Peru Independent Travel (Arequipa Chapter) ✨

Nestled at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Peru’s second-largest city is built from white volcanic rock, earning its nickname "The White City". With fewer tourists, it became my favorite stop on this trip! Itinerary Yanahuara Viewpoint Santa Catalina Monastery ZigZag Restaurant Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita the Ice Maiden mummy) Plaza de Armas + La Compañía Church Mundo Alpaca (Alpaca Museum) Key Tips 💵 Cash is king: Uber (except airport trips) and most attractions only accept cash. 🏔️ Skip Yanahuara Viewpoint—the view is mediocre. La Compañía Church’s rooftop offers a better panorama! ⛪ Santa Catalina Monastery (45 soles): My top favorite! Stunning red/blue/white architecture. Hire a guide (10 soles) for rich insights—allow 2 hours total. 🍽️ ZigZag: Recommended by Lonely Planet and social media. Try their 4-meat platter (beef, ribs, chicken, alpaca) and unique cinnamon ice cream. ⚰️ Museo Santuarios Andinos (25 soles): Focuses on Inca sacrificial rituals. Mandatory guided tour (~40 mins)—tip optional. 🏛️ La Compañía Church: Pay 10 soles before 5 PM for rooftop access + guide (worth it for volcano views!). Free entry to the main chapel from 5-6 PM. 🦙 Mundo Alpaca: A wool shop with live alpacas to pet! Fun and educational. Accommodation 🏨 Costa del Sol Wyndham: Decent but 1.8km from Plaza de Armas. For convenience, opt for 2-4 star hotels near the square. 🌃 Nighttime: Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas at night—more beautiful than Cusco’s! ✈️ Flight to Lima: 19:50-21:25. Stayed again at Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport for safety (unsafe to explore old town before an afternoon flight). #Peru #TravelPeru #Arequipa #PeruvianCuisine #SouthAmerica #Wanderlust 🌎📸