Known as the colonial capital of Peru, Arequipa is a beautiful city framed by three volcanoes. Its historic center is anchored by Plaza de Armas, a stately main square. The city is filled with baroque buildings built from sillar, a white volcanic stone.

Monastery of Santa Catalina

Located in Arequipa, Peru, the Monastery of Santa Catalina is a well-preserved colonial site. It is considered to be one of the city's major cultural attractions.

The monastery is home to approximately 30 nuns. It is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and closed on Sunday and Christmas Day. You can book a tour with a licensed guide, who speaks English, Spanish, Japanese, or French. You can also purchase tickets online. The cost of a guide is not included in the admission price.

In the heyday of the monastery, it housed about 450 people. Many of the buildings were made from sillar, a white volcanic rock.

Basilica Cathedral

Located in the historic center of Arequipa, Basilica Cathedral is one of the city's most important Catholic monuments. It is a Neo-Renaissance style building and was built between 1540 and 1656.

It is a Roman Catholic religious institution and is the seat of the Archbishop of Arequipa. It is located in the city's historic center and is one of the city's most visited tourist attractions.

The Cathedral is divided into three naves. The first two are decorated with liturgical art in gold. The third room displays ornaments of priests and the fourth exhibits paintings by Francisco Lazo.

There is also an organ at the Cathedral that has been played since 1854. It is 12 meters high and has 1,218 tubas. This is the second largest symphonic organ in South America.

Plaza de Armas

Located in Arequipa, Peru, Plaza de Armas is a must-see attraction. This historic and cultural hub is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the largest plazas in the country. The area is known for its cultural value and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Peru.

Plaza de Armas is surrounded by diverse portals and buildings. The cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Municipality Palace are some of the most important buildings in the city. The architecture is predominantly white, and there are also some colonnades made of carved wood.

The main structure in the central square is the Arequipa Cathedral. The cathedral is built in the city's sillar architecture, which is white volcanic stone. The cathedral has been damaged in at least six earthquakes.

Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve

Located on the backside of Volcan Misti, the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve is a natural park in Arequipa. It has an impressive Andean geography and is home to a range of species. The reserve has 358 species of plants and 207 different bird and mammal species.

Visitors can explore the area by car or on a guided tour. It is best to acclimatize to the high altitudes before visiting. In addition, visitors should bring warm clothing and a windbreaker.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve was created in 1979. It is located in the provinces of Arequipa and Caylloma in the department of Arequipa. It is one of the most important protected natural areas in Peru. It is also known for its wetlands, lagoons, and volcanoes. It is home to a number of animal species, including guanaco, llama, and guanaco deer.

Puente Bolognesi

Despite its status as the most ancient of Arequipa's three bridges, the Puente Bolognesi in Arequipa still has a lot to offer. The best part is that the 96-year-old structure is still functional and is open to the public for the most part.

While there are no shortage of landmarks in Arequipa, the Puente Bolognesi in particular stands out as the city's oldest and most opulent of the trio. Having been constructed in the early 1600s, the Bolognesi has undergone some upgrades in the last decade. The most recent renovations include a modernised motorway and pedestrian sidewalk. As for the structure itself, the Bolognesi is an example of sillar, a porous, lightweight stone.

Casona Forum

Located in the city centre, the Casona Forum is the brainchild of a savvy young entrepreneur with a taste for high-decibel action. This ain't your average club - it's a nightclub in the truest sense. On weekends, the place pounces on a good night. It's the best a night out you'll find in Arequipa. The decor isn't bad, either. The staff is friendly and the food is tasty. If you're in the mood for a drink, the drink-sellers are yours for the taking. The place is well suited for date night, or a nightcap after work. The site's perks include a free bottle of champagne for the lucky few.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting out, there are plenty of day trips from Arequipa that you can take. Some of these include:

Ruta del Sillar: Ruta del Sillar is a walking tour that takes you through Arequipa's historic center. The route includes a number of impressive sillar stone quarries, chiseled works of art, and a wonderful landscape.

Capua Waterfall: The Capua Waterfall trail is a well-marked, four-to-five hour hike that starts from Arequipa and ends at Yura. Visitors can also enjoy a collectivo ride from Arequipa to Yura.

Salinas Salt Lagoon: The Salinas Salt Lagoon is a beautiful site in southern Peru. This salty lagoon is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is home to flamingos. It's a popular day trip from Arequipa.

Arequipa's Mansion of the Founder: The Mansion of the Founder of Arequipa is a compact museum on the outskirts of the city. Dedicated to the 16th century conquistador Don Garci Manuel de Carbajal, this building showcases beautiful architecture.

Colca Canyon: One of the most spectacular day trips from Arequipa is to the Colca Canyon. This excursion covers the main points of the canyon and the surrounding areas, including natural viewpoints and traditional villages. It also includes a visit to the Mirador de la Cruz del Condor, which provides panoramic views of the canyon. It also returns to Arequipa.

Chachani: Another popular day trip from Arequipa is a trek to the popular dormant volcano Chachani. It's not a particularly difficult hike, but it is challenging. You will get to see a beautiful canyon and the stunning Andean condors that nest on the rocky outcrops.