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Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa is Peru's second city and arguably its most beautiful, constructed almost entirely from white volcanic sillar stone that glows golden at sunset against the backdrop of El Misti volcano. The UNESCO-listed historic center radiates from the Plaza de Armas, widely considered the most beautiful main square in Peru, flanked by the massive Cathedral and elegant colonial arcades. The Santa Catalina Monastery is a city within a city — a 20,000-square-meter complex of painted streets, plazas, and cloisters that operated as an enclosed community for nearly 400 years. The San Camilo Market is a daily spectacle of Peruvian highlands ingredients, including dozens of varieties of potatoes, peppers, and tropical fruits. The Yanahuara viewpoint offers a framed view of El Misti through colonial arches. The Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is a spectacular day trip from the city.
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Arequipa sits at 2,335 meters — lower than Cusco but still high enough to cause mild altitude effects. The colonial center is compact and mostly flat, making it comfortable for walking once you acclimatize.
April through November is the dry season with clear skies and the best volcano views, though Arequipa's desert climate keeps rain minimal even in the wet season.