Arequipa: The White City of Peru

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Y media
  [ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Arequipa was officially founded on August 15, 1540, by Spanish conquistador Garcí Manuel de Carbajal. The city was established in the fertile valley of the Chili River and named 'La Ciudad Blanca' due to its many buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic stone.

During the Colonial Era, Arequipa prospered as an important center for agriculture, mining, and trade. The city developed a distinctive architectural style, characterized by its baroque churches and colonial mansions, many of which still stand today. The Cathedral of Arequipa, built in the 17th century, is one of the finest examples of this period.

Arequipa has a long history of earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active region. Significant earthquakes struck the city in 1582, 1600, 1784, 1868, and 2001. Each time, the resilient population rebuilt the city, often improving the architectural designs to better withstand future quakes.

Arequipa played a crucial role in Peru's independence movement. The city was a hub for revolutionary activities and intellectual discourse. In 1821, Arequipa declared its independence from Spanish rule, contributing to the eventual liberation of the entire country.

The 19th century saw an economic boom in Arequipa, driven by the export of wool and other agricultural products. This period of prosperity led to the construction of new infrastructure, including the Arequipa-Lake Titicaca railway, which significantly boosted trade.

The University of San Agustin, founded in 1828, became a leading educational institution in Peru. The Arequipa School of Law and Medicine attracted students from across the country and contributed to the city’s reputation as an intellectual and cultural hub.

In 2000, Arequipa's historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recognition highlighted the city's unique blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, its well-preserved colonial architecture, and its cultural significance in Peruvian history.

Today, Arequipa is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and dynamic culture. The city's historic center, museums, and cultural festivals attract tourists from around the world. Arequipa continues to be an important economic and cultural center in southern Peru.

Arequipa is accessible by air and land. The Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) connects Arequipa with major cities in Peru and some international destinations. From Lima, the flight takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, long-distance buses connect Arequipa with cities including Lima, Cusco, and Puno. The bus journey from Lima takes around 16-18 hours. PeruRail also offers train services connecting Arequipa with other parts of the country.

Arequipa has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive; it's advisable to use registered taxis or taxi apps for safety. Public buses and combis (shared minibuses) are the most common forms of local transport, though they can be crowded. For exploring the city center, walking is a great option as many attractions are within close proximity. Car rentals are available but navigating the busy streets can be challenging.

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but smaller vendors may only accept cash. ATMs are plentiful in Arequipa, and it’s advisable to carry some cash for minor purchases or in case of technical issues with card payments. Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels.

Arequipa is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it has areas where caution is advised. The historical center and main tourist areas are usually safe, but avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Neighborhoods like Alto Selva Alegre and some parts of Cerro Colorado have higher crime rates. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for the police and 116 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals in Arequipa include Hospital Regional Honorio Delgado and Clínica Arequipa. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The tourist police, located near Plaza de Armas, can assist with issues specific to travelers.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can vary significantly throughout the day. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do show respect by dressing modestly and speaking softly in churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do keep an eye on your belongings and be prepared for crowded conditions. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'buenos días' (good morning). Don't ignore local customs of politeness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like rocoto relleno and chupe de camarones. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Arequipa like a local, visit the San Camilo Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore the lesser-known neighborhoods like Yanahuara for stunning views and traditional colonial architecture. Engage with locals who are often friendly and eager to share their culture and history. Don't miss the vibrant festivals, such as the Virgen de Chapi pilgrimage in May. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the historic district at night to see the beautifully illuminated colonial buildings.