Arequipa is called La Ciudad Blanca, The White City, because the old historic center is built mainly from blocks of white volcanic stone, sillar. Three volcanoes, in fact, tower over the city – Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu.
Behind its white facade though, the city hides brilliant burst of color, tucked away in alleys, monasteries, and beautiful courtyards. Yellow, red and blue, this is how I would remember white Arequipa, its vibrant palette complementing the stark canvas of the volcanic city walls…
~M
