Arequipa City

Arequipa needs 2 days: the historic center built from sillar (white volcanic stone) on one, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, a colonial citadel within the city, on the other. April-November is the dry season in this high-altitude desert region. It's cheaper than Cusco, with less tourist traffic despite comparable heritage. It's nicknamed the «White City» for the color of its volcanic building stone, and is surrounded by three volcanoes, including the imposing Misti, which dominates the city skyline from every angle.