Arequipa is a fairly large, but still beautiful, city located just below the edge of the Peruvian Altiplano. It's nicknamed the "White City", because many of the buildings in the area are built using sillar, a rock coming from some of the many volcanoes that surround the city including the towering El Misti.

Dangers and Annoyances
Do not walk alone after 11pm in the down town area!

The safest way to call a taxi is to ask your hotel or hostel to do it for you.

Around and closeby
The Colca Valley is an area of astounding scenic beauty, with giant Andean terraces and a deep canyon that reaches a depth of 3140 metres. A journey to the Colca valley will take throughout high Andean plateau, reaching at one point a high pass of 4800 metres, which offers fine views of the Volcanoes. Along the way visitors can enjoy unique natural sceneries, as well as animal life; such as herds of Vicuñas (a wild relative of Llamas and Alpacas) and various types of birds, of which stand out the giant hummingbird, eagles, geese and the mighty Andean Condor. If you like adventure tours, the Canyon also offers wonderful treks down to its button, descending throughout huge mountains, exploring oasis-like valleys, thermal springs, and camping outdoors.

Sightseeing
Visit some of the many markets in the centre of Arequipa.

Getting there
By far the easiest way to get to/from Arequipa is by plane. Lan flys twice daily. Several buses a day do the long trips to Cusco, Puno, Camana, Pisco, Nazca, Lima and Tacna.

In general, you get what you pay for with buses, but it still doesn't hurt to ask about the quality of the bus before you buy your ticket. Some of the more reputable companies are Ormeño and Cruz del Sur.

Getting around
The best way to get around is by taxi. The attractions around Plaza des armas can be reached by foot. You can hail taxis just from the sidewalk. Taxis have a meter but they don't use it. Make sure you bargain a bit. The target price for city rides should be around 3-4 soles depending on distance. Some cab drivers try to rip you off by saying prices are per head but price is always per ride for all passengers. Allow a minor extra for luggage.