Arequipa

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Scenic, Elegant, Historic

Arequipa, known as the White City, is one of Peru’s most distinguished event destinations, offering a blend of colonial architecture, volcanic scenery, and sophisticated infrastructure. Located at the foot of three dramatic volcanoes, including the iconic El Misti, Arequipa provides an atmospheric backdrop that is both majestic and versatile. For organisers, it combines the elegance of a UNESCO-listed historic centre with the modern amenities needed to host conferences, weddings, and incentive gatherings.

The city’s event infrastructure is anchored by high-quality hotels and historic venues. The Casa Andina Premium Arequipa, housed in a restored colonial mansion, provides meeting rooms, courtyards, and elegant dining halls ideal for business summits, gala dinners, or cultural receptions. Another standout is the Libertador Arequipa Hotel, which blends grandeur with practicality, offering event facilities set within lush gardens. Smaller boutique hotels and restored casonas (colonial houses) also provide intimate spaces suited for private weddings, workshops, and creative gatherings.

For events with a cultural edge, the Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the city’s most iconic venues. This sprawling 16th-century convent, with its vividly painted walls and winding passageways, offers atmospheric courtyards perfect for concerts, art festivals, and elegant banquets. Its ambience connects events directly to Arequipa’s colonial past, giving organisers the chance to host gatherings that feel both meaningful and theatrical. Rooftop terraces throughout the city, many with panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes, add another dimension, especially for cocktail receptions, product launches, and wedding celebrations at sunset.

Arequipa is particularly strong for corporate and academic events, thanks to its excellent connectivity and reputation as a centre of learning. The city is home to several universities and business hubs, making it a natural host for conferences, professional workshops, and industry expos. Modern facilities are supported by professional services, ensuring events run to international standards.

For weddings and celebrations, Arequipa offers an atmosphere of romance and grandeur. The Plaza de Armas, with its imposing cathedral and colonial arcades, sets the tone for ceremonies, while nearby churches such as San Francisco provide historic yet intimate spaces. Receptions often take place in gardens of colonial mansions or luxury hotels, with the dramatic Andean backdrop enhancing every celebration. Local traditions, music, and cuisine can be woven into events to give them a distinctly Arequipeño flavour.

Gastronomy is another strength. Arequipa is celebrated as one of Peru’s culinary capitals, known for its picanterías (traditional restaurants) that serve robust regional dishes. Event menus often feature classics like rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers) and chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder), complemented by Peruvian wines and pisco-based cocktails. For incentive groups, culinary tours or cooking workshops add a memorable and interactive element to the programme.

Arequipa’s accessibility enhances its appeal. The Rodríguez Ballón International Airport connects the city with Lima and other regional hubs, making it easy for international groups to reach. Within the city, its compact layout means that venues, accommodations, and cultural attractions are conveniently close, reducing logistical complexity for organisers.

What sets Arequipa apart is its balance of elegance, history, and scenery. It is a city where events feel elevated, framed by architectural beauty and natural grandeur. Business meetings gain a sense of sophistication, weddings acquire a timeless romance, and incentive gatherings are enriched by a combination of gastronomy and cultural depth.

In summary, Arequipa is the cultural and scenic jewel of the Southern Andes, offering organisers a destination that delivers on both atmosphere and infrastructure. Whether hosting a conference, heritage festival, luxury wedding, or incentive retreat, the White City provides a setting where events are guaranteed to be memorable, sophisticated, and authentically Peruvian.