Arequipa turns 484 years old, carved in sillar and volcanoes.
On August 15, 1540, the city we now know as the White City was founded. Nearly five centuries later, its volcanic-stone streets still gaze at the Misti volcano — and the Colca Canyon still waits just a couple of hours away.
Why is it called the White City?
Sillar is the reason Arequipa shines differently from any other city in Peru. Much of the historic center is built with sillar, a white volcanic stone quarried from the slopes of the Misti volcano. Under the morning sun, the entire city seems to glow. The Plaza de Armas, the Santa Catalina Monastery, and dozens of colonial mansions are made of this very stone — which is why the nickname stuck forever.
This August 15 marks 484 years since the city’s Spanish foundation, a good excuse to explore it along with its most famous neighbor: the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and home to the Andean condor.
484 years since Spanish foundation
3 volcanoes surround the city: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu
2 times deeper than the Grand Canyon — the Colca Canyon
What you’ll experience
From the White City to the Colca Canyon
01 – Santa Catalina Monastery
A colonial citadel within the city, with intensely colored streets and centuries of religious history.
02 – Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint
The spot where the Andean condor can be seen gliding over the canyon, right at sunrise.
03 – Colca Villages
Chivay, Yanque and other Andean towns with pre-Hispanic terraces that are still cultivated today.
04 – Chivay Hot Springs
The perfect way to soothe your body after a day at high altitude and hiking through the canyon.
Available packages
Selection from the tours page to Arequipa – Colca Canyon. Prices and dates subject to current availability.
5D – Arequipa Full — private and shared service
5 days exploring the city and the Colca Canyon at a relaxed pace.
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4D – Arequipa – Colca – Sillar Route
4 days including the historic route of the sillar quarries.
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6D – Arequipa – Colca (6 days)
The most complete option to explore the region without rushing.
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1D – City Tour: Viewpoints + Santa Catalina Monastery
Ideal for those who only have one day in the White City.
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Celebrate Arequipa’s 484 years by getting to know it
Check out all the packages to Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, or write to us to tailor-make your own route.
14/08/2026