Arequipa, Peru

• Arequipa sits at 7,660 feet, which makes it useful for acclimatizing before going higher to Cusco or Puno. You'll notice the altitude - stairs and uphill walking leave you breathless the first couple days - but it's manageable. The city's called La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) because most buildings are made from white volcanic stone quarried from the surrounding volcanoes.
• The historic center is compact and walkable. The main sights are the huge Santa Catalina Monastery and colonial buildings around Plaza de Armas. There's a strong cafe culture here - sitting alone with a laptop or book is normal and you won't stand out. Tourist spots and nicer restaurants have English speakers, but you'll need basic Spanish for traditional picanterías and residential neighborhoods.
• The Tourist Police (239-888) speak some English and are actually helpful. Arequipa feels safer than Lima or Cusco, though pickpocketing still happens in markets and around tourist sites. Keep your phone out of sight and skip the jewelry in crowded areas. The real safety issue is unlicensed taxis - stick to ones your hotel calls or use Uber/Cabify.
• Things stay open until around 10-11pm in the centro histórico and Yanahuara, with decent street lighting around the main plazas. Areas like Yanahuara and Cayma have regular police patrols and feel safe after dark if you want to walk around and see the volcanoes.

Spanish is the main language. Tourist Police at Jerusalem 315-A (+51 54 239-888) have English speakers. Hostels, nicer restaurants, and tour agencies in centro histórico usually have some English. Emergency service (105) might have limited English.

• Arequipa is more conservative than Lima. Cover shoulders and knees in churches and traditional neighborhoods. Tank tops and shorts will get stares outside tourist areas - locals dress more formally even for casual stuff.
• Greet people before asking questions or ordering - 'Buenos días' (morning), 'Buenas tardes' (afternoon), or 'Buenas noches' (evening). Skipping the greeting is rude. Use 'por favor' and 'gracias' a lot.
• Ask before photographing people, especially anyone in traditional dress. Some will want a tip (propina) for photos.
• Lunch is the main meal (12-2pm). Picanterías usually close after lunch service around 5-6pm. Dinner starts late, after 7pm typically. Centro histórico restaurants stay open later for tourists.
• Altitude makes alcohol hit harder. Take it easy on the pisco sours and beer until you've adjusted for a day or two.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 105. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber and Cabify both work here and are safer than street taxis, especially at night. Don't hail random taxis - unlicensed ones have been involved in assaults and robberies. Call taxis through your hotel or use the apps.
• Local combis (mini-buses plastered with stickers) are cheap - under 4 soles - and go to most neighborhoods. But they're crowded and pickpocketing happens. Stick to daylight hours and keep your bag in front of you.
• The historic center is walkable, but the altitude (7,660 feet) will tire you out faster than you expect the first few days. Go slow, drink water, and give yourself time to adjust. Yanahuara is about 20 minutes on foot from Plaza de Armas - you get volcano views on the way.
• Intercity buses to Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco, and Lima leave from Terminal Terrestre. There's a small terminal tax when you leave (around $0.50).
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Arequipa with local guides and curated experiences.