Arequipa, the second largest city of Peru, is located at an altitude of 2325m on the Western slopes of the Andes mountain chain. It is just 3 hours drive from the coast, and as such has a dry warm climate most of the year.

This beautiful city is called the White City because its old centre is built almost entirely from "Sillar", a white volcanic stone found nearby. The main square, the Plaza de Armas, is considered the most beautiful in Peru.

In December 2000, UNESCO declared this historical centre a World Heritage Site, stating the following: “The historical center of Arequipa is an example of ornamented architecture, represents a masterpiece of the creative coalition of European and native characteristics. A colonial town challenged by the conditions of nature, the indigenous influences, the conquest process and evangelism as well as for a spectacular natural scenario. Arequipa is surrounded by spectacular mountains, including the volcano El Misti. A feature of the city is its many beautiful buildings made of a light-colored volcanic rock called sillar,that’s why it’s also called the “White city”.  Photo: A detail of the façade of the Jesuit Church.