Crosses in courtyard of Cloister of Orange Trees in Monasterio de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Monastery), Arequipa, Peru

Getty Images/Gallo Images

Arequipa & Canyon Country

Arequipa province is Peru’s big combo ticket, with authentic historical immersion and white-knuckle Andean adventure inhabiting the same breathing space. Imagine the cultural riches of one of South America’s finest historic cities just a few hours’ drive from the world’s two deepest canyons and you’ll get a hint of the dramatic contrasts here. Ample urban distractions can be found in Arequipa, the arty, audacious, unflappably resilient metropolis that lies in the shadow of El Misti volcano. Beckoning to the northwest are the Colca and Cotahuasi canyons, whose impressive depth is a mere statistic compared to the Andean condors, epic treks and long-standing Spanish, Inca and pre-Inca traditions that lurk in their midst. Other unusual apparitions include the lava-encrusted Valle de los Volcanes, the haunting Toro Muerto petroglyphs, and the barren Paso de Patopampa where a main road ascends to 16,109ft (4910m), higher than any point in Western Europe or North America.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Arequipa & Canyon Country. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Get started

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Arequipa & Canyon Country

Filter by interest:

Cusco, Peru - March 31 2019: Indigenous woman selling different types of potatoes at "Vinocanchon San Jeronimo" market. Poor Peruvian female peasant.; Shutterstock ID 1356423413; your: Ben N Buckner; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: PromPeru partnership
1356423413

Art and Culture

Taste and distinction: Food and culture in southern Peru

Sep 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Arequipa & Canyon Country with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Go Beyond

Arequipa & Canyon Country and beyond