgin Mary’s mantle, while the ochre-red, derived from iron oxide, symbolizes the blood of Christ and the martyrs.
- Cloisters and Patios: Spaces like the Cloister of the Orange Tree (Claustro de la Naranja) and the Patio of Silence (Patio del Silencio) invite you to reflect on the monastic life of the nuns who lived confined here, many of whom belonged to the wealthiest families of the time.
- Private Cells: Each nun had her own cell, which often resembled a complete house with a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and patio, reflecting the social status of the families who placed them there.
From the Monastery’s viewpoints, besides admiring the rooftops and the citadel’s layout, you can get spectacular panoramic views of the majestic Misti and Chachani volcanoes watching over the city. A visit to the Monastery of Santa Catalina is a cultural and historical experience that requires at least two or three hours to explore its approximately 22,000 square meters.
The Natural Wonder: The Colca Canyon
If the Monastery of Santa Catalina connects you with colonial history, an excursion to the Colca Canyon connects you with the untamed force of the Andean wilderness. Located just a few hours from the city in the province of Caylloma, Colca is famous for being one of the deepest canyons in the world, surpassing the depth of the famous Grand Canyon of Colorado in the United States.
The journey to Colca is an adventure in itself. You ascend to over 4,000 meters above sea level, passing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a place where you can observe Andean fauna such as vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat.
The Kingdom of the Andean Condor
The main attraction of the Colca Canyon is, without a doubt, the majestic Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint. In the early morning or mid-morning, this strategic point becomes the perfect stage to witness the breathtaking flight of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), one of the largest flying birds on the planet and a symbol of the Andes. Watching these giant birds gracefully glide, taking advantage of the thermal currents rising from the canyon, is a spectacle that will leave you breathless.
Beyond the Condor
But Colca is much more than just condors. The valley is a geographical and cultural treasure, characterized by:
- Pre-Inca Terraces: Along the canyon, you can see thousands of agricultural terraces built by pre-Inca cultures like the Collaguas and Cabanas, demonstrating the ancestral ingenuity to adapt farming to the challenging Andean geography.
- Picturesque Villages: The route takes you through charming colonial towns such as Chivay (the base point for most tours, at ) and Yanque, where you can visit sillar churches in the Andean Baroque style and enjoy the La Calera Hot Springs, whose sulfur and iron-rich waters are ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
- Trekking: For hiking enthusiasts, the Colca Canyon offers challenging trekking routes of 2 or 3 days that descend to the bottom of the canyon, reaching oases like Sangalle.
Quick Tips for Your Visit to Arequipa
Destination Recommended Duration Reference Price Recommendation Monastery of Santa Catalina 2 to 3 hours $55 Take a guided tour Colca Canyon 2 days / 1 night (minimum) $375 Acclimate in Arequipa first Arequipa is, without a doubt, a destination that satisfies both the colonial history enthusiast and the adventurer seeking extreme natural landscapes. From the colorful and silent streets of Santa Catalina to the dramatic and deep Colca Canyon, the “White City” awaits you to give you an unforgettable travel experience. Get ready to be captivated by the sillar and the flight of the condor!
