When to go
Arequipa can be visited throughout the year. Its climate is perfect for visitors, the sun shines on 360 days of the year and temperatures rarely exceed 23°C.
Getting local currency
Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollars cash (few accept euros or sterling and the rate may be poor).
Time difference
GMT -5 hours.
Getting there
Flights to Arequipa from Lima take one hour. The drive from Arequipa to Colca takes 4-6 hours.
Combines with
Lake Titicaca, 224km (9-12 hours by road) from Arequipa via Colca Canyon or 40mins flight from Arequipa to Juliaca; Nazca Lines, 404 km (10 hours on the Pan American Highway); Cusco 320 km (12 hours by road, 1 hour by air from Arequipa).
Key events
Semana Santa,
Easter. Inspired by the celebrations in Spain’s Seville, with huge nightly processions and the reading of Judas’ Will in Yanahuara on Easter Sunday.
May is the “Month of the crosses” with hilltop ceremonies.
Arequipa’s anniversary (14-15 Aug) is celebrated with music, dancing parades, pageants and a huge fireworks display and parade of floats in the Plaza de Armas.