Perched high in Peru’s southern Andes, Arequipa is more than just a pretty face of white stone. Nicknamed the white city for its dazzling sillar architecture, the city reflects a rich mix of Indigenous, colonial, and contemporary cultures. From its iconic buildings to bustling markets and vibrant festivals, Arequipa offers a deeply rooted cultural experience that reveals the region’s identity through its streets, flavors, and traditions.
A City Built from Volcanoes
The white facades that define Arequipa Peru are made from sillar, a volcanic stone unique to the region. Its soft, workable quality allowed artisans to craft ornate arches, churches, and homes that still line the city’s historic center. As you walk through the Plaza de Armas or gaze up at the Cathedral of Arequipa, it’s easy to see how geology shaped the city’s aesthetic. Understanding how people use natural resources creatively is a theme we explore in our eco-education initiatives in Peru, where local sustainability practices are central.
A Taste of Arequipa
Food in Arequipa is both comfort and heritage. Traditional dishes like rocoto relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper, and pastel de papa, a layered potato bake, are staples in the local diet. These meals speak to centuries of farming, ranching, and culinary innovation in the Andes. Visiting local markets filled with pungent cheeses and freshly picked peppers gives insight into daily life. Students preparing these dishes in cooking classes gain firsthand appreciation for how food shapes identity—an experience that deepens when paired with our multilingual classroom volunteer program, where community meals often become teaching moments.
Faith and Festivities in the White City
Arequipa’s religious and cultural events are deeply embedded in the rhythms of local life. Celebrations like the Feast of the Virgin of the Assumption fill the streets with music, dancing, and color. These moments blend Catholic traditions with Indigenous rituals, creating a unique spiritual tapestry. The Santa Catalina Monastery, with its vibrant courtyards and serene passageways, is a striking example of this blend. Experiencing festivals in real time connects students to a living tradition—a dimension explored further in our rural Peru service learning experiences, where cultural participation is part of the journey.
Creativity in Everyday Life
Art and craftsmanship are cornerstones of Arequipa’s identity. Walk into any artisan market and you’ll find pottery, textiles, and silverwork crafted using techniques passed down for generations. Music and dance also reflect local stories, with performances at Teatro Municipal and community spaces capturing Andean spirit through rhythm and movement. These art forms are not just performances but personal expressions of history and place. In our cultural immersion expeditions, students learn how these traditions are kept alive and adapted by new generations.
Why Arequipa Inspires Learning
From its volcanic stone buildings to its thriving food scene and time-honored celebrations, Arequipa invites exploration. It’s a city where history lives in the architecture and culture grows in daily routines. For students, it’s a space to observe how geography, tradition, and creativity intersect. Our high school travel programs in Peru are designed to connect these elements, making Arequipa an ideal learning destination.
Want a broader look at how Arequipa’s beauty and history earned it global recognition? Check out its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Engaged Education - Transformative Educational Travel Experiences
Discover the spirit of Arequipa through immersive, educational travel. Download our Engaged Education Brochure to explore upcoming opportunities. Even a small monthly contribution can create big change. For less than the cost of a coffee, you can help fund community-led education and cultural preservation by becoming a monthly donor.
