Arequipa and Colca Canyon

Arequipa, Peru's captivating "White City," stands at 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) above sea level, distinguished by its stunning colonial architecture built from sillar, a white volcanic stone. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases impressive Spanish-influenced buildings including the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, a colorful city-within-a-city. Framed by three dramatic volcanoes, including the perfectly conical Misti at 5,822 meters (19,101 feet), Arequipa offers breathtaking landscapes and access to one of the world's deepest canyons, Colca Canyon. Visitors delight in the region's distinctive cuisine, vibrant picanterías (traditional restaurants), and rich cultural heritage that blends indigenous and European influences into a unique Arequipeño identity.

Arequipa

Recommended stay: 1 - 2 nights

The Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest gorges at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) deep, offers visitors an awe-inspiring natural spectacle just a few hours from Arequipa. This majestic landscape features terraced agricultural fields dating back to pre-Inca times, traditional villages where ancient customs endure, and natural hot springs perfect for relaxation after hiking. The canyon's most famous attraction is Cruz del Condor, a spectacular viewpoint where visitors can witness magnificent Andean condors soaring on morning thermals, their massive 3-meter (10-foot) wingspans silhouetted against dramatic canyon walls. Beyond its natural beauty, Colca Valley preserves rich cultural heritage in its colonial churches, colorful festivals, and distinctive embroidery traditions that make this region an unforgettable destination in southern Peru.