Arequipa, Peru: The White City

I TRULY wish I had taken more pictures here.

The city of Arequipa is sprawling; truly spread out. This is something you would never know if you came here. The city center and everything nearby does a fantastic job of appearing very small. Everything is walkable, and the city lacks much of the smog and pollution I have seen in so many other places.

Arequipa has the nickname La Ciudad Blanca because the entire city center is built out of a special white volcanic rock. The effect is less dramatic during the day, but nothing short of splendid after dark. I don’t have any good shots, but I am sure Google can provide. The views in Plaza de Armas with a full moon overhead are not to be missed. When people think of old romantic Spanish cities, this is what they are thinking of.

To get to or from the city, you will want to catch a plane or a night bus. If you are taking a plane, go with Peruvian Airlines to get here from any major city in Peru for around $60 USD. If you are taking a bus, Cruz del Sur or Cromotex are the way to go; they have the cleanest record and the best equipment. Both bus companies run double decker buses, selling the executive lower level for about the same price of 100 soles, while Cromotex sells the upper level for about 40 soles cheaper than Cruz del Sur. Leaving Arequipa for Cuzco, I got a night bus with dinner included for around $18 USD.

I did not want to leave Arequipa. Great nightlife, excellent surrounding countryside, and free guided tours from the hostel owner really went a long way towards making me feel at home. However, I have an entire continent to explore and friends to meet, so I can’t stay in one place forever.