Arequipa is the second largest city of Peru. It is located in the south of the country at 7638 ft, on the slopes of three volcanoes. Because of its beautiful buildings in white ashlar stone of volcanic origin, it receives the name of “White City”. It is the third most visited city after Cusco and Lima. Private Lima Tours with Sara tells you how to go from Lima to Arequipa:
1. By bus
Buses take the Panamerican Highway and reach Arequipa in 15 hours. Note that Lima does not have a Central Bus Station. You have to take the bus from the terminal of each bus company.
The most reliable bus lines for your trip from Lima to Arequipa, with very comfortable, modern and full equipped double-decker buses are:
Cruz del Sur There are 6 daily departures from Av. Javier Prado 1109, La Victoria. Tickets between US$ 70 and US$ 94 for a round trip.
Excluciva Departures at 5:30 pm and 7:45 pm daily from Av. Paseo de la República 595, La Victoria. Tickets between US$ 66 and USD 72 for a round trip
2. By plane
It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can check in the links of the airlines below for timetables and reservation specifically for flights from Lima to Arequipa:
Private Lima Tours with Sara points here the most outstanding spots to visit in your trip from Lima to Arequipa:
1. The Historic Center
This UNESCO World Heritage Site embraces a big amount of glamorous mansions and churches dating back to the colonial times. The architecture style takes the best of the Spanish colonial architecture which once mixed with the indigenous forms gave rise to the birth of a very characteristic style, known as the “Arequipa School”.
2. The Monastery of Saint Catherine
This Dominican Monastery for cloistered nuns dates from the XVI century and was fully in function until the 1960s when it was badly damaged by two earthquakes. After its restoration it opened to the public for the first time after more than four centuries. You will feel transported to another world and area strolling around this 20,000 sq mt place which is actually like a small city with lanes with vivid red-painted walls.
3. The Colca Valley and Canyon
You can reach this magnificent canyon, the second deepest in the world (10,730 ft) in a 3 and 45-minute trip from Arequipa. The valley displays magnificent views among ancient Inca agricultural terraces, lovely Andean towns and peasants dressed in lovely beautifully embroidered garments. The icing on the cake is to arrive to the Condor Cross and to be able to watch the flight of the condor, the biggest flying bird in the world which reaches a wingspan of 10 ft. An unforgettable experience! Colca is also a paradise for sport adventure lovers of hiking, rafting and mountain climbing.
Finally, for your stay in Lima don´t forget to check our full day tours.